Works for
ExfoliationLactic acid, Glycolic acidWorks well
“Developed to use on dry or damp skin, this mask is formulated with glycolic acid, vegan lactic acid and biodegradable cellulose to help topically resurface and refine skin.”
This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: glycolic acid, lactic acid.
Anti-agingSide benefit · Lactic acid, Glycolic acid + 1 moreWorks well
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic acid.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: lactic acid.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Evens skin toneSide benefit · Lactic acid, Glycolic acidWorks well
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic acid, lactic acid
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
MoisturizingSide benefit · Glycerin, Lactic acid + 6 moreWorks
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": biosaccharide gum-1, glycerin.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Sodium anisateMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Kaolin~5.1–7.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of clay that consists mainly of aluminum silicate. Helps absorb oil and creates a thicker product consistency. Can be used to add a white color
More about KaolinButylene glycol~3.5–5.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolGlycerin~2.8–4.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinBentonite~2.1–3.2%
Lactic acid~1.7–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)
More about Lactic acidDicaprylyl carbonate~1.5–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin
More about Dicaprylyl carbonateGlycolic acid~1.3–2%
- Irritation risk
- High
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
More about Glycolic acidCellulose acetate~1.1–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Cetearyl olivate~0.85–1.25%
1,2-hexanediol~0.45–1.1%
Potassium hydroxide~0.4–0.95%
Sorbitan olivate~0.35–0.85%
Maltodextrin~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil
More about MaltodextrinLipase~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- High
An enzyme that breaks down and helps remove oil (sebum or other oils). It could damage the skin barrier in the same way that surfactants do
More about LipaseProtease~0.2–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Biosaccharide gum-1~0.15–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin
More about Biosaccharide gum-1Oryza sativa powder~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6~0.15–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Xanthan gum~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumGlyceryl caprylate~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products
More about Glyceryl caprylateGlyceryl stearate~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateSodium anisate~0.1–0.35%
Sodium levulinate~0.1–0.3%
Acacia senegal gum~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product texture
More about Acacia senegal gumDisodium edta~0.05–0.1%
Tocopherol~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolIngredient list view
Water, Kaolin, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Bentonite, Lactic acid, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Glycolic acid, Cellulose acetate, Cetearyl olivate, 1,2-hexanediol, Potassium hydroxide, Sorbitan olivate, Maltodextrin, Lipase, Protease, Biosaccharide gum-1, Oryza sativa powder, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Xanthan gum, Glyceryl caprylate, Glyceryl stearate, Sodium anisate, Sodium levulinate, Acacia senegal gum, Disodium edta, Tocopherol
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| NaturiumHalf Step Flash FacialYOUR PRODUCT | Deviant SkincareGentle Resurfacing Liquid | Geek GorgeousSmooth Out | Paula's choiceSkin Perfecting 25% AHA and 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 62% | 62% | 61% |
| Price | — | $52.00 | $12.80 | $49.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 5 | 3 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Key difference | — | Salicylic Acid | Anhydroxylitol | Salicylic Acid |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Glossier SolutionIconix Peel & revive
Product summary
"Naturium - Half Step Flash Facial" is effective for: Anti-aging, Exfoliation and Evens skin tone
This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- This product contains acids (lactic acid 1.70% - 2.60% and glycolic acid 1.30% - 2.00%). Their concentration is low, and they will not have a strong exfoliating effect. Instead, they work to support the skin natural acid mantle and to attract water (as humectants). Lactic acid is particularly good in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin and improving the skin barrier.
- Humectants (glycerin 2.80% - 4.10% and biosaccharide gum-1 0.15% - 0.70%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails from 15.00$ up to 17.99$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 9 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinpdfs.semanticscholar.org
- 4
- 5Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6
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