Works for
Evens skin toneLactic acid, Glycolic acid + 2 moreWorks well
“Minimize the appearance of dark spots”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: glycyrrhiza glabra root extract.
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.
ExfoliationLactic acid, Glycolic acid + 2 moreWorks well
“This professional-level exfoliating peel harnesses the power of three dynamic acids — Salicylic, Glycolic, and Lactic — to effectively exfoliate and resurface your complexion.”
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, salicylic acid.
Anti-agingSide benefit the brand mentions · Lactic acid, Glycolic acidWorks well
“more youthful-looking complexion”
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.
Anti-blemishSide benefit the brand mentions · Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid + 1 moreWorks well
“pores appear smaller and tighter”
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: salicylic acid. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: glycolic acid
MoisturizingSide benefit · Lactic acid, Glycerin + 2 moreWorks
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, lactic acid.
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?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Hamamelis virginiana extractMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Alcohol denat.~23–35%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Water~12–18%
Salicylic acid~1.25–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
More about Salicylic acidEthoxydiglycol~3.2–4.8%
Lactic acid~2.6–4%
- 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 acidGlycolic acid~1.8–2.7%
- 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 acidPropylene glycol~1.4–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolButylene glycol~1.1–1.6%
- 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~0.95–1.45%
- 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 GlycerinGlycyrrhiza glabra root extract~0.6–1.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
More about Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractPhenoxyethanol~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolSalix alba bark extract~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effect
More about Salix alba bark extractHamamelis virginiana extract~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating
More about Hamamelis virginiana extractCi 17200~0.1–0.4%
Ci 42090~0.1–0.35%
Ingredient list view
Alcohol denat., Water, Salicylic acid, Ethoxydiglycol, Lactic acid, Glycolic acid, Propylene glycol, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Phenoxyethanol, Salix alba bark extract, Hamamelis virginiana extract, Ci 17200, Ci 42090
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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.
| ObagiBlue Brilliance Triple Acid PeelYOUR PRODUCT | Deviant SkincareGentle Resurfacing Liquid | Face Reality Skincare ProfessionalClear Synergy Peel 2 | FacileThe Buzz Brightening Exfoliating Facial Treatment with AHA & BHA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 100% | 97% | 97% |
| Price | $149.00 | $52.00−$97.00 | $64.00−$85.00 | $35.00−$114.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 5 | 4 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Key difference | — | Gluconolactone | Mandelic Acid | Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Medium | Low |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | Contains drying alcohol | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Glossier SolutionJan Marini Marini Multi-Acid Exfoliating Pads
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 18 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 2Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
- 3A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
- 4
- 5Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinpdfs.semanticscholar.org
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