PRODUCT REVIEW
Philosophy The Microdelivery Dream Peel 6% AHA/BHA Refining Gel
Can it cause trouble?
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Product summary
What can the product work for?
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
AHAs and BHAs work synergistically to remove dead skin cells and de-congest the pores, while minimising the look of fine lines.
glycolic acid
4.1% -
5.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: 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
centella asiatica leaf extract
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. It can be irritating to sensitive skin. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It could, however, itself be irritating.
lactic acid
2.3% -
2.8%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
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)
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Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
Pores, Fine Lines and Wrinkles, and Dullness and Uneven Texture Formulation.
glycolic acid
4.1% -
5.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: 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
lactic acid
2.3% -
2.8%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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)
niacinamide
0.5% -
0.75%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture.
The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
Show more
Exfoliation
What does the product description say?
The Microdelivery Dream Peel 6% AHA/BHA Refining Gel
glycolic acid
4.1% -
5.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: 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
lactic acid
2.3% -
2.8%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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)
salicylic acid
0.25% -
0.5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
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)
Moisturizing
sodium hyaluronate
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
hyaluronic acid
0.2% -
0.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation
lactic acid
2.3% -
2.8%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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)
Show more
Anti-blemish
What does the product description say?
AHAs and BHAs work synergistically to remove dead skin cells and de-congest the pores, while minimising the look of fine lines.
glycolic acid
4.1% -
5.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
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
centella asiatica leaf extract
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. It can be irritating to sensitive skin. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It could, however, itself be irritating.
niacinamide
0.5% -
0.75%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture.
The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
Show more
Honesty check
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Anti-aging | |
| Exfoliation | |
| Evens skin tone | |
| Anti-blemish |
Total Promises Fulfilled score:
87/100.
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Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 2
Potential irritants
glycolic acid
4.1% -
5.1%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-aging,
Exfoliation,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-blemish
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
hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract
0.45% -
0.65%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation
A plant extract that can be irritating. It might contain a compound anthocyanin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
chondrus crispus extract
1.2% -
1.4%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency
polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate
0.15% -
0.3%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Cleansing
Helps oil and water mix together
Similar products & dupes
| Philosophy - The Microdelivery Dream Peel 6% AHA/BHA Refining Gel |  A'PIEU - Glycolic Acid Peeling Booster Sponsored | CeraVe - Blemish Control Gel Moisturiser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide for Blemish-Prone Skin |  Skinfix - Resurface+ AHA/BHA Enzyme Exfoliating Pads for Face and Targeted Body |  Pacifica - Glow Baby Brightening Peel Pads |  BeautyStat - Universal Triple Action Daily Peel with Glucosamine & AHAs/BHAs |  Zombie Beauty - Bloody Peel |  BeautyBio - Swipe & Glow Peel Pads |  Skin proud - Daily AHA BHA Detox Tonic with Glycolic, Lactic and Salicylic Acid |  Lancer Skincare - Lancer Gentle Exfoliating Peel Pads |  Jack Black - Power Peel Multi-Acid Resurfacing Pads |  Moon Juice - Mini Acid Potion AHA + BHA Resurfacing Exfoliator | |
| Price | ||||||||||||
| WIMJ similarity score |
68%
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88%
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81%
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79%
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79%
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78%
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77%
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75%
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75%
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74%
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74%
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| Key ingredients |
| Common:
Other: | Common:
Other:
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Other: | Common:
Other: | Common:
Other: | Common:
Other:
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Other: | Common:
Other: | Common:
Other: | Common:
Other: | Common:
Other:
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| Irritancy | IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
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Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
niacinamide
0.5% -
0.75%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-aging,
Anti-blemish,
Evens skin tone,
Moisturizing,
Reduces irritation,
Anti-inflammatory,
Antibacterial,
Reduces redness
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture.
The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
salicylic acid
0.25% -
0.5%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-blemish,
Exfoliation,
Anti-inflammatory,
Antibacterial,
Evens skin tone
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)
Show more
Potential irritants
glycolic acid
4.1% -
5.1%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-aging,
Exfoliation,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-blemish
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
hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract
0.45% -
0.65%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation
A plant extract that can be irritating. It might contain a compound anthocyanin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
chondrus crispus extract
1.2% -
1.4%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency
polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate
0.15% -
0.3%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Cleansing
Helps oil and water mix together
All ingredients
glycerin
4.5% -
5.5%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
glycolic acid
4.1% -
5.1%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-aging,
Exfoliation,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-blemish
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
Show more
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Glycolic acid, Sodium hydroxide, Lactic acid, Pentylene glycol, Tocopheryl acetate, Xanthan gum, Chondrus crispus extract, Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide, Cetyl ethylhexanoate, Maltodextrin, Niacinamide, Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract, 1,2-hexanediol, Caprylyl glycol, Hamamelis virginiana water, Cetearyl olivate, Panthenol, Salicylic acid, Sorbitan olivate, Polysorbate 20, Polymnia sonchifolia root juice, Sodium magnesium silicate, Citric acid, Punica granatum seed oil, Disodium edta, Salvia hispanica seed oil, Alcohol, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Glucose, Butylene glycol, Sodium hyaluronate, Centella asiatica leaf extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel extract, Limonene, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Magnesium hydroxide, Vanillyl butyl ether, Phenoxyethanol, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus ferment extract, Pantolactone, Hyaluronic acid, Silanetriol, Sodium benzoate, Sorbic acid, Potassium sorbate, Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, Ascorbic acid, Ci 17200, Unknown, Ci 14700
Sources
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Photoprotective and antiinflammatory effects of topical glycolic acid
- Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current review
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
- Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
- Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology
- Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3(2), 88–93. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x
- Anthocyanin-rich extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx counteracts UVC-caused impairments in rats
- Hibiscus sabdariffa L. – A phytochemical and pharmacological review
- Liposome-containing Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract formulations with increased antioxidant activity, improved dermal penetration and reduced dermal toxicity
- The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediols
- Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulations
- Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmetics
- Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review
- Beta Hydroxy Acids
- A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparations
- Glycolic Acid Peels Versus Salicylic–Mandelic Acid Peels in Active Acne Vulgaris and Post‐Acne Scarring and Hyperpigmentation: A Comparative Study
- Topical Glucose Induces Claudin-1 and Filaggrin Expression in a Mouse Model of Atopic Dermatitis and in Keratinocyte Culture, Exerting Anti-inflammatory Effects by Repairing Skin Barrier Function
- Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging
- Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin care
- Centella asiatica in Dermatology: An Overview
- Contact dermatitis due to Madecassol
- Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmetics
- Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humans