QMS Medicosmetics

QMS Medicosmetics Active Exfoliant 11 % Resurfacing Fluid

Name: QMS Medicosmetics - Active Exfoliant 11 % Resurfacing Fluid
Brand: QMS Medicosmetics

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Exfoliation

Glycolic acid, Lactic acid + 3 more

Strong evidence

What the product description says

“Active Exfoliant 11 % Resurfacing Fluid”

From product name

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.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn 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~4.2–5.2%

Lactic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn 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)~2.4–2.9%

Tartaric acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels~1–1.2%

Salix alba bark extractEffect: LowA 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~0.35–0.6%

AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.3–0.55%

Moisturizing

Not advertised by the brand · Panthenol, Hyaluronic acid + 14 more

Strong evidence

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. 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. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin, hyaluronic acid.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: sphingolipids, glycine soja protein.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol

Hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne 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~0.5–0.75%

Lactic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn 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)~2.4–2.9%

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~5.3–6.4%

SphingolipidsKey active· EmollientEffect: HighSphingolipids are a group of lipids with a common chemical structure. Some of them are naturally present in skin and can be converted to ceramides~0.4–0.6%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.5–0.75%

Bacillus fermentKey activeEffect: HighA product of bacterial fermentation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.6–0.9%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~3–3.7%

HoneyKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the skin and might have some anti-bacterial properties. Can be an allergen~0.55–0.8%

Glycine soja proteinKey active· Humectant, EmollientEffect: MediumA plant extract that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. It might be somewhat helpful for evening out the skin tone. It might be able to support elastin production but solid research is lacking~0.5–0.75%

PhospholipidsKey activeEffect: MediumEmollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product~0.3–0.55%

MelKey active· Humectant, EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and attract water to it~0.6–0.9%

Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~0.3–0.55%

AllantoinUnder-dosedEffect: HighHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.3–0.55%

LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.45–0.7%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.5–0.75%

Evens skin tone

Not advertised by the brand · Lactic acid, Glycolic acid + 1 more

Strong evidence

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic acid, lactic 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: glycine soja protein.

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.

Glycine soja proteinEffect: LowA plant extract that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. It might be somewhat helpful for evening out the skin tone. It might be able to support elastin production but solid research is lacking~0.5–0.75%

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · Glycolic acid, Lactic acid + 3 more

Strong evidence

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.

Lactic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn 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)~2.4–2.9%

Hyaluronic acidEffect: LowOne 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~0.5–0.75%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · Tartaric acid, Salix alba bark extract + 2 more

Moderate evidence

This product contains antioxidants (tartaric acid) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

TocopherolUnder-dosedEffect: HighPure 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~0.5–0.75%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

2 strong irritants: Alcohol, Parfum

Medium risk

We flagged 16 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Glycolic acidAn 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 acidHigh~4.2–5.2%est.

Salix alba bark extractA 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 effectHigh~0.35–0.6%est.

Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.55%est.

AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~0.3–0.6%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.2–0.4%est.

Ci 15985A colorantHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

Lactic acidAn 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)Medium~2.4–2.9%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~2–2.4%est.

C12-15 pareth-12Helps water and oil mix together and works as a cleansing agentMedium~1.5–1.8%est.

Tartaric acidAn AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levelsMedium~1–1.2%est.

Dehydroacetic acidA preservativeMedium~0.35–0.6%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Calcium chlorideHelps create a thicker product consistency. Might be irritatingMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

Sodium sulfateUsed to improve the product consistency and stabilize formulationsMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Ci 42090A colorant (dye)Medium~0.1–0.15%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Panthenol~5.3–6.4%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Glycolic acid~4.2–5.2%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-agingExfoliationAnti-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

More about Glycolic acid

Glycerin~3–3.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Glycerin

Lactic acid~2.4–2.9%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-aging

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 acid

Citric acid~2–2.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Sodium hydroxide~1.7–2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

C12-15 pareth-12~1.5–1.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together and works as a cleansing agent

More about C12-15 pareth-12

Malic acid~1.2–1.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust the product pH

More about Malic acid

Tartaric acid~1–1.2%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

ExfoliationMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels

More about Tartaric acid

Lactobacillus/rye flour ferment~0.75–1.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Lactobacillus/rye flour ferment

Bacillus ferment~0.6–0.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A product of bacterial fermentation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Bacillus ferment

Mel~0.6–0.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and attract water to it

More about Mel

Honey~0.55–0.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAntibacterial

Helps attract water to the skin and might have some anti-bacterial properties. Can be an allergen

More about Honey

Sodium hyaluronate~0.5–0.75%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Tocopherol~0.5–0.75%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-inflammatory

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 Tocopherol

Hyaluronic acid~0.5–0.75%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

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

More about Hyaluronic acid

Glycine soja protein~0.5–0.75%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizingEvens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. It might be somewhat helpful for evening out the skin tone. It might be able to support elastin production but solid research is lacking

More about Glycine soja protein

Lecithin~0.45–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lecithin

Salix alba bark extract~0.35–0.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishExfoliation

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 extract

Sphingolipids~0.4–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Sphingolipids are a group of lipids with a common chemical structure. Some of them are naturally present in skin and can be converted to ceramides

More about Sphingolipids

Dehydroacetic acid~0.35–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Dehydroacetic acid

Propylene glycol~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol

Alcohol~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

More about Alcohol

Xanthan gum~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Potassium sorbate~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Allantoin~0.3–0.55%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessAnti-blemishReduces irritationExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin

Phospholipids~0.3–0.55%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Emollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product

More about Phospholipids

Disodium edta~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Phenoxyethanol~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Calcium chloride~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps create a thicker product consistency. Might be irritating

More about Calcium chloride

Potassium phosphate~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps regulate the pH of the formulation

More about Potassium phosphate

Parfum~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Sodium benzoate~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Sodium chloride~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride

Sodium sulfate~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to improve the product consistency and stabilize formulations

More about Sodium sulfate

Ci 47005~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Ci 47005

Ci 15985~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A colorant

More about Ci 15985

Unrecognized ingredient

Not recognized

Ci 42090~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A colorant (dye)

More about Ci 42090

Ingredient list view

Water, Panthenol, Glycolic acid, Glycerin, Lactic acid, Citric acid, Sodium hydroxide, C12-15 pareth-12, Malic acid, Tartaric acid, Lactobacillus/rye flour ferment, Bacillus ferment, Mel, Honey, Sodium hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Hyaluronic acid, Glycine soja protein, Lecithin, Salix alba bark extract, Sphingolipids, Dehydroacetic acid, Propylene glycol, Alcohol, Xanthan gum, Potassium sorbate, Allantoin, Phospholipids, Disodium edta, Phenoxyethanol, Calcium chloride, Potassium phosphate, Parfum, Sodium benzoate, Sodium chloride, Sodium sulfate, Ci 47005, Ci 15985, Unknown, 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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	QMS MedicosmeticsActive Exfoliant 11 % Resurfacing FluidYOUR PRODUCT	BABORDoctor BABOR Refine Rx Aha Peel Pads	Geek GorgeousSmooth Out Liquid	Geek & Gorgeous 101Smooth Out
Match	—	56%	56%	56%
Price	$120.31	$53.15−$67.16	$39.99−$80.32	$12.80−$107.51
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 11	4 of 11	4 of 11
Key difference	—	—	Anhydroxylitol	Anhydroxylitol
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"QMS Medicosmetics - Active Exfoliant 11 % Resurfacing Fluid" is effective for: Exfoliation, Moisturizing, Evens skin tone and Anti-aging

Ingredient callouts

Exfoliating acids (lactic acid 2.40% - 2.90% and glycolic acid 4.20% - 5.20%). In this concentration, they will have a noticeable exfoliating effect. They can also have an anti-aging effect and stimulate collagen production in a long-run. Lactic Acid can also help to attract water to the upper layer (works as a humectant).
An effective concentration of Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) - about 5.30% - 6.40%. Panthenol helps strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration and reduce inflammation in skin.