Renee Rouleau Post-Breakout Fading Gel

Renee Rouleau Post-Breakout Fading Gel

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

Works for

Exfoliation
Glycolic acid, Lactic acid
Works well
What the product description says
“Post-Breakout Fading Gel is a spot treatment that visibly fades red and dark blemish marks using a blend of gentle brighteners and exfoliating acids, promoting a more even-toned complexion.”
Source: Renee Rouleau

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~5.4–8%
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)~2–3%
Evens skin tone
Glycolic acid, Lactic acid
Works well
What the product description says
“A spot treatment that visibly fades red and dark blemish marks for a clearer, more even-toned complexion.”
Source: Renee Rouleau

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.

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~5.4–8%
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)~2–3%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside, Ilex paraguariensis leaf extract
Works well

This product contains antioxidants (epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

The following ingredients - ilex paraguariensis leaf extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

Epigallocatechin gallatyl glucosideKey activeEffect: HighA synthetic version of green tea polyphenol that helps neutralize free radicals in skin~1.1–1.6%
Ilex paraguariensis leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain fragrand compounds like linalool that can be irritating~0.55–1.3%
Anti-aging
Side benefit · Glycolic acid, Lactic acid + 2 more
Works 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: epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside, 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.

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~5.4–8%
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)~2–3%
Epigallocatechin gallatyl glucosideKey activeEffect: MediumA synthetic version of green tea polyphenol that helps neutralize free radicals in skin~1.1–1.6%
Ilex paraguariensis leaf extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain fragrand compounds like linalool that can be irritating~0.55–1.3%
Moisturizing
Side benefit · Sodium lactate, Lactic acid + 6 more
Works

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: arginine, lactic 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: arginine, dimethicone.

Sodium lactateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product~3.5–5.3%
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)~2–3%
Phenyl trimethiconeKey active· OcclusiveEffect: HighA type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture~1.7–2.5%
ArginineKey active· Humectant, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin~0.35–0.85%
DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~0.35–0.75%
DimethiconolKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that makes products more spreadable and keeps skin smooth. Helps to add gloss to skin and may visually fill in fine lines/wrinkles for short time~0.15–0.65%
Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~2.8–4.1%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed 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~0.3–0.75%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Ilex paraguariensis leaf extract
Medium risk
We flagged 6 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~5.4–8%est.
Ilex paraguariensis leaf extractA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain fragrand compounds like linalool that can be irritatingHigh~0.55–1.3%est.
Paullinia cupana fruit extract—High~0.45–1.05%est.
Sodium lactateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the productMedium~3.5–5.3%est.
Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~2.8–4.1%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~2–3%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~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycolic acid~5.4–8%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneExfoliationAnti-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
Sodium lactate~3.5–5.3%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product

More about Sodium lactate
Pentylene glycol~2.8–4.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol
Lactic acid~2–3%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneMoisturizingExfoliationAnti-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
Phenyl trimethicone~1.7–2.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture

More about Phenyl trimethicone
Bentonite~1.3–2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-blemish

Helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Bentonite
Epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside~1.1–1.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-aging

A synthetic version of green tea polyphenol that helps neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside
Cola nitida seed extract~0.95–1.4%
Formula
Ilex paraguariensis leaf extract~0.55–1.3%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-aging

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain fragrand compounds like linalool that can be irritating

More about Ilex paraguariensis leaf extract
Paullinia cupana fruit extract~0.45–1.05%
Irritant · high
Arginine~0.35–0.85%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin

More about Arginine
Butylene glycol~0.3–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 glycol
Dimethicone~0.35–0.75%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone
Dimethiconol~0.15–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A silicone that makes products more spreadable and keeps skin smooth. Helps to add gloss to skin and may visually fill in fine lines/wrinkles for short time

More about Dimethiconol
Hydrogenated lecithin~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.

More about Hydrogenated lecithin
Polyphosphorylcholine glycol acrylate~0.05–0.3%
Formula
Peg-8/smdi copolymer~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Xanthan gum~0.05–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycolic acid, Sodium lactate, Pentylene glycol, Lactic acid, Phenyl trimethicone, Bentonite, Epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside, Cola nitida seed extract, Ilex paraguariensis leaf extract, Paullinia cupana fruit extract, Arginine, Butylene glycol, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Hydrogenated lecithin, Polyphosphorylcholine glycol acrylate, Peg-8/smdi copolymer, Xanthan gum

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Renee Rouleau
$36.13
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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
Renee RouleauPost-Breakout Fading GelYOUR PRODUCTYouth To The PeopleKombucha + 10% AHA Liquid Exfoliant with Lactic Acid and Glycolic AcidBABORREFINE RX AHA 10+ 10 Peeling GelCeraVeBlemish Control Gel Moisturiser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide for Blemish-Prone Skin
Match—56%54%54%
Price$36.13——$11.89−$24.24
Shared key ingredients—3 of 93 of 92 of 9
Key difference—BetaineSalicylic AcidNiacinamide
Irritancy Medium Low Medium Low
Drying alcohol————
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Renee Rouleau Post-Breakout Fading Gel
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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.