Works for
Evens skin toneGlycolic acidWorks well
“Brighten dull skin”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic 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.
Anti-agingGlycolic acid, Butyrospermum parkii butterWorks well
“Softens fine lines & wrinkles”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic 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.
ExfoliationGlycolic acidWorks well
“Exfoliating Glycolic Peel”
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.
MoisturizingCaprylic/capric triglyceride, Butyrospermum parkii butter + 3 moreWorks
“Helps hydrate skin”
This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: butyrospermum parkii butter, caprylic/capric triglyceride.
Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Alcohol denat.Medium risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~5.8–8.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglyceridePropylene glycol~3.7–5.6%
- 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 glycolButyrospermum parkii butter~2.9–4.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
More about Butyrospermum parkii butterGlycolic acid~2.1–3.2%
- 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 acidCetearyl alcohol~1.8–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholSodium hydroxide~1.5–2.2%
Polysorbate 60~1.3–1.9%
Ceteth-20 phosphate~1.1–1.7%
Dicetyl phosphate~0.85–1.25%
Sodium tocopheryl phosphate~0.5–1.2%
Tocopheryl acetate~0.45–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
More about Tocopheryl acetateHinokitiol~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Propylene glycol alginate~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.2–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerXanthan gum~0.15–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumCarbomer~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerPhenoxyethanol~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCaprylyl glycol~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolAlcohol denat.~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Sodium citrate~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
More about Sodium citrateSorbic acid~0.05–0.25%
Citric acid~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidIngredient list view
Water, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Propylene glycol, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Glycolic acid, Cetearyl alcohol, Sodium hydroxide, Polysorbate 60, Ceteth-20 phosphate, Dicetyl phosphate, Sodium tocopheryl phosphate, Tocopheryl acetate, Hinokitiol, Propylene glycol alginate, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Xanthan gum, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol, Alcohol denat., Sodium citrate, Sorbic acid, Citric acid
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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.
| RiversolExfoliating Glycolic PeelYOUR PRODUCT | Herbal EssentialsIlluminating Mask With Papain and Honey | DermadoctorPhysical Chemistry Facial Microdermabrasion and Multi-Acid Peel | ZO Skin HealthExfoliation Accelerator | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 60% | 59% | 59% |
| Price | $23.00 | $10.57−$12.43 | $79.36+$56.36 | $70.00+$47.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 |
| Key difference | — | Cera Alba | Lactic Acid | Lactic Acid |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Iconix Peel & reviveObagi EXFODERM FORTE
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 6 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 2Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 4
- 5Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6
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