Works for
ExfoliationGlycolic acidWorks well
“Skinstitut Glycolic Cleanser 12% is a powerful dual cleanser and exfoliant formulated for deep cleansing action and skin renewal to reveal a healthy and radiant 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.
CleansingAmmonium lauryl sulfate, Cocamidopropyl betaine + 4 moreCleanses gently
“Glycolic Cleanser 12%”
This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (ammonium lauryl sulfate, cetyl alcohol, cocamidopropyl betaine, glyceryl stearate, stearyl alcohol, xanthan gum) and should be able to cleanse the skin gently. Still keep in mind that any cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.
Even though this formulation is mild, the following cleansing agents could trigger an irritation or allergy for some people: ammonium lauryl sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine
Anti-blemishGlycolic acidNot delivered
“It not only cleanses the skin thoroughly, but works to draw out impurities and clogged pores to leave skin clearer, more calm and comfortable.”
This product contains ingredients (glycolic acid) that could help reduce blemishes and clogged pores in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Ammonium lauryl sulfate~11–13%
Glycolic acid~4.4–5.4%
- 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 acidCocamidopropyl betaine~4.5–5.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen
More about Cocamidopropyl betaineGlyceryl stearate~2.4–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateSorbitol~1.8–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about SorbitolCetyl alcohol~1.6–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholStearyl alcohol~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Stearyl alcoholSodium hydroxide~0.75–1.15%
Phenoxyethanol~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolPanthenol~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolXanthan gum~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumCaprylyl glycol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolMagnesium aluminum silicate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and, when combined with zinc carbonate and malonic acid, reducing fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating elastin production. Also helps stabilize the product formulation
More about Magnesium aluminum silicateSorbic acid~0.15–0.25%
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilIngredient list view
Water, Ammonium lauryl sulfate, Glycolic acid, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Glyceryl stearate, Sorbitol, Cetyl alcohol, Stearyl alcohol, Sodium hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Xanthan gum, Caprylyl glycol, Magnesium aluminum silicate, Sorbic acid, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil
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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.
| SkinstitutGlycolic Cleanser 12%YOUR PRODUCT | ReplenixGlycolic Acid Resurfacing Cleanser | PrequelGLEANSER + GLYCOLIC | endota spaGlycolic Exfoliating Cleanser | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 55% | 55% | 54% |
| Price | — | $38.50 | $20.00 | $35.11 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 8 | 3 of 8 | 3 of 8 |
| Key difference | — | Retinyl Palmitate | Inulin | Mineral Oil |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: NassifMD Dermaceuticals Skin Perfecting Dual Action Face & Body Scrub with 10% Glycolic AcidBiopelle Exfoliate Cream Cleanser
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 7 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3
- 4Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
- 5
- 6
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