Thalgo Absolute Radiance Concentrate

Thalgo Absolute Radiance Concentrate

Efficacy93/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Exfoliation
Glycolic acid
Works well
What the product description says
“It contains a trio of acids that work with citrus zest to remove dead skin cells and refresh the complexion.”
Source: Allbeauty

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.

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~3.5–5.2%
Evens skin tone
Glycolic acid, Yeast extract
Works well
What the product description says
“Active Ingredients Acid trio (Glycolic, Malic and Citric Acids) , chemically exfoliates surface of the skin to reveal radiance Lumisource , detoxifies and improves the skin's surface for a more translucent complexion Sève Bleue from the Oceans , significantly increases the skin's moisture levels and stimulates its cellular metabolism”
Source: Skinstore

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.

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~3.5–5.2%
Yeast extractEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin~0.1–0.4%
Anti-aging
Glycolic acid
Works well
What the product description says
“Thalgo Absolute Radiance Concentrate helps correct the appearance of all visible signs of dull, tired-looking skin, resulting in exceptional radiance. Scent exquisite tea and fresh flowers.”
Source: Skinstore

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.

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~3.5–5.2%
Moisturizing
Glucosyl hesperidin, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid + 8 more
Works
What the product description says
“Thalgo, Face The Radiance Concentrate is a powerful moisturiser that renews dull or tired skin.”
Source: Allbeauty

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": biosaccharide gum-1, glycerin.

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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

Glucosyl hesperidinKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumMight be able to neutralize free radicals in skin. Also works as a humectant~2.6–3.8%
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin~0.15–0.5%
Biosaccharide gum-1Key active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin~0.15–0.5%
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~0.15–0.55%
Oleic acid· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin dryness~0.15–0.55%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.1–0.4%
Glyceryl caprylate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products~0.1–0.45%
Sorbitol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.1–0.4%
LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.4%
Yeast extractUnder-dosedHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin~0.1–0.4%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
7 strong irritants: Parfum, Alcohol + 5 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 17 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~3.5–5.2%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.3–0.7%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~0.1–0.35%est.
PhenylpropanolHelps mask the smell of other ingredients and helps preserve the product formulationHigh~0.1–0.35%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.1–0.3%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
Hexyl cinnamalA fragrance with jasmine smell. A likely irritantHigh~0.05–0.2%est.
CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.
Acacia senegal gumHelps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product textureMedium~2.1–3.1%est.
Ppg-26-buteth-26Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1–1.5%est.
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.45–1%est.
ChlorphenesinA preservativeMedium~0.16–0.32%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.15–0.5%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.1–0.4%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.3%est.
Oleic acidHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin drynessMedium~0.15–0.55%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
Glycereth-26~4.9–7.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps create a thicker product consistency

More about Glycereth-26
Glycolic acid~3.5–5.2%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-agingExfoliationEvens skin toneAnti-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
Glucosyl hesperidin~2.6–3.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Might be able to neutralize free radicals in skin. Also works as a humectant

More about Glucosyl hesperidin
Acacia senegal gum~2.1–3.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product texture

More about Acacia senegal gum
Maris aqua~1.6–2.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Sea water. Helps dissolve other ingredients in a product

More about Maris aqua
Sea water~1.4–2.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Dissolves other ingredients. It does not have additional skin benefits compared to plain water

More about Sea water
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Ppg-26-buteth-26~1–1.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Ppg-26-buteth-26
Sodium hydroxide~0.55–1.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~0.45–1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil
Parfum~0.3–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Chlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Chlorphenesin
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.15–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin

More about Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid
Citric acid~0.15–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

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

More about Citric acid
Malic acid~0.15–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust the product pH

More about Malic acid
Sodium phytate~0.15–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium phytate
Xanthan gum~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Biosaccharide gum-1~0.15–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin

More about Biosaccharide gum-1
Glycerin~0.15–0.55%
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
Yeast extract~0.1–0.4%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-oxidationEvens skin tone

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin

More about Yeast extract
Sorbitol~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Sorbitol
Alcohol~0.1–0.35%
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
Lecithin~0.1–0.4%
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
Caprylyl glycol~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Glyceryl caprylate~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products

More about Glyceryl caprylate
Phenylpropanol~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Helps mask the smell of other ingredients and helps preserve the product formulation

More about Phenylpropanol
Oleic acid~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin dryness

More about Oleic acid
Ci 77491~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A red colorant made of iron oxide. Typically is not irritating

More about Ci 77491
Iron oxides~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear

More about Iron oxides
Limonene~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Linalool~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Hexyl cinnamal~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance with jasmine smell. A likely irritant

More about Hexyl cinnamal
Citronellol~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol
Geraniol~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycereth-26, Glycolic acid, Glucosyl hesperidin, Acacia senegal gum, Maris aqua, Sea water, Phenoxyethanol, Ppg-26-buteth-26, Sodium hydroxide, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Parfum, Chlorphenesin, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Citric acid, Malic acid, Sodium phytate, Xanthan gum, Biosaccharide gum-1, Glycerin, Yeast extract, Sorbitol, Alcohol, Lecithin, Caprylyl glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl caprylate, Phenylpropanol, Oleic acid, Ci 77491, Iron oxides, Limonene, Linalool, Hexyl cinnamal, Citronellol, Geraniol

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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
ThalgoAbsolute Radiance ConcentrateYOUR PRODUCTFirst Aid BeautyFAB Skin Lab Resurfacing Liquid AHA 10%ISDINIsdinceutics Night Scrub Peel 10 AmpoulesKate SomervilleRetAsphere Micro Peel
Match—59%58%58%
Price—$55.00——
Shared key ingredients—3 of 43 of 43 of 4
Key difference—Colloidal OatmealUreaRetinol
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol — Contains drying alcohol —
View product Shop Shop Shop

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Product summary

"Thalgo - Absolute Radiance Concentrate" is effective for: Exfoliation, Evens skin tone and Anti-aging

This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • Exfoliating acids (glycolic acid 3.50% - 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.
  • Humectants (hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid 0.15% - 0.50%, glycerin 0.15% - 0.55% and biosaccharide gum-1 0.15% - 0.50%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

Price

The product retails for 16.70CA$ in Canada.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.

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Thalgo Absolute Radiance Concentrate
ThalgoAbsolute Radiance Concentrate

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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.