Works for
Evens skin toneGlycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Salicylic acidNot delivered
“The exfoliating lotion is also infused with Oligo-Saccharides, which further purify the complexion and improve its appearance, whilst a ‘Clear Expert Complex’ reduces the appearance of dark spots and other pigmentation marks.”
This product contains ingredients (glycyrrhiza glabra root extract) that could help reduce hyperpigmentation (for example, post-acne marks or age spots) in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.
ExfoliationSalicylic acid ~0.35–0.85%Under-dosed
“Exfoliating Lotion”
This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.
MoisturizingSide benefit · Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide, Palmaria palmata extract + 2 moreWorks
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, butylene glycol.
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).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Parfum, Bellis perennis flower extract + 1 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Butylene glycol~5.8–8.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolGlycereth-26~3.6–5.4%
Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide~3.4–5.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Alpha-glucan oligosaccharidePpg-26-buteth-26~2.1–3.1%
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolPeg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~1.5–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilParfum~1.2–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumSodium citrate~0.95–1.45%
- 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 citrateChlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%
Acacia senegal gum~0.45–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product texture
More about Acacia senegal gumSalicylic acid~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
More about Salicylic acidXanthan gum~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumPalmaria palmata extract~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Palmaria palmata extractEthylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.8%
Sodium phytate~0.15–0.65%
Bellis perennis flower extract~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating
More about Bellis perennis flower extractCitric acid~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidGlycyrrhiza glabra root extract~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
More about Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractAlcohol~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 AlcoholPhenethyl alcohol~0.1–0.3%
Glycerin~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinPotassium hydroxide~0.05–0.2%
Melissa officinalis extract~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium phosphate~0.05–0.1%
Ingredient list view
Water, Butylene glycol, Glycereth-26, Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide, Ppg-26-buteth-26, Phenoxyethanol, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Parfum, Sodium citrate, Chlorphenesin, Acacia senegal gum, Salicylic acid, Xanthan gum, Palmaria palmata extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium phytate, Bellis perennis flower extract, Citric acid, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Alcohol, Phenethyl alcohol, Glycerin, Potassium hydroxide, Melissa officinalis extract, Sodium phosphate
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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.
| ThalgoExfoliating LotionYOUR PRODUCT | Renee RouleauRapid Response Maskne Spray | CliniqueClarifying Lotion Step 2 Twice a Day Exfoliator Dry to Very Dry Skin | Dr. LevyRadical3 Reboot Pro Peel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 78% | 78% | 77% |
| Price | — | — | — | $95.29 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 4 | 2 of 4 | 3 of 4 |
| Key difference | — | Lactic Acid | Acetyl Glucosamine | Lactic Acid |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Deborah Lippmann Get Off Callus Softener Intensive TreatmentTouch Skin Care Ingrown Hair Roll-on Lotion with AHA and BHA
Product summary
"Thalgo - Exfoliating Lotion" is effective for: Anti-inflammatory
This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- Salicylic acid (0.35% - 0.85%). This is an oil-soluble exfoliating acid. Because of this property, it can work inside pores and help reduce the congestion. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and is used to treat acne. Because it is a quite strong exfoliator, be careful with using this product too often: it could result in over-exfoliation.
- Humectants (glycerin 0.10% - 0.30%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails for 30.25£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 9 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
- 6A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
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