The Nue Co.

The Nue Co. The Pill

Name: The Nue Co. - The Pill
Brand: The Nue Co.

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation

Glycolic acid, Lactic acid

Works well

What the product description says

“Glycolic Acid: brightens and exfoliates”

Source: Dermstore

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~1.4–2.1%

Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn 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)~1.2–1.9%

Moisturizing

Cannabidiol - derived from extract or tincture or resin of cannabis, Glycerin + 10 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Plumps and moisturizes”

Source: Dermstore

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": galactoarabinan, 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).

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: cannabidiol - derived from extract or tincture or resin of cannabis

Cannabidiol - derived from extract or tincture or resin of cannabisHeroEffect: HighCBD. Can bind to skin cell receptors and can reduce inflammation, itching, and help support skin barrier function~0.15–0.6%

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~4–6.1%

GalactoarabinanKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~2.7–4.1%

Saccharum officinarum extractKey activeEffect: HighSugar extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.8%

Sodium pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.3–0.7%

Vitis vinifera fruit extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin, but is less potent than the extract from the seeds~0.2–0.7%

Hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~0.1–0.35%

Ananas sativus fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but there is no evidence for any other benefits to the skin~0.15–0.65%

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~0.15–0.6%

Dipotassium glycyrrhizateUnder-dosedA salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening~0.3–0.7%

Centella asiatica extractUnder-dosedA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~0.1–0.4%

Evens skin tone

Glycolic acid, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate + 1 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Glycolic Acid: brightens and exfoliates”

Source: Dermstore

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.

Dipotassium glycyrrhizateEffect: Low, below effective doseA salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening~0.3–0.7%

Anti-aging

Glycolic acid, Hyaluronic acid + 2 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Hyaluronic Acid: boosts hydration in the skin and plumps surrounding tissues to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles”

Source: Dermstore

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.

Hyaluronic acidEffect: LowOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~0.1–0.35%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

3 strong irritants: Citrus limon fruit extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract + 1 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 20 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~1.4–2.1%est.

Citrus limon fruit extractUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritating and cause photosensitivityHigh~0.4–0.95%est.

Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extractA plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.15–0.5%est.

Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~0.15–0.5%est.

Sodium bisulfiteA preservativeHigh~0.05–0.2%est.

Isoamyl laurateHelps stabilize emulsions and create a nice product textureMedium~3.6–5.4%est.

GalactoarabinanHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~2.7–4.1%est.

Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its efficacy in skin is lackingMedium~1.6–2.5%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~1.2–1.9%est.

CaffeineMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyesMedium~0.35–0.85%est.

Vitis vinifera fruit extractA plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin, but is less potent than the extract from the seedsMedium~0.2–0.7%est.

Ananas sativus fruit extractA fruit extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but there is no evidence for any other benefits to the skinMedium~0.15–0.65%est.

Cannabidiol - derived from extract or tincture or resin of cannabisCBD. Can bind to skin cell receptors and can reduce inflammation, itching, and help support skin barrier functionMedium~0.15–0.6%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.5%est.

Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lackingMedium~0.1–0.5%est.

Acer saccharum extractA plant extract that contains small percentage of AHAs. Is unlikely to have any skin benefit due the small concentration of the active compoundsMedium~0.1–0.45%est.

Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrateA preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determineMedium~0.1–0.4%est.

Centella asiatica extractA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.Medium~0.1–0.4%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.25%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.01–0.1%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

The closest match we found

BalmLabs ClearBalm Power Elixir

Closest match76% match

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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

Glycerin~4–6.1%

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

Isoamyl laurate~3.6–5.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps stabilize emulsions and create a nice product texture

More about Isoamyl laurate

Galactoarabinan~2.7–4.1%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Galactoarabinan

Sclerotium gum~2–3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions

More about Sclerotium gum

Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract~1.6–2.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its efficacy in skin is lacking

More about Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract

Glycolic acid~1.4–2.1%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

ExfoliationEvens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-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

Lactic acid~1.2–1.9%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-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

Polysorbate 20~1–1.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20

Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Sodium hydroxide~0.5–1.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Citrus limon fruit extract~0.4–0.95%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and cause photosensitivity

More about Citrus limon fruit extract

Caffeine~0.35–0.85%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

De-puffingAnti-oxidation

Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes

More about Caffeine

Saccharum officinarum extract~0.35–0.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Sugar extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharum officinarum extract

Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.3–0.7%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening

More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizate

Sodium pca~0.3–0.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Sodium pca

Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate~0.2–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate

Vitis vinifera fruit extract~0.2–0.7%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin, but is less potent than the extract from the seeds

More about Vitis vinifera fruit extract

Ananas sativus fruit extract~0.15–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A fruit extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but there is no evidence for any other benefits to the skin

More about Ananas sativus fruit extract

Passiflora edulis fruit extract~0.15–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Passiflora edulis fruit extract

Cannabidiol - derived from extract or tincture or resin of cannabis~0.15–0.6%

Hero · MoisturizingIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-blemishAnti-oxidation

CBD. Can bind to skin cell receptors and can reduce inflammation, itching, and help support skin barrier function

More about Cannabidiol - derived from extract or tincture or resin of cannabis

Butylene glycol~0.15–0.6%

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

Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract~0.15–0.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract

Alcohol denat.~0.15–0.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products

More about Alcohol denat.

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract~0.1–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lacking

More about Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract

Nymphaea alba flower extract~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Nymphaea alba flower extract

Acer saccharum extract~0.1–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A plant extract that contains small percentage of AHAs. Is unlikely to have any skin benefit due the small concentration of the active compounds

More about Acer saccharum extract

Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determine

More about Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate

Hyaluronic acid~0.1–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation

More about Hyaluronic acid

Sodium benzoate~0.05–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Centella asiatica extract~0.1–0.4%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Reduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-blemish

A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.

More about Centella asiatica extract

Potassium sorbate~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Disodium edta~0.01–0.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Sodium bisulfite~0.05–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A preservative

More about Sodium bisulfite

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Isoamyl laurate, Galactoarabinan, Sclerotium gum, Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract, Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium hydroxide, Citrus limon fruit extract, Caffeine, Saccharum officinarum extract, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Sodium pca, Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, Vitis vinifera fruit extract, Ananas sativus fruit extract, Passiflora edulis fruit extract, Cannabidiol - derived from extract or tincture or resin of cannabis, Butylene glycol, Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract, Alcohol denat., Ethylhexylglycerin, Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract, Nymphaea alba flower extract, Acer saccharum extract, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Hyaluronic acid, Sodium benzoate, Centella asiatica extract, Potassium sorbate, Disodium edta, Sodium bisulfite

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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
	The Nue Co.The PillYOUR PRODUCT	BalmLabsClearBalm Power Elixir	HempzCBD Face Off Gentle Exfoliating Facial Scrub	Geek GorgeousSmooth Out
Match	—	76%	61%	51%
Price	—	—	—	$12.80
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 11	3 of 11	4 of 11
Key difference	—	Panthenol	Panthenol	Anhydroxylitol
Irritancy	High	Medium	High	Low
Drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"The Nue Co. - The Pill" is effective for: Evens skin tone, Moisturizing, Anti-aging and Exfoliation

Ingredient callouts

This product contains acids (lactic acid 1.20% - 1.40% and glycolic acid 1.40% - 1.70%). Their concentration is low, and they will not have a strong exfoliating effect. Instead, they work to support the skin natural acid mantle and to attract water (as humectants). Lactic acid is particularly good in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin and improving the skin barrier.
We are excited that this product contains Cannabidiol, or CBD (0.25% - 0.45%). CBD is a new active in cosmetic products, and the studies on its effect in skin are still going on. CBD is one of the compounds in the cannabis plant. It does not have any psychotropic effects. When used topically, CBD can bind to skin cell receptors and "change their behavior". It can help reduce inflammation, itching, and help support skin barrier function. It also might be able to reduce acne.
Humectants (hyaluronic acid 0.15% - 0.30%, sodium pca 0.30% - 0.60%, glycerin 4.50% - 5.60% and galactoarabinan 3.00% - 3.70%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.