Typology Resurfacing Serum — 10% Glycolic Acid + Mastic Tree Extract
Works for
ExfoliationGlycolic acidWorks well
“Known for its exfoliating power on the upper layers of the epidermis as well as its astringent and deep-cleansing properties, glycolic acid helps reduce the presence of blackheads caused by an accumulation of sebum that clogs the pores.”
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.
MoisturizingGlycerin, Caprylic/capric triglyceride + 1 moreWorks
“Finally, glycolic acid also possesses moisturizing properties, thanks to its stimulating effect on cell renewal and the synthesis of hyaluronic acid.”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
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. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
glycerin.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: caprylic/capric triglyceride, pentylene glycol.
Anti-blemishGlycolic acid, Pistacia lentiscus gumNot delivered
“Its deep-cleansing action also helps combat blackheads.”
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.
Anti-agingSide benefit · Glycolic acidWorks well
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.
Evens skin toneSide benefit the brand mentions · Glycolic acidWorks well
“smoother and more even complexion”
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy9 flagged ingredientsLow 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~40–60%
Glycolic acid~5.3–8%
- 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 acidSodium hydroxide~3.7–5.6%
Glycerin~2.7–4%
- 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 GlycerinPolyglyceryl-4 caprate~2–2.9%
Pentylene glycol~1.6–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolCaprylic/capric triglyceride~1.3–2%
- 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 triglycerideBisabolol~1–1.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
More about BisabololLevulinic acid~0.5–1.2%
Xanthan gum~0.45–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumSodium levulinate~0.35–0.85%
Pistacia lentiscus gum~0.15–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
A tree rasin that could temporarily tighten the skin and might help regulate sebum production, but the research on its effectiveness in skin is lacking
More about Pistacia lentiscus gumHydrogenated lecithin~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.
More about Hydrogenated lecithinPhenethyl alcohol~0.1–0.3%
Chamomilla recutita flower extract~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Chamomilla recutita flower extractEthylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.1%
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycolic acid, Sodium hydroxide, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-4 caprate, Pentylene glycol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Bisabolol, Levulinic acid, Xanthan gum, Sodium levulinate, Pistacia lentiscus gum, Hydrogenated lecithin, Phenethyl alcohol, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Ethylhexylglycerin
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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.
| TypologyResurfacing Serum — 10% Glycolic Acid + Mastic Tree ExtractYOUR PRODUCT | Pixiskintreats Overnight Glow Serum Concentrated Exfoliating Gel | Skin RegimenGlyco Lacto Peel | CeraVeAcne Control Gel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 63% | 62% | 61% |
| Price | $19.00 | $24.00+$5.00 | $89.89+$70.89 | $14.83−$4.17 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 4 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 4 |
| Key difference | — | Arginine | Lactobionic Acid | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Fillmed Skin Perfusion Filorga Skin Perfusion Bright BoosterDerma E Overnight Peel
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
- 4
- 5
- 6Mastic liposome treatment for shiny and impure skinmibellebiochemistry.com
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