VILLAGE 11 FACTORY

VILLAGE 11 FACTORY Active Clean Serum

Name: VILLAGE 11 FACTORY - Active Clean Serum
Brand: VILLAGE 11 FACTORY

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation

Lactic acid, Glycolic acid + 1 more

Works well

What the product description says

“A serum containing 5% of AHA ingredients that helps exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells.”

Source: Yesstyle

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, lactic acid.

Lactic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn 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)~2–3%

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~1.7–2.5%

Salicylic acidUnder-dosedUsed 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)~0.05–0.25%

Anti-blemish

Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid

Not delivered

What the product description says

“Helps unclog pores and remove excess sebum with BHA ingredients.”

Source: Yesstyle

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.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn 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~1.7–2.5%

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · Lactic acid, Glycolic acid + 1 more

Works well

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic acid.

These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: lactic 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.

Lactic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn 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)~2–3%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.05–0.1%

Evens skin tone

Not advertised by the brand · Lactic acid, Glycolic acid + 3 more

Works well

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic acid, lactic acid

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract.

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.

Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extractEffect: LowLicorice root extract. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation~0.15–0.55%

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~0.05–0.15%

Salicylic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed 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)~0.05–0.25%

Moisturizing

Not advertised by the brand · Glycerin, Sodium lactate + 9 more

Works

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

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).

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~3.8–5.8%

Sodium lactateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product~2.6–4%

Lactic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn 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)~2–3%

TrioleinKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~1.4–2.1%

SucroseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion~0.2–0.7%

Glyceryl glucosideKey active· HumectantEffect: HighCan help to restore skin barrier function and soften its upper layer~0.15–0.6%

Laminaria japonica extractKey activeEffect: HighSeaweed extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant properties~0.1–0.45%

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~3.5–5.2%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.2–0.7%

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~0.05–0.15%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

3 strong irritants: Lavandula angustifolia flower extract, Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract + 1 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 16 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~1.7–2.5%est.

Lavandula angustifolia flower extractEssential oil that can be irritatingHigh~0.4–0.9%est.

Hamamelis virginiana leaf extractA plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.8%est.

Melaleuca alternifolia leaf extractAn essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.15–0.5%est.

Salicylic acidUsed 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)High~0.05–0.25%est.

Sodium lactateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the productMedium~2.6–4%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~2–3%est.

HydroxyacetophenoneUsed to increase effectiveness of preservativesMedium~0.2–0.7%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.2–0.7%est.

Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extractLicorice root extract. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentationMedium~0.15–0.55%est.

Myrciaria dubia fruit extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its effectiveness is lackingMedium~0.1–0.5%est.

Calcium chlorideHelps create a thicker product consistency. Might be irritatingMedium~0.1–0.45%est.

T-butyl alcoholUsed to dissolve other ingredients and to improve smell of products. It could be irritatingMedium~0.1–0.4%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.1–0.35%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.3%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.2%est.

Comedogenic

3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

3 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Himanthalia elongata extract—3/5~0.15–0.55%est.

Fucus vesiculosus extract—3/5~0.15–0.5%est.

Laminaria japonica extractSeaweed extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant properties3/5~0.1–0.45%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Ambari PM Active 12 Serum

Higher efficacy · 100/10061% match

Shani Darden Skin Care Lactic Acid Serum - Full Size

Higher efficacy · 100/10061% match

View all alternatives

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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~3.8–5.8%

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

Butylene glycol~3.5–5.2%

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

Sodium lactate~2.6–4%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product

More about Sodium lactate

Lactic acid~2–3%

Key activeIrritant · 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

Glycolic acid~1.7–2.5%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneExfoliationAnti-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

Triolein~1.4–2.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Triolein

Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6~1.2–1.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6

Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate~1–1.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate

Xanthan gum~0.8–1.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Pectin~0.5–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Pectin

Dipropylene glycol~0.4–0.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying

More about Dipropylene glycol

Glyceryl dioleate~0.4–0.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Glyceryl dioleate

Lavandula angustifolia flower extract~0.4–0.9%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Essential oil that can be irritating

More about Lavandula angustifolia flower extract

Adansonia digitata seed extract~0.2–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Adansonia digitata seed extract

Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract~0.2–0.8%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating

More about Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract

Sucrose~0.2–0.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion

More about Sucrose

Hydroxyacetophenone~0.2–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to increase effectiveness of preservatives

More about Hydroxyacetophenone

Caprylyl glycol~0.2–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Glyceryl glucoside~0.15–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Can help to restore skin barrier function and soften its upper layer

More about Glyceryl glucoside

Melaleuca alternifolia leaf extract~0.15–0.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf extract

Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract~0.15–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Evens skin tone

Licorice root extract. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation

More about Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract

Cetraria islandica extract~0.2–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Cetraria islandica extract

Gelidium cartilagineum extract~0.15–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Gelidium cartilagineum extract

Himanthalia elongata extract~0.15–0.55%

Comedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

More about Himanthalia elongata extract

Fucus vesiculosus extract~0.15–0.5%

Comedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

More about Fucus vesiculosus extract

Myrciaria dubia fruit extract~0.1–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

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

More about Myrciaria dubia fruit extract

Laminaria japonica extract~0.1–0.45%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

Seaweed extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Laminaria japonica extract

Calcium chloride~0.1–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps create a thicker product consistency. Might be irritating

More about Calcium chloride

T-butyl alcohol~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to dissolve other ingredients and to improve smell of products. It could be irritating

More about T-butyl alcohol

Disodium edta~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Salicylic acid~0.05–0.25%

Under-dosedIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishExfoliationAntibacterialEvens skin tone

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 acid

1,2-hexanediol~0.05–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.05–0.15%

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

Tocopherol~0.05–0.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Sodium lactate, Lactic acid, Glycolic acid, Triolein, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, Xanthan gum, Pectin, Dipropylene glycol, Glyceryl dioleate, Lavandula angustifolia flower extract, Adansonia digitata seed extract, Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract, Sucrose, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl glycol, Glyceryl glucoside, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf extract, Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract, Cetraria islandica extract, Gelidium cartilagineum extract, Himanthalia elongata extract, Fucus vesiculosus extract, Myrciaria dubia fruit extract, Laminaria japonica extract, Calcium chloride, T-butyl alcohol, Disodium edta, Ethylhexylglycerin, Salicylic acid, 1,2-hexanediol, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Tocopherol

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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
	VILLAGE 11 FACTORYActive Clean SerumYOUR PRODUCT	AmbariPM Active 12 Serum	Shani Darden Skin CareLactic Acid Serum - Full Size	BootsIngredients Alpha Hydroxy Acid Serum
Match	—	61%	61%	61%
Price	—	—	—	—
Shared key ingredients	—	3 of 8	3 of 8	3 of 8
Key difference	—	Niacinamide	Gluconolactone	Hydrolyzed Linseed Extract
Irritancy	High	High	Medium	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	Contains drying alcohol
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"VILLAGE 11 FACTORY - Active Clean Serum" is effective for: Anti-aging, Exfoliation and Evens skin tone

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 1.70% - 2.50% and lactic acid 2.00% - 3.00%). 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. Lactic Acid can also help to attract water to the upper layer (works as a humectant).
Humectants (glyceryl glucoside 0.15% - 0.60%, sucrose 0.20% - 0.70%, lactic acid 2.00% - 3.00%, sodium lactate 2.60% - 4.00% and glycerin 3.80% - 5.80%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.