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vital active plus glycolic acid
vital active plus

vital active plus glycolic acid

Efficacy81/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-aging
Glycolic acid, Lactic acid
Works well
What the product description says
“Cell renewal , provides thinner skin and reduces wrinkles.”
Source: Promofarma

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~5.3–7.9%
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)~1–1.5%
Evens skin tone
Glycolic acid, Lactic acid
Works well
What the product description says
“Eliminates superficial dark spots .”
Source: Promofarma

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~5.3–7.9%
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)~1–1.5%
Moisturizing
Sucrose, Glucose + 4 more
Works
What the product description says
“Greater skin hydration .”
Source: Promofarma

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

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).

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~1.9–2.8%
GlucoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~1.6–2.5%
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~0.05–0.2%
Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~0.4–0.95%
LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.05–0.25%
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)~1–1.5%
Anti-blemish
Glycolic acid, Ginkgo biloba leaf extract
Not delivered
What the product description says
“In oily and anaemic skins , it improves the hygienic conditions to avoid clogging the pores and normalizes sebum production.”
Source: Promofarma

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 acidEffect: 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~5.3–7.9%
Ginkgo biloba leaf extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin. It can be irritating~0.3–0.7%
Exfoliation
Side benefit · Glycolic acid, Lactic acid
Works well

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~5.3–7.9%
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)~1–1.5%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Ginkgo biloba leaf extract
May help

This product contains antioxidants (ginkgo biloba leaf extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Ginkgo biloba leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin. It can be irritating~0.3–0.7%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
8 strong irritants: Parfum, Linalool + 6 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 19 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~5.3–7.9%est.
Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.4–0.95%est.
Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.8%est.
Ginkgo biloba leaf extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.7%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.3–0.7%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.6%est.
CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.45%est.
HydroxycitronellalA fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.4%est.
Hexyl cinnamalA fragrance with jasmine smell. A likely irritantHigh~0.1–0.4%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.1–0.35%est.
Benzyl cinnamateFragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.3%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~3.7–5.5%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~1.4–2.1%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~1–1.5%est.
Peg-7 glyceryl cocoateHelps oils and water mix together and works as a cleansing agentMedium~0.35–0.85%est.
O-cymen-5-olA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.1%est.
Sodium dehydroacetateA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.6%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.15–0.6%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Gentle Resurfacing Liquid
Deviant Skincare Gentle Resurfacing Liquid
Higher efficacy · 91/10064% match
$52.00
AHA Resurfacing Sleep Serum
Erno Laszlo AHA Resurfacing Sleep Serum
Higher efficacy · 100/10061% match
$78.44
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
Glycolic acid~5.3–7.9%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Evens skin toneExfoliationAnti-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
Sodium citrate~3.7–5.5%
Irritant · medium
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 citrate
Polyquaternium-37~2.7–4.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish

More about Polyquaternium-37
Sucrose~1.9–2.8%
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
Glucose~1.6–2.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Glucose
Citric acid~1.4–2.1%
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~1.2–1.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust the product pH

More about Malic acid
Lactic acid~1–1.5%
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
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Sodium hydroxide~0.5–1.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Propylene glycol~0.4–0.95%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol
Benzyl alcohol~0.35–0.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol
Peg-7 glyceryl cocoate~0.35–0.85%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oils and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent

More about Peg-7 glyceryl cocoate
Ginkgo biloba leaf extract~0.3–0.7%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-blemishAntibacterialAnti-inflammatory

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin. It can be irritating

More about Ginkgo biloba leaf extract
Parfum~0.3–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
O-cymen-5-ol~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about O-cymen-5-ol
Sodium dehydroacetate~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Sodium dehydroacetate
Linalool~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Disodium edta~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Citronellol~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol
Hydroxycitronellal~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritating

More about Hydroxycitronellal
Hexyl cinnamal~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance with jasmine smell. A likely irritant

More about Hexyl cinnamal
Limonene~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Limonene
Benzyl cinnamate~0.05–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl cinnamate
Geraniol~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Malus domestica fruit cell culture extract~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Malus domestica fruit cell culture extract
Xanthan gum~0.05–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Glycerin~0.05–0.2%
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
Lecithin~0.05–0.25%
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
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycolic acid, Sodium citrate, Polyquaternium-37, Sucrose, Glucose, Citric acid, Malic acid, Lactic acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium hydroxide, Propylene glycol, Benzyl alcohol, Peg-7 glyceryl cocoate, Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, Parfum, O-cymen-5-ol, Sodium dehydroacetate, Linalool, Disodium edta, Citronellol, Hydroxycitronellal, Hexyl cinnamal, Limonene, Benzyl cinnamate, Geraniol, Malus domestica fruit cell culture extract, Xanthan gum, Glycerin, Lecithin

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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
vital active plusglycolic acidYOUR PRODUCTDeviant SkincareGentle Resurfacing LiquidInstitut EsthedermIntensive AHA Peel SerumErno LaszloAHA Resurfacing Sleep Serum
Match—64%61%61%
Price—$52.00$81.65$78.44
Shared key ingredients—4 of 53 of 53 of 5
Key difference—Salicylic AcidSalicylic AcidHexanoyl Dipeptide-3 Norleucine Acetate
Irritancy High Low Medium Low
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 16 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Photoprotective and antiinflammatory effects of topical glycolic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinmdpi.com
  4. 4
    Topical Glucose Induces Claudin-1 and Filaggrin Expression in a Mouse Model of Atopic Dermatitis and in Keratinocyte Culture, Exerting Anti-inflammatory Effects by Repairing Skin Barrier Functionncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinpdfs.semanticscholar.org
vital active plus glycolic acid
vital active plusglycolic acid
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