Beta Hydroxy Acids AKA (salicylic acid) are able to penetrate inside the pore to help clear away dead skin cells that have built up within the pore. Beta hydroxy acids are not as aggressive in nature as the alpha hydroxy acids, but we still advise caution with any type of topical acid preparation.
Beta Exfo™ Tonic 2%: pH 3.2-3.8
Method of Application If you are new to acids, use every three days. In total, exfoliate no more than 3 to 4 times per week.
Use on clean skin (skin can be dampened with hydrosol, toner or fruit mists, or it can be dry). Apply a few drops with clean fingertips, then wait 20 minutes before using any other products. The acid will self-neutralize and then you can continue with your routine.
The exception to the 20 minute wait rule is that if the acids are very uncomfortable. If so, rinse immediately and build up a tolerance to the acids over about a months time, increasing the length of time every few days. Acids, however, are not meant to be comfortable as they are a remodeling tool.
Shelf Life and Storage Information for Our Products and Ingredients
Finished Products - generally don't need to be refrigerated as they are preserved, but you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life. The shelf life for most products is 9-12 months. Vitamin C Serum(s) and VitaResurface products should continually be refrigerated to extend their shelf life. Sample Sizes - do have a shorter shelf life (generally 3-6 months), and items in jars can dry up quicker than this if the lid is not tightened well enough (Vitamin C Serums - use within 90 days).
Please Keep Your Products Out of Humidity, Heat, Direct Light and in a Dark Cabinet When Possible
Exfoliating Acid - products have a shelf life of 9-12 months. The only things we don't suggest refrigerating are the Mandelic Acid Serums or Salicylic Acid Serums, as they can crystallize in the refrigerator. If this happens, you can set the product into a hot water bath to see if the crystals will dissolve.
Additional Items That Require Refrigeration and/or Kept in the Dark
Hydrosols and Distillates - remove 1 ounce of hydrosol and add it to a separate, sterilized spray bottle and spritzer. Keep the larger bottle in the refrigerator. Carrier and Exotic Oils - generally refrigerate all carrier oils, although some very rich oils will solidify. This is fine. All you have to do is take the oil out, warm it up at room temperature, and it should liquefy. If not, set the bottle in a hot water bath and occasionally shake the bottle, which will hopefully turn into a liquid. Some oils, like coconut cream and jojoba oil, have a super long shelf life.
Refrigeration of The Following Ingredients is Not Necessary, But it Won't hurt
Essential Oils - essential oils are best stored in a cool, dark place. Co2 Extracts - these should continually be refrigerated. Butters - we suggest refrigerating our "skincare" butters. You can remove what you need and keep the rest in the fridge. Clays - keep in a dry, dark place. Shelf life is at least 2 years. Herbs All herbs <i>(whole or ground)</i> should be kept in a dark, cool, and dry location. Herbal (liquid) Extracts are created using grain alcohol. The alcohol pulls the constituents (properties) from each herb, root, trunk, leaf, and flower. They have a shelf life of 3-5 years. They can be stored in the refrigerator or a dark, dry place. Other Raw Ingredients - such as Sodium PCA, Honeyquat, Oat Beta Glucan, etc., will all have different shelf lives.
Drastically Improved the Clarity & Texture of my Skin!!
This product completely changed the clarity, texture and luminosity of my skin!
I started using it in 2008. I had severe hormonal acne, cycstic acne, redness, blackheads, whiteheads, pitting, several huge damaged pores beyond pitting (more like craters) and was so embarrassed of my skin I’d wear heavy makeup to hide behind from the moment I woke up until just before going to sleep. I discovered MakeUpAlley, and this Beta Exfo Tonic was THE topic of discussion on their skincare board. I had to try it! I started with the 2pH product, using it at night before bed.
The first 2 weeks my skin started changing! My acne started to clear, the redness decreased, my whiteheads disappeared, and my handful of unclogged pores became refined. My skin responded so well, I started using it twice a day. That first month my skin was so drastically changed my then-husband commented that whatever I was using he’d buy me more when I ran out! I WISH I’d taken a before picture—but I was so embarrassed by my skin I went for years without being in a picture—even with my thick full-coverage makeup.
The following month, no more white heads, cystic acne was no longer bright red/dark red, blackheads were dissolving and coming out, my skin had areas of clarity I didn’t know it could have—and I was in my early 40’s then! I stocked up—both large size and the small travel size—wherever I went, this BHA Exfo tonic went with me! A year later I saw my family from out of state and they were shocked at the complete turnaround!! They asked if I had something done. I said no, I finally found the right product for my skin.
After 1 year my skin was clear except for a few mild hormonal cycstic acne—nothing surface remained! My pores drastically improved!! My huge damaged pores were smaller and clear (now only moderately large—not huge), my skin had a luminosity and clarity, no redness!! I went without foundation— even out in public— for the first time in decades! At that time I started using the 3.2-3.8 pH Beta Exfo Tonic. I’ve used this product (in both pH versions, and the 5%) for 17 years! Over the years of consist use my pores went from huge/pitting/damaged & seeing them from a mile away to being normal-sized and some tiny. I’d been told nothing short of dermabrasion would change my face—but that was proven false. Today, my nieces tell me they envy my flawless skin and my luminous complexion. It truly is!! I tell them it got this way by using Garden of Wisdom Beta Exfo Tonic since 2008. One niece also has flawless skin—I’d bought her this Exfo Tonic as soon as it started working so well for me. She was a young teenager then. She’s never had to hide behind makeup and we credit Garden of Wisdom for that! She, too, is dedicated to GOW Exfo Tonic & other GOW products.
This product has stayed the same all these years. Only 3 ingredients!! No fragrance, no allergens! A clear liquid. It has a mild vodka-like odor for a few seconds. Then no odor. It’s changed my skin and my self esteem! I always keep back ups! I have multiple allergens & it’s hard to find a safe product w/o fragrance, polysorbate, sorbitol, and PEGs. I recommend this product in all my allergen and other medical groups! My ONLY wish is that the 2 pH version would be brought back! 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Don’t hesitate to try this! I’m living proof it works well!
Hi GiGi
Thank you for taking the time to share your positive experience with our Beta Exfo™ Tonic 2%. We are thrilled to hear that it has drastically improved the clarity and texture of your skin. It's always our goal to provide effective and transformative products for our customers.
We are happy to hear that you discovered our product through MakeUpAlley (WOW, nostalgia) and that it has exceeded your expectations. It is truly amazing to see the difference it has made for you, especially in such a short period of time.
We value your loyalty and are glad that our product has become a staple in your skincare routine. We hope to continue delivering products that bring out the best in your skin.
Thank you again for your feedback and for choosing our product.
We appreciate your support and hope to see continued success in your skincare journey.
With many blessings,
Your GoW Team
I love this serum so much. I have sensitive skin, and use this once a week so it lasts a while, and it makes such a big difference. Smooths lines, cleans pores, and evens skin tone.
Mandelic Acid 5% Serum
Kim
Unclogs pores and smooths bumps
This product has unclogged my pores and smoothed the bumps on my cheeks. I have very sensitive skin and this did not irritate my face. It does not work overnight, you need to stick with it for a while but it worked for me!
Azelaic Acid 8% Serum
Kim
My skin's texture and firmness have improved
I have noticed that my skin's texture and firmness have improved since I have been using this product. The fine lines seem a little smoother and it does not irritate my skin.
Eternal Youth Elixir - Rejuvenation Formula
Natali Hartley
Perfection :)
Love this product!! Especially during summer my skin just thrives with this! Not too thick or rich but leaves my skin happy and moisturized.
Wickedly Rich McDreamy Cream
Magdalena Manion
Work horse in my skin care routine
Work horse in my skin care routine. Have used for years. I spray a few sprays after cleansing on my face, neck, and chest, then use the extra moisture it provides to spread my serum. Resets the ph of my skin, makes everything feel more comfortable, and cost effective. Love it.
Clarifying Tonic
Anonymous
Tremendous product
Tremendous product. Only thing that consistently keeps my skin clear.
Blemish Prone Cleansing Oil
Caroline M.
Feels great on the skin
Feels great on the skin. I use it after cleansing but before serums, and it feels much more useful than a mineral water spray. I also like that it can be used throughout the day for a little boost. I had it in my purse last time I took a flight and I think it helped my skin stay happy during the journey.
Calm and Hydrate Mist
Lisa S
I recommend it to everyone!
I love this schampoo!! I was a little skeptical if an all natural shampoo would work, especially since I have fine, straight hair that tends to get greasy after only a couple of days with regular high quality shampoos, but this really works. I can go for 3 full days without washing it and I immediately noticed how powder soft my hair felt after the first wash. I think it even washes out the hard water. I will definitely be buying this again!
Locks of Lovely Shampoo (Unscented): Pure, Nourishing, and Gentle Care for Your Hair
Anonymous
Interesting new product
Interesting new product. I prefer the beautiful eye serum but this has some great ingredients
Blue Lotus Veil Peptide Infusion: Eye & Facial Renewal Serum
Teal Schinkel
ONLY MOISTURIZER THAT DOESNT CAUSE ACNE
Literally the only one I've ever used and I've searched for 30 yrs. Just the best!
I love this serum so much. I have sensitive skin, and use this once a week so it lasts a while, and it makes such a big difference. Smooths lines, cleans pores, and evens skin tone.
Hi Matt,
⋆.˚✮ ✮˚.⋆ for your kind review!
We're so happy to hear the serum is working well for your sensitive skin and that a little goes a long way. Hearing that you've noticed smoother-looking skin and a more even complexion makes us smile. ✌︎㋡
Thank you for being part of the GoW Family!
Your GoW Family
This product has unclogged my pores and smoothed the bumps on my cheeks. I have very sensitive skin and this did not irritate my face. It does not work overnight, you need to stick with it for a while but it worked for me!
Kim
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with our Azelaic Acid 8% Serum!
We especially appreciate that you mentioned both the results and the patience it took to get there. Skincare can sometimes be a journey rather than an overnight transformation, and feedback like yours helps set realistic expectations for others considering this or any product.
We're delighted to hear that it helped unclog pores and smooth the bumps on your cheeks while still being gentle enough for your sensitive skin. Finding that balance between effectiveness and comfort is always something we strive for when formulating.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for allowing us to be part of your skincare routine. We love hearing success stories like yours! 😊
I have noticed that my skin's texture and firmness have improved since I have been using this product. The fine lines seem a little smoother and it does not irritate my skin.
Hi Kim,
Thank you! for sharing your experience!
We're so happy to hear you've noticed improvements in your skin's texture and firmness, and that the formula has been gentle on your skin. Hearing that your fine lines appear smoother makes us smile. 😊
Thank you for choosing Garden of Wisdom and for taking the time to leave a review!
Your GoW Family
Love this. So simple but effective. I use it daily on my face as it soothes my sensitive skin. Whenever anyone in our family has had too much sun or a sunburn, we use this - it's incredibly soothing and hydrating. Even my picky kiddos happily put it on sun-parched skin.
😁
Thankyou ❤️ so much for your wonderful review!
We love hearing that our Aloe Vera Inner Fillet Gel has become a family favorite. There's something special about a simple ingredient that does its job so well, and we're delighted that it's helping soothe both sensitive skin and sun-parched skin alike.
The fact that even your picky kiddos are happy to use it made us smile! 😊
Thank you for sharing your experience and for being part of our family and for so long too!
Your GoW Family
Love this product!! Especially during summer my skin just thrives with this! Not too thick or rich but leaves my skin happy and moisturized.
Hi Natali,
Thank you so much for your kind review! 😘
We're delighted to hear that Wickedly Rich McDreamy Cream is keeping your skin happy, especially during the summer months. Finding that sweet spot between nourishing and comfortable is exactly what we hoped for when creating it.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience!
Your GoW Family