Beta hydroxy acids (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.
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.
Best 5% BHA ever! Amazing improvements in pore refinement and texture!
This 5% BHA is a clear, unscented, alcohol-based liquid that has worked miracles on my skin’s texture. The ingredients are minimal—it’s a safe product for my highly-allergic skin.
My skin had extensive scaring, blackheads, and hormonal acne from years of autoimmune disease(s), hormone issues, and severe allergic reactions to every product I tried.
I learned about GOW on MakeupAlley. My skin became calm and began to heal when I started oil cleansing with GOW Cosmetic Grade Mineral Oil. When able, I added GOW 2% BHA (first the 1.9ph, then the 3.2ph) to help with clarity and texture. These products performed well and agreed with my skin. After a couple years, my skin adapted to the 2% so I decided to try this 5%—what a difference it’s made!
I’ve had continued reduction in scaring and it has further refined my pores.. I always keep a backup. Lastly, this has improved the clarity on my arms, legs, elbows, knees and even heels! (Am allergic to other acids, so am happy to have exfoliation option I can actually use!) A little liquid goes a long way!
I’m excited about sharing my experience with GOW products because I’m limited in what my skin/body can tolerate. GOW meets my very specific needs/limitations with high quality ingredients and exemplary customer service. I’ve used GOW since 2012-ish. I’m loyal for a reason! GOW is a SAFE place for those of us product allergies!
We're so glad you love this product! Thank you for the review!
The one ounce bottle with the dropper was a convenient way to refill my bottle with the pump top
The one ounce bottle with the dropper was a convenient way to refill my bottle with the pump top. Absolutely love what this has been doing for my skin.
Bakuchiol (Sytenol®A) Botanic Facial Oil Booster
Karen Nagamoto
So far my skin likes this after spritzing with hydrosol. Then I mix a little with sweet almond oil to help seal it in. It doesn't clog my pores or make me break out like other products. Thank you!
I just tried the Pomegranate Super Fruit Hydrating Mist. Great scent. Great hydration for use throughout the day.
Super Fruit Hydrating Mist
Andrea Shapiro
Love how gentle it is on my sensitive skin
I've been using this cleanser for several months. Love how gentle it is on my sensitive skin.
Soothing Cleansing Gel 100% Soap Free
Matt Staton
I love this serum so much
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
Lmuir
Superb for Soothing Sunburns
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.
Aloe Vera Inner Fillet Gel
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.
Perfect for hot summer days when you have to wash your hair almost every day
Perfect for hot summer days when you have to wash your hair almost every day. Gentle and clean. Makes hair feel so soft.
*ੈ✩༺Hello༻*ੈ✩
This is exactly what we hoped our unscented Locks of Lovely Shampoo would work for: gentle enough for those hot summer days when washing your hair becomes an almost-daily necessity! We’re especially happy to hear that it leaves your hair feeling so soft without relying on added fragrance.
Thank you for taking the time to share this!
Your GoW Family ❤️
I like this stuff! My blemishes are usually just tiny irritated white heads or bumps with nothing in them. If I put this on at night, things are much calmer in the morning. It even seems to have a minimizing effect on the few deep painful cystic guys I get, so they end up fading away rather than coming to the surface full of rage. And so far I haven't had any irritation (and I have very sensitive skin). I put this on after my last oil stage, after things have dried down a bit. I feel like that works best since I use it as a spot treatment, and putting it on under other stuff seems like it would just spread it around.
Caroline ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗
“Coming to the surface full of rage” may be the best blemish description we have ever read 😂
We’re so happy the Sulfur Clearing Serum is helping those emerging bumps look calmer by morning, including the deeper, particularly stubborn ones. Sulfur can be a bit much for some sensitive skin, so we’re also glad you’ve found a careful spot-application method that works beautifully for yours.
Thankyou 🫶❤️ for such a thoughtful and wonderfully descriptive review!
Your GoW Crew
M
Honey Comb Hyaluronic Acid Serum (Leucidal) Marian Jamieson
This is the best one!
This is the best one! My skin is sensitive to unusual things and the leucidal hyaluronic acid serums don't give me any issue. I prefer the honey to the regular because it helps my acne. I had to order the regular/pure HA serum last time and I definitely noticed breakouts lasting longer. Honey comb is the way to go!
This is such helpful feedback, Marian! Thank you 💕
Skin can be extraordinarily particular, and sometimes two very similar formulas behave quite differently. The honeycomb version combines the hydration of hyaluronic acid with honey’s naturally humectant and skin-comforting qualities, so it makes perfect sense that your skin has a definite favorite.
We’re delighted you found the one that keeps your sensitive skin happy and those stubborn blemishes from lingering!
Your GoW Family ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗
Gentle, non irritating niacinimide serum. Another wonderful light and layerable product from GoW. I like how this serum plays well with my other products and it’s not sticky. This has been very helpful for my stepson’s oily teenage skin as well. Thank you!
Thank you 💕 Amber.
We’re especially happy to hear that one serum is working so nicely for two very different skin needs! Niacinamide can be remarkably useful for helping skin look more balanced, but a formula still needs to be comfortable enough to use consistently. Light, layerable and not sticky is exactly what we wanted this serum to be.
Thank you for sharing it with your stepson and for telling us how it’s working for both of you, Amber!
Markey 🌸🌸🌸
The perfect cleanser with no harsh ingredients. I have been using this cleanser for years and it is the best!
Hearing that our Creamy Cleanser has cared for your skin for years is simply wonderful. We formulated it to cleanse gently while leaving the skin feeling soft and comfortable, rather than tight or stripped. Thank you for making it such a lasting part of your routine!
Markey and the GoW Crew (´。• ◡ •。`) ♡