Garden of Wisdom's Vita ReSurface Serum combats aging on a cellular level with All-Trans Retinol, a stable form of Vitamin A. Retinol is an active ingredient for sophisticated cosmetic skin care products. It is a highly effective active ingredient for caring for aging skin and protects against photo-aging.
Use the Vita Resurface Serum every three nights for the first two weeks.
On the nights when the Vita Resurface Serum is being used, cleanse the skin and continue by only applying the Vita Resurface Serum and no other product.
Allow the serum to sit for two hours before proceeding with your nightly routine. Waiting two hours is the key to achieving the best possible results with the Vita Resurface Serum.
On your third week of use, apply the Vita Resurface Serum every second day.
On your fifth week of use, apply the Vita Resurface Serum every night until the desired results are achieved.
List of Ingredients
Liposome Base (soy based) encapsulates and stabilizes actives, moisturizing Rose Geranium Hydrosol is hydrating, great for mature skin, calming, humectant, vegetable derived, and draws moisture out of the air to the skin when applied topically. Sodium PCA natural moisturizer binds water to the skin Galactobarian (polysaccharide) humectant helps to stop transepidermal water loss, binds moisture to the skin Guar Gum natural thickener Gluconolactone (Glucono Delta Lactone) is a gentle preservative with gentle exfoliation properties All-Trans Retinol see above
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.
Rose Geranium Hydrosol - is hydrating, great for mature skin, calming, humectant,
vegetable derived, and draws moisture out of the air to the skin when applied topically.
Sodium PCA – is a natural moisturizer that binds water to the skin
Galactobarian (polysaccharide) - humectant helps to stop trans-epidermal water loss,
moisture to the skin
Guar Gum - natural thickener
Gluconolactone (Glucono Delta Lactone) - is a gentle preservative with gentle exfoliation properties
All-Trans Retinol – is a stable form of Vitamin A. Retinol is an active ingredient for sophisticated
cosmetic skin care products. It is a highly effective active ingredient for caring for aging skin and
protects against photo-aging.
My sebboric dermatitis is finally at bay! I’ve tried multiples of GOW’s actives and my skin loves the salicylic 2%… (only one FOR ME) that doesn’t cause redness (when used 3x week :) ) all the actives are great btw just see what your skin needs, I’ve been using the oat moisturizer and Micellar dew for a couple months and my skin is becoming less sensitive I’m beginning to feel less stressed with potential acne / sensitivity! *yay and thank you!! The retinol was great but not for my skin and that’s ok find what work for you ♥️!
Bellarose, Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re always so grateful to hear when our formulas give relief. To hear that your seborrheic dermatitis is finally under control and that our products have played a role in your skincare journey is fantastic. Hearing that the Salicylic 2% has been effective for you without causing irritation while discovering the right balance for your skin is so important, and we love that you've been able to tailor your routine to what works best for you.
You are such an inspiration!
We’re also happy to hear that the Oat Enriched Serum and Micellar Cleansing Dew have been helping to strengthen your skin’s barrier and reduce sensitivity. Feeling less stressed about potential breakouts and irritation is a huge win, and we celebrate that with you
It’s completely okay that retinol wasn’t the perfect match for your skin; skincare is all about learning what works for you, and your approach to listening to your skin’s needs is truly inspiring. We appreciate your thoughtful words and are so grateful to be part of your routine. Thank you for your support, and we’re always here for you on your skincare journey!
Soldier on my friend.
M
Meridith
Gentle but effective
I bought this on a whim and am happy I did! I started using it on my neck and chest and it has helped fade my freckles/sun spots and overall made the skin look much smoother and brighter. Ordering my second bottle!
Thank you so much for this review!
D
DH
Perfect for this old(er) woman!
After years of visiting dermatologists and medical estheticians who all swore by their prescribed products, which turned my face into a lumpy, flaky biscuit, I gave this all-trans retinol a try and will never go back. Had cystic acne well into my 30s and continued with breakouts into my early 60s. Tons of research later, I discovered that the prescribed products contain filler ingredients which would clog my skin. The many types of moisturizers used to combat the flakiness added to my clogged skin woes. My 65-year old face is now smooth, clear and flake-free. A 19-year-old coworker asked about my skin-care routine because she hopes her skin looks as good as mine at 65. Huh? Never heard that before! (FYI—I’ve used GOW products exclusively since 2018.)
Since my skin was already acclimated to tretinoin/retinol, I started with the 1% strength eased into using it 5-6 times a week. After a couple of hours, I follow up with a moisturizer (GOW Saffron Rose Majikal Facial Lotion). Works great for me!
We're so glad this serum is a winner for you! thank you :)
L
Lea
So far so good
I have been looking for a retinol that will not break me out, not be over drying and that is safe for fungal acne. So far it is going great, I haven't noticed a reduction of fine lines or wrinkles yet but I haven't been using it long enough, I have faith though. I am going to order a bigger bottle. I am so excited to have discover GOW and there simple, effective ingredient lists.
Thank you, Lea :-) Our serum is definitely less invasive than many companies offer. It is always wonderful to hear the success for our customers. You are correct as the wait time will show results in lessening the fine lines and wrinkles. Best of luck! ~Markey
This is another favorite! Didn't think product was doing much until my husband mentioned that my face looked smoother and more even. He also has started using it now and has gotten many compliments. Doesn't burn or sting like ascorbic acid. I use 3-4 times a week at night only and love that it contains squalane because it gives me a little extra moisture.
C³ Lipid Elixir
Katie
Great skincare for my acne prone skin
I have combo acne prone skin and have a hard time finding products that don't break me out but are moisturizing enough. GoW has been a game changer.
ReNew Cream with Renovage
Julie
not sure if this is the cleanser for me
Upon doing the cottonball test this item did not clean my face properly for me . I only use jojoba oil and concealer in a few places. I do believe it has quality ingredients, I have mixed it w the Skin Friendly Cucumber cleanser as to make that cleanser more gentle for MY high maintenance skin.
Soothing Cleansing Gel 100% Soap Free
Katie
Healing and smoothing
This serum has really reduced my redness! It's especially helpful any time my skin is freaking out - it seems to reduce the time it takes for breakouts to heal. The hydration and consistency are exactly what I needed as an extra step between my hydrating toner and moisturizer. Also, a friend I was catching up with actually commented on my "glow" - I thought that was only something that happened to people with naturally good skin.
Calming Moisture Serum
Jen
Fantastic product
I have very red and easily irritated skin. This product annihilates the redness overnight. I had been really struggling to find something that helped and this was the only thing that did. It didn't irritate my skin in any way when applied. If there's a moisturizer to match in the future, I volunteer as the guinea pig lol. Thank you for a wonderful product.
Tepezcohuite Calming & Brightening Complex
Anne G.
A bloomin’ good product!
Smells divine and glides across the skin! Delicious!
Rose Stem Cell & Peptide Serum - Floral Peptide Infusion for Renewed Skin Vitality
Harmony J
This serum saved my skin!
I have developed rosacea in the last couple of years and I’ve struggled to find any products that truly helped heal my skin. My skin was dry, irritated, and felt like sandpaper. It seemed like nothing would absorb or make my skin feel hydrated. I’ve seen a dermatologist and have been prescribed multiple creams that have made my skin feel worse and I could never stick with them. I’ve used GoW products on and off for years but finally got fed up with the prescription route and decided to find a natural routine and stick with it. I’ve been using this serum twice a day with an oil blend as moisturizer and also incorporated a hypochlorous acid spray. The rosacea serum has been the thing that has saved my skin. In less than 2 weeks, my skin is no longer red and no longer feels like sandpaper. It’s plump and hydrated. Before, on close inspection, it looked like every pore on my face was clogged and had a layer of red, dry skin. That is nearly gone. This serum is incredible.
Rosacea Serum
Gianna
There's something about coconut vinegar that just hits right...
I LOVE to close my eyes and spray all of the Coco tonics on my face after washing it. It smells amazing and makes it so less is more as you move forward with serums and creams. It's like self-care in a spritzer.
CoCoFen Clarifying Tonic
Gianna
The scent to rival all scent-sations!
It is the most DIVINE of all the serums I've tried at GoW, not only due to it's efficacy, but the scent takes you straight into a rose garden on a mild spring day. Lovely feeling on my skin and to my senses.
Rose Stem Cell & Peptide Serum - Floral Peptide Infusion for Renewed Skin Vitality
Anonymous
FirmAge 5% DMAE
Thiis product is a game changer. I am addicted! I apply it morning and evening. I wake up every day to tighter skin. I cannot see my pores anymore. My jawl line seems smoother and tighter, along with my neck and chin. I wish I had a before and after! I give it a 10/10!
FirmAge 5% DMAE Gel - Sagging Skin Support Tightening and Firming
As an acne prone girlie, I’ve found this helpful in keeping the unwanted bumps at bay.
Hi Vera
We are always pleased to know our products are providing our customers with much-needed relief.
It's crazy how our skin can make or break our days.
Wishing you the best,
Markey
Thought to try this for the first time and I don’t regret it. It feels hydrating and refreshing. The spray works great for reapplication.
Vera,
Thank you for the positive review. It's incredible how something as simple as hydration can make our days
seem to feel better.
Wishing you the best in your skincare journey.
Markey
The Garden of Wisdom AHA + Kojic Acid Serum has been a true staple in my skincare routine
The Garden of Wisdom AHA + Kojic Acid Serum has been a true staple in my skincare routine. I only realized how effective it was when I couldn’t find it for a while—during that time, my skin really struggled. I even tried another serum with a similar formula, but it just didn’t deliver the same results. Now that I’ve found this serum again, I’m beyond happy! My skin is already showing great improvement. It keeps my acne under control and tackles my stubborn post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) better than anything else I’ve tried. This product is definitely a keeper!
Oh, Vera!
This is such great feedback, thank you so much. That's funny (not in a humorous way, though) that you had to run out to recognize its potential. So completely understandable! It happens to all of us.
Thank you so much for sharing this important feedback with others.
Markey
