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
Hi MLV
Thank you! for this review.
Keep us updated! It has really helped a lot of customers with body application
to slough off dead skin cells. That sounds kind of gross but very effective. 😉
Immediate results!!!
I had a big weight loss that left my skin with stretch marks and loose skin, i tried so many products and NOTHING compares to this. Within a week, half my stretch marks are faded and my skin tightened and firmed i could actively feel it working after the first use! Only part that is difficult is the ammonia smell but after applying it goes away and doesnt linger so not a big problem for me at all. I love love LOVE this and would recommend! Thank you!
Hi June ⭐️⭐️⭐️
WOW… reviews like this genuinely make us stop in our tracks. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the FirmAge DMAE Serum.
We know how emotional and frustrating changes in the skin after major weight loss can feel, so hearing that you noticed such a visible difference so quickly is so exciting! We especially appreciate you mentioning the natural DMAE aroma with such honesty and grace. It’s definitely one of those ingredients that prioritizes function over elegance, but we’ve found many customers feel the results make it worthwhile.
We’re beyond grateful you gave it a chance and even more grateful that it’s helping you feel good in your skin again.
With Our Deepest Gratitude, Your Team @ GoW
My favorite serum of all time!! I don't know what took me so long to order this one, but Jen recommended it for hydration, and after finishing up some other (also lovely) GoW serums I finally got myself one of these. It is the most supremely hydrating serum I have ever used. It feels dewy but not greasy, and gives that sinking, unctuous hydration that feels like it really penetrates. I am prone to dehydration, and sometimes it feels like nothing actually soothes it, and products are just sitting on top. Not with Es-care-go!!! I don't even need a cream during the day anymore, which for me is unheard of. Before, without a copious layer or some sort of cream or oil my skin would feel tight. I credit this serum with allowing me to use some retinol again, which is another huge win. Can't live without this one!!!! Thank you GoW!
😙This review absolutely made our day. Thank you for taking the time to share such thoughtful feedback and for trusting Jen’s recommendation.
Hearing that Es-Care-Go Serum helped bring that deep, comfortable feeling of hydration to your skin is exactly what we hoped this serum could offer, especially for skin that feels persistently dehydrated beneath the surface.
We loved reading your description of it feeling dewy yet able to truly sink in, because that balance was incredibly important to us when creating it. Hearing that it helped support your skin enough to comfortably use retinol again is such a huge compliment. It's a great example of the 'proof is in the pudding'. *smiles8
We’re so grateful you’re here with us and beyond happy that this serum found its way into your routine.
˚‧。⋆⋆。‧˚
With appreciation,
Your GoW Crew
Well I can brag about the company all day because my experience is with them have been amazing. They work extra hard to make sure that us the customers are well taken care of in my experience. The prickly pear seed oil seems to be of high quality, silky, and is one the star of my anti-aging ace serum which since purchasing this oil from them has had it come out perfect every time. Great job!!
Derena -`♡´-
This means so much to all of us, thank you. We put a great deal of care into sourcing ingredients that feel beautiful to work with, so hearing that the Prickly Pear Seed Oil has become such a standout in your serum brought a smile to our faces. This is my favorite oil!
We’re also incredibly grateful for your kind words about our team. Taking care of our customers has always been at the heart of what we do, and support like yours genuinely keeps us going.
Wishing you continued beautiful and glowing skin ahead,
Your GoW Crew ⋆ ˚。⋆ ˚。⋆ ˚。⋆ ˚。
This is a great light hand lotion with a great scent that doesn’t irritate my skin
This is a great light hand lotion with a great scent that doesn’t irritate my skin. I wish it was a bit thicker. When I need something heavier, I’ll use the Sinfully Rich Hand Cream.
Thank You 😊❣️for your review.
We completely understand what you mean about it feeling a bit on the thinner side. Over the years, we’ve actually found that many skin products tend to perform best when they’re lighter in texture, as they absorb more comfortably and layer beautifully on prepared skin.
That said, if you prefer a richer feel, we do offer a couple of thicker creams that blend wonderfully with this lotion. A small amount mixed in can create a really lovely texture while still giving you the benefits of both products.
Wishing you well ❤️
Literally the only one I've ever used and I've searched for 30 yrs. Just the best!
Decadent Oat Enriched Emulsion
Teal Schinkel
Works on Melasma!
Nothing has worked so far on my Melasma as well as this. My skin has a glow that it doesn't have when I'm not using. And it's keeping acne at bay. There's a noticeable difference when I don't use this. Don't want to go without.
Clear, Brighten, and Prevent Serum
Rebekah Eustis
great for removing thick sunscreen
This micellar water is the best! I am in the ocean a lot and so wear thick mineral waterproof sunscreen. In the past, trying to get it all off so that my skin didn't break out was always a challenge because the foaming cleansers would dry out my skin. That is why this is a life saver. As another review mentioned, I shake the bottle, pour about a teaspoon or so in my palm and smooth over my face and neck. You can literally see the sunscreen (or make up) melt off. I rinse and then cleanse one more time with the gentle cleansing gel (another winner IMO). My skin is clean but not dry! I love the sensitive formula. Thank you GOW for making such amazing products!
Micellar Cleansing Dew | Sensitive Profile
CT
If I could only use one skincare brand for the rest of my life.
It would truly be garden of wisdom. I started using GOW about 8 or 9 years ago and have never looked back. I haven’t been disappointed by a single product, and I have tried soo many and would bathe in them all daily if I could. several have become staples in my routine, which is about 75% gow products now. The education they provide is genuinely game changing. You not only understand what you’re using and why, but the results are noticeably better than any other store brand skincare I’ve tried.
The company itself is lovely. It’s built on education, research, and experience, not marketing, trends, fake reviews, or the deceptive tactics most skincare brands rely on. Their success comes from a real commitment to honestly informing and educating their community while making truly amazing skincare. Thank you🤍
Garden Of Wisdom Skincare
Margie
Shrinks those bags!
I use this when I’m going out for something special I want to look my best. It really does shrink those puffy tissues around the eyes. It’s a great quick fix item.
Anti-Puffy Eye Serum
Margie
Lovely, soft skin!
Do you know the expression, “If I could bathe in this stuff, I would.”? Well, I do! I know this is an expensive option, but I use this as my body wash for my dry and sensitive body skin. Luckily, a little goes a long way. It’s so gentle and leaves my skin nice and clean, but also super soft at the same time. I use the Honey Butter cleanser on my face and this duo works really well for me.
Oats Milk and Honey Facial Cleanser
Anonymous
C3 Lipid Elixer
I tried this on a whim & I am so happy that I did! My skin is a bit sensitive, as well as very moody. This elixir works with my skin. My skin actually looks better.
Thank you!
C³ Lipid Elixir
Harmony Jensen
Perfect level of moisture.
I use this at night with a few drops of an oil and it’s the perfect level of moisture for my skin, even during winter. Heavy creams cause issue for me and this is perfect.
Decadent Oat Enriched Emulsion (No Essential Oils)
rhonda dawley
Amazingly enough
Amazingly enough... this stuff really seems to be making a difference for the skin under and around my eyes. I'm pleasantly surprised by this eye treatment. I especially love that it is all natural and no silicones, which my skin seems to immensely dislike. I have only been using for a short time but so far am very impressed. I definitely plan to order again!
Beautiful Eyes Serum with ReguAge - for Youthful Eyes
Iryna ivanova
Great experience
Great experience. The company sent me extra oil and even more squalene that I needed as a replacement. They acted quick and very professional. Thanks!r