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 into a separate,sterilized spray bottle and spritzer. Keep the larger bottle in the refrigerator. Carrier and Exotic Oils - generally, you can refrigerate all carrier oils, although some very rich oils will solidify. This is fine. All you have to do is take it 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. There are some oils with a super long shelf life, like Coconut Cream and Jojoba Oil.
Refrigeration is not necessary, but it surely 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 (whole or ground) should be kept in a dark, cool and dry location. Herbal (liquid) Extracts - these are created using alcohol. The alcohol pulls the constituents (properties) from each herbs - root, trunk, leaves, and flowers. They have a shelf life of 3-5 years. They can be kept in the refrigerator or a dark place. Other Raw Ingredients - i.e., Sodium PCA, Honeyquat, Oat Beta Glucan, etc. will all have a different shelf life.
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!
