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 hand cream! I especially love that it has zero fragrance. It works great for me. Thank you!!!
Quiet Glow Hand Crème
Evita
Love the size and scent
I'm researching on updating my cleanser routine as periodically skin needs change. I bought a sample and have used 2-3 times. This cleanser foams once applied on wet skin. The pumpkin scent is not overpowering and my face feels soft. The sample size gives one plenty to determine if its right for you. I'll use it to change up my routine over the winter months.
Fall Into My Pumpkin Cleanser
Meredith B.
Wonderful, gentle serum for acne
I absolutely love GoW's Salicylic Acid 2% (Alcohol Free) serum. On my skin, it prevents/reduces acne in the gentlest way possible - it's calming, moisturizing, and reduces redness, all while keeping my pores clearer.
Salicylic Acid 2% (Alcohol Free) Serum
colleen gilmour
Well…first off
Well…first off, I need to confess I did not pay attention and I have been using this on my face. Just a drop but it’s been really great! In the winter my skin is so dry and needs an oil and this is what I had so…I used it. No complaints, it did the job and my skin is really clear and hydrated. I will have to get the face version and use this for my body but I do really like it!
Bakuchiol Body Bliss Oil (Body Only)
Anonymous
I’ve never used oil based cleanser before; I was hesitant to try it because I have combination skin
I’ve never used oil based cleanser before; I was hesitant to try it because I have combination skin. My T zone does feel a bit oily when I’m done using this product but before long that diminishes. So for winter weather, this product has been fine - will have to see how it goes once the hot, humid weather returns
Blemish Prone Cleansing Oil
Amy de Gorgue
The results are INCREDIBLE
I’ve tried so many eye creams and serums over the years and nothing has come close to Beautiful Eyes Serum w/Regu-age! The skin around my eyes is extremely sensitive and I’ve had reactions to most products—ranging from burning and irritation to clogged pores and increased milia. This serum has caused zero side effects and is very soothing to my sensitive skin. That alone would have been enough to keep me coming back for more… but the results have been ASTOUNDING!!!
Beautiful Eyes has truly taken years off of my appearance! My eyes look larger than they have in years because the product does such an incredible job tightening the skin on my eyelids! I’ve also seen a DRASTIC reduction in the lines underneath my eyes and my crows feet are nearly non-existent when I’m not smiling. I’m blown away!!
Every time I get complimented on my youthful appearance, I always recommend Garden of Wisdom and this magical serum. Thank you, Markey, for crafting the cleanest, most effective products on the market! I’ll be a customer for life!!!
Beautiful Eyes Serum with ReguAge - for Youthful Eyes
Erika Davies
lovely tool in fighting signs of aging
This serum is a lovely tool in fighting signs of aging cause by lifes little stressors :)
Revitalize Your Skin Serum w/Neurophroline
P M
Adipofill Serum
As a senior I didn't know what to expect. However, in the last two weeks I have noticed that my deep wrinkles look smoother and fuller. i realize it's important to persevere if one wants to make a change. So I'll continue using it morning and night. Thank you for a quality product!
This is the best cream for “mature” skin. I have tried many highly recommended expensive products but this is the only one that actually works, together with a couple of other GOW products as recommended by Jen, to give my skin that “youthful glow” as commented on by my friends. I especially appreciate the natural ingredients with no strange chemicals!
However, as good as this cream is, it is eclipsed by the amazing customer service and suggestions from Jen who tolerated my multiple questions and responded so quickly that I felt as if I was their only customer!
Thank you Jen and GOW for all your help and wonderful products.
PhytoEstrogen Cream - New Formula!
Alyssa
Magical for my whole body!
I love using this on my body. It's magical on knees and elbows. Definitely reviving for dry/rough skin and magical for the rest of my body. Hope this gets made into a body lotion.
I love this hand cream! I especially love that it has zero fragrance. It works great for me. Thank you!!!
Hi there 😉
Thank you so much for sharing this. We’re really glad the sample worked so well for you.
Formulating a hand cream without added fragrance was a very intentional choice, so it’s meaningful to hear that it supported your skin as you hoped it would.
Sometimes, simple and quiet is exactly what hands need.
Thank you for taking the time to let us know.
Warmly, Your Team @ Garden of Wisdom
I'm researching on updating my cleanser routine as periodically skin needs change. I bought a sample and have used 2-3 times. This cleanser foams once applied on wet skin. The pumpkin scent is not overpowering and my face feels soft. The sample size gives one plenty to determine if its right for you. I'll use it to change up my routine over the winter months.
Hi, Evita
Thank you for sharing this. We’re so glad you took the time to explore a sample and pay attention to what your skin needs as the seasons change.
It’s lovely to hear that the pumpkin scent felt gentle and not overpowering, and that your skin felt soft after cleansing. Samples are meant to give you space to decide what feels right, so it’s reassuring to know it supported you in that way.
Thank you for including Garden of Wisdom in your seasonal routine.
Warmly,
Markey
Garden of Wisdom
I absolutely love GoW's Salicylic Acid 2% (Alcohol Free) serum. On my skin, it prevents/reduces acne in the gentlest way possible - it's calming, moisturizing, and reduces redness, all while keeping my pores clearer.
Meredith ☺️
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this. It truly means a lot to us.
We’re especially grateful you noticed how gentle this serum feels. Creating formulas that support clearer-looking skin without unnecessary irritation has always mattered deeply to us, and it’s comforting to hear that your skin experienced that balance.
Thank you for trusting us with your skin and for choosing to spend your hard-earned money with
Garden of Wisdom. We don’t take that lightly, ever.
Warmly,
Markey
Garden of Wisdom
Well…first off, I need to confess I did not pay attention and I have been using this on my face. Just a drop but it’s been really great! In the winter my skin is so dry and needs an oil and this is what I had so…I used it. No complaints, it did the job and my skin is really clear and hydrated. I will have to get the face version and use this for my body but I do really like it!
Colleen 😊
I love your 'confession'. It's honest, raw, and appreciated.
We are happy to know this helped to clear, condition, and retain hydration in your skin.
We look forward tohearing what you think about the facial oil.
Thank you,
Markey
I’ve never used oil based cleanser before; I was hesitant to try it because I have combination skin
I’ve never used oil based cleanser before; I was hesitant to try it because I have combination skin. My T zone does feel a bit oily when I’m done using this product but before long that diminishes. So for winter weather, this product has been fine - will have to see how it goes once the hot, humid weather returns
Hi there! We're glad to hear that you gave our Blemish Prone Cleansing Oil a chance, even though you were hesitant at first. We understand that combination skin can be tricky to manage, especially with oil-based products. We're happy to hear that the oiliness has diminished after using the product and that it has been fine for you during the winter weather.
We recommend continuing to use it and monitoring its performance during the hot and humid weather.
Thank you for trying our product.
Welcome to the GoW Family ☺️