Garden of Wisdom is getting rave reviews for this product as well as customers feel relieved to step away from the butylene and propylene glycols in most products that are alcohol-free. 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 alpha-hydroxy acids.
Application Method If you are new to acids, use them 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 or a brush designed for acids, 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 if the acids are very uncomfortable. If so, rinse immediately and build up a tolerance to the acids over about a month's 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.
Zemea™ Propanediol (100% Certified Organic, fermented corn sugar) the first Non-Petroleum-Based Glycol for Personal Care Formulations, 100% Corn derived, revolutionary in the skincare world, luxurious with a non-sticky feel
What a terrific product to burn down! I use it usually once a week on my face and choose another day once a week for my neck. It's a nice way to bio-stimulate your skin. Thank you, Garden of Wisdom
Hey Dawn! You described this perfectly and the routine as well. You're a peachy keen gal. Love the term bio-stimulate!
K
Kimberly
My all time favourite skin care product
While I agree with the other reviewers that the pads are rough, I simply dab them on my face - which I prefer to wiping anyway, as it aggravates my face less and leaves more product on the skin.
These pads are my all time favourite skin care product. I have been consistently repurchasing for years. No high-end product has ever done a better job. I dab these pads on my face when I have a bit of time, let the acid sink in, and bam! My skin is baby soft, pores minimised, redness and active blemishes look visibly clearer. Despite feeling like a strong acid when first applied, my skin ends up feeling so hydrated and supple. I apply an oil or moisturiser on top after about 1.5 - 2 hours and my skin looks visibly brighter and clearer.
I hope GoW never stops making these, as I'd be lost without them in my skin care routine!!! Thank you!
Thank you for this lovely review! We're so glad you love them :)
K
Kristian
Not quite right
I've ordered this a few times and my only complaint was that the wipes are very rough. This is not something that just a few people have an opinion on, I think this is something where everyone who buys these will agree. This is a niche brand and I've still come across multiple people bringing up the roughness of the pads in this product on forums, and even the other reviewer is here to say just that. Dabbing the pads on your face so that you don't have to rub them across your skin is not a realistic option, the point of wipes is to wipe your face with them. I don't know why the wipes haven't been changed; little cotton pads/wipes are super cheap.. I can get 4x more than are in this product for like half a dollar. If I made this product and it had this issue, even if I had a warehouse full of those cotton wipes stockpiled I'd still cut my losses and switch to new ones because the ones in use now are really, really bad.
Anyway.. I put up with them being rough and just ordered two more jars. In the past the smell, feel, everything has always been consistent, but this time they smell rather sweet? like some kind of food almost, instead of the super consistent plain chemical smell. The bigger issue is that right away I found that they make my skin itch so incredibly bad that I have to rinse it off to stop the feeling. I have no tolerance issues with these in the past. I have tough skin and no allergies. Either this batch is jank or there have been bad changes made to the product.
Hi Kristian!
We sent you an email. We didn't see these reviews until recently as they were not being sent to our email. We're sorry we missed this! :) If you ever have a problem with a product, please email us directly so we can address anything right away :)
C
Coya
The Serum is Better for Me
The product works, but the pads seem a bit too rough and too much product is applied. I much prefer the serum.
COLLAGEN RENEWAL SERUM GOES ON SMOOTH AND I HAVE NOTICED A MORE EVEN SKIN TONE
COLLAGEN RENEWAL SERUM GOES ON SMOOTH AND I HAVE NOTICED A MORE EVEN SKIN TONE. SO FAR I AM LIKING THE SERUM
Collagen Renewal Serum
Anonymous
Never disappoints and good price
Never disappoints and good price. Thank you GOW!
Fruit Acid Exfo Pads 10% pH 2.85
Marie Donald
The Banana Healing Serum is wonderful for sensitive reactive skin
The Banana Healing Serum is wonderful for sensitive reactive skin. Whenever my skin gets red and inflamed, this along with the calendula cream are the only products that calm my skin.
Banana Healing Serum
Margie Levy
Even better!
Thank you for reformulating this already wonderful product! I’ve always loved it, but I really love that. It doesn’t separate now.
PhytoEstrogen Cream - New Formula!
Grace
Incredible
Waited until I used the whole bottle to review... My rosacea has improved so much using this emulsion!!! I'm in love with the fact that it's a moisturizer with no oils or butters, for I have very dry but easily clogged skin. The oat smell was not a problem for me and became comforting in a strange way LOL! Thank you for making such great products!! <3
Decadent Oat Enriched Emulsion (No Essential Oils)
Nicole B
The BEST Azelaic Acid Product I've Tried
I've been using azelaic acid for a couple of years for my pustular rosacea. It is the one thing that helps my skin stay clear the most. I've tried so many different brands, and most contain ingredients that clog my pores or my skin can't tolerate (like silicones, glycols, and other acids). This product has been AMAZING--it smooths my skin and bumps, it isn't harsh, and gives me a nice glow without being oily or sticky. Also I've noticed azelaic acid works better for me than other derivatives. The slightly grainy texture of this product doesn't bother me and doesn't linger on my skin. Please don't stop making this version!!!
Azelaic Acid 8% Serum
Sheryl Paradis
Refreshing and calming
Refreshing and calming. So many skin benefits but even if there wasn’t any benefits I’d use it for the smell alone!
Neroli Orange Blossom Hydrosol Organic
Danyelle Scott, RF, MT, PTA
So far I have used this HA serum only four days in a row.
So far I have used this HA serum only four days in a row, and overall I like it. I'll have to use it for much longer to determine just how effective it is. I do, however, really like the rooster derived HA serum, which I have purchased from GOW before, because I know it's the real thing, so to speak, and I don't mind that it's animal sourced, because I'm not a vegetarian, and fowl is being consumed in huge quantities by non vegetarians in any case, i.e., they're not on the endangered species list. :)
Clearly Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Khalua Kinard
Amazing!
I love the smell and the glow you have after using it.
COLLAGEN RENEWAL SERUM GOES ON SMOOTH AND I HAVE NOTICED A MORE EVEN SKIN TONE
COLLAGEN RENEWAL SERUM GOES ON SMOOTH AND I HAVE NOTICED A MORE EVEN SKIN TONE. SO FAR I AM LIKING THE SERUM
Hi Shannon ❤️
Thank you for taking the time to leave this note. Hearing that it applies beautifully and is helping your skin look more even is wonderful feedback.
We truly appreciate you sharing your experience.
With gratitude,
Markey
Hi Jessica 😊
“Never disappoints” is the best compliment. 💯
We truly appreciate your support and are so happy they’ve remained a staple for you.
Warmly,
Markey ❤️
The Banana Healing Serum is wonderful for sensitive reactive skin
The Banana Healing Serum is wonderful for sensitive reactive skin. Whenever my skin gets red and inflamed, this along with the calendula cream are the only products that calm my skin.
Hi Marie 😊
Thank you so much for sharing this. Hearing that it feels comforting when your skin is feeling reactive
truly means a lot to us.
Banana and calendula were both chosen for their gentle, supportive nature, so we’re grateful they’re working beautifully for you.
We appreciate you trusting us with your skin.
Thank you for being such a long-time and wonderful customer.
Markey, Jen, and everyone here We appreciate you!
Thank you for reformulating this already wonderful product! I’ve always loved it, but I really love that. It doesn’t separate now.
Hi Margie 😊
This truly means so much. Thank you for loving it before and for noticing the improvement.
We worked hard on that reformulation, and hearing that it’s performing beautifully without separating makes us so happy.
We appreciate you being with us through the evolution.
Warmly,
Markey, Jen, and the whole staff here ˚ʚɞ˚
I was recommended this product from a holistic aesthetician. She focuses on protecting the skin barrier and finding products that work with your skin type. I’ve had really dry postpartum skin, and she said to buy these as part of my new skin routine, and these are great! My skin was already used to using acids, so these do not sting for me. They gently exfoliate and leave my skin so hydrated. I’m happy I bought these in bulk!
Hi Kate 😊
We all truly appreciate this review. Supporting the skin barrier while still allowing gentle
renewal is something we care about deeply.
Hearing that your skin feels hydrated and comfortable means the formulation is doing
exactly what we hoped. Tell your aesthetician we said 'thank you.' ❤️
Thank you for trusting us with your routine.
Thank you for taking the time to write this for us,
Markey
