Alpha Hydroxy Acids aka AHA (glycolic and lactic acids) help clear away dead skin cells that have built up on the skin's surface. Glycolic acid can also penetrate throughout the layers of the skin to enable them to be exfoliated.
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, then 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.
This is my all-time favorite, no frills, action-packed AHA treatment.
I have tried thousands of dollars worth of skincare products to find the perfect solutions for my skin. What have I learned? There is no one size fits all approach to skincare, but often, SIMPLE ingredient decks are the most effective; especially with exfoliation and prevention steps of a skincare routine.
Will continue to repurchase! Thank you GoW!
Alexandra
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us! It is such a joy to hear your positive feedback. We’re delighted to hear that our AHA treatment has earned the spot as your all-time favorite. Your journey through countless products resonates deeply, and we couldn’t agree more simple, effective formulations truly shine when it comes to skincare.
Markey and her crew of dedicated workmates.
E
Emma Holloway
Everything you want for sensitive skin :)
I suffer from sensitive skin, but still wanted an exfoliant. This product is so brilliant! It is just wanted you need without any of the redness or other irritation. I really appreciate the formula, thank you so much for this incredible tonic and for helping me with my skin concerns! :)
Emma,
It’s incredibly gratifying to hear about your success with our AHA (Alpha-Hydroxy Acid) Tonic 2%. We know how challenging it can be to convey the importance of treating sensitive skin with the care and respect it deserves, so your positive experience truly means a lot to us.
Thank you.
Your GoW Crew
A
Alexis
best exfoliator for sensitive skin
i am so glad i purchased this! my skin is so easily irritated & cannot handle most chemical exfoliation, but this one is so gentle yet effective. the basic ingredients are perfect because most additives are also irritating. Thank You!
Thank you so much for this review! :)
P
Pam
AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) Tonic 2%
Fantastic and does wonders for my skin. I have sensitive skin and this amount of exfoliation is perfect. I can not use alcohols, thickners, silicones, preservatives etc on my skin. I love that its only Lactic acid and Glycolic. I cannot use salicylic acid as that penetrates deeper into skin and can cause some hyperpigmentation on me. My skin now feels like silk and I have not been on this long. I leave this on the full 20 minutes with no irritating results Hint- Make sure you use a mild gentle cleanser ,and if it starts to irritate rinse with water and use a sunblock everyday . This is so much better than the department stores that have fillers that you can be allergic too and end up thinking its the exfoliator but in actuality its all the other junk they put in . I also love the customer service here . That in itself is a 5 star rating for Jen, Markey and crew !!!
Skin is like smooth glass... non-invasive... simple and easy.... affordable... great stuff
What can I say? Garden of Wisdom's products are always lovely. This is one of the light, exfoliating products that gives an immediate glow with a finish like smooth glass, without any over-drying (or even any drying) effects).
Even my dentist and hygienist complimented my skin a few weeks ago.
I've been a GoW customer since my late 20s and I'm now 57. My skincare needs have, obviously, changed. However, as my skincare (and haircare) needs change, GoW always gives me what i need, based on what my skin needs.
I cannot do without Markey and Garden of Wisdom. No one will give you the personalized and individualized treatment services, clean products, clean raw ingredients, and custom formulations... Especially at a very affordable cost and fast shipping.
Perfect Pumpkin Exfo 15% Serum
Federika Ten Hoopen
Love the progeline peptide repair serum
I love this serum! I’ve tried many things over the years but this takes the cake!
I am falling in love with the texture of GOW products. This is lightweight and GENTLE formula for mild acne and redness, I am still in the works of finalizing my routine but this is HERE to STAY! Honestly it's impossible to even find a similar product with this good of formulation without the excess ingrinets that can be sneaky and cause problems.
Azelaic Acid 8% Serum
Erika Davies
Great Overnight Jumpstart To Hairgrowth
I enjoy using this as an overnight scalp jumpstart to hair growth. It smells lovely and even though a little more heavy than other follicle stimulators, as it is intended to be rinsed out after overnight, it contains high end ingredients of competitor brands plus even better ingredients not found on the market. My scalp feels rejuvinated each use :)
Follicle Stimulator Serum (Peptides for Your Hair)
Carlin
AMAZING !
Love this serum. Does a great job of fighting current and future acne. Love how clean the ingredients list is!
I found GOW searching for progeline peptides, as it is supposed to be one of the best peptides for wrinkles, and I am so glad that I did. I love this serum and every other product I have tried. Thank you!
Hi Anonymous
Thank y♡u for this very cool review!
We are very confidant in the results this serum provides.
We are excited to hear back with your future results.
Your GOW Team 😊
I am amazed at how fast this works to fade my sun spots better than any treatment I've gotten to try and remove them. The fact that it gets rid of breakouts is an added bonus!
Hi Anonymous 😉
Thank you for this great review! This Clear, Brighten and Prevent is truly a game changer.
Sharing your success means that other may try this and find a secret weapon for their skincare arsenal.
Markey
Love this shampoo! I have an oily scalp but dry hair, and somehow this formula balances both. My hair is much softer (less breakage), and it doesn't need washing as often. It's remarkable that this works without conditioner.
⋆˚࿔ KK ˚⋆
We’re blushing, or maybe that’s just our shampoo bubbling with pride! Thank you for the lovely shoutout to Locks of Lovely Shampoo.
Balancing an oily scalp and dry ends is no small feat, but this shampoo understood the assignment.
We’re thrilled to hear your hair is feeling softer, stronger, and sassier with less wash-day drama (and no conditioner sidekick!).
Who knew one bottle could do it all? We might start calling it the overachiever of the shower shelf.
Thanks again for sharing the love your hair clearly has great taste. ♀️
Markey
I am loving this serum! Jen recommended this to me as a way to move away from moisturizers and creams. It is helping so much with redness, acne, and PD. My skin feels happier.
⋆.˚✮ ✮˚.⋆ Kelsie
This is one of our most popular serums and for a great reason and exactly as you stated.
Happy skin is what we are all about. Maybe we should change our motto to this!
Your GOW Team
