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.
Hi Laura
Thank you for the 5-star review. We really appreciate it.
Your GoW Team
A
Alexandra Sargent
Favorite AHA product
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 !!!
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.
Majik Coconut Revival Cream
Beverly Katzenberger
So far I like the PPSO and the way the oil quickly absorbs into the skin
So far I like the PPSO and the way the oil quickly absorbs into the skin. The only issue is that I keep forgetting that I have it in the refrigerator.
Prickly Pear Seed Oil - The Secret to Timeless Radiance
Andrea S
Banishes redness
Bought this for my husband to treat redness on his face. It's hard to get him to use products. Started with a sample. I worked, so he asked me to order more. He must really like it. Thanks Garden of Wisdom!
Cherry Fruit Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Andrea S
Great on my sensitive skin
I use this cleanser every evening. Love the scent and my skin feels so smooth afterwards. I will continue to keep this as part of my daily routine.
Soothing Cream Cleanser with Matcha Green Tea
Andrea S
Great for clogged pores
This product works well on my sensitive skin. It has helped clear clogged pores on my nose as well as reduce small bumps that frequently appear on my cheeks. I'll keep this one on hand at all times.
Sulfur Clearing Serum
Patricia Portis
So far, so good!
To be honest, I use Serum as a Scalp Oil Treatment....I mixed it in with another scalp treatment that I do weekly....I'm very sensitive to everything, but far. so good....Thank you!
Happy Scalp Detox My Itchy and Dry Scalp Serum
Peg G
Best lotion ever!
This lotion is the best I’ve ever found! Sinks in beautifully, providing moisture to dry, cracked hands and itchy, flaky legs. After many years of searching for the perfect lotion, I’ve found the one! The aroma is subtly beautiful (sea of blue)- love everything about this product :). Thank you Garden of Wisdom!,
Creamy Hand and Body Lotion
Amelia Thome
This Is THE Lotion
All the things skin is supposed to do, (like holding in hydration and moisture, shedding naturally, and remaining intact to provide a barrier against the elements) my skin doesn't. What it does do, is react to everything (including my own sweat) as an enemy, and block and inflame random pores as revenge upon me for trying to moisturize so the itching doesn't drive me to madness.
This lotion has been genuinely miraculous. At best, others help one problem but cause another. This one interrupts the cycle, and has actually made my skin healthier. To echo another review, please never stop making this.
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 ☺️
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!!!
Amy ꒒ ০ ⌵ ୧ ♡
Oh my goodness. This means more than I (we) can easily put into words.
Thank you for taking the time to share this, and for trusting us with such a sensitive area of your skin. Hearing that your eye area feels calm, comfortable, and supported, especially after so many past reactions, is terrific to hear. And knowing you see fundamental changes makes all of our hearts smile.
This is precisely why we do this work. Carefully. Thoughtfully. With integrity and patience.
Your results, and your confidence, are the reward.
Thank you for your kindness, your loyalty, and for sharing the Garden of Wisdom with others.
We all hold notes like this very close. Truly.
With so much gratitude,
Markey, Jen and Your GoW Team
This serum is a lovely tool in fighting signs of aging cause by lifes little stressors :)
Thank you, Erika.
You are adorable. We are always happy to hear when a product shows the results
one is hoping for.
Thank you for the video!
Markey ˚⊱⊰˚
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!
⋆.˚✮ ✮˚.⋆ for taking the time to share this. Hearing that you’re noticing your skin look smoother and fuller with continued use means a great deal to us.
Skincare changes take patience, and your note about perseverance really resonates. As someone who is almost 70 myself, I understand how important it is to give the skin time and consistency, and to choose products that feel supportive rather than aggressive.
Thank you for your trust and for being part of Garden of Wisdom.
Markey and the Fabulous GoW Crew
