Garden of Wisdom's Vita ReSurface Serum combats aging on a cellular level with All-Trans Retinol, a stable form of Vitamin A. Retinol is an active ingredient for sophisticated cosmetic skin care products. It is a highly effective active ingredient for caring for aging skin and protects against photo-aging.
Use the Vita Resurface Serum every three nights for the first two weeks.
On the nights when the Vita Resurface Serum is being used, cleanse the skin and continue by only applying the Vita Resurface Serum and no other product.
Allow the serum to sit for two hours before proceeding with your nightly routine. Waiting two hours is the key to achieving the best possible results with the Vita Resurface Serum.
On your third week of use, apply the Vita Resurface Serum every second day.
On your fifth week of use, apply the Vita Resurface Serum every night until the desired results are achieved.
List of Ingredients
Liposome Base (soy based) encapsulates and stabilizes actives, moisturizing Rose Geranium Hydrosol is hydrating, great for mature skin, calming, humectant, vegetable derived, and draws moisture out of the air to the skin when applied topically. Sodium PCA natural moisturizer binds water to the skin Galactobarian (polysaccharide) humectant helps to stop transepidermal water loss, binds moisture to the skin Guar Gum natural thickener Gluconolactone (Glucono Delta Lactone) is a gentle preservative with gentle exfoliation properties All-Trans Retinol see above
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.
Rose Geranium Hydrosol - is hydrating, great for mature skin, calming, humectant,
vegetable derived, and draws moisture out of the air to the skin when applied topically.
Sodium PCA – is a natural moisturizer that binds water to the skin
Galactobarian (polysaccharide) - humectant helps to stop trans-epidermal water loss,
moisture to the skin
Guar Gum - natural thickener
Gluconolactone (Glucono Delta Lactone) - is a gentle preservative with gentle exfoliation properties
All-Trans Retinol – is a stable form of Vitamin A. Retinol is an active ingredient for sophisticated
cosmetic skin care products. It is a highly effective active ingredient for caring for aging skin and
protects against photo-aging.
I'm just starting to use this so I'm not sure how my skin will "react", but if it's anything like the rest of the products, It will be amazing!
Terri,
Thank you for the review! Please keep us updated with how your skin is reacting anf your results.
Markey ♡
B
Bellarose Jardin
Love everything!
My sebboric dermatitis is finally at bay! I’ve tried multiples of GOW’s actives and my skin loves the salicylic 2%… (only one FOR ME) that doesn’t cause redness (when used 3x week :) ) all the actives are great btw just see what your skin needs, I’ve been using the oat moisturizer and Micellar dew for a couple months and my skin is becoming less sensitive I’m beginning to feel less stressed with potential acne / sensitivity! *yay and thank you!! The retinol was great but not for my skin and that’s ok find what work for you ♥️!
Bellarose, Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re always so grateful to hear when our formulas give relief. To hear that your seborrheic dermatitis is finally under control and that our products have played a role in your skincare journey is fantastic. Hearing that the Salicylic 2% has been effective for you without causing irritation while discovering the right balance for your skin is so important, and we love that you've been able to tailor your routine to what works best for you.
You are such an inspiration!
We’re also happy to hear that the Oat Enriched Serum and Micellar Cleansing Dew have been helping to strengthen your skin’s barrier and reduce sensitivity. Feeling less stressed about potential breakouts and irritation is a huge win, and we celebrate that with you
It’s completely okay that retinol wasn’t the perfect match for your skin; skincare is all about learning what works for you, and your approach to listening to your skin’s needs is truly inspiring. We appreciate your thoughtful words and are so grateful to be part of your routine. Thank you for your support, and we’re always here for you on your skincare journey!
Soldier on my friend.
M
Meridith
Gentle but effective
I bought this on a whim and am happy I did! I started using it on my neck and chest and it has helped fade my freckles/sun spots and overall made the skin look much smoother and brighter. Ordering my second bottle!
Thank you so much for this review!
D
DH
Perfect for this old(er) woman!
After years of visiting dermatologists and medical estheticians who all swore by their prescribed products, which turned my face into a lumpy, flaky biscuit, I gave this all-trans retinol a try and will never go back. Had cystic acne well into my 30s and continued with breakouts into my early 60s. Tons of research later, I discovered that the prescribed products contain filler ingredients which would clog my skin. The many types of moisturizers used to combat the flakiness added to my clogged skin woes. My 65-year old face is now smooth, clear and flake-free. A 19-year-old coworker asked about my skin-care routine because she hopes her skin looks as good as mine at 65. Huh? Never heard that before! (FYI—I’ve used GOW products exclusively since 2018.)
Since my skin was already acclimated to tretinoin/retinol, I started with the 1% strength eased into using it 5-6 times a week. After a couple of hours, I follow up with a moisturizer (GOW Saffron Rose Majikal Facial Lotion). Works great for me!
We're so glad this serum is a winner for you! thank you :)
L
Lea
So far so good
I have been looking for a retinol that will not break me out, not be over drying and that is safe for fungal acne. So far it is going great, I haven't noticed a reduction of fine lines or wrinkles yet but I haven't been using it long enough, I have faith though. I am going to order a bigger bottle. I am so excited to have discover GOW and there simple, effective ingredient lists.
Thank you, Lea :-) Our serum is definitely less invasive than many companies offer. It is always wonderful to hear the success for our customers. You are correct as the wait time will show results in lessening the fine lines and wrinkles. Best of luck! ~Markey
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.
Pineapple & Red Wine Exfoliating Gel
Jennifer Goldberg
Can finally tolerate dry air
Can finally tolerate dry air.
Ceramide Hydrating Complex Serum with Cosmocil CQ
SV
Miracle
Beta glucans for the win! This really did wonders for my dry skin. I feel like it does more than HA alone. I have combination skin and eczema and I did not experience any issues regarding acne or irritation.
Oat Enriched Facial Serum
Anonymous
TXA - the wonder drug
I just started using the TXA+Z Radiance Serum so it’s a little too soon to tell if it will help with my dark patches but I think it’s starting to help. As a surgical RN, I am very familiar with TXA (given IV) and find it an amazing and very useful drug in the OR so I have no doubt it will be beneficial on my skin.
Most effective clean aluminum-free plant-based deodorant
I've been using clean plant-based deodorant for a decade, and this seems to do the best job of controlling odors that develop because of hormones, stress, and exercise. When I saw the size of the bottle, I checked to make sure I hadn't ordered the trial size; however, this tiny bottle delivers a lot in a small dot applied to each armpit and will likely last several weeks.
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
Hi Grace °❀.ೃ࿔* This made us smile with gratitude. Thank you for taking the time to finish the bottle and then come back to share your experience. That really helps customers understand the product's long-term impact.
This emulsion was created specifically for skin like yours. Very dry, easily congested, and often reactive. We wanted something deeply comforting without relying on oils or butters that can feel too heavy or pore-clogging for some (not all)
skin types, especially rosacea-prone skin.
We love that you mentioned the oat (we think you meant the glutathione) aroma becoming comforting. Although overwhelming at first, this ingredient is incredibly healing and soothing.
Thank you for trusting us with your skin and for such a thoughtful, generous review.
We’re so glad this formula was what your skin desired. ͙֒
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!!!
Nicole ❤️ and WOW WOW WOW, thank you so much!
Azelaic acid can be a lifeline for some skin types, and we’re very intentional about keeping this formula simple, focused, and free from common troublemakers that can overwhelm sensitive or reactive skin. We’re especially glad to hear that this version works well for you without feeling harsh, sticky, or pore-clogging. 😲
Your note about preferring azelaic acid itself, rather than derivatives, is exactly why this product exists in its current form. The texture is a deliberate trade-off to keep the formula gentle and effective, and it’s reassuring to know it hasn’t affected our experience.
We appreciate your being a part of the GoW family.
Refreshing and calming. So many skin benefits but even if there wasn’t any benefits I’d use it for the smell alone!
Thank you, Sheryl,
We all agree here that Neroli in any form is such a delightful experience for the nose and the soul.
We appreciate your being a part of our GoW family.
Markey ͙֒
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. :)
Danyelle
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience, especially so early on. We truly appreciate how thoughtfully you approach ingredients and sourcing.
Our Clearly Pure Hyaluronic Acid is intentionally simple and clean, designed to let the ingredient speak for itself over time. You’re absolutely right that hyaluronic acid benefits are best judged with continued use.
We also appreciate your openness in mentioning our rooster-derived hyaluronic acid. Transparency matters to us, and we respect that different customers make different choices based on their values and needs.
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Our goal is always to offer high-quality options clearly labeled so you can choose the option that best aligns with you.
Thank you! for your trust and for being part of the Garden of Wisdom community.
