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 !!!
This is another favorite! Didn't think product was doing much until my husband mentioned that my face looked smoother and more even. He also has started using it now and has gotten many compliments. Doesn't burn or sting like ascorbic acid. I use 3-4 times a week at night only and love that it contains squalane because it gives me a little extra moisture.
C³ Lipid Elixir
Katie
Great skincare for my acne prone skin
I have combo acne prone skin and have a hard time finding products that don't break me out but are moisturizing enough. GoW has been a game changer.
ReNew Cream with Renovage
Julie
not sure if this is the cleanser for me
Upon doing the cottonball test this item did not clean my face properly for me . I only use jojoba oil and concealer in a few places. I do believe it has quality ingredients, I have mixed it w the Skin Friendly Cucumber cleanser as to make that cleanser more gentle for MY high maintenance skin.
Soothing Cleansing Gel 100% Soap Free
Katie
Healing and smoothing
This serum has really reduced my redness! It's especially helpful any time my skin is freaking out - it seems to reduce the time it takes for breakouts to heal. The hydration and consistency are exactly what I needed as an extra step between my hydrating toner and moisturizer. Also, a friend I was catching up with actually commented on my "glow" - I thought that was only something that happened to people with naturally good skin.
Calming Moisture Serum
Jen
Fantastic product
I have very red and easily irritated skin. This product annihilates the redness overnight. I had been really struggling to find something that helped and this was the only thing that did. It didn't irritate my skin in any way when applied. If there's a moisturizer to match in the future, I volunteer as the guinea pig lol. Thank you for a wonderful product.
Tepezcohuite Calming & Brightening Complex
Ann
A bloomin’ good product!
Smells divine and glides across the skin! Delicious!
Rose Stem Cell & Peptide Serum - Floral Peptide Infusion for Renewed Skin Vitality
Harmony J
This serum saved my skin!
I have developed rosacea in the last couple of years and I’ve struggled to find any products that truly helped heal my skin. My skin was dry, irritated, and felt like sandpaper. It seemed like nothing would absorb or make my skin feel hydrated. I’ve seen a dermatologist and have been prescribed multiple creams that have made my skin feel worse and I could never stick with them. I’ve used GoW products on and off for years but finally got fed up with the prescription route and decided to find a natural routine and stick with it. I’ve been using this serum twice a day with an oil blend as moisturizer and also incorporated a hypochlorous acid spray. The rosacea serum has been the thing that has saved my skin. In less than 2 weeks, my skin is no longer red and no longer feels like sandpaper. It’s plump and hydrated. Before, on close inspection, it looked like every pore on my face was clogged and had a layer of red, dry skin. That is nearly gone. This serum is incredible.
Rosacea Serum
Gianna
There's something about coconut vinegar that just hits right...
I LOVE to close my eyes and spray all of the Coco tonics on my face after washing it. It smells amazing and makes it so less is more as you move forward with serums and creams. It's like self-care in a spritzer.
CoCoFen Clarifying Tonic
Gianna
The scent to rival all scent-sations!
It is the most DIVINE of all the serums I've tried at GoW, not only due to it's efficacy, but the scent takes you straight into a rose garden on a mild spring day. Lovely feeling on my skin and to my senses.
Rose Stem Cell & Peptide Serum - Floral Peptide Infusion for Renewed Skin Vitality
Anonymous
FirmAge 5% DMAE
Thiis product is a game changer. I am addicted! I apply it morning and evening. I wake up every day to tighter skin. I cannot see my pores anymore. My jawl line seems smoother and tighter, along with my neck and chin. I wish I had a before and after! I give it a 10/10!
FirmAge 5% DMAE Gel - Sagging Skin Support Tightening and Firming
Mineral oil may not have nutritive value but for someone like myself, who is allergic to just about everything, this product has been very helpful. It is one of the very few things that I can use without my skin having a major tantrum. I use it on my hair as well. I put it in an oil sprayer (like you use in your kitchen) and I can lightly spray my hair and it makes it soooo shiny! I will continue to buy this on the reg and I'm asking GOW to always carry it in their inventory, please.
Hi Laura
Thank you for sharing your positive experience with our Mineral Oil (white cosmetic grade)! We understand that everyone's skin is unique and we are glad to hear that our oil has been helpful for your allergies. We will make sure to keep it in stock for you and other customers in the future. Thank you for choosing our product and for your continued support!
Your GoW Team Members
This is another favorite! Didn't think product was doing much until my husband mentioned that my face looked smoother and more even. He also has started using it now and has gotten many compliments. Doesn't burn or sting like ascorbic acid. I use 3-4 times a week at night only and love that it contains squalane because it gives me a little extra moisture.
Teresa and (hubby)
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review for our C³ Lipid Elixir! We are delighted to hear that you and your husband have both noticed positive results from using our product. We pride ourselves on using gentle and effective ingredients, such as squalane, to provide skin conditioning and improve skin texture. Thank you for choosing our product and we hope it continues to exceed your expectations.
Have a wonderful day!
These pads are one of my favorites! I have used them for a few years. They don't flare up my rosacea (do a patch test first) or cause excessive dryness. I only use 1-2 times a week so the product lasts for many months. I like that it only has one ingredient and no preservatives. Great price and shipping is fast.
Hi Teresa
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive review for our Lactic Acid Exfo Pads! We're so glad to hear that they have become one of your favorites and that they don't irritate your rosacea or cause dryness. We always recommend doing a patch test before trying any new product. We're also happy to hear that the product lasts for a long time and that you appreciate the simplicity of one ingredient and no preservatives. Thank you for choosing our product and for the kind words about our price and shipping. We truly appreciate your support!
Markey and Her Amazing Crew @ GOW
I have combo acne prone skin and have a hard time finding products that don't break me out but are moisturizing enough. GoW has been a game changer.
Katie ❤️🔥
We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback on our ReNew Cream with Renovage. We are excited to hear that it has been a game changer for your acne prone skin. We understand the struggle of finding products that balance the skin barrier and help to avoid breakouts.
Knowing this cream has met your needs is quite delightful. We appreciate your support and look forward to providing you with even more effective skincare solutions in the future. Your review helps us to know when we want to keep a product in our rotation.
Wishing You the Very Best,
Your GOW Team
Upon doing the cottonball test this item did not clean my face properly for me . I only use jojoba oil and concealer in a few places. I do believe it has quality ingredients, I have mixed it w the Skin Friendly Cucumber cleanser as to make that cleanser more gentle for MY high maintenance skin.
Hi Julie
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for our Soothing Cleansing Gel. We apologize that the product did not meet your expectations and we understand that finding the right cleanser for your skin can be a challenge.
We appreciate your feedback and would like to suggest trying our Skin Friendly Cucumber cleanser, which you have already mixed with our Soothing Cleansing Gel. It may be a better fit for your high maintenance skin. We also recommend using a gentle exfoliator occasionally to
help ensure a deep clean.
We strive to provide quality products and we hope to have the opportunity to better serve you in the future.
Again, thank you for your honesty as well,
Markey
