Beta Hydroxy Acids, AKA (salicylic acid) can 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, but we still advise caution with any type of topical acid preparation.
Beta Exfo™ Tonic 2%: pH 2.0-3.2
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, 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.
I was so happy to find a Salicylic Acid product with minimal ingredients! My skin doesn’t tolerate a lot of products that are available because they have unnecessary additives. GOW is the BEST skincare line I’ve ever used… and I’ve tried TONS. Thank you for making simple, clean and effective products!!
Amy,
Thank you for such a thoughtful review. It's always a pleasure to know a customer
has success with a product. We are very happy for you!
Simple, Clean, Effective .. perfectly perfect :-)
Markey
G
G. Quinn
My skin-saving staple since 2010!
Garden of Wisdom Beta Exfo Tonic 2% completely turned my skin around after first trying it in 2010–and I’ve been devoted ever since. I had blackheads, uneven texture, extreme facial oiliness, cycstic and non-cystic acne, and scaring from having battled acne most of my life. I’m also allergic to most skincare ingredients.
My first 8oz bottle dissolved my blackheads, smoothed my skin texture, and drastically reduced my breakouts. I had no allergic reaction—the ingredient list is short & simple, contains none of my allergens. It smells a little like vodka, but that quickly dissipates and no odor of any kind remains.
It became my HG (Holy Grail), and as the years passed my scarring became measurably less noticeable, my oiliness decreased, and my skin texture became smooth. I added the 5% Exfo Tonic to my routine once a week for added “oomph!” (I highly recommend the 5% BHA Exfo Tonic, too!) My self esteem improved and I no longer avoided having my picture taken. I could even go without makeup to hide my skin!
While this product’s formulation may have changed just a little over the years (pH), I continue to buy it—and always have backups! I continue to give bottles to my nieces (and they request it when they run out). I pray this is never discontinued!
I give this a 5 Star Rating!
The one ounce bottle with the dropper was a convenient way to refill my bottle with the pump top
The one ounce bottle with the dropper was a convenient way to refill my bottle with the pump top. Absolutely love what this has been doing for my skin.
Thank you, Helen, for your positive feedback!
WE ❤️ to hear that this product is packaged to help you with refills.
It's wonderful to hear you're enjoying the product and find the bottle convenient. Your satisfaction means a lot to us.
Wishing you healthy skin and happiness.
Your GoW Crew ִ໋͙֒
So far my skin likes this after spritzing with hydrosol. Then I mix a little with sweet almond oil to help seal it in. It doesn't clog my pores or make me break out like other products. Thank you!
Hi Karen, thank you for sharing your experience.
We're so grateful you shared your experience that the Progeline™ Peptide Repair Serum works well with your skincare routine.
Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
Wishing you the very best in your skincare journey,
Markey & Your GoW Crew ִֶָ ࣪ ִֶָ་༘࿐
I just tried the Pomegranate Super Fruit Hydrating Mist. Great scent. Great hydration for use throughout the day.
Thank you for your lovely review, AS! We're so glad you enjoy the Pomegranate Hydrating Mist and find it refreshing throughout the day.
It's kind of amazing how fast skin soaks up hydration when it's needed.
Take good care, and thank you for choosing Garden of Wisdom.
I've been using this cleanser for several months. Love how gentle it is on my sensitive skin.
Thank you for your kind words, AS!
We're delighted to hear that our Soothing Cleansing Gel suits your sensitive skin so well. We appreciate your continued trust in Garden Of Wisdom Skincare.
Your GoW Crew -ˋˏ ༻❁✿❀༺ ˎˊ-
The skin under my eyes is very sensitive and there are not too many products I can tolerate, but this has never bothered me at all. I keep it in the fridge and it's soothing and moisturizing, and does help somewhat with puffiness.
Thank you for your kind words, Tracey
We are happy to hear our Anti-Puffy Eye Serum works well for your sensitive skin and provides the soothing relief you need. We appreciate your support!
Thank you for being such a loyal and long-time customer,
Markey
The one ounce bottle with the dropper was a convenient way to refill my bottle with the pump top
The one ounce bottle with the dropper was a convenient way to refill my bottle with the pump top. Absolutely love what this has been doing for my skin.
Bakuchiol (Sytenol®A) Botanic Facial Oil Booster
Karen Nagamoto
So far my skin likes this after spritzing with hydrosol. Then I mix a little with sweet almond oil to help seal it in. It doesn't clog my pores or make me break out like other products. Thank you!
I just tried the Pomegranate Super Fruit Hydrating Mist. Great scent. Great hydration for use throughout the day.
Super Fruit Hydrating Mist
Andrea Shapiro
Love how gentle it is on my sensitive skin
I've been using this cleanser for several months. Love how gentle it is on my sensitive skin.
Soothing Cleansing Gel 100% Soap Free
Matt Staton
I love this serum so much
I love this serum so much. I have sensitive skin, and use this once a week so it lasts a while, and it makes such a big difference. Smooths lines, cleans pores, and evens skin tone.
Mandelic Acid 5% Serum
Kim
Unclogs pores and smooths bumps
This product has unclogged my pores and smoothed the bumps on my cheeks. I have very sensitive skin and this did not irritate my face. It does not work overnight, you need to stick with it for a while but it worked for me!
Azelaic Acid 8% Serum
Kim
My skin's texture and firmness have improved
I have noticed that my skin's texture and firmness have improved since I have been using this product. The fine lines seem a little smoother and it does not irritate my skin.
Eternal Youth Elixir - Rejuvenation Formula
Lmuir
Superb for Soothing Sunburns
Love this. So simple but effective. I use it daily on my face as it soothes my sensitive skin. Whenever anyone in our family has had too much sun or a sunburn, we use this - it's incredibly soothing and hydrating. Even my picky kiddos happily put it on sun-parched skin.
Aloe Vera Inner Fillet Gel
Natali Hartley
Perfection :)
Love this product!! Especially during summer my skin just thrives with this! Not too thick or rich but leaves my skin happy and moisturized.
Wickedly Rich McDreamy Cream
Magdalena Manion
Work horse in my skin care routine
Work horse in my skin care routine. Have used for years. I spray a few sprays after cleansing on my face, neck, and chest, then use the extra moisture it provides to spread my serum. Resets the ph of my skin, makes everything feel more comfortable, and cost effective. Love it.