Simple, less aggressive form of Alpha-hydroxy Acid. This product works effectively by clearing away dead skin cells that have built up on the skin without the irritation some experience with the Glycolic Acid form of Alpha-Hydroxy Acid.
Method of Application If you are new to acids, use this product every three days. In total, exfoliate no more than 3 to 4 times per week. Use on clean skin (these pads will also tone the skin). Swipe gently across the face using short strokes, 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 if the acids are very uncomfortable. If so, rinse immediately and build up a tolerance to the acids over about a month's time, increasing the length of time every few days. Acids, however, are not meant to be comfortable as they are a remodeling tool.
Due to the low pH of this product, it will not grow bacteria, therefore it does not require a preservative.
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 into a separate,sterilized spray bottle and spritzer. Keep the larger bottle in the refrigerator. Carrier and Exotic Oils - generally, you can refrigerate all carrier oils, although some very rich oils will solidify. This is fine. All you have to do is take it 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. There are some oils with a super long shelf life, like Coconut Cream and Jojoba Oil.
Refrigeration is not necessary, but it surely 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 (whole or ground) should be kept in a dark, cool and dry location. Herbal (liquid) Extracts - these are created using alcohol. The alcohol pulls the constituents (properties) from each herbs - root, trunk, leaves, and flowers. They have a shelf life of 3-5 years. They can be kept in the refrigerator or a dark place. Other Raw Ingredients - i.e., Sodium PCA, Honeyquat, Oat Beta Glucan, etc. will all have a different shelf life.
I'm super sensitive with rosacea, so I avoid most exfoliators, but still get dead skin build up I need to address about every 2-3 weeks. These pads are gentle and effective. I've tried other chemicals exfos before that either do nothing/too gentle or tear my skin up. Found my goldilocks product and am so happy it's minimal so I don't have to try and figure out which mystery ingredient is aggravating my skin.
Gretchen,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We are excited to hear that these exfoliating pads have become your 'Goldilocks product' ~ gentle enough for your sensitive, rosacea-prone skin while still effective at addressing dead skin buildup. Finding the right balance with exfoliation can be such a challenge, and we’re so glad our minimal formulation provides the results you need without any unnecessary irritation.
Your feedback is incredibly valuable and reinforces our commitment to creating simple, effective solutions for even the most sensitive skin types. We’re thrilled to be part of your skincare routine and are here to support you every step of the way. Thank you for trusting us with your skin!
j
julie karas
simple to the point ingredients!
I was using a different lactic product but it had witch hazel, glycerin, and alot other ingredients that always left my face feeling like a film was on it, plus they would not tell me the % of lactic! I just wanted something w the LACTIC acid only! glad to have tried it on here. only have used once so too soon tell but no film, could just feel my actual skin for once. I have dry sensitive acne prone skin and have no irritation so far. Will need to reorder in quantity!
Soo glad you are liking this product! We really appreciate you taking the time to review!
M
Megan
Love the minimal ingredients
As someone with hyper-sensitive and hyper-reactive skin, it’s so hard to find any products I can use. The more ingredients, the more things I could react to! As such, I really appreciate- and am very grateful for- the minimal-ingredient exfoliant products that GoW makes- including these lactic acid pads. How happy I am that it’s only the exfoliant on its own! It really helps to eliminate any confusion or stress about the source of a reaction. Luckily with these pads, I experience minimal reaction(s). I use these 1x (once) per month. It helps to keep skin congestion at bay & my skin looking more bright and fresh.
Thank you so much!
A
Alyssa
Excellent skin exfoliant
I use these pads on my face, neck, elbows, and knees to help lighten and smooth them. This product is non-irritating and really does the job at lightening a variety of areas.
Thank you Alyssa :)
A
AngieD
Pure goodness in a jar!
First time ordering thru GoW and I'm so happy that I did. These pads are Amazing! I regularly alternate between a lactic acid serum and glycolic serum in between my chemical peels but I wanted to replace since becoming more conscientious of the ingredients in my skincare routine. I love that there's no preservatives or filler ingredients in these pads. They're super easy to use (no rinsing after), are not irritating (Lactic Acid is great for sensitive skin), and I notice immediate results: my skin is soft and glowing after each use. Will be making these a staple in my skincare routine.
