Our Pre-Emptive Strike Skin Protectant is a smart, antioxidant-rich, microbiome-aware blemish support serum, not harsh, not stripping, not teenage acne panic.
Method of Application Apply to your skin after you have cleansed and toned and before any other hydrating serums, oils or creams.
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.
Black Garlic Fermentation (more bio-available to the skin) Don't shy away from topical garlic if you are opposed to eating it anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic
Coffee Fruit Extract high in anti-oxidants, excellent for reducing redness in the skin
Ecogel natural thickener
Resveratrol resveratrol functions [in plants] as a phytoalexin, a substance produced by plants that can inhibit the growth of infecting fungi or other pathogens. As a 'nutraceutical', Resveratrol [which offers the dark brown look to this serum], presents itself with antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities which fight the degradation of cell functioning to fight the free-radicals
Please I beg that this product never be discontinued. I have been using this alongside some other products from GOW when multiple breakouts began popping up on my face & this has literally been the counterattack & it has also decreased the duration of the breakout from lingering.
Thank you so much for your kind words about our Pre-Emptive Strike Skin Protectant! We are thrilled to hear that it has been a serious skin savior for you in combating breakouts. We understand how frustrating and lingering acne can be, so we are happy to hear that our product has been able to decrease the duration of your breakouts. Rest assured, we have no plans of discontinuing this popular product. Thank you for choosing GOW as part of your skin care routine and we hope to continue providing you with great results.
M
MW
Anti-inflammation & blemish secret weapon
When I ordered this I was nervous about the possibility of it having a very strong odor, but it really doesn't. The scent is mild and it fades quickly. I will be ordering a large bottle now, as it really does keep blemishes at bay and it also reduces inflammation of any current breakout. I find it to be mildly hydrating but I also have dry skin. It is perfect layered over a hydrating mist and my emu oil.
Thank you so much for your review! We're glad you are loving this!
Z
Zosha
Can't go without it
Another reviewer called this an anytime product- I definitely agree. While I often apply it to my full face in the morning under sunscreen, it's also great to have on hand when you notice a lurking blemish or irritated spot in the middle of the day. It glides on smooth, dries down satiny with no residual stickiness, and plays nicely with all of my other skincare and makeup products. This is particularly great for that itchy-swollen feeling hormonal breakouts can have as it's really effective at soothing the irritation. Aside from breakouts, I've used a bit on rosacea flares to great effect. Definitely a workhorse product for me.
So glad you are liking this product!
H
Hunter
Amazing
I got the .25oz size of this to try it out. It's a weird little product. I couldn't figure out when to use it - morning or night, with other serums or on its own, after a mask?? The answer is "anytime", because it's truly fantastic. I keep finding myself reaching for it when my skin is being a little problematic. I have a tendency for acne and clogged pores, and while this doesn't seem to be clearing what's there (maybe minorly), it keeps any acne I have from getting worse or more inflamed and makes my skin look supple and glowy. I've been using it under a vitamin A cream I use at night, and the combination has my skin looking like porcelain in the morning. It does not make me oily or dry me out, and it has a slight earthy smell, which I like. It's brown and has the texture of a more gel-like liquid. Just repurchased the full size, since I don't want to be without, but the smaller size really lasts a long time (3 weeks and still have some left), as you only need about a drop out of the squeeze bottle for your whole face.
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
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.
Clarifying Tonic
Anonymous
Tremendous product
Tremendous product. Only thing that consistently keeps my skin clear.
Blemish Prone Cleansing Oil
Caroline M.
Feels great on the skin
Feels great on the skin. I use it after cleansing but before serums, and it feels much more useful than a mineral water spray. I also like that it can be used throughout the day for a little boost. I had it in my purse last time I took a flight and I think it helped my skin stay happy during the journey.
Calm and Hydrate Mist
Lisa S
I recommend it to everyone!
I love this schampoo!! I was a little skeptical if an all natural shampoo would work, especially since I have fine, straight hair that tends to get greasy after only a couple of days with regular high quality shampoos, but this really works. I can go for 3 full days without washing it and I immediately noticed how powder soft my hair felt after the first wash. I think it even washes out the hard water. I will definitely be buying this again!
Locks of Lovely Shampoo (Unscented): Pure, Nourishing, and Gentle Care for Your Hair
Anonymous
Interesting new product
Interesting new product. I prefer the beautiful eye serum but this has some great ingredients
Blue Lotus Veil Peptide Infusion: Eye & Facial Renewal Serum
Teal Schinkel
ONLY MOISTURIZER THAT DOESNT CAUSE ACNE
Literally the only one I've ever used and I've searched for 30 yrs. Just the best!
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.
Hi Matt,
⋆.˚✮ ✮˚.⋆ for your kind review!
We're so happy to hear the serum is working well for your sensitive skin and that a little goes a long way. Hearing that you've noticed smoother-looking skin and a more even complexion makes us smile. ✌︎㋡
Thank you for being part of the GoW Family!
Your GoW Family
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!
Kim
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with our Azelaic Acid 8% Serum!
We especially appreciate that you mentioned both the results and the patience it took to get there. Skincare can sometimes be a journey rather than an overnight transformation, and feedback like yours helps set realistic expectations for others considering this or any product.
We're delighted to hear that it helped unclog pores and smooth the bumps on your cheeks while still being gentle enough for your sensitive skin. Finding that balance between effectiveness and comfort is always something we strive for when formulating.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for allowing us to be part of your skincare routine. We love hearing success stories like yours! 😊
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.
Hi Kim,
Thank you! for sharing your experience!
We're so happy to hear you've noticed improvements in your skin's texture and firmness, and that the formula has been gentle on your skin. Hearing that your fine lines appear smoother makes us smile. 😊
Thank you for choosing Garden of Wisdom and for taking the time to leave a review!
Your GoW Family
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.
😁
Thankyou ❤️ so much for your wonderful review!
We love hearing that our Aloe Vera Inner Fillet Gel has become a family favorite. There's something special about a simple ingredient that does its job so well, and we're delighted that it's helping soothe both sensitive skin and sun-parched skin alike.
The fact that even your picky kiddos are happy to use it made us smile! 😊
Thank you for sharing your experience and for being part of our family and for so long too!
Your GoW Family
Love this product!! Especially during summer my skin just thrives with this! Not too thick or rich but leaves my skin happy and moisturized.
Hi Natali,
Thank you so much for your kind review! 😘
We're delighted to hear that Wickedly Rich McDreamy Cream is keeping your skin happy, especially during the summer months. Finding that sweet spot between nourishing and comfortable is exactly what we hoped for when creating it.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience!
Your GoW Family