Deciem's The Ordinary released a new AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution. As expected I was instantly attracted to this 10-Minute exfoliating facial. Details per Deciem:
With 30% Alpha Hydroxyl Acids (Glycolic/Lactic/Tartaric/Citric), 2% Beta Hydroxyl Acid (Salicylic Acid), Hyaluronic Acid Crosspolymer, Vitamin B5, Black Carrot and Tasmanian Pepperberry
Alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) exfoliate the skin's topmost surface for a brighter and more even appearance. Beta hydroxyl acids (BHA) also exfoliate the skin with an extended function to help clear pore congestion. This combined 32% AHA/BHA solution offers deeper exfoliation to help fight visible blemishes and for improved skin radiance. The formula also improves the appearance of skin texture and reduces the look of fine lines with continued use.
This formula contains a studied Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative to help reduce irritation associated with acid use. This derivative is of plant origin and varies in colour seasonally and this colour variation may be apparent in the formula from time to time. This formula is further supported with a crosspolymer form of hyaluronic acid for comfort, Vitamin B5 to assist healing and black carrot as an antioxidant.
Deciem has a few extra instructions about this product:
Note: This formula contains a very high concentration of free acids. We recommend use only if you are an experienced user of acid exfoliation and your skin is not sensitive.
Contraindications: This formula should not be used on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin. Please refer to additional sun protection note and other warnings in provided Directions.
Directions
Use ideally in the PM, no more frequently than twice per week. Clean face and wait for skin to dry. Do not use on wet skin. Apply evenly across face and neck using your fingertips. Leave on for no more than 10 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water. Avoid the eye contour and contact with eyes both during application and rinse off. This low-viscosity solution is intended to be used as a masque. Do not leave on for longer than 10 minutes. If persistent irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a physician. (Sunburn Alert: This product contains an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards. Use only as directed. Contact of the product with the skin must be of limited frequency or duration.)
The product has a thin texture, it's not as thin as water but it's very close. It has a very deep berry color. Like a mixed berry extract or almost just like grape juice concentrate but not sticky. Oddly it really doesn't smell like much. I expected a very strong fruit scent from the intense berry color, but it was so light I could barely smell anything. This peeling solution comes packaged in the usual The Ordinary glass bottle with dropper and 1 oz costs $7.20. Nothing to complain about there.
I spread a thin layer on my face with a Real Techniques Foundation Brush(my go to for face mask applications) and was impressed with how berry stained my face looked. It's quite pigmented and I was afraid it was going to stain my face purple, but it washed off clean. This product oddly foams a touch when you wash it off with a muslin cloth. There's some stinging on first application but it dissipates after a few minutes. It never felt uncomfortable while on my face like some strong face peels can. I could tell it was strong and working, but not too strong that you just want to wash it off a minute after you put it on.
So does this work? Yes. It's cheap, effective and slightly unique with it's grape juice concentrate texture and appearance. Another winner from The Ordinary.
Ingredients
Glycolic Acid, Aqua (Water), Arginine, Propanediol, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Triethanolamine, Salicylic Acid, Aminomethyl Propanol, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Extract, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol.