If you’re looking for a liquid exfoliator that clears up acne, minimizes pores, and improves the look of your skin, Solution may be the product for you. It contains three different acids that help improve skin texture and tone and clear up acne scars. They include Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), and Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA).
Salicylic acid
Glossier Solution contains salicylic acid as an active ingredient, but the concentration is low. It only contains 0.5% of the recommended amount, which is not enough for people with a very dry or rugged skin. However, the product does contain gluconolactone, glycolic acid, and lactic acid, all of which are effective at breaking down dead skin cells.
The Solution is billed as an exfoliating skin perfector and uses acids to gently scrub off dead skin cells. It can also unclog pores and reduce the appearance of blemishes. The formula also contains two other acids, glycolic and lactic, which help to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Lastly, it contains an anti-stress complex, a blend of hydrating aloe, and calming niacinamide.
The Solution is a chemical exfoliator, and Glossier says it will help clear up breakouts and minimize redness. Unlike physical exfoliators, which remove the top layer of skin, chemical exfoliators use acid to break up dead skin cells. Unfortunately, this product is also fragranced, which may concern those with sensitive skin.
Beta hydroxy acid
The Glossier Solution contains salicylic acid, a type of beta hydroxy acid, to help improve skin texture. It’s set at 0.5%, which is not a high concentration but is still within the safe range for most people. Salicylic acid is also an excellent ingredient for unclogging pores, decreasing the appearance of blemishes. The product also contains a blend of three other acids: Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), and gluconolactone.
The solution has been described as an “exfoliating skin perfector.” This product uses acid to scrape off the top layer of skin gently, and it does this with the help of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). It also helps to clear out pores and reduce visible blackheads. The solution is also packed with hydrating glycerin and niacinamide.
The solution should be used in the morning as a skincare routine. After cleansing your face, apply the acid toner. Then follow it with an SPF.
Polyhydroxy acid
The newest skincare product from Glossier contains Polyhydroxy Acid, or PHA, a second-generation version of alpha hydroxy acids. The original AHAs were discovered in the 1970s, but the PHAs were discovered in the 1990s and contained a combination of galactose and lactobionic acid. The two acids work together to exfoliate the skin, resulting in softer, more even-toned skin.
In recent years, chemical exfoliation has become the most popular way to stimulate cellular turnover. Fortunately, we have moved from harsh abrasive scrubs to more gentle and effective alternatives. Beta hydroxy acids, or BHAs, are now widely available in toners and at-home peels, and Polyhydroxy Acids are increasingly featured in many skincare products.
The main ingredient in Glossier Solution is a 10% blend of various acids, including Alpha Hydroxy Acid (BHA), Lactic and Glycolic Acid (LHA), and Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA). It’s important to note that the Glossier product contains only 0.5% Salicylic acid, despite its advertising that it contains a 10% blend of acids. It’s also important to note that the product is vegan, cruelty-free, dermatologist-tested, and suitable for all skin types.
Niacinamide
The Niacinamide in Glossier solution is supposed to combat acne. It contains 0.5% salicylic acid, which is at the low end of the recommended range. It contains other ingredients like lactic acid, glycolic acid, gluconolactone, and acetic acid. But the salicylic acid in Glossier Solution is too low to be effective for all skin types.
Niacinamide is a nutrient that boosts the production of ceramides and other lipids in the stratum corneum. These lipids help the skin’s permeability barrier stay intact. A study by Mohammed and Gehring published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics examined the effectiveness of niacinamide in different formulations.
Another ingredient in Glossier Solution is zinc, which is a potent anti-inflammatory. While it used to be a popular skincare ingredient in the 1970s, it fell out of favor after dermatologists found better treatments. The formula for Glossier Solution contains 5% of zinc, which can be hell with oily skin.