Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector

Glossier made some improvements to their original Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector formula, but it still misses the mark due to the inclusion of potential irritants. What a shame considering that with just a couple more tweaks it would have a lot to offer skin!

Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector comes in an opaque plastic bottle with a built-in, push-down dispenser that works cohesively with a cotton pad. The water-light liquid smooths easily across the face, drying down to a non-sticky finish. Products applied afterward should layer without a hitch, no matter your skin type.

The formula contains a 10% blend of chemical exfoliants: AHAs (lactic and glycolic), BHA (salicylic), and PHA (gluconolactone). These acids serve to help shed dead skin, resulting in a smoother, brighter, more even-toned appearance and Glossier did a good job of formulating this at 3.5 pH for each to work their magic.

In terms of Glossier’s claim that daily use helps improve the appearance of blemishes and enlarged pores, there’s some merit to that. Salicylic acid in particular is a superstar in helping fight acne and clearing out congested pores, although here it's only used in a 0.5% concentration here. For acne, 1% to 2% salicylic acid is more effective.

The good news? Recent research shows glycolic acid can help break down the membranes of acne-causing bacteria, keeping it from proliferating, so between that and the pinch of salicylic acid, there’s potential to see a reduction in breakouts.

In addition to the exfoliating acids, a handful of other good ingredients are in the mix including aloe, niacinamide, and glycerin. Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector was previously formulated with an unusually high amount of the pH adjuster sodium hydroxide that posed a risk of causing a sensitized reaction. That ingredient is now in a lower (non-problematic) concentration.

But alas, we arrive at the issues, starting with the fragrance. While the herbal scent itself is polarizing, the true concern is that its volatile components can cause irritation (see More Info). Adding to that, the formula also contains a small amount of acetic acid (the acidic component of vinegar), which can also be sensitizing. In the end, these issues hold us back from recommending Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector as strongly as the top-rated exfoliants.

More Info:

Why Fragrance Is a Problem for Skin: Daily use of products that contain a high amount of fragrance, whether the fragrant ingredients are synthetic or natural, causes a chronic sensitizing reaction on skin.  

This reaction in turn leads to all kinds of problems, including disrupting skin’s barrier, worsening dryness, increasing or triggering redness, depleting vital substances in skin’s surface, and generally preventing skin from looking healthy, smooth, and hydrated. Fragrance free is always the best way to go for all skin types. 

A surprising fact: Even though you can’t always see or feel the negative effects of fragrant ingredients on skin, the damage will still be taking place, even if it’s not evident on the surface. Research has demonstrated that you don’t need to see or feel the effects of irritation for your skin to be suffering. Much like the effects from cumulative sun damage, the negative impact and the visible damage from fragrance may not become apparent for a long time.  

References for this information:
Toxicology In Vitro, February 2018, pages 237-245
Toxicological Sciences, January 2018, pages 139-148
Biochimica and Biophysica Acta, May 2012, pages 1410–1419
Aging, March 2012, pages 166–175
Chemical Immunology and Allergy, March 2012, pages 77–80 
Experimental Dermatology, October 2009, pages 821–832
Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2008, pages 191–202
International Journal of Toxicology, Volume 27, 2008, Supplement, pages 1–43
Food and Chemical Toxicology, February 2008, pages 446–475
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2003, pages 789–798