The product I’m about to discuss needs a little backstory, both about my skin and the product itself. After all, the title best exfoliator ever isn’t one to be used lightly so it warrants an explanation. First of all, this product is not cheap, and it won’t be to everyone’s taste, but here’s why I love it.
My Skin
I find exfoliation a bit, or a lot, of a challenge. My skin is extremely dry and although I don’t struggle with acne, the dryness means I’m prone to texture issues that only get worse around this time of year. Sounds simple, bad texture means you need a good exfoliator. But my skin is really sensitive, and the tag line on most high strength exfoliators is ‘all skin types but sensitive’. Now sensitivity and dry skin go hand in hand; in winter when skin is more likely to be cracked, sore or be suffering from a little windburn, it’s also more sensitive as it’s already damaged. See my problem?
The Product
Today we’re talking about Peter Thomas Roth 10% Glycolic Hydrating Gel. Yes, I have really sensitive skin and I’m talking about a product that’s 10% glycolic acid. From that you can probably tell why I don’t think this is for everyone. Let’s start with the basics, this bottle is 57ml for £46, comes with a pump to preserve the antioxidants and has a 24 month shelf life. PTR claim to be against animal testing and cruelty free although they cannot confirm any product is vegan due to ingredient sourcing methods. This product is made in the USA.
My Experience
When I first got this product I thought I’d made a mistake and the acid was too strong; my skin was too dry and too sensitive. I was partially right. This formula is strong, there’s no arguing with that but I do think it can work on sensitive skins. Obviously a patch test would be required first, please do not burn your face.
When I first tried this it was late January, my skin was suffering badly with winter dryness and I had some cracked, flaky patches. This stuff made my skin red raw; do not use it if you have any kind of broken skin whatsoever. Fast forward to last month, my skin was getting dry and my texture was getting worse, I decided to give it another go.
Results
After using a light layer, every other day, sometimes daily for about a month my skin is the softest and smoothest it has even been. My makeup has been sitting on my skin beautifully, my natural skin is looking about as close to flawless as I think it can get.
Ingredients
The ingredients list for this product pleasantly surprises me other than one ingredient. It isn’t too long or too challenging to read but it does contain denatured alcohol, which is one of the ingredients I refuse to use in anything. However it is the last ingredient, meaning the smallest quantity so this is something I’m willing to overlook for a great product.
It contains aloe and vitamin E, great for calming and soothing skin, as well as vitamin A (extra resurfacing properties) and vitamin C (extra glow boosting properties). With the glycolic and extra vitamin A, a large amount of sunscreen is an absolute essential when using this product. It’s also oil and fragrance free.
Ingredients list:
Water (Aqua), Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Ammonium Hydroxide, Arginine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C), Phospholipids, Methylparaben, Imidazoldinyl Urea, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyethylcellulose, BHT, Alcohol Denat.
Application
On the bottle there’s a little guide that explains how to build up usage while your skin gets used to the acid. If you do have more sensitive skin and decide you want to use it anyway, I wouldn’t follow the guide on the bottle. That builds you up to using it morning and night, every day and that’s likely going to be too strong. I find its smoothing factors quite addictive and want to use it morning and night, daily but after a week or so using it that regularly starts to irritate my skin. For the best results, I use it every other day.
Overall
My skin has never been smoother or looked better, while this is probably too strong for some and is a little pricey, I highly recommend it for people without sensitive skin. I definitely think this is worth the money if you take into consideration the extra skin boosting vitamins in the formula.
What’s your favourite exfoliator? Have you ever tried anything from PTR?
Hi, this sounds like a great product, sometimes you just have to pay that little extra to get the results. I am a Dermaologica addict.
It’s 100% worth it sometimes, especially when you have difficult skin! x
Sophie
This sounds fab! I don’t mind spending a bit more if it’s worth it. I just begrudge it for amazing packaging and a not so good product!
I know the feeling! I actually felt this opposite with this one! It was almost like I was cheated with the packaging, doesn’t even come in a box! It’s a good job the stuff inside is worth the extra ££ x
Sophie
This sounds amazing! I’ve always struggled with my skin and although it’s not as bad as before it could certainly be better. Thanks for sharing x
I’m loving it right now! Glad you’ve been seeing some improvements! x
Sophie
I know exactly how you feel! My skin is the same as yours and I’m struggling so much to find an exfoliator because I have found a lot can dry your skin out more! Glad you found one that works for you!
That feeling is the absolute worst!I hate when you’re using something and it feels like it’s doing a good job then afterwards your skin feels so tight. This one has definitely been worth it for me! x
Sophie
Oh wow! I am so intrigued by this! I’ve been dying to try something from PTR. My skintyoe like you is dry and sensitive so I’m really interested to see how this would work on my skin!
PaleGirlRambling xo
It’s such a fine line between doing a good job at exfoliating without irritating your skin! It’s really hard to fond the right balance, I usually just suck it up and deal with the extra texture but this seems to be doing the job for me. Everyone seems to love that pumpkin enzyme mask?! That might have to be next x
Sophie
This was interesting to read – it’s great that you’ve been able to find something that suits you. Sometimes you do have to spend a little bit more, and luckily it worked out for you this time!
Amy,
https://creativenails.uk
It was totally worth it but it would have been a pretty expensive failure if I didn’t! x
Sophie
This looks like a great exfoliator. I have tried a few and not been happy but the ingredient list looks appealing to me. It’s a bit pricey but I think I will have to invest in this soon!
Pinar | http://www.beautybakingbella.com
It’s so refreshing to see one that isn’t loaded with alcohol and fragrance. I was really happy when I liked it because it’s so hard to find an effective one with great ingredients. I highly recommend! x
Sophie
I didn’t even know this brand before. This exfoliator sounds amazing though. Close to flawless perfection! I wanna try it too! xx corinne
It really is worth the investment! x
Sophie
im so scared of putting acid near my face it’s like yours and super sensitive. I love how clear this review was! Fab post lovely!! So glad you found this worked for you xx
I know the feeling, the word acid is so scary! They irritate my skin far less than physical scrubs though. And thank you! Hope you found it useful! x
Sophie
I need a great exfoliatir because I’ve been getting a lot of dark marks. I need to clean my face properly so I think this might be a good add to my collection. great post.
I have never heard of the brand, but I saw they’re cruelty free and thats a big yes from me!!
Madiha
http://www.mevstheodds.com
I normally use Pixi glow tonic, but sometimes I think I do need something a little stronger, so I will have to give this ago!
misscharissaxo.blogspot.com
This sounds great! Like yours, my skin is dry and on the sensitive. I’ve never heard of this brand before now but I’ll definitely have to look into it! X
Ashleigh | http://ashleighwrites.co.uk
This looks really good! Thank you for the recommendation, I’m going to check it out xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
This is such a good post! I feel like you really covered all the key info! I’ve never actually heard of this product and I’m definitely really intrigued now!
whatevawears.co.uk
Thank you so much! I try my hardest to cover all aspects in reviews so this really means a lot! x
Sophie
Love how organised and easy to read this review was! Skincare products are always something I struggle to find x
Morgan //
Loved this review gorgeous!! I struggle with exfoliating my skin too, but it’s because I’m too lazy to always remember to take care of my skin!!I have really oily skin and it can get nasty sometimes so I love a good exfoliator! This one seems pretty good, specially because I don’t have sensitive skin so it’s good that it’s a bir stronger! xx