May 25, 2012 | 1916 users online

Cleansers - Peter Thomas Roth - Glycolic Acid 3% Facial Wash

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rated 4.1(34 reviews)

  • Average Rating: 4.1
  • 76% would buy again
  • Package Quality: 4.0
  • Price: $$$

  • Ingredients

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rated 2 of 5 rachybloom on 4/7/2012 1:22:00 PM More reviews by rachybloom

Age: 19-24 Skin: Dry, Fair, Cool Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine Eyes: Green

I gave this product a fair shot. I bought it after using a sulfur-based prescription face wash (Plexion) for years. My previous face wash had been discontinued and I thought trying a glycolic acid would be beneficial to my skin. I have pretty normal skin that gets random dry patches during weather changes and is prone to breakouts (mostly one/two large cystic pimples a month and whiteheads).
I used this for four months until the bottle ran out. I don't think it's a terrible product, but for me it really didn't agree with my skin. The first week I used this my skin was massively dry, like scaly almost. But, as a poor student I thought I'd push through it and see if my skin improved. Eventually, my skin "adjusted" to this and no longer felt dry after the first week. I only used it once a day (at night) with my Clarisonic after using an oil cleanser to remove my makeup. This gave me massive amounts of whiteheads and did NOT prevent further breakouts. I think it was a result of over exfoliation since the acid in this is an exfoliant. Wouldn't buy it again.

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rated 2 of 5 LeMinx on 4/7/2012 4:12:00 AM More reviews by LeMinx

Age: 30-35 Skin: Acne-prone, Tan, Warm Hair: Brunette, Curly, Medium Eyes: Brown

I bought this after using MUAC's glycolic acid peels (which I love) thinking that anything with glycolic acid would be a welcome to my skin. Unfortunately, this didn't do much for me.

Before I switched up my skin care regimen, I used this in the morning in the shower. I didn't see any kind of improvement in my skin when using this. In fact, this gave me a bit of a weird rash on my face. Not a red, bumpy rash but some kind of irritation. I developed small bumps on my cheeks that wouldn't go away until I stopped using this. I pretty much have alligator skin that isn't easily irritated so I have no idea why this would be irritation to me.

The product itself lathers well and isn't terribly drying, but it smells awful. The smell doesn't linger, but it still smells funky. Overall, this is just yet another PTR product that didn't do anything for me except leave me a little bit poorer. I ended up chucking this in my drawer of cast offs because, in my opinion, this product doesn't help my skin.

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rated 5 of 5 Silvia8329 on 1/9/2012 10:41:00 AM More reviews by Silvia8329

Age: 36-43 Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Not Sure Hair: Red, Other, Other Eyes: Brown

I am in my late 30's, have blackheads that I can never seem to totally get rid of and large pores. I'm also starting to get some fine lines.
This product is fantastic. I use a pea sized drop and one of those face brushes with a handle. I think the combination of the exfoliation from the brush and the acids in the product help reduce the blackheads and improve the overall look of my skin. I have combination skin, when the weather is cold and dry, I use it once a day and use a more gentle cleanser for morning.
I know the $32 price tag seems high but the bottle lasts me 9-11 months when I use the face brush and a very small amount of the product.

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rated 5 of 5 starlee2 on 11/29/2011 6:06:00 AM More reviews by starlee2

Age: Unknown Skin: Acne-prone, Medium, Not Sure Hair: Black, Other, Other Eyes: Brown

If you want fast results, this is the product for you. I've used it only 4-5 times, and my skin is definitely smoother. I've tried so many different skincare products and only 5% of them gives actual results like this cleanser. My skin is so smooth and it's fading my post-acne marks! Hooray!
It does dry out my skin, so I regulate how often I use it. I use it in the shower so that my pores open up and it can sink in. Any cleanser is supposed to sit on the skin for a minute or so, so that it actually does something. If you wash it off right away, you're wasting your money.
Make sure to use a sunscreen while using this product, though. Glycolic acid makes skin more sensitive to the sun.

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rated 5 of 5 albrygold on 10/22/2011 2:37:00 PM More reviews by albrygold

Age: 44-55 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Not Sure Hair: Brown, Other, Fine Eyes: Hazel

I used this cleanser for about a year, thought I'd try something else, and am ready to go back. It helped clear up my blackheads and whiteheads, evened out my skin tone and wasn't too drying. Although I know that cystic acne is hormonal, I was hoping against hope that some potion out there could help clear it up so I switched to MD Forte which made my skin look great for about a week -- minimized pores and cleared up my pimples -- and then my skin started breaking out again and my pores weren't tightening anymore. I'm going back to what I know works and this is it.

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rated 1 of 5 sweetmoya on 6/27/2011 1:24:00 AM More reviews by sweetmoya

Age: 25-29 Skin: Acne-prone, Dark, Not Sure Hair: Black, Relaxed, Coarse Eyes: Brown

I bought this because the Sephora store I went to said they were no longer carrying DDF 5% glycolic face wash, so they recommended this. I really don't like it. It made me break out and made my skin super dry and rough. I have used DDF before and never had the same problems I'm getting from using the PTR 3% wash. It's just not as good.

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rated 5 of 5 LUVmakeup4ever on 6/1/2011 5:12:00 PM More reviews by LUVmakeup4ever

Age: 18 & Under Skin: Acne-prone, Olive, Not Sure Hair: Brunette, Other, Other Eyes: Brown

I LOVE THIS!! I had this given to me by my dermatologist because I had terrible acne. I basically tried everything in the grocery stores, I tired all the kits and pro active. I even bought stuff from commercials that are on at 2 in the morning. nothing worked. then i got this along with 2 other things and my skin was clear! ive had acne since i was 9 and ive always been so self consience because of it. now i dont even have to wear makeup. this may make your skin a little dry but make sure to put on moisturizer. its the best thing for you. this product gave me confidence. PTR FTW!!! :)

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rated 5 of 5 top reviewervickybee on 1/4/2011 7:39:00 PM More reviews by vickybee

Age: 25-29 Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Warm Hair: Black, Straight, Fine Eyes: Brown

This stuff is working like a charm for me. I happened upon it in my sister's bathroom while on a visit home. I used it in the morning to cleanse for about 4 days in a row, and then followed up with my regular Body Shop Vitamin E moisturizer. I knew it was working because in those 4 days I had NO breakouts, and that was a big deal for me! I immediately ran to Sephora for a (generous) sample when I got home. When my sample ran out, I decided to buy a full bottle. I have dealt with acne my entire life. As a teenager it was quite severe, and throughout my adulthood it has been better but still problematic. My skin has never fully been clear, I seem to always be dealing with 1-2 breakouts at a time. Since I've been using this cleanser for the past 3 weeks I have seen ONE breakout. So, I am quite pleased with this product. I have since started using this cleanser every other morning with a facial brush (think of it as a manual Clarisonic, lol), and I also started using the 10% Glycolic Moisturizer every other night so that I only use 1 glycolic product each day. Bear in mind that my skin is quite tough and non-sensitive, as I have grown accustomed to using harsher acne products over the years. I can see how this product would be drying to many people. However, if you properly and thoroughly moisturize it shouldn't be a problem. If you struggle with acne definitely give this a try. Get a sample or two from Sephora to test it out. Heck, you can even buy it and return if it doesn't work out for you. The price is hefty up front but you get a large amount that will last a long while. If you think about it, this is actually cheaper than most HE foundations that people use to cover up their acne. I am so happy I stumbled upon this cleanser!

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rated 3 of 5 Nicedoggy on 2/20/2010 12:02:00 PM More reviews by Nicedoggy

Age: 30-35 Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Not Sure Hair: Brown, Other, Other Eyes: Brown

I like PTR, but this guy broke my out some what... will not buy again. DDF glycolic face wash is much better... did not break me out and leaves skin feeling soft and clean... but slighty ichy, use a moisturizer

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rated 3 of 5 Kasia_S on 2/20/2010 5:45:00 AM More reviews by Kasia_S

Age: 19-24 Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Cool Hair: Black, Other, Medium Eyes: Blue

An esthetician recommended this to me. I used it for quite some time but finaly admitted to myself that it was waay to drying for me. I can see how it works for other people though, and it might feel somewhat expensive, but it lasts for a long time.

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rated 5 of 5 ESlollipop on 1/16/2010 5:52:00 PM More reviews by ESlollipop

Age: 19-24 Skin: Combination, Tan, Not Sure Hair: Brunette, Other, Other Eyes: Other

This is the stuff right here! I was using Pro-Activ after I started breaking out major on my cheeks. The Pro-Activ wasn't holding it down and I was still getting cystic acne on the cheeks. My best friend who works at Ulta recommended this to my brother and I started using it as well. I've been using it for probably a month and a half / two months. I honestly haven't broken out except for a little pimple on my chin i got from sleeping with my make-up on. My skin looks a lot clearer, my pores look smaller.
It's a little on the drying side so if you have dry skin, I'd say be cautious, if not, just make sure you use moisturizer after. Oh and I only use this at night time and once in a while during the day post workout.

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rated 4 of 5 silleebuns on 8/25/2009 5:45:00 AM More reviews by silleebuns

Age: 19-24 Skin: Acne-prone, Olive, Not Sure Hair: Black, Other, Other Eyes: Brown

Really good everyday cleanser for gentle exfoliation, especially if you have really oily and acne prone skin like mine. I use it in conjunction with glycolic and salicylic and its just right. Not over doing at all since its only 3 %. It minimizes pores but I think a serum is what really minimizes pores because it penetrates into the skin. Takes off makeup well and a huge bottle that will last a long time

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rated 3 of 5 top reviewerfrenchconnection on 4/19/2009 12:35:00 AM More reviews by frenchconnection

Age: 36-43 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Not Sure Hair: Blond, Other, Other Eyes: Blue

I have been shopping for a new glycolic cleanser, and I tried a generous sample of this product. It effectively cleaned my skin, but it is just ho-hum. After a week of using this product, I moved on in my search. I like that fact that it is unscented, and it did not strip my skin or leave it feeling tight. It did not leave my skin feeling smooth at all. My search continues for a glycolic cleanser with a higher percentage of AHA.

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rated 5 of 5 rpinto323 on 2/15/2009 12:30:00 AM More reviews by rpinto323

Age: 25-29 Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool Hair: Black, Straight, Other Eyes: Brown

This is my HG cleanser. Having combination/acne prone skin, I have tried everything and I still go back to this one. This cleanser has the just the right amount of glycolic. Enough to be effective, but not too much that it's drying. As an esthetician, I always feel comfortable recommending this to my clients. Some people find it a little on the expensive side, but one $32 bottle, lasts me on average more than 6 months. The only complaint I have with it is the packaging. I always put it in a pump bottle. It's hard to get out when it comes to the bottom of the bottle. Best cleanser ever!

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rated 1 of 5 coldblue on 2/1/2009 4:41:00 PM More reviews by coldblue

Age: 30-35 Skin: Combination, Medium, Not Sure Hair: Black, Other, Other Eyes: Brown

A sales associate who examined my skin recommended this product to me to help skin turnover and to help uncover newer skin below. I have combination skin (oily t-zone and dry cheek areas) and used this product every other day initially for a week and then 1x/week. This dried my skin out like crazy. Even when I reduced it to 1x/week, it was still too much for my skin. I won't be repurchasing this.

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rated 4 of 5 barnycat on 12/16/2008 11:53:00 AM More reviews by barnycat

Age: 36-43 Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Not Sure Hair: Brown, Other, Other Eyes: Hazel

I have acne prone oily skin that has recently become acne prone combo sensitive skin. My jaw line has become very clogged in the last 3 months and nothing I tried helped. I'm allergic to BP and salicylic acid doesn't seem to do much for me anymore. I tried this on a whim, as it's an expensive experiement. I'm using a dime size amount every evening. I start with a makeup remover and then use this. I've been using this for a little over a week and my skin is clearing alot. My only issue is the skin around my nose is drying out, so come on moisturizer for the first time in my life. I would recommend this for anyone that is having an issue with clogged pores. I will repurchase if it continues to work. I will update with any allergy or weird reaction issues. Oh and you get ALOT, or rather you have to use very little, so it really is economical.

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rated 5 of 5 sband201 on 11/24/2008 5:32:00 PM More reviews by sband201

Age: 25-29 Skin: Other, Fair-Medium, Not Sure Hair: Blond, Other, Other Eyes: Blue

I love to try different things so it is very rare for me to buy the same product twice. Normally I move on and see if there is anything better. But I am on my third bottle of this facial wash and have no intentions to stop using it! It normalizes my skin without leaving it dry and really prevents breakouts. My skin always feels smooth and clean after using it. I would agree that it is not the deepest cleanser if you are looking to really "get in there" but this product coupled with a stronger product once or twice a week is probably a good idea!

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rated 5 of 5 mishmosh48 on 8/25/2008 7:39:00 PM More reviews by mishmosh48

Age: 25-29 Skin: Combination, Other, Not Sure Hair: Brunette, Other, Other Eyes: Hazel

I have always been afraid to use glycolic acid, However, since I never seem to have any luck with other products, I decided to give it a shot!I think this is the best facial cleanser I have tried! (and I've tried many!) I use this once a day in the morning, and then switch it with a drug store make-up remover cleanser at night. I do find that the cleanser is a bit drying, but it cleans my skin wonderfully! Last time I had a facial, the esthetician commented on how good my skin looked. I think I'm hooked. I just wish it didn't cost so much!

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rated 4 of 5 top reviewerBrunettegirl on 7/25/2008 2:22:00 PM More reviews by Brunettegirl

Age: 30-35 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Not Sure Hair: Brunette, Other, Other Eyes: Hazel

I like this product for the fact that I noticed my skin looked very vibrant and glowing shortly after using this.I also like that this did do a good job of bringing those little stubborn bumps to the surface so you feel like your skin is really clean.... I would only use this 1-2 x's a week at the most, as I find it would be way too drying if used more than that. I have normal/combo skin, on the drier side in cheeks (normal-slightly oily t-zone)...Overall a good product, maybe not a miracle product, imo, but would alternate this with a less drying cleanser for daily use.

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rated 4 of 5 t8wong on 6/3/2008 6:09:00 PM More reviews by t8wong

Age: 19-24 Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Not Sure Hair: Black, Other, Other Eyes: Brown

When I first started using this it did wonders for my skin. However, I have oily skin and, combined with the daily foundation that I wear, this sometimes isn't enough to take care of my skin and prevent clogged pores. This product is enough to keep my face clean, but it doesn't clean deep down enough to handle the amount of make up I put on. However, I really love this product and I would recommend to anyone with oily or acne prone skin, as it does quickly take care of the minor acne that one can occasionally get. I would use this with a weekly deep cleaning regiment that I have yet to discover that works well with my skin. But this is a great start for those who want to clear up and maintain clear skin!
Also, even though I have oily skin, this is still really strong and dries out my skin after 4-5 uses. I recommend mixing a dime size amount of this with 3-4 pumps of Cetaphil cleanser, still works well and doesn't dry out my skin as much.

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