Alpha Hydrox • Retinol Night ResQ • Treatments

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*TOP REVIEWER* mariella99 on 4/10/2013 6:08:00 AM more reviews by mariella99

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

Years ago, Alpha Hydrox products were readily available in grocery stores here in Canada (just as they were in the US, something which featured in their tv ads - no fancy department stores and easy to purchase). But in recent years, the only way to purchase their products was online and I wasn't crazy for their shipping charges. But I got my husband to pick up a tube of this for me at ULTA when he was in the US and I've started using it again religiously every night. It has only been 2 or 3 weeks but I can see such a marked difference in my skin already - improved smoothness, lines look less pronounced and the clarity of my skin seems so much improved. I am actually quite surprised. The instruction say not to use this on your eye lids but I do apply it to the crows feet/smile lines under my eyes and they are less and less visible. I follow the instructions and use a moisturizer over this (my night time moisturizer and an eye cream) and I am thrilled with the results. I'm going to the US in June and will most certainly purchase 2 or 3 more tubes of this product. For me, it's a total winner! I am delighted with the results.

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Nikki08 on 1/17/2013 9:28:00 AM more reviews by Nikki08

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

This is one of those products that isn't cutesy or sexy. It just WORKS! I used to use philosophy help me but couldn't keep up with the price so after some research I stumbled upon alpha hydox products. This will always be part of my skincare regimen now. Night ResQ cleared up my skin, smoothed out some fine lines I was getting around my eyes and made my face just glow. I never breakout anymore! It's cheap, the packaging keeps the ingredients stable and it didn't irritate my skin. Just a heads up, my skin did go through the purging stage that lasted about a week but stick with it! Once that cleared up my face was soft and blemish free.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

woooooosha on 11/28/2012 11:37:00 PM more reviews by woooooosha

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I'm not really trying to use this for wrinkles, but rather for skin that has been damaged with overuse of benzoyl peroxide and for helping the treatment of adult acne. Benzoyl peroxide has ruined my skin's texture and now it breaks out from everything, and scars even easier.

I have tried topical retinol before but I think it was too strong (it was for acne) and it made my face really itchy. So far I've experienced minimal itching on acne scabs/lesions, but otherwise has been relatively gentle. I am already seeing a reduction in the whiteheads on my cheeks, and it has helped fade scars a bit too. I only use about a pea-sized amount, and only at night. I haven't been disappointed with an Alpha Hydrox product yet - they are quality and are affordable.

I'm hoping that long-term use of this in conjunction with non-silicone makeup will help my skin get back to normal after years of BP aftermath that has left me worse off than when I was in high school!

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Zoek on 11/6/2012 11:41:00 AM more reviews by Zoek

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

I do not normally have sensitive skin, but I was severely allergic to something in this product. Please make SURE to patch test before using!

I actually did patch test on small wrinkled areas of my face for several days. Then I applied it to my entire face and woke up the next day with severely swollen skin (think marshmallow), reddening and itchiness. I went to Urgent Care and was prescribed prednisone. Two days later, I am back to normal. Apparently Alpha Hydrox and I are not meant to be. :(

6 out of 7 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

wizardwoman on 7/6/2012 1:26:00 PM more reviews by wizardwoman

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I love this product. I am 55 and was a sun worshiper in my youth. If you order directly from the manufacturer you can receive terrific discounts too.

4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Lecitroen on 6/4/2012 4:02:00 AM more reviews by Lecitroen

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I've been on a mission to get smooth and even-toned skin, like I had in my early 20's(I'm 30). After years of acne, I have raised and depressed scarring, and little red spots everywhere. Not wearing makeup has been impossible for yeeaaars, which can be annoying when you just want the "real" you to shine sometimes.


I can't give a strict review of the Retinol cream without including the rest of my night skin regimen. So you can see where it all fits :) Also, I should mention my skin can handle harsh products, I can use them daily. After some trial and error using Retinol Night ResQ, here is what I found...


Firstly, I use Boots MicroDermabrasion every night. My skin's texture improved dramatically because of it. HG product.


Then I apply Retinol Night ResQ. I apply it to my entire face, under my eyes, and on my neck. I use it every night. My skin tone and texture improved after about a week. My red spots have practically disappeared and the bumpy skin near my chin is gone. I did notice a little dryness in a few areas so I apply dermaE Tea Tree & E Antiseptic Creme afterwards. I bought it on a whim and thought the Tea Tree Oil would help with my acne and the Vitamin E would help with overall healing. I apply it to my entire face and neck. Lets just say the combination of the products I have listed have officially given me my skin back. Think baby-bottom skin! Today I did not wear foundation!


I have noticed that the Retinol has caused some sensitivity under my eyes, but only when I apply concealer. It stings for a few minutes. It is not unbearable, but I think it's probably because the skin there is thinner and more sensitive. So be aware.


I've only recently started a skin routine and learned that my products work OK on their own, but really kick ass when I fine tuned it to my issues :) So I recommend you give a product a chance by mixing it up.

However, if you have pretty good skin already, I'd highly recommend using Retinol ResQ on its own. The price is a steal for what you get!

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riso on 4/9/2012 9:54:00 AM more reviews by riso

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I'm 35 and my skin started showing some signs of aging. After reading about the benefits of Retinol and considering the low price and good reviews on this product I bought a tube of Retinol ResQ in my local Ulta store.
I first used it on my chin, then on my forehead and above the upper lip. I didn't feel any burning or irritation. Encouraged by this one night I applied a thin layer on my chicks. The next morning my face was covered with a small red rush. One of the reviewers whom I contacted wrote that it sounded like clogged pores. Which could have been caused by emulsifying wax in this cream. The rush turned hard the following days and it took over a week for it to peel off.
I stopped using it and switched to Neutrogena, which doesn't irritate my skin, but also doesn't seem to work either.
I'll try to use ResQ during my summer break, when I don't have to go to work :)

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* camillacamilla on 2/29/2012 9:02:00 PM more reviews by camillacamilla

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I've been using this product for about 2 1/2 months, I purchased it from the Alpha Hydrox website. The previous reviewer said the price has went up to $37.00, which is incorrect. It is still listed on the website as $14.99. Having said that, I will not be repurchasing this product. I can't detect any difference in my skin from adding this product to my regimen. While it didn't cause any breakouts, it also did nothing to refine my skin texture, reduce fine lines, or tighten my skin. Perhaps retinol products do not work for my skin, as I have used Retin A micro in the past with no improvements as well. At this time, all my skin really needs is a gentle cleanser and the 12% Alpha Hydrox souffle.

9 out of 11 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Hayleys on 2/12/2012 4:49:00 PM more reviews by Hayleys

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This stuff was $15 and now it's suddenly $37. It seemed to help with acne, but no way is it worth almost forty dollars.

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*TOP REVIEWER* renia22 on 11/25/2011 8:54:00 AM more reviews by renia22

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I have been using this for a few of months now and just ordered 4 more tubes since they are having it on special for $4.99 at alphahydrox.com (normally $14.99 for a 1.05oz tube). I use this every 2-3 nights or so, alternating it with Paula's Choice 8% Alpha Hydrox Gel (my skin starts to dry out and get too pink if I use this more than that). During the day I use a bit of Paula's Choice acne gel in problem areas and Olay's 7 signs fragrance free lotion with spf 15 (which contains niacinamide). Considering that I drank and smoked up until my mid 20-s and had a lot of sun exposure without sunscreen prior to age 20, my 40 year old skin has been pretty clear of acne and it looks decent for my age due to these products and improved habits (young ladies who smoke & worship the sun and still look good..it does catch up with you eventually, unfortunately). This lotion is light and fragrance free and absorbs well, and alternating it with glycolic acid (and the other products) has very much improved the condition of my skin. My pores look smaller, there's more of a firmness/ rosiness to my skin, my acne is being kept at bay and my acne marks have faded. All I use is a touch of concealer and a light dusting of translucent powder. Alphahydrox.com oftentimes has specials and free shipping deals, it wouldn't hurt to try this one. Skin care expert Paula Begoun highly recommends this one and and has retinol as an "A" list ingredient:


"Retinol is the term used for the entire vitamin A molecule. Applied to skin, retinol is a beneficial cell-communicating ingredient and an antioxidant. Simply put, it helps skin cells create better, healthier skin cells and increases the amount of skin-support substances. Retinol has been shown to increase the skin´s collagen production and glycosaminoglycan content, resulting in firmer skin with an improved texture and enhanced barrier function. Although it is not the only ingredient to look for in an anti-aging product, it deserves strong consideration by anyone who wants to keep their skin in top shape through the years. In skin-care products, it is found in the form of retinol, retinyl palmitate, and retinylaldehyde. In prescription-only skin-care products, it is in the form of retinoic acid (also called tretinoin)." (from paulascoice.com)

19 out of 19 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* LizWords on 10/30/2011 5:53:00 PM more reviews by LizWords

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

Best non-prescription retinol product on the market, hands down. I used this for two months priming my skin for full strength retin-a and I started to see the improvements before I switched. This has a very affordable high concentration of retinol, and a healthy dose of vitamin c and e to boot. I think it moisturizes very well. Although I use prescription retin-a most nights, I still use this several times a month when I want a break from the stronger stuff. You can't beat the price of this, 15$ and it lasts quite a while. I wish you could get it in stores though, I always have to either buy it on ebay or from drugstore.com.

6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* LolaBlue on 9/29/2011 9:55:00 PM more reviews by LolaBlue

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I've been using this product for a month. The reason I started using it was because I began to notice fine lines that my usual moisturizer (Alpha Hydrox AHA Souffle) wasn't touching. I'm 29, and turning 30 in a few months, and I figured it was time to update my skincare routine since clearly my skincare needs are changing. I have used retinoids before (both OTC and RX) with varying degrees of success. Since AH Retinol Night ReQ has such great reviews here and it's relatively inexpensive (and a brand I already like) I decided to give it a try. I have used every night since I got it without buffering, though I also use an eye cream at night with it. On the upside I didn't experience the kind of sensitization I have in the past w/ other retinoids. I did have a few days where I had to use extra moisturizer, but that was about it. On the downside I purged really, *really* badly for about 3 weeks. It SUCKED. Painful cystic acne on the lower half of my face. I knew I would purge, but I think the lower concentration of retinoid, while great for minimizing sensitivity, seemed to not be strong enough to speed the purging process. It's a toss up; you can't have one without the other. However, I have seen a huge positive difference in my skin as well. Now that the purging is wrapping up my skin is incredibly smooth and soft. Fine lines are disappearing, and most astoundingly the skin around my eyes (which was just minimally sagging) has tightened up completely. So it was a difficult road to get here, but it was worth it. I know eventually I'll need something stronger, but for the foreseeable future this is a product I won't be without.

7 out of 9 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* rickisyed on 9/5/2011 11:28:00 PM more reviews by rickisyed

Age: 25-29   Skin: Very Oily, Tan, Warm   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

First retinol product that is goof proof. I dont get burns from this product. I can use this without the irritation, and enough to build my tolerance to higher concentration. Definitely a product for every skincare junky!!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Deah on 6/9/2011 4:47:00 PM more reviews by Deah

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I am on my fourth day of using this. I skipped one day. I put it on and follow it up with definity night lotion. I have some Paula's Resist coming in as well. People have always thought I was younger than I am but this last year I have gone down hill. For the first time one of my best friends actually asked me what I was doing to make my skin so smooth. I am not sure if it is the combination of everything or what,...but I have read that of all the retinols this one is tops! It also has the same ingredients as some of the more expensive retinols and the packaging is in a tube so that the content remain stable. I think this will be my first true HG.

EDIT*************about a week in and I noticed last night my skin looks like I have foundation on only there is absolutely no signs of foundation (you know how you can tell the difference close up for skin with and without foundation). When I woke up this morning it was a little red in places but it is already starting to lighten up again...i am fair complected so always have a but of red in the morning I will update again. Oh, I use it anytime of the day now, it does not irritate my skin which is surprising. with on e exception....it burned after I exfoliated way too much the morning of....dur....I should have known better
UPDATE!!! Day 8. I had to miss two days because I got red patches near my eyes...my bad. That happened probably because of my heavy exfoliation the other day. I think I got a little to skincare happy. Today I have an enormous amount of skin peeling off...looks like I have had a sunburn....and underneath is really really soft glowing skin....still trying to get it all off though!!! i should add that I also use Olay foaming face wash for sensitive skin, Paula's choice toner, Barrier Lotion, and I just used her once a week mask two days ago...so not sure which did the trick. Ill update again in a week or so.....unless something else happens.

9 out of 10 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

silldr on 6/1/2011 4:57:00 AM more reviews by silldr

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

Love this stuff! I apply around my eyes and then a pea sized amount patted on the rest of my face. When I use this my face looks smooth and glowing in the morning. I never used to use it around my eyes, but my fine lines were starting to look really pronounced and I starting dabbing around my eyes. In two weeks, I've seen improvement! My lines are not completely gone, but definitely reduced. I did some research recently and was pleased to see it's the most affordable retinol product recommended by Paula on beautypedia as well. :)

9 out of 9 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

kathyscrapper on 3/13/2011 12:53:00 AM more reviews by kathyscrapper

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

After I got lasik surgery I was mortified to find I had dark circles and wrinkles under my eyes. I guess my glasses hid them from me all those years. lol! So I began an on-line quest of finding the perfect cheap alternative to plastic surgery, botox and fillers and my search led me to this product. My first disclaimer is that I realize a cream in a tube is not going to come close to more expensive options, but then I really don't want to look like Joan Rivers, just want to slow down the inevitable aging process. My second disclaimer is that I have never used a retinol product before and have only been using for a week. I applied sparingly the first night ignoring the instructions to test on an ear lobe, oops...fortunately, as I told my husband the next morning, "I see my face didn't fall off during the night." The instructions also advise applying an extra moisturizer afterward. I've been using Regenerist Night Cream for that. So far, I have been very happy with this cream. I've experienced no redness, break outs or excessive peeling. I was more concerned about peeling than anything, as I already peel easily anyway. My only complaint is that I do have to order this on-line as I can't find it in any store in the Boise area. I ordered it for $15.99 through MyPoints.com which sent it from Drugstore.com. Because my order was over $25 the shipping was free plus I received 300 points. I will continue to use this and edit this post for an update.

13 out of 13 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

vball91 on 2/7/2011 6:12:00 PM more reviews by vball91

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Medium, Neutral   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

First retinol product I've tried, and it works. It did cause minor flaking at first, so now I alternate this with the AH 10% Lotion at night and make sure I moisturize after the ResQ.

I may eventually upgrade to a retinaldehyde or Rx retinoid, but for now this is a great product that gives me good results.

7 out of 8 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* katrosado5 on 1/21/2011 5:21:00 PM more reviews by katrosado5

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Just purchased this and will come back and review after 30 days of nightly application.

For reference I am 49 yrs old and my skin shows every mile of it too. I smoked, partied and sun worshipped in my youth. Just being honest.

EDIT to review: A little over a month's use nightly now I can review properly. I've never used prescription strength retinol products before and this is the first product I have used with retinol as an ingredient. I found this product to not only perform as advertised (which is always a plus in my book) but using it at night and using my AHA treatments during the AM topped with a really good sunscreen. (I quit using BHA because my skin is just too mature for it now and it dried me out way too much) but it actually made a difference in the texture of my skin and the eveness of tone.

That's quite a feat trust me. It's not as dramatic as say plastic surgery or dembrasion would be but for a few bucks this has really evened out my skin tone and faded my sun spot (I have one really dark sunspot that can pass for a birth mark haha!).

But the bottom line is it is inexpensive, it outperformed other night creams I have used by a long shot and I've paid beaucoup money over the past decade and been disappointed by almost every single luxury/high end skin care product I have purchased. (Le Mer is expensive version of Nivea creme in a tub folks! Seriously that is my opinion!) This stuff is a go if you have mature skin you are going to see a difference. I'm not sure how much of a difference you will see if you don't already have signs of aging?

16 out of 23 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

becky129 on 12/8/2010 5:18:00 PM more reviews by becky129

Age: 44-55   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

This product is awesome! I previously used RoC Multi Correxion Retinol Night Treatment, but it left my skin dehydrated and looking MORE wrinkley. NOT the result I was looking for. The Retinol ResQ, on the other hand, feels wonderful. My skin is smoother and undereye wrinkles are definitely diminished with this product.


I may eventually upgrade to a retinaldehyde, but for now this is a great product that gives me good results.


Thumbs up!

6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

MbMinx on 11/9/2010 10:07:00 AM more reviews by MbMinx

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

This is a wonderful product. I'm almost finished with my first tube and the results speak for themselves. I use this product every other night, alternating with the AlphaHydrox AHA Souffle.

My skin texture has improved, my fine lines and even some of the more prominent wrinkles are disappearing. I do not experience any significant irritation with ResQ. Sometimes a little stinging around my eyes, but that's all. Overall, I tolerate it well. It's in an opaque tube with a very small opening so that the active ingredients are kept reasonably protected.

I've done some looking around, and the ingredient list for ResQ is very similar to philosophy's Help Me, which sells for three times the price. I will continue to use this product. I get results without going broke - I love it.

8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No