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

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lovelyKk on 5/16/2013 7:06:00 PM more reviews by lovelyKk

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

WARNING!!! This product may work very well at clearing your skin, but watch out! I used this product every evening with my clarisonic brush for a few months. I knew it was too harsh to use twice a day. My skin did start to get very dry and peel, but after a few weeks I noticed a huge difference. I was not breaking out and my skin was almost completely clear. I do not have horrible acne to begin with, just a few around my nose and chin. I was in love! Until I went to my dermatologist. I walked in and the guy at the front desk said "Wow! What are you doing to your face? It is so red!" I was shocked. When my dermatologist came is she said the same thing, she put the light right on me and my face was glowing RED! You could see underneath my skin, my whole face had this strange red-ish hue. I told her what I had been using and she said this was definitely it. She said this is much too harsh for anyones face. I was so happy with my clear skin I did not notice the redness. After a week or two of not using this my skin was not red anymore, I did relapse and used this one evening and noticed the redness was back right away for two whole days! Two stars because this can be amazing if your skin can handle it. My skin is pretty resilient though and this damaged mine quickly so I took a few off.

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Sonne82 on 4/15/2013 11:50:00 PM more reviews by Sonne82

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I had the worst experience with this cleanser, it almost ripped my face off - literally. Even though I have acne-prone skin, I haven't had any major breakouts for a few years. This cleanser made my skin breakout terribly for weeks to come, I had red patches all over my face, especially around my mouth, chin and the side of my cheeks. I started to get cystic acne which I hadn't had for years. I first thought that I would be going through a purging period but even using it every other day or only twice per week it just wasn't for me and the damage was done. It almost took 3-4 months to get my skin back to normal. Luckily I bought it at Sephora and was able to return it for a credit. Definitely will not be buying this again.

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InfoAlly on 10/8/2012 1:10:00 AM more reviews by InfoAlly

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I use this product with my clarisonic mia at night after pre-cleansing my face to remove makeup. It does contain SLS so it foams well. My face feels clean after use and I find the concentration of Glycolic Acid gentle enough for daily use. I did try using this soap twice a day and found the product drying my skin.


The packaging does not travel well; the cap leaks the product.


250ml lasted about 8 months or so for me. Although I paid ~$50 plus tax for this bottle at Sephora, it did last a long time so it's worth buying if you love the product.


I generally find glycolic acid containing product good for controlling blackheads. Overall, this is a good product but I wouldn't mind trying other products to see if there is something better.

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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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*TOP REVIEWER* 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 have alligator skin that isn't easily irritated so I have no idea why this would irritate my skin.


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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Silvia8329 on 1/9/2012 10:41:00 AM more reviews by Silvia8329

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Red   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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starlee2 on 11/29/2011 6:06:00 AM more reviews by starlee2

Age: Unknown   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Black   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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albrygold on 10/22/2011 2:37:00 PM more reviews by albrygold

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, 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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sweetmoya on 6/27/2011 1:24:00 AM more reviews by sweetmoya

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Dark   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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LUVmakeup4ever on 6/1/2011 5:12:00 PM more reviews by LUVmakeup4ever

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive   Hair: Brunette   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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*TOP REVIEWER* vickybee 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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Nicedoggy on 2/20/2010 12:02:00 PM more reviews by Nicedoggy

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   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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Kasia_S on 2/20/2010 5:45:00 AM more reviews by Kasia_S

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Cool   Hair: Black, 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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ESlollipop on 1/16/2010 5:52:00 PM more reviews by ESlollipop

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Tan   Hair: Brunette   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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silleebuns on 8/25/2009 5:45:00 AM more reviews by silleebuns

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive   Hair: Black   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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*TOP REVIEWER* frenchconnection on 4/19/2009 12:35:00 AM more reviews by frenchconnection

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   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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rpinto323 on 2/15/2009 12:30:00 AM more reviews by rpinto323

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Black, Straight   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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coldblue on 2/1/2009 4:41:00 PM more reviews by coldblue

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black   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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*TOP REVIEWER* barnycat on 12/16/2008 11:53:00 AM more reviews by barnycat

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brown   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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sband201 on 11/24/2008 5:32:00 PM more reviews by sband201

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   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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