Alpha Hydrox • 10% Enhanced Cream • Moisturizers

Where To Buy?

greatskin4 on 4/15/2013 11:17:00 PM more reviews by greatskin4

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Grey    

first of all i have to say that i waited 2 month before writing this review because i wanted to be as objective as i can. I absolutely love this product. I always had beautiful skin and then last november after some dramatic events in my life i started getting some minor acne on my face. first they were minor, then mild, then moderate to heave and then 1 moth later i ended up w cystic acne on my cheeks, forehead and neck. i became depressed and did not want to leave the house, i had to put heavy foundation on and it could not hide all the acne spots i had. from being a woman who turn heads walking down the street i became a person w a low self esteem constantly trying to cover my face w my hair. i tried everything. i eat very healthy, go to the gym once a day, do not smoke and take care of myself. nothing would help my skin, i drank antibiotics, bought proactive, did not use any make up unless i had to leave the house and in the time seeing myself in the mirror became more and more painful. i had horrible hard bumps EVERYWHERE under my skin and red spots that would not leave for months. finally i got some retin'a micro that helped to bring my cystic acne to a head, but even using it for 4 month it did not fix my appearance. my skin felt smooth to the touch and i did not have painful bumps under my skin anymore but i had just as much new acne and red spots. every morning i would wake up to see 3 new pimples on my face, my cheeks were painful to look at. finally i read an article about glycolic acid and i decided to purchase Alpha hydrox products. i got 10 percent cream, 10 percent toner and a cleanser. i stoped using retin A micro completely.
packaging is ok. it is pretty cheap looking but thats what keeps the price cheap too. i go through a jar every month because i use it for my neck, hands and face twice a day. price is amazing. when my local tj max had it, i purchased a year supply, i swear. they were charging 7 dollars per jar. crazy cheap. so the very first morning after i tried cream i woke up and i swear i could see the difference!!! it was not "i think it kinda looks better, because i hope for a miracle" reaction, i woke up, looked in the mirror and said OMG. red spots i had on my cheeked faded significantly over night. i mean, they still were there and they were unattractive but instead of being bright red they were actually pink. and i did not get one pimple overnight. my skin felt nice and firm and i did not get any shine during the day like i normally do. i kept using the cream and 4 days later my girlfriend noticed that my skin looked better, i did not say anything. but i kept using it. and besides my face i started using it on my neck and my hands. one night i put cream on my hands and put soft gloves on and i could see the difference the next morning. after a month of using cream i was able to walk around the house without make up and looking in the mirror w a smile. now, 2 month later, my acne scars r all faded. i still have one little red spot but i can see it is going away very fast and i do not get any pimples. one time i had a pizza night with my friends and drank a lot of alcohol and went to bed late, i got one tiny pimple in the morning and it was gone 2 days later.
i think this is the longest review i have ever written. so sorry for that. but i am in LOVE with this product. i ll keep using it. i recommended it to 3 of my girlfriends and they all love it. i understand that it does miracles for my skin and i am so happy i finally found one product that fits me so well. maybe it will not work just as good for you but for 10 dolars i would give it a try!!!!

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

Sobria on 3/12/2013 9:48:00 PM more reviews by Sobria

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Other   Eyes: Brown    

Used half of the tub until I realized it was breaking me out. At first, it started out great. My hyperpigmentation was fading at a quicker rate than usual and it was great for exfoliation. Keep in mind, I used this every night. I didn't experience any purging as my skin has tolerated AHAs before. I have mild acne, the occasional pimple, and mostly clogged pores. This helped with hyperpigmentation only. Pit scars and other deeper scars will still be there.

I discontinued it because I was developing cystic pimples on my forehead. I tried limiting it to every other day and every other2-3 days. And I still get these cysts. Once I stopped, it never came back.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

TishLiu on 2/20/2013 1:57:00 AM more reviews by TishLiu

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

This moisturizer is the only product that has ever been able to control the oil production of my face! I have large pores and combination skin which is very acne-prone and often breaks out in tiny red bumps.

At first I started using Giorgio Armani youth regenerator serum in the mornings because I thought it would keep my face matte during the day, and used this AH 10% creme at night to conserve the (expensive) GA serum. Then I noticed that when I woke up in the mornings, my skin felt smooth, soft and looked great – no reddish breakouts, and it was more matte than it had ever been! If I didn't wash my face, I could go straight to work looking fantastic!

So I started using this AH creme both day and night for the past 2 weeks. Whether I use it alone or under my Facefabric foundation, my skin produces maybe half the oil it usually does – so instead of a gleaming oilslick, I have more of a youthful shimmer. I'm going to keep testing to see if this changes over the next few months, but tentatively – I'm so happy with the results!

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

CocoJuniper on 2/16/2013 8:22:00 PM more reviews by CocoJuniper

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair, Warm   Hair: Other, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

Nope. After one week of this stinky cream, my face had become a hellish, nightmare landscape of cystic acne. I'm confident this cream was the culprit because I changed nothing else in my routine, and the breakout subsided after I stopped. A lot of people talk about "purging" but I'm not going to stick with any product that wrecks my skin the way this one did. Ain't nobody got time for that.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Lucciole on 2/12/2013 9:39:00 PM more reviews by Lucciole

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

It smells really not good but I can accept its smell in a short time.
Well, how to comment it..
It might be the first product which is effective for me.
But my cheeks are too sensitive to afford PH4...sometimes it burns my cheeks...
Most of the time it can always be used in my forehead and nose...
But it is good, actually. When my sensitive skin is improved better, I will buy it again.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* Chloeclover on 2/12/2013 5:38:00 PM more reviews by Chloeclover

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Oily, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

This product smells like semen, chlorine, or bleach... It smells really bad. I gag each time I put this on my face... it takes about 5 minutes for the smell to dissipate. If you can handle that type of scent, then this cream is worth it.. Alpha hydroxy is really good for your skin because of the low pH (pH=4, skin's natural pH is around 5) and it also helps in skin regeneration. Overall, this is a good night cream. I just can't stand the smell...... I won't be repurchasing because of the smell, probably a different one from the same line that is fragrance free.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* chayaNY on 1/2/2013 11:26:00 PM more reviews by chayaNY

Age: Unknown   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I want to say love it but fear the skin care gods will hear and I'll be jinxed. Never thought my skin could tolerate anything with "acid" in the name. I have a disease that literally kills off my moisture glands. Jealous yet? Wait, you will be, I no longer produce a natural moisture barrier at all. Told ya. Its not as glam as it sounds actually, and I have had such bad reactions to things, you name it, from not only skin care products, but even new eye glasses, that lasted for months. Itching, burning, bumps,misery and redness.


I cannot tolerate physical exfoliation, can't even use a washcloth to wipe makeup off, so did no exfoliation. I saw great results using an AHA lotion on my body, hoped I could tolerate it on y face but was really scared to. I envisioned my usual reaction of goldfish puffed eyes and red splotchy face.

But I kept hearing this is a holy grail product for over 40 and now that I'm over 40 I felt like for under $10.00 I could always use it on my feet.


I did a patch test on my forehead then jaw and no one died. I used sweet almond oil as a "buffer" under and then took the plunge and applied to the rest of my face. This is my idea of walking on the wild side, changing up my skin-care routine.

To my amazement my skin did not freak out and instead felt calm, soothed. I know. Its been almost a month now during one of the most stressful times ever and did not have access to my usual skin care items which were like a nice but ineffectual doctor; didn't help with any of my problems but at least caused no further harm. I had gotten to a stage of non-irritation but I didn't care for the look of things. The oil cleansing method (ocm) works so well for me my pores were all clear but now empty, read looked large enough to use as storage units. My cheeks still felt somewhat bumpy and red.


But using this it feels calm. It looks calm. It looks clear. It felt itchy around my mouth at first. I was scared wondering "what has my darn vanity gotten me into now?!" But then with more buffer under and a little over, it felt better. In a few days no buffer needed. I can go without makeup and in the very least not scare the horses, (and isn't that the goal really?). When I do wear makeup I need so much less. I had a small vertical scar under one eye which bothered me as the location made it appear like a gasp---wrinkle! Shudders, fans self! But now I can barely see it. My redness is just more a diffused light pink and hardly an issue. My nose pores no longer look like the mission to the moon was faked and actually filmed there. They're not invisible, but they "appear" smaller (and that is the goal really)


I use almond oil to remove my mu, follow with gentle cleanser (since I cannot tolerate wiping off w/cotton rounds, washcloth etc). Apply this cream then wait about an hour and apply more oil to my face. That's it but for something else under my eyes. For day I use an spf 30 cream and a powder with spf 30 too.


I have spilled this, the one con is its not a cream but a runny lotion with no business being in a wide mouth jar. I'm not worried about it being unsanitary, I wash my hands first, but although inexpensive, its wasteful when this spills out so easily. That's the only con in the weeks I've been using it but it would not deter me from using this. I'd love to decant to a pump bottle but not sure if that would change the efficacy or not. Whatever spills on to the sink I rub onto my elbows, works well there too.

A few years ago Nora Ephron wrote a book "I feel Bad About My Neck," I couldn't relate at the time then suddenly I felt a little bad about mine too. Nothing a little scaffolding wouldn't fix. I have used this cream on my neck since I began using it on my face and it shows. I have a really long neck so it was find a fix of some kind or only wear turtelnecks turned all the way up a-la Bazooka Joe;(
I find if I use this daily on my neck its too often, can itch but aside from that initially from my face too, I've had no adverse reactions.


Forgive my blathering but I've got a vat of ineffectual creams so its nice to find a cheapie that works.
Now don't hold me to any of this. Having written this I'm sure I'll awake to boils exactly and ONLY where I've applied this last. I've got the luck of Henry Beamis but i figured if I can get very good results from this given my skin and the vast and varied problems my med condition gives me, maybe others with reactive skin can safely use this too. As always, your mileage may vary and patch test. I will update if I see further improvement or not. Wish me luck!

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

*TOP REVIEWER* kaxel on 1/1/2013 7:54:00 PM more reviews by kaxel

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

This may not be a very helpful review, because I am not seeing "miracle" results like some users but I do feel like my dry, late-40s skin looks better after using this product. Like: It's cheap (like $10 cheap). Dislike: Rounded top of jar makes it hard to stack in my small medicine cabinet; slightly "glue-y" smell to product (it wears off, though). I feel like I am getting similar results from this that I got from a mix of two products previously, so it's saving me a step (and time).

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

*TOP REVIEWER* Lomelindi on 11/21/2012 2:50:00 PM more reviews by Lomelindi

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Black    

I don't say this often, but this may be a miracle product in a tub! I was breaking out for a month straight from my new retinol creams because one of the fillters was clogging my pores, so I wanted something that could exfoliate my skin without making the acne worse. (Also, anti-aging benefits are a bonus.) I tried this cream on a whim and was amazed to find that it worked! In a week, all of my painful clogged pores and cystic acne had cleared up and the red scars were fading rapidly. My skin was noticeably brighter, too, and I could see a vast improvement in how my skin looked before and after just a few days of this product.


I wore this cream every night before going to sleep, and used a retinol product around my eyes since the instructions specified not to use this cream in that area. There was a mild tingling sensation a few seconds after I applied this cream for the first time, although I didn't notice it after 2-3 times. It sank in rapidly and left a matte finish, so I added some moisturizer on top to seal it in. Unlike with retinol products, I didn't go through a purging period, so this didn't make my acne worse and didn't cause any peeling or flaking.


The major con about this product is that it REEKS (as other reviewers have already noted). It's like a sharp, pungent version of Elmer's glue. For people who are sensitive to fragrance or smells in general, I'd look elsewhere for another AHA product!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

BonjourMaria on 11/3/2012 11:49:00 AM more reviews by BonjourMaria

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Tan, Warm   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Horrible product! It smells awful but worse, it broke me out. Initially, I thought my skin was just in the purging state but after a month of continuous pimples, I totally gave up on it. There wasn't a day when I woke up pimple-free. There were fresh pimples every single morning that I opened my eyes. Now, my skin is healing from all the marks that this product has left on my face. It works for most but there will be the odd ones who will have an extreme reaction to this.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

sugarfreepersonality on 10/18/2012 7:54:00 PM more reviews by sugarfreepersonality

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I am impressed with this product! It has exceeded my expectations. (:
For reference, I have very fair combination skin that is prone to clogged pores- and acne, if I aggravate it- and hyperpigmentation is a big issue for me.
A short story: ever since I can remember, my skin has been naturally smooth and soft, so every time I feel any disturbance in it whatsoever (a bump, dead skin, etc), I pick at it incessantly. Normally I pick at it so much that my skin begins to bleed; it takes a very long time to heal these things and I'm left with horrible, deep red marks on my skin. I've tried everything in pursuit of an even skin tone, I'm telling you, and nothing has worked so well as this...

I used to use the Alpha Hydrox Glycolic Lotion (put it on for a minute and then washed it off) and happily noticed a decrease in these hyperpigmentation marks, though I was using the lotion for acne prevention purposes at the time.
Now, before using this cream, I cleanse my face first and then use a toner- I use the cream explicitly for the purpose of evening out my skin tone. Since the concentration of 10% glycolic acid tends to make the skin red, I use this at night (I also personally believe that since the skin does its healing and repairing while you sleep, nighttime is the most effective time to use this). Within a week, I noticed that the small red marks on my face were all but gone and the large ones are continuing to reduce in size and darkness on a day-to-day basis. (:
Before purchasing this cream, I would layer on a heavy coverage liquid foundation, set it with a heavy powder, and then use concealer. Now, I use a light, natural powder and far less concealer.
That speaks volumes for me! There's no better way to describe its effectiveness.

I took one lippie off just because this tends to leave my skin oily in the morning, and somewhat throughout the day and I believe it causes very, very small blemishes on my cheeks- not so much that I would ever stop using it just for that reason alone. However, I should note that as I use it more and more, it seems that my skin adjusts to it and my skin does not get as oily in reaction to this cream...

UPDATE-
I've found that when applied as a general spot treatment, this works far better for me. On breakouts and hyperpigmentation equally; somehow, I put this on a blemish at night, and it's nearly gone the next day. Amazing.
I'd say that this, in conjuction with the 14% AHA swipes, have dramatically evened out my skin tone. I keep the cream on my nightstand, unscrew the lid right before I turn off the lights, and dab some on the spots I need healed. Wha-la!

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

hanmu on 10/13/2012 10:32:00 AM more reviews by hanmu

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I've been using this on and off for about a year, and I'm honestly still not sure what to make of it. It doesn't seem to break me out (though with my skin it's hard to tell) but I can't see any positive changes either. I won't repurchase this since I can't tell whether it's actually helping in any way and the jar packaging is very unhygienic.

ETA: After writing this review I decided to give it once last go, and though it still didn't offer any improvements to the majority of my skin, with nightly use it totally cleared up the stubborn blackheads around my nose! Have bumped it up to a 4, accordingly.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

iluvnyc233 on 10/9/2012 8:10:00 PM more reviews by iluvnyc233

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Black   Eyes: Other    

I have combination, acne-prone skin that is oily in the t-zone but flaky elsewhere. I read all the hype about this product and was excited to try it to help erase past acne scars. Unfortunately I think it actually caused more acne, so I won't be repurchasing. On the other hand, it does moisturize well.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

MLWagner79 on 9/15/2012 10:09:00 PM more reviews by MLWagner79

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I really love this stuff. I am 2 weeks into a AHA and Vitamin C serum regime to help hyperpigmentation. As recommended by the MUA SC board gals, I use this at night and the serum in the morning. I do not have particularly sensitive skin and was able to use this nightly right off the bat. I apply a small amount directly after washing my face at night and it sinks right in. In just 2 weeks I have noticed s decrease in millia under my eyes and my average pores are pretty much invisible. I've also noticed a significant reduction in blackheads in my nose, which weren't really visible with makeup on, but were definitely there. Also, in combination with the serum, my normally very dry, dull skin is now positively glowing. I am already very pleased with this product although it has not been long enough to have much effect on hyperpigmentation. The only cons for me are a slight stinging for a few seconds after applying, and the smell, which is sort of sour but fades quickly.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

vesperholly on 9/9/2012 7:45:00 PM more reviews by vesperholly

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

Smells like rotten eggplant. The smell wasn't strong once it was on my skin, but it was awful while applying, and every once in a while I'd get a whiff. Maybe I got a bad one? The souffle doesn't smell bad at all, more medicinal. Couldn't do it, had to return.

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

RT666 on 9/2/2012 4:55:00 AM more reviews by RT666

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Medium, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

So sad. I had very high hopes that this would be "the cream" however, the quest continues. I used it in conjunction with the retinol night resQ cream (evenings only) for a month. Absolutely no difference to pore size or fine wrinkles, huge difference to skin colour and not in a good way - red, with scaly patches, and some blister type pimples (which I haven't had in 25 years). I have combination skin - oily t-zone and dry on cheeks and under-eyes. I didn't put it anywhere near my eyes however, this cream is very watery in texture and liquifies pretty much on contact, and later shifts to the under-eye area during the night. Having read all the reviews, this is a cream that is going to work best for the 20-35 age group, who have an olive or darker complexion. This cream is just too harsh for mature, fair or sensitive skin - we need more of the moisture and less of the "stripping" effect. In hindsight, a very fine granule exfoliant (2-3 times a week), followed by a prescription retinol cream (only where you need it), and a good evening texture moisturiser, seems to be a much less damaging way of achieving a better result.

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

Danyw on 8/7/2012 more reviews by Danyw

Age: 30-35   Skin: Very Oily, Olive, Warm   Hair: Red   Eyes: Brown    

I so wanted to love this product! I do notice that it does fade the hyperpigentation on my face pretty quickly and it has made my pores appear smaller, however I notice more and more white heads than I've ever had, my oily skin is also flaking everywhere. I've read that it does "purge" your skin, I don't know how long it takes stop. I know that my face has never been more flaky and broken out and I can't stick it out. I haven't used it for two days and it's already clearing up. :( This might be good for someone with skin that isn't too sensitive. For me, it didn't work.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

skypine on 7/8/2012 8:54:00 AM more reviews by skypine

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I have been using this AHA Enhanced Cream for about three weeks now. My skin complexion has obviously been improved that it becomes clearer and smoother, some of the dark spots are obviously lighter after I use and the pores look smaller as well. For the price like that, it's a real bargain! Though, don't expect it smells like any of those big brands, let's say it smells AHA authentic. :)

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

genahy on 6/24/2012 1:40:00 AM more reviews by genahy

Age: 30-35   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Awful. Turned my face bright red. Had to return.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

jacq1985 on 6/21/2012 6:55:00 PM more reviews by jacq1985

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I've used aha products on and off for the past few years, but only recently have I found the best way to use them on my skin. I've suffered from acne most of my life, ranging from moderate-severe in my adolescence, to mild but annoying in my adulthood. After taking antibiotics the past few months, my acne was clear, but I still had white bumps/clogged pores all over my cheeks that I could not for the life of me get rid of. You couldn't really see these bumps from a distance, but my cheeks felt bumpy to the touch, and the texture really bothered me. I wanted smooth skin. I couldn't pop the bumps, sulfur/benzoyl/ peroxide/ etc and exfoliation did nothing to help me. Finally I started using this product mixed with non coated aspirin as a masque each night for several hours. This sounds intense, I realize, but my bumps came to the surface and I finally was able to pop them. Then I'd sleep with just this cream on my face. I have sensitive acne prone skin, and immediately I saw results. Each night I'd pop the bumps that would come up (bad I know), and then apply the masque and cream. After a few weeks my cheeks are smoother than they've been since pre puberty. I have really fair skin, scars easily, but my redmarks and scars are almost non existent now, and I have no scarring from any of the white bumps/clogged pores I've popped. This aha is amazing, it doesn't make my break out, and it's finally given me smooth skin. I get it at marshalls for 7.99, the enhanced lotion is also good and cheaper and you get a lot more for the same price. However, I wouldn't use the lotion alone overnight because it can tend to break you out. Give this a few weeks to work.

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