Alpha H Liquid Gold with Glycolic Acid 100ml

I wrongly assumed this was just glorified water, glycolic acid and licorice in a bottle - it is a VERY basic ingredients list, however, this small combination of ingredients all seems to work together somehow. I use this on an evening straight after my toner has dried, by applying with a cotton pad and then once dried I skip the night cream and just leave this on to work. Yes it does tingle, for me I managed to reduce this by gently patting the liquid on instead of swiping it over my face and neck. It isn't magic, if your skin is used to stronger concentrations of glycolic you could probably give this a miss (it's only 5%). I find it just sufficient to refine my skin texture and give a subtle brightening effect yet without any kind of irritation. I have to stress ... MoreI wrongly assumed this was just glorified water, glycolic acid and licorice in a bottle - it is a VERY basic ingredients list, however, this small combination of ingredients all seems to work together somehow. I use this on an evening straight after my toner has dried, by applying with a cotton pad and then once dried I skip the night cream and just leave this on to work. Yes it does tingle, for me I managed to reduce this by gently patting the liquid on instead of swiping it over my face and neck. It isn't magic, if your skin is used to stronger concentrations of glycolic you could probably give this a miss (it's only 5%). I find it just sufficient to refine my skin texture and give a subtle brightening effect yet without any kind of irritation. I have to stress the results were not overnight, it did take a full 1 week before I could visibly see a difference but considering how gentle it was on my skin, the wait was not an issue. Also very good as an acne treatment. I just apply a drop to any (non-cystic) bump that appears and it flattens it literally overnight! Long term I wouldn't want to use this daily, due to the high alcohol content, but every now and again this is perfect for a quick brightening and refining 'reset' between using other products. -- My Top 10 Beauty Must-Haves

Alpha-H Liquid Gold is a thin, clear liquid treatment that I’ve lately been seeing touted as a best-seller for clear skin. Its formula uses 5% glycolic acid to help clear away buildups of old skin cells to reveal brighter skin and encourage cell renewal. Liquid Gold is a low-ph formula, and also includes other skin-boosting ingredients, such as licorice extract which can reduce dark spots and regulate oil production. Silk proteins are meant to help protect skin and retain moisture. I go back and forth between glycolic acid and lactic acid in terms of which works best for my skin. I can get an oily t-zone (especially in summer) but the rest of my skin tends to be drier, especially with every passing year. Sometimes glycolic works better for my skin congestion, ... MoreAlpha-H Liquid Gold is a thin, clear liquid treatment that I’ve lately been seeing touted as a best-seller for clear skin. Its formula uses 5% glycolic acid to help clear away buildups of old skin cells to reveal brighter skin and encourage cell renewal. Liquid Gold is a low-ph formula, and also includes other skin-boosting ingredients, such as licorice extract which can reduce dark spots and regulate oil production. Silk proteins are meant to help protect skin and retain moisture. I go back and forth between glycolic acid and lactic acid in terms of which works best for my skin. I can get an oily t-zone (especially in summer) but the rest of my skin tends to be drier, especially with every passing year. Sometimes glycolic works better for my skin congestion, sometimes lactic does, and however hard I’ve tried I can’t seem to find a consistent pattern. Overall, glycolic gets the edge, though. I use The Ordinary 7% Glycolic Toner, and find that works well for me most of the time. The % of acid is higher, and the cost is much lower than Alpha-H (240 ml (just over 8oz) for $8.70, compared to 3.38 fl oz $54.00). The pH is lower on the Alpha-H (2.8 - 3.0, compared to The Ordinary’s 3.5 - 3.7). Using products with a pH closer to normal skin pH (roughly 4.5 - 5.5) means the product will be gentler on the skin and be less likely to disrupt the skin’s normal state. Mild disruptions can apparently actually be beneficial to skin because in equalizing itself the skin actually stimulates the production of certain good substances. (But too big of a disruption can make skin dry or flaky, and take longer to recover.) The lower pH on the Alpha-H product helps it penetrate more despite being a lower % of glycolic, and in fact Alpha-H even says the low pH in their formula forces the skin to work harder to reset itself. From what I have felt on my own skin, these two products end up working about the same in terms of sweeping away dead skin cells. I didn’t notice much benefit from the other ingredients in the Alpha-H, although I have just started using it without applying a moisturizer (I found a suggestion online to use it every other night, and not to apply anything else on top). I’ll keep up that routine for a few weeks, and then re-try the Alpha-H in the fall and winter to see how it compares in a different season. In the meantime, I would love to try the Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum from Alpha-H, which combines a higher level of glycolic acid (14%) with granactive retinoid!

I’ve never heard of Alpha H until I received this product in one of my subscription boxes. At first, I wrote it off completely as being too harsh after I read it contains 5% Glycolic acid. I have fair, sensitive skin and I tried which also has 5% Glycolic acid and immediately after applying it, my face was burning and on fire. Im used to the normal tingle from certain acids and products like chemical peels etc but this burning was too much to bear to the point it was painful. However, I did some research and learned that this product also contained ingredients like silk protein licorice root which work to reduce inflammation and redness and read so many reviews about other ppl who normally couldn’t use a product with 5% Glycolic acid didn’t have an issue with this. ... MoreI’ve never heard of Alpha H until I received this product in one of my subscription boxes. At first, I wrote it off completely as being too harsh after I read it contains 5% Glycolic acid. I have fair, sensitive skin and I tried which also has 5% Glycolic acid and immediately after applying it, my face was burning and on fire. Im used to the normal tingle from certain acids and products like chemical peels etc but this burning was too much to bear to the point it was painful. However, I did some research and learned that this product also contained ingredients like silk protein licorice root which work to reduce inflammation and redness and read so many reviews about other ppl who normally couldn’t use a product with 5% Glycolic acid didn’t have an issue with this. It’s an award winning product, so I decided I would give it a try. After cleansing and applying it like a toner, I did feel some tingling sensation but no burning feeling to the point it’s painful. After I will say my cheeks were pretty red, and I applied a hydrating sheet mask, a soothing and moisturizing serum and moisturizer along with a Hyaluronic acid sleeping mask on top. After a day or two, I saw benefits just after the one use! My skin tone looked more even, brighter, and smoother. It’s definitely a product I’m so happy I decided to try out. I would definitely use it as a treatment type product maybe two to three times a month. I am so blown away at gnus I could see why it’s called Liquid gold! ❤️

Better than expected!

I wrongly assumed this was just glorified water, glycolic acid and licorice in a bottle - it is a VERY basic ingredients list, however, this small combination of ingredients all seems to work together somehow. I use this on an evening straight after my toner has dried, by applying with a cotton pad and then once dried I skip the night cream and just leave this on to work. Yes it does tingle, for me I managed to reduce this by gently patting the liquid on instead of swiping it over my face and neck. It isn't magic, if your skin is used to stronger concentrations of glycolic you could probably give this a miss (it's only 5%). I find it just sufficient to refine my skin texture and give a subtle brightening effect yet without any kind of irritation. I have to stress ... MoreI wrongly assumed this was just glorified water, glycolic acid and licorice in a bottle - it is a VERY basic ingredients list, however, this small combination of ingredients all seems to work together somehow. I use this on an evening straight after my toner has dried, by applying with a cotton pad and then once dried I skip the night cream and just leave this on to work. Yes it does tingle, for me I managed to reduce this by gently patting the liquid on instead of swiping it over my face and neck. It isn't magic, if your skin is used to stronger concentrations of glycolic you could probably give this a miss (it's only 5%). I find it just sufficient to refine my skin texture and give a subtle brightening effect yet without any kind of irritation. I have to stress the results were not overnight, it did take a full 1 week before I could visibly see a difference but considering how gentle it was on my skin, the wait was not an issue. Also very good as an acne treatment. I just apply a drop to any (non-cystic) bump that appears and it flattens it literally overnight! Long term I wouldn't want to use this daily, due to the high alcohol content, but every now and again this is perfect for a quick brightening and refining 'reset' between using other products. -> My ‘Nordstrom Beauty Top 7 must-have list’ (My 7 favorite beauty products of all time, focusing mainly on my purchases at Nordstrom) <- < 1. Hair Loss Treatment: Divine Herbal Hair Oil < 2. Concealer: ‘Mac’ - Studio Finish Concealer < 3. Lip Gloss: Clarins Lip Comfort Oil < 4. Mascara: ‘Lancome’ – Cilis Booster XL < 5. Anti-Aging Serum: Divine Herbal Facial Treatment Serum < 6. Mask: ‘Eve Lom’ – Radiance Transforming Mask < 7. Face Scrub: ‘Sisley' - Botanical Gentle Buffing Cream

Game changer

I wasn’t prompted to write this review, I’ve specifically looked on the website to see if I could write one! I’ve honestly never used anything like this before. My skin is quite dry so when I followed the instructions and didn’t apply a moisturiser after applying the product I was massively sceptical but just do it. In the morning you’ll be blown away. It’s uncomfortable having that faith because you’ll want to put something extra on your skin but trust the instructions. It works! So amazing, plump dewy fresh young skin in the morning! Im trying out the other alpha h products and they’ve all been pretty good but liquid gold is one of those perfect products that you’ll buy again and again

Lives up to the hype for me

Have been using for about a month now, and I'm impressed now that I've worked out where it fits in my routine. The bottle says you can moisturiser or serum after putting it on, or for a more intense treatment, don't follow with with anything. The first couple times I used a serum afterwards since I have dehydrated skin, and had no noticeable difference in the morning. Now I use it alone, and I totally get the rave reviews. For reference I have been using Drunk Elephant Framboos (which I had been obsessed with for years) but I'll probably switch to using only Liquid Gold. I have fair skin that leans to dehydrated and is susceptible to irritability. Have had no adverse reactions to using it.

Love it!

I have been using this now for 3 weeks, as per the instructions and have not used anything straight after and have loved the results. Prior to using it my skin was oily (from using masks at work daily) with breakouts but dry at the same time, unable to absorb the moisturizer. Since using this my skin feels lighter, less congested and more hydrated. After a day of wearing a mask this has really helped with my chin area and my skin looks smoother around my eyes, where some small lines had formed. After applying it the first time there was a noticeable tingling but nothing terrible and almost felt good like it was doing something. Highly recommend this easy to use product, only needing a little bit each time it is going to last me a long time! Converted!

Skin feels soft in morning

I only use this as my last step, once or twice a week (it says to not follow with any other products if you want to go for a more intense treatment) as I tend to lean more towards BHAs as I’m very oily, plus I use retinol so I can’t combine them. It does feel a bit weird not moisturising after but in the morning my skin is definitely feeling soft and well-hydrated/nourished so it obviously doesn’t negatively affect me, for it. It’s hard to know if it’s making a huge amount of difference to me, as I use quite a lot of actives and, like I said, use BHAs more in my routine but my skin does not react to it (it’s quite sensitive) and beyond the initial tingle, I tolerate it well. Can see why other people call it their holy grail, it’s just that other acids work a bit ... MoreI only use this as my last step, once or twice a week (it says to not follow with any other products if you want to go for a more intense treatment) as I tend to lean more towards BHAs as I’m very oily, plus I use retinol so I can’t combine them. It does feel a bit weird not moisturising after but in the morning my skin is definitely feeling soft and well-hydrated/nourished so it obviously doesn’t negatively affect me, for it. It’s hard to know if it’s making a huge amount of difference to me, as I use quite a lot of actives and, like I said, use BHAs more in my routine but my skin does not react to it (it’s quite sensitive) and beyond the initial tingle, I tolerate it well. Can see why other people call it their holy grail, it’s just that other acids work a bit better on my oily combination skin. Maybe if I used it more regularly, it would be more of a holy grail for me but I choose to use retinol. Great brand, though.

The best

I used to use this all the time and it left my skin glowy and clear but I realised I wanted something a bit more from my acids. I then switched to good genes by Sunday Riley which made me get so many spots and I didn’t really find too much of a difference in terms of glowiness which was a shame given it costs so much more. I then tried TLC framboise by Drunk Elephant. This made my skin plumper and gave a nice glow but I found I had a lot more milia on my face. It also costs a lot more than liquid gold so I figured I’d try liquid gold again having tried the others for about 2 years in total. I’ve literally only used liquid gold twice since I switched back and so many people have commented on how good my skin is, asked how I keep it so clear and glowy. All the spots ... MoreI used to use this all the time and it left my skin glowy and clear but I realised I wanted something a bit more from my acids. I then switched to good genes by Sunday Riley which made me get so many spots and I didn’t really find too much of a difference in terms of glowiness which was a shame given it costs so much more. I then tried TLC framboise by Drunk Elephant. This made my skin plumper and gave a nice glow but I found I had a lot more milia on my face. It also costs a lot more than liquid gold so I figured I’d try liquid gold again having tried the others for about 2 years in total. I’ve literally only used liquid gold twice since I switched back and so many people have commented on how good my skin is, asked how I keep it so clear and glowy. All the spots from the previous TLC are going down and the milia are reducing. I didn’t think it would make such a distinct difference but this is definitely my holy grail. If you want clear, glowy skin get this asap. Just for clarity, I have very dry skin, I usually use this once a week or bi-weekly, only more if I feel any spots coming through. I wouldn’t recommend using it too often as no one should be using any acids very frequently on their face so don’t overdo it! It does tingle a little (more than the other 2 I’ve mentioned) but I don’t mind that. It has a more liquid/toner type consistency compared to the other 2 which are more like gels - I use a cotton pad to wipe this over my face as I find it too thin to put straight in my hands or on my face.

so far, I’m liking it!

I was intrigued by this particular product due to its inclusion of a favorite brightening agent of mine, Licorice root extract! Not only does licorice root have an inhibitory effect on melanin synthesis, but it’s also considered to be an “anti-irritant.” In my mind, since glycolic is a low molecular weight AHA, perhaps the licorice root could help curb some of the irritation associated with its usage. Plus, who doesn’t want additional brightening? Am I right!? I’ve been using this product kinda as a little mini peel on the nights I skip my tretinoin, (2-3 times a week) for three weeks now. I also like to swipe the remaining product behind my legs where I have Keratosis pilaris. I can definitely feel a difference behind my legs! They are much smoother and most of the ... MoreI was intrigued by this particular product due to its inclusion of a favorite brightening agent of mine, Licorice root extract! Not only does licorice root have an inhibitory effect on melanin synthesis, but it’s also considered to be an “anti-irritant.” In my mind, since glycolic is a low molecular weight AHA, perhaps the licorice root could help curb some of the irritation associated with its usage. Plus, who doesn’t want additional brightening? Am I right!? I’ve been using this product kinda as a little mini peel on the nights I skip my tretinoin, (2-3 times a week) for three weeks now. I also like to swipe the remaining product behind my legs where I have Keratosis pilaris. I can definitely feel a difference behind my legs! They are much smoother and most of the bumps have dissipated. While this product didn’t sting at all on my legs, it did so mildly on my face, but that’s to be expected. My skin did appear to glow the morning after I used it, and I did not experience peeling. I personally am using this to help combat years of accumulated sun damage from a childhood largely spent out in the California sun. Since hyperpigmentation takes time and patience to treat topically I can’t honestly say this particular product has lightened my sun spots significantly. But, it has seemed to contribute to an overall brightening effect, which I’m pretty happy with! I’m def going to keep this one in my regimen and see if it ends up helping with my darker sun spots!