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Actives such as AHAs and Retinols usually don’t go well together and I’ve learnt my lessons in the past to not overwork my skin. It’s a marathon, not a sprint after all. Since started using prescription-strength retinol, I haven’t been very adventurous in trying out new acids. I’d like to stick to what I know and most importantly, what my skin can handle. Recently, I got sent the latest release, Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum from Alpha-H Skincare, a brand that knows actives very well. Their best seller, Liquid Gold a chemical exfoliant (5% Glycolic Acid) has a cult following including myself, I went through a few bottles in the past. Needless to say, I was excited to give this serum a go!
What is it?
Overnight treatment with Glycolic Acid and Granactive Retinoid
What it does
This is designed to resurface, reboot and renew tired, dull and prematurely ageing skin, improve appearance on fine lines & wrinkles and pigmentation.
Key ingredients are:
- 14% glycolic acid and 1% granactive retinoid: The combined power of resurfacing and cell-renewing properties work to target pigmentation, dullness, uneven texture, congestion, diminished elasticity and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Coenzyme Q10: to help fade away dark spots and post-blemish scarring,
- Ferulic acid: Antioxidant to protect against free-radical damage
- Tripeptide-5: Collagen-stimulating which works to promote elasticity and bounce whilst improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Full Ingredients list
Water, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dimethicone, Potassium Hydroxide, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Methyl Gluceth-20, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Vitamin E, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Phenoxyethanol, Ferulic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ubiquinone, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit Extract, Tasmannia Lanceolata (Pepperberry) Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5.
Who’s it for
Suitable for normal to dry and combination skin and those who show signs of ageing. Also great for pre-and post-menopausal skin
Everything else
Packaging
This comes in a glass bottle with a dropper/pipette for application. I’m not going to lie, I’m in team pump! I always feel a pump gives me better control in the amount it dispenses where the dropper can be tricky.
Colour, Texture & Scent
The Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum is an alcohol-free, fragrance and essential oils free formula. So, any scent is derived naturally from the ingredients, in this case, there’s a prominent sugar cane sweet smell(since glycolic acid derived from sugar cane). The serum is very lightweight and a bit runny with a light yellow hue. It doesn’t feel ‘siliconey’, almost feels like essence mixed with light oil.
How to use it
In the evening apply 4-5 drops onto cleansed skin and massage over face and neck in upward and outward strokes. May be followed with your preferred Alpha-H moisturiser.
Alpha-H instruction
When I first started with this, I used it only a few drops once a week for the first 2 weeks. I then built up to 2 or 3 times a week. I always cleanse, either mist or put hydrating essence on and then apply this serum, followed with a moisturiser. It plays well with all my other products, this absorbs into the skin almost immediately. The first couple of times I experienced a mild tingling sensation but as time goes on, this sensation almost disappeared.
My final verdict
While it’s hard for me to say if my lines and wrinkles are reduced because of this serum, I can see my face wakes up looking clearer and brighter, and feeling softer and smoother on the touch. What I’m most happy about is that this hasn’t irritated my skin, I was worried the high percentage of glycolic acid might not work for me but the serum is so beautifully formulated and I also make sure I sandwich this between other nourishing products really help. As far as the results go, I’d rate this on par with Sunday Riley Good Genes (Lactic version) and Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, both I reviewed also on the blog already. However, everyone’s skin is different, like any acids it’s best to sample it first if you can and most importantly, go slow. I’m very happy to have this in my rotation and for sure, going to continue using this.
Available: £70/50ml
Have you tried this before? What is your experience?