Remember me waxing lyrically about the gentlest exfoliator I had ever come across? The one that would fix the sore skin around my nose during the worst cold I had in years? (here)
Well, the product I am going to talk about today is the complete opposite.
It is the definition of acid burn.
Don’t get me wrong though, I like the burn. It is like proof that the product is actually working (in my head at least).
So if Aurelia Refine & Polish Miracle Balm was the much needed comfort blanket for my skin when I had a cold, what is the Doctor Duve Glowskin Triple Peel Treatment (PR-Sample)?
What Doctor Duve claims
To stimulate cell turnover is the goal of this effective, triple action peel for the ultimate beauty treatment at home. The GLOWSKIN TRIPLE PEEL TREATMENT offers maximum exfoliation with it´s unique blend of acids, enzymes and physical peeling particles. Dead skin cells, responsible for skin looking dull and sallow, are softly removed, the skin feels even, plump and imperfections are visibly reduced. At the same time circulation, collagen production and cell renewal are increased.
Immediate results on three different levels for a radiant complexion.
Facts
Prize and size
One squeezy tube contains 75 ml and retails for 75 € on the website here. As this is a treatment more than a daily peel 75 ml will last you a very long time.
Texture and smell
Grainy in texture due to the physical exfoliant bits the treatment spreads easily on the skin. It feels a little like applying a lightweight SPF with sand stuck to your fingers. Not unpleasant, just strange. There is no noticeable scent despite the added fragrance. It just smells… fresh?
Application and effects
I use this one once a week at night after cleansing my face, usually as the first step to a face mask heavy pampering routine. As I mentioned above, there is a sting to my acid adapted skin, and while I know better to attribute sting to effectiveness when it comes to facial treatments, the results with this one are immediately noticeable. Despite me using a gentle exfoliant on a daily basis, my skin after using that treatment is just a little brighter, a little softer, a little more everything. Yes, a little more sensitive as well.
Favorable ingredients
- Glycerin: Humectant, draws moisture to the skin
- Gycolic Acid: AHA, chemical exfoliant
- Lactobacillus/Pumpkin fruit ferment filtrate: enzymatic exfoliant
- Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum fruit ferment extract: enzymatic exfoliant
- Polylactic acid: NOT lactic acid, but a physical exfoliant
- All ingredients below this line are less than 1%
- Oryza Sativa Bran Oil: contains phytic acid (AHA), brightening
- Oryza Sativa Starch: Microexfoliant, rich in phytonutrients
- Caprylyl Glycol: Emollient
- Punica Granatum Bark Extract: Rich in tannins, astringent, regulates sebum production
- Butylene Glycol: Humectant, helps skin lock in moisture
- Radish Root extract: Firming, adstringent
- Hydrolyzed Rice Protein: Moisturizing
- Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark extract: Natural source of salicylic acid and tannins (astringent, regulate sebum production), acts as preservative
- Lactide Rubus Idaeus Leaf Cell Culture: antioxidant, contains peptides increasing hydration
Other ingredients
- Hydroxyethyl acrylate: Thickener
- PEG-8: Emulsifier
- Polyethylene: Thickener
- Sodium Hydroxide: pH adjusting
- PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate: Emulsifying
- Phenoxyethanol: Preservative
- Olive Oil PEG-7 esters: Solubilizer
- Ethylhexylglycerin: Preservative
- Sorbitan Isostearate: Thickener (Moisturizing)
- Polysorbate 60: Thickener
- Xanthan Gum: Increases viscosity
Unfavorable Ingredients
- Fragrance (lower third of the ingredient list)
- Hexylene Glycol: Solvent, potentially irritant
- Sodium Benzoate: Preservative, should not be mixed with Vitamin C as it could form benzene, a carcinogen. Highly unlikely in the amounts used in skincare, but some people may prefer to avoid it.
Does it live up to its claims?
Yes.
It delivers immediate results and intense exfoliation.
Would I repurchase?
Yes.
Unlike my other acids, this one is much more of a treatment than a daily skincare item, probably the closest that I, living the mom life with no spare time, will come to a peeling treatment at an aesthetician.
Who do I recommend it to?
Seasoned acid lovers and people that want to come as close to a treatment as possible at home.
If you are new to acids or if your skin is really sensitive, I would suggest you try something else first though.
And if the aforementioned Aurelia Refine & Polish Miracle Balm is the comfort blanket you need when feeling down, the Doctor Duve Glowskin Triple Peel Treatment * one is the killer heels you wear if you want to show the world who is boss.
Completely different, but each very much needed in your arsenal.
