A few weeks ago, I received NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash via the blogger-brand association Brandbacker to try out in exchange for an honest review. I’ve reviewed a number of facial skincare products from NeoStrata and Exuviance, two brands from the company that was started by two researchers in dermatology who discovered the skincare benefits of glycolic acid.
First and importantly, NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash is not a facial cleanser for everyone. It was designed to be used by adults who are experienced and regular users of glycolic acid and/or AHAs. I’ve been using glycolic acid 5% for almost two years and 10% for several months, so I thought I’d be a good candidate for the Foaming Glycolic Wash. The product was designed for experienced glycolic acid/AHA users who want to kick their skincare regimen up a notch. Hey, that sounds like me!
NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash is a potent, pH-balanced facial cleanser that’s formulated with 18% Glycolic Acid and 2% Lactobionic Acid to smooth skin texture, unclog congested pores and stimulate cell renewal. In addition to seeing and feeling the benefits of smoother skin with smaller, cleaner pores, you will have skin that is better prepared to accept the ingredients in your entire anti-aging skincare regimen.
Here’s some key information on the face wash:
- High strength 18% Glycolic Acid: smoothes skin texture and unclogs congested pores
- 2% Lactobionic Acid increases cell renewal
- Formulated with an amphoteric system (that reacts as both an acid and a base) to promote the unique benefits of both Glycolic and Lactobionic Acid while minimizing the potential for skin irritation
- Soap-free, dye-free, and pH balanced to rejuvenate skin and help the anti aging regimen work more effectively
The plastic pump bottle pumps out white foam to be applied to wet skin.
I love the lightweight foam. It is recommended that the product be used twice a day. In spite of being an experienced glycolic acid user, I discovered, as I expected, that it’s too much for my sensitive skin to use it twice a day, so I use it at night and I use a gentler cleanser in the morning. I apply the Foaming Glycolic Wash with my hands and then rinse with warm water.
I’ve been using the NeoStrata Wash for about 3 weeks, and I like it. So far, the texture of my skin seems clearer and smoother, especially around my nose. NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash is the Big Guns of cleansers! I think it will be even more effective as summer arrives and I wear sunscreen plus moisturizer plus face makeup and spend more time outside digging in the garden. At the end of the day, my face is coated with everything, and there’s more opportunity for my usually small pores to get clogged with who knows what. I intend to continue using it.
Word has gotten out about this unique product. NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash has been featured in Prevention’s “Defy Your Age” Challenge, The Today Show as well as Fitness and InStyle magazines.
So if you have clogged and/or noticeable pores, want deeper cleansing for clearer skin and are experienced with glycolic acid and/or AHAs, consider adding NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash to your facial cleansing regimen for noticeable results.
NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash contains 3.4 fl oz and is priced at $40 at NeoStrata.com. The 20% off Friends & Family discount with free shipping ends today, so pounce if you’re thinking of giving it a try!
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Glycolic Acid, PEG-8, Alcohol Denat., Arginine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Ammonium Hydroxide, Lactobionic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Propylene Glycol, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Methylparaben, Chlorphenesin
This sounds like a great face wash. I like that it contains an ingredient that produces results too. Although, I haven’t used glycolic acid in awhile, so I’d have to start again at a lower level before jumping up to this wash. Thank-you for the detailed review. 🙂
Natalie, you’re welcome! And you are absolutely right, you need to start using glycolic acid or AHA at a lower level and work your way up before you use NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash. I changed one of your words from hyaluronic to glycolic acid 😉 This was is serious stuff!!
Sounds like it works great. Clearly it would be too strong for me (by your review) But, I wish I could use it 🙂
It’s definitely serious stuff, Lois. You would have to start out with 5% glycolic acid or a similar AHA and then move to 10% and then try this.
Love the rubber duckie, haha! If it works for you it might work for me. I love using foam washes sometimes…the work has already been done for you!
Kat Dinges recently posted…Zoya Island Fun – Swatches and Review
NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash has 18% glycolic acid so you need to work up to it. It’s a hardworking wash for those who are experienced glycolic acid or AHA users 😉
I really enjoy the fact that it foams! It’s definitely not right for me but it looks like a lovely product!
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Me, too, Mimi! The fact that it foams makes it seem light and airy, but with the serious dose of glycolic acid, this wash really packs a punch!
I’ve never used glycolic before. But i’ve heard great reviews from others about it. this product sounds pretty amazing though, thanks for sharing!
Glycolic acid is good for those with wrinkles or with enlarged pores etc. You start off with glycolic at 5% and build up from there. This is really the big guns at 18%!
I might give this one a try some day, because I like AHA products 😛
Leelo R recently posted…Does Yves Rocher Volume Vertige Mascara really give maximum volume?
If you’re an experienced AHA user, I definitely recommend it, Leelo. It really is for women who use either 10% glycolic acid or AHA who want to take their skincare regimen to the next level. It’s quite strong!
I have used 10% AHA so I think I will survive 😀
Leelo R recently posted…Does Yves Rocher Volume Vertige Mascara really give maximum volume?
yes, you probably will, Leelo! I am unable to use this twice a day, as directed, in spite of using 10% glycolic acid on a regular basis prior to adding this. My skin definitely rebelled, lol.
I received this as well and I really love it! My review is due soon 🙂
Kristina Vieweg recently posted…Splurge or Save: Foundation Brushes
Oh, good! I’m eager to read it!
I haven’t heard of this brand before but, I love the thought of a foam cleanser. It feels so fresh.
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NeoStrata is a mid-high priced, technology-based skincare brand, sold at Ulta, that was started (and still run) by two dermatologists/researchers who came up with using glycolic acid to skincare, skin treatment purposes. They also have a second brand Exuviance. That products are fabulous. This foaming cleanser contains a lot of glycolic acid so it’s for those who have been using AHA or glycolic acid at the 10% level for a while. A very serious product to add to an AHA-based skincare regimen.
I just finished trying this one as well, and my skin loved it! Got rid of that stubborn red patch on my chin that I’ve been battling for months.
That’s great, Anastasia! Were you able to use it twice a day? In spite of my using glycolic acid a few times a week, regular use of this wash was a little too much for my sensitive skin. I wish I could use it more frequently because with that much glycolic acid, it has to work!
Yes, I’ve been using it AM and PM, and my skin didn’t even tingle. But then again I’m used to 25% AHA peels, and I’ve been using AHA products for nearly 6 years, so it’s probably a matter of getting used to really high dosages.
Oh, now I see. It hurts the skin around the creases in my nose and makes my skin feel dry. I primarily used 5% glycolic acid cream for a year, and I am guessing that’s not enough. You are the target market for this, Anastasia! I’m using an 8% AHA gel, and even that makes my skin tingle. But I am going to keep at it intermittently with both products (foaming wash and the 8% AHA) and build up to it!
I adore foaming face washes.
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This one is not for you with your sensitive skin. Way too strong
A) I love your little rubber ducky and B) I LOVE that foam! This sounds great and I need to step up my glyco routine. I love it for my pores and I feel like just a little more could seal the deal. Literally seal up my pores.
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This might just do it, Brigitte! It is definitely serious stuff!!
I’m a fan of foaming cleanser, but I think I’m going to have to work my way up to using this one.
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Just so, Kim. I thought by using glycolic acid creams 2-3 times a week I’d be able to step up to using this full-time, but this is seriously strong stuff. For me, once a day is my limit at this point!
Sounds amazing, I haven’t been using too many other cleansers since I found one that works for me. I am curious about this I like a foam cleanser.
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You wouldn’t choose this one just because it’s foam. It is serious glycolic acid at 18%!! Definitely requires a glycolic acid/AHA regimen to build up to using it 😉
Foaming wash feels so great on the skin!
This isn’t your typical foaming face wash, but it is definitely a serious one. And yes, it feels nice and lightweight like foams do 🙂
I haven’t been using glycolic acid and I know I should ease into it.
I started with Reviva Labs 5% GA cream, and it’s a good one!
*raises hand for noticable pores*
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Hahaha, keep this in mind then, Destany!
I think I can benefit from this. I like glycolic acid based products
Kath TheFabZilla recently posted…May Empties: Body Scrubs, Facial Cleansers & Hair Care
Definitely worth adding to your regimen if you’re an experienced glycolic acid/AHA user!
I sometimes use a low-level glycolic acid wash from Mario Badescu. Makes me feel like I’m getting a fresh face! lol. I could definitely use some pore-cleansing help, so maybe I could build up to this cleanser. Sounds great!
Nidia – Lit From Within recently posted…Riddle Me This
Nidia, this is a serious and seriously good cleanser for those who can tolerate high percentage glycolic acid. Definitely worth it.
I love Glycolic, but I haven’t found a way to get this to not strip my skin too much. Oh well, glad you are having luck with it! 🙂
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I can’t use it as often as directed, Amber. I had been using glycolic acid in either 5% or 10% for quite a while but I still have some sensitivity to the cleanser that has 18%. So I use it less often hoping I’ll build up a tolerance.
This sounds like my kind of cleanser! Excellent review, Allison!
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Thank you, Helen! Definitely worth adding to your regimen if you’re an experienced AHA or glycolic acid user 🙂
I LOVE when my face wash foams. IDK why but in my head it tells me it works better lol
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That’s an interesting take on this. I was curious about why they chose foam for this heavyweight 18% glycolic acid wash rather than a cream that adheres more? But I like foams too!
I love NeoStrata but haven’t tried (or even heard) of this cleanser. I have a hate/hate relationship with my pores, so I definitely need to try this!
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I think this Glycolic Face Wash is new to the NeoStrata lineup. This is one serious cleanser because of the 18% so make sure you step up to it if you do try it!
I finished my bottle of this last month and need to get more. It made my skin so soft.
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That’s great to know, Aleya. I am testing another skincare line now, but I will try to go back to it though my skin will only tolerate it once a day. I’m hoping I can work up to using it more often.
This sounds like something great – but I have a hard time with glycolic anything… my skin can’t seem to handle it well.
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I agree, I don’t think this cleanser is for you in any way, Honey. It is STRONG stuff! For those who can handle it and have built up to it, it’s a great addition to an anti-aging or pore-shrinking regimen.
I love foaming face washes!
Me too, Lisa. But this is not the typical foaming face wash, it is serious stuff, lol!
I’ve used glycolic cleansers before with good results but none had a percentage this high. I have some stubborn congestion around my nose and I think I might give this a try and see if it can clear it up.
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If you’ve had good luck with glycolic acid in the past, you’d probably like this. You probably should start off with a product at a lower percentage just for a bit before using this. Although I can’t use this everyday, it will be part of my a few times a week regimen. It’s the real deal.
I like acids a lot but normally foams dry me out more 🙁
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I’m trying to work up to this glycolic acid, the 18% is a challenge but I hope to get there
I have been using glycolic acid cleanser for the body, actually it is mini towels soaked in glycolic acid and salicylic acid from EMMAUS.
You are right in every word, Allison, glycolic acid is a great ingredient for smoother, clean skin.
I would love to try Neostrata wash one day. Great review, Allison!
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That’s great, Dima, that you have GA towelettes for the body! I have so much sun damage on my arms and legs from going to the beach, I really should try those! The GA cleanser from NeoStrata is very strong, and I couldn’t use it twice a day because the skin around the creases on my nose got too sore, lol. But I’m planning to go back to it now that I’m also using an 8% AHA so maybe I’ll be more used to the strong GA. The NeoStrata cleanser is serious stuff!