Where to purchase: Available on the Geek and Gorgeous Website: HERE
Price: £6.63
Volume: 30ml
Made in: Hungary
What is it?: A lightweight gel exfoliant containing 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA) + Sarcosine, that aims to unclog pores and reduce the look of blackheads and regulate sebum production.
Aims to: Tackle Blackheads and Oiliness
Supposedly Good for: Combination-Oily skin
What I think: I agree! Even Oily Skins could use this (and sensitive skins could, simply space this out if you want to avoid drying out the skin).
Vegan?: Yes
Cruelty Free?: Yes
How long does it last after opening?: If unopened: 2 years. If opened: 8 Months.
pH: 3.5-3.9 (Doesn’t feel acidic or stingy on the skin).
Packaging: Glass Bottle with a Dropper.
Directions: ”Apply a few drops to the face before other serums and creams. Use once a day or every other day in the AM or PM.” (From the G&G Website).
How I use it: I apply this in the PM, simply to avoid any potential balling up issues under an SPF. I personally like to apply this onto the T-Zone (Oily areas of the face) for my combination skin.
NOTE: If I’m trying to tackle blemishes / breakouts, then I will pair this with The Ordinary’s Azelaic Acid Suspension HERE.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid (BHA) 2%: Oil-Soluble Exfoliant that helps unclog pores and reduce the look of blackheads (decreases blackhead density) and reduce future breakouts. It also has anti-inflammatory properties (helps with rosacea + blemishes, but Benzoyl Peroxide is a good product to pair with BHA use for breakouts, BHA is better at blackhead reduction). Sarcosine: regulates excessive oil production by inhibiting oil secretors in the skin (thereby helping with the look of blackheads). Allantoin: Helps soothe and protect the skin.
Full Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Pentylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Salicylic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Sarcosine, Allantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA
NOTE: The Incidecoder have a full ingredient breakdown HERE
Texture: Gel Consistency, Lightweight!
Sticky or Tacky?: It can be if I overdo it. Less is more when it comes to this serum. That also means that this can ball up if I apply oily products on top and rub that in.
Greasy Finish?: No greasy finish.
As you can see this is a lightweight, see-through gel that easily glides over the hand. But once it dries down (if you apply too much), this does become a bit sticky/tacky, and if I rubbed my hand or applied an oil-type product on top, this would ball up.
Does this Sting if the Skin has been Irritated / Sensitised by Shaving/Heavy Retinol Use?: Yes. I recommend using it on alternative days to retinol use.
Summer or Winter?: Both.
Layerable?: Once this has fully dried down; if you rub the skin, it will ball up. So I have to be careful with the way I layer this product (i.e. it’s better to keep oily or oil-based products away from this once it’s dried down and formed a film on the skin) and prefer to use it in the PM.
Video Swatch:
As you can see, this is a lightweight gel that runs down the hand.
Fragrance?: No added Fragrance and/or EO. Also this doesn’t smell of anything.
Good Under Makeup?: I wouldn’t use it (just to avoid any possible balling up)
How long have I been using this?: ~3 Months.
Will I use until Completion?: Yes.
How Long will that take?: Another 1-2 Months.
The Effect?: This has helped with my Blackheads/Pore Visibility (reduced the look) I don’t notice drying out of the skin, but I do space-out uses!
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What I like:
- Cruelty-Free
- Fragrance + EO Free
- Lightweight Consistency
- (Initially when applying) Hydrating
- Didn’t worsen/irritate my skin
- Helped with my Blackhead visibility
- I like the addition of ingredients to help BHA and work better (i.e. Sarcosine)
What I don’t like:
- Less is more (have to be careful not applying too much otherwise this could become sticky + then start to have balling up issues)
- Wouldn’t wear under makeup (layering issues)
Overall Rating and Conclusion: 4 (nearly a 3.9)/5 – I like the choice of ingredients, this product has helped reduce the look of blackheads and it does do what it says it should do. My issue mainly is with the layerability, I find that this does ball up if layered incorrectly (I would avoid applying oil-based products on top to prevent balling up), which is a bit of a nuisance. But I do think this will help those with oily skins and want to help improve the look of their blackheads.
Would I repurchase?: I would if it wasn’t for the balling up issues I’ve had with this.
Dupe?: Selfless By Hyram BHA Serum HERE (very similar texture) / or the Benton Aloe AHA BHA Toner: HERE (If you would like a K-beauty dupe. The Benton also has a similar texture, a little lighter).
My Skin Type: I am acne prone and have slightly dehydrated combo skin. My skin is usually tight where the cheeks and eye area is and the outer parts of my face. My T zone is oily. My skin isn’t a fan of thick/heavy formulas so I opt for lightweight formulas to prevent it from clogging up. My skin doesn’t like essential oils either and I try to avoid fragrance when I can.
Disclaimer: I am a skincare enthusiast and not a skin expert. I am not qualified to give out dermatological advice. This type of advice should only be given by a medical practitioner. Upon trying / using any of the reviewed products on the blog, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and please seek medical advice if needed.
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