
Resurface
10% glycolic acid supports controlled surface renewal.
Brighten
Targets dullness and visible uneven tone.
Smooth
Helps refine rough texture and superficial congestion.
Formula focus
The actives behind the formula.
Ingredient profile
Key ingredients.
An alpha hydroxy acid that helps loosen surface dead skin cells for chemical exfoliation.
A concentrated aloe ingredient selected to support hydration and skin comfort during treatment.
DISTILLED WATER, HYDROXYACETIC ACID, GLYCERINE, ALOE BARBADENSIS, XANTHAN GUM.
How to use
Make the formula work inside the ritual.
Cleanse
Wash your face and pat it completely dry.
Apply
Smooth a thin, even layer over face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
Time
Leave on for 15–20 minutes.
Rinse + protect
Rinse thoroughly and use SPF 30+ the following morning.
Product information
Everything you need, without the document dump.
Open the sections you need for ingredient detail, mechanism, safety, application notes, FAQs, expected-results guidance and storage instructions.
Formula & actives+
Technical Profile (10% Glycolic Acid)
The 10% concentration rapidly breaks apart the stubborn desmosomal bonds between dead skin cells. This triggers an accelerated shedding process that immediately smooths rough texture and clears micro-comedones (clogged pores).
This strength is highly effective at fading post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), sunspots, and melasma by forcing pigmented surface cells to regenerate faster.
Regular use of a 10% AHA treatment sends a signal to the deeper layers of the skin to boost hyaluronic acid and collagen synthesis, helping to plump superficial fine lines and improve skin elasticity.
The Active Quad
Because Glycolic Acid has an exceptionally small molecular size, it penetrates the skin barrier more efficiently than larger AHAs like Lactic or Mandelic acid. It breaks down the ionic bonds (desmosomes) that glue dead, keratinised cells (corneocytes) to the stratum corneum. Dissolving these bonds, it triggers uniform shedding of the top layer of dead skin.
At a 10% concentration, it travels deeper to stimulate fibroblasts, encouraging the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in the dermis. Flattens the skin's micro-relief, smoothing rough patches, flaky skin, and superficial scarring. Speeds up the shedding of melanin-loaded cells, effectively fading sun spots, age spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Clears out follicular debris within pores, reducing the formation of blackheads and micro-comedones. Plumps the skin from within by increasing dermal thickness, reducing the appearance of fine lines and superficial wrinkles.
In a high-potency chemical resurfacing serum, Aloe Vera 200x does not function merely as a marketing additive. It serves a critical, structural role in downregulating the inflammatory cascade caused by the 10% Glycolic Acid.
The powder is rich in acemannan (long-chain mucopolysaccharides). When reconstituted, these molecules form a protective, breathable structural matrix over the stratum corneum. This acts as a barrier-cushion that slows down the aggressive, hyper-rapid penetration of low-molecular-weight glycolic acid, transforming a chaotic sting into a controlled, uniform absorption.
Glycolic acid (10%) induces transient erythema (redness) and burning by stimulating cutaneous nociceptors (pain receptors). The glycoproteins in the aloe isolate modulate cellular pathways, reducing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), thereby preventing post-peel inflammation.
Chemical exfoliation temporarily disrupts the lipid bilayer, causing spikes in Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL). The humectant properties of reconstituted aloe bind free water molecules to the epidermal layers, preserving cellular hydration, while the acid dissolves desmosomes.
How to use+
Safety and Tolerance Guidelines
Due to the 10% potency, users will likely experience a transient tingling or warming sensation upon application. This is a normal physiological response as the free acid penetrates the skin barrier.
To avoid inducing contact dermatitis or stripping the skin barrier, introduce this formula gradually and use it twice weekly, following the product directions.
Do not use this treatment concurrently with other strong peeling agents, physical scrubs, prescription retinoids (tretinoin), or on compromised or sunburnt skin.
How to Use
Wash your face and pat it completely dry.
Smooth a thin, even layer (3-5 pumps on a cotton pad) over your face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
Let it sit for 15–20 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Glycolic acid makes your skin sun-sensitive. Always apply SPF 30+ the next morning.
Use twice weekly. Do not combine it with retinol on the same night.
Storage & care+
Storage & care
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Keep the cap tightly sealed to prevent oxidation.
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Use the routine guide or ask Stratum 5 for product guidance if you are combining active treatments or introducing something new.