For the past few years, chemical exfoliation has become a hot topic. I know I've definitely upped my game in that department, transitioning from physical exfoliators to acids based one and not looking back.
So when millennial beauty brand Glossier dropped another new product in the form of a face exfoliator and skin perfector named "Solution" just last week it confirmed to me that this way of exfoliating isn't going anywhere - pretty much ever!
Being a skincare enthusiast I had to see what Glossier Solution was like and give my low down on it in my first week of use, although I will add an update to this post once I've used it for a month or so giving my honest thoughts on it compared to the likes of Pixi Glow Tonic and The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toning Solution.
If you fancy picking up Glossier's Solution you can find it HERE for £19.00 (first-time customers can receive 10% off HERE making it only £17.10 as it's a handy referral link that will benefit us both!)
Read below to find out everything you need to know about Glossier's latest skincare launch...
What is Glossier Solution?
Made up of different chemicals Solution is an acid exfoliator which gently sloughs away dead skin cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin. While liquid exfoliants can be generally used on most skin types Solution has the benefit of also containing Salicylic Acid which should help unclog pores and decrease blemishes!
What's in Solution?
The blend of acids is a 10% blend of Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), and Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA), with the BHA being 0.5%. For now, Glossier haven't divulged the percent of each acid which is slightly annoying!
Solution ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Sodium Hydroxide, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Gluconolactone, Propanediol, Ethoxydiglycol, Magnesium Chloride, Glycereth-7 Trimethyl Ether, Niacinamide, Betaine, Inositol, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Phytic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum/Fragrance, PEG-8, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Acetic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide.
What do I receive with my Glossier order of Solution?
One of the things I like about Glossier is that receiving your order from them is exciting! Not only do you receive Solution, obvs, but it arrives in a pink bubblewrap ziplock pouch (perfect for storing makeup in if you travel or even as your everyday makeup bag) along with a sheet of fun Glossier stickers and the choice of a sample - either Glossier You fragrance or Milky Jelly Cleanser.
How do I use Solution?
Simply use once a daily (either AM or PM) on freshly washed dry skin by pressing a cotton pad on top of the dispenser (beyond handy... I will be recanting nail polish remover into it once I'm done with it) and sweeping the pad over the face and neck.
Then wait a few minutes until the solution has dried before continuing with the rest of your skincare - serum, moisturiser, sunscreen etc.
I personally prefer to apply any acid exfoliator I'm using at night after double cleansing, waiting until it's dry and tacking feeling before applying NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex and then Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser with a few drops of Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Oil.
Side note - Using a facial SPF 30-50 during the day is a MUST if you are using any form of acid exfoliator! I highly recomment The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essense SPF50 as it's beyond light and soaks in immediately.
Who is Solution for?
As mentioned, Glossier are going down the route of Solution being for acne prone skin and while it may help improve skin texture and acne there are exfoliants that contain more BHA on the market! However, if you do have sensitive skin or this is your first time using an acid exfoliate Solution may be a good entry level exfoliator to try and less abrasive then a physical exfoliator.
I personally believe this is simply a good daily face exfoliator for most skin types!
What does Solution smell and feel like?
I know before I decided to buy this exfoliator I was curious if it had a scent or not. And I can now confirm it does have added fragrance to it. However, the fragrance is only 0.025% of the formula so even those that are sensitive to fragrance should be fine to use Solution although I would prefer for it to be scented with natural rose water like TO Gycolic Acid Toning Solution, personally. As for what it actually smells like it did take me a while to realise it has a subtle eucalyptus scent to it so think a very light minty scent. This is neither pleasant or unpleasant so I guess the aim was to mask the scent of the acid formulation... which it does!
As for how it feels, the initial sweep over the skin is refreshing and then it dries down to a slightly tacky feel that doesn't feel dry but does feel like there is something there. But once you use a serum or moisturiser the tacky feeling is totally removed.
How does it compare to the other acid exfoliators on the market?
If you are looking for a BHA exfoliator that will tackle acne and blackheads and all that other good stuff then Glossier's solution is pretty mild containing only 0.5% salicylic acid. Especially when exfoliators such as Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting Liquid contain 2%! However, if you are new to using a chemical exfoliator or you have sensitive skin then Solution is a good choice.
As for how it compares to other chemical exfoliators such as Pixi Glow Tonic and The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, both of which I love, I'm going to reserve judgement for now and see how I go with Glossier Solution especially as Glossier won't be specific with the acid percentages! However, it feels similar to The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toning Solution already, though the added BHA may help keep blemishes at bay!
Anything else I need to know?
It is worth noting that Glossier don't recommend using Solution when pregnant or breastfeeding. Also if you're a total skincare geek you may be interested to know it has a pH level of 3.5 - 3.9.
Well, that was a lot of info on a single product!
As I'm dedicated to giving this a proper trial I've set all of my favourite acids aside for now, so expect an updated in 4-6 weeks.
Have you picked up Glossier Solution yet?
Fee xo.
