Alpha-H Balancing Moisturizer & Gentle Exfoliant with 10% Glycolic Acid Review

Alpha-H Balancing Moisturizer & Gentle Exfoliant with 10% Glycolic Acid
4.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
8.7 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Ingredients

Alpha-H Balancing Moisturizer & Gentle Exfoliant with 10% Glycolic Acid Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Glycolic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Potassium Hydroxide, Cetyl Alcohol, Cyclomethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Sorbitol, Ceteth-20, Stearic Acid, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Heptanoate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 20, Dimethicone, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Tocopheryl Acetate, Menthol, Piroctone Olamine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Review

Does Alpha-H Balancing Moisturizer & Gentle Exfoliant with 10% Glycolic Acid Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Alpha-H Balancing Moisturizer & Gentle Exfoliant with 10% Glycolic Acid has to offer:
 
Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.8 out of 10.
✅ Soothing: Alpha-H Balancing Moisturizer & Gentle Exfoliant with 10% Glycolic Acid contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Alpha-H Balancing Moisturizer & Gentle Exfoliant with 10% Glycolic Acid

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Alpha-H Balancing Moisturizer & Gentle Exfoliant with 10% Glycolic Acid:
 

🔵 Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Alpha-H Balancing Moisturizer & Gentle Exfoliant with 10% Glycolic Acid is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.0 out of 10 and a very high humectancy of 8.7 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈6.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

💧 A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Alpha-H Balancing Moisturizer & Gentle Exfoliant with 10% Glycolic Acid is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈6.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

🔴 Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Alpha-H Balancing Moisturizer & Gentle Exfoliant with 10% Glycolic Acid is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈6.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Alpha-H Balancing Moisturizer & Gentle Exfoliant with 10% Glycolic Acid

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Alpha-H Balancing Moisturizer & Gentle Exfoliant with 10% Glycolic Acid to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Glycolic Acid

This product contains glycolic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to exfoliate and brighten the skin. Its action works by removing dead skin cells, revealing new, more delicate skin that is particularly vulnerable to sun damage.

As a result, using products with glycolic acid, regardless of concentration, may increase the skin's sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

To counteract this increased sun sensitivity, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily to protect your skin during glycolic acid treatment.

📌 Please always check the manufacturer's instructions for using the product, either on their website or product label.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Alpha-H Balancing Moisturizer & Gentle Exfoliant with 10% Glycolic Acid is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Alpha-H Balancing Moisturizer & Gentle Exfoliant with 10% Glycolic Acid

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Alpha-H Balancing Moisturizer & Gentle Exfoliant with 10% Glycolic Acid to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
✅ Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May increase skin photosensitivity due to glycolic acid
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Alpha-H Balancing Moisturizer & Gentle Exfoliant with 10% Glycolic Acid

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Alpha-H Balancing Moisturizer & Gentle Exfoliant with 10% Glycolic Acid
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing, making it ideal for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant boost, beneficial for all skin types.
 
Rich in antioxidants, Alpha-H Balancing Moisturizer & Gentle Exfoliant with 10% Glycolic Acid helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation. This product is also formulated with a high concentration of soothing ingredients, offering the potential to calm and comfort irritated skin. Whether you’re experiencing redness, irritation, or general sensitivity, its soothing properties may help restore balance and provide relief.
 
That said, there are some things about Alpha-H Balancing Moisturizer & Gentle Exfoliant with 10% Glycolic Acid worth noting.
 
This product contains glycolic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to exfoliate and brighten the skin. However, glycolic acid - regardless of concentration - can increase skin sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays. Therefore, it’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during glycolic acid treatment.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Alpha-H Balancing Moisturizer & Gentle Exfoliant with 10% Glycolic Acid is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
10
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Cyclomethicone
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitol
Function:
Origin:
Ceteth-20
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Heptanoate
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Menthol
Function:
Origin:
Piroctone Olamine
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
8.7
6
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.9
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 8.7 10
8.7
6
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.9 20
1.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 8.7 10
8.7
All humectants
8.7
6
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 1.9 20
1.0
All occlusives
1.9
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 6.9 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
6.9
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
6
Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
6
0.3
0.3
All soothing 6.6 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
6.6
6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycolic Acid
Est. %10
Function
Origin
Glycolic Acid

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Potassium Hydroxide
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Potassium HydroxideA very alkaline ingredient, meaning that it has a high pH. Potassium hydroxide is therefore useful in bringing a low pH in a cosmetic product up to a more neutral, skin-safe level.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
Cyclomethicone
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
CyclomethiconeA blend of emollient silicones that leaves a smooth and non-greasy after-feel. Unlike other types of oils, it does not leave any residue on the skin, which is part of what makes it so popular.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl PalmitateA rich emollient without the oily after-feel, making it a popular replacement for mineral oil. It is derived from natural sources such as palm oil and palm kernel oil. Ethylhexyl palmitate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Sorbitol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
SorbitolA sweet-tasting alcohol derived from glucose. Aside from its sweet taste (for which it is used as a very common sweetener), Sorbitol is also very good at retaining water and is used in skincare as a humectant.
Ceteth-20
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Ceteth-20A very mild but effective polyethylene-based cleanser and emulsifier.
Stearic Acid
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Stearic AcidA saturated fatty acid found in vegetable butter and animal fats. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient and also helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
Stearyl Heptanoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearyl Heptanoate
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) OilAn emollient and occlusive oil derived from sweet almonds. It has a favorable fatty acid composition (mainly oleic and linoleic acids), and a high content of vitamin E. Almond oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hyaluronic Acid

A potent, skin-identical humectant moisturizing ingredient that is able to bind water 1000 times its own weight. The anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid are due to its ability to stimulate the synthesis of collagen in the skin.

Hydrolyzed Collagen
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Collagen

A humectant, film-forming, and emollient mixture of various proteins and peptides that were created by cutting the huge molecules of normal collagen into smaller pieces for better absorption. It also has some antioxidant properties.

Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Menthol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MentholA volatile compound isolated from peppermint oil. It causes a cooling sensation on the skin that can be very soothing. Menthol can also act as a topical painkiller. In more sensitive individuals, however, it may cause skin irritation or an allergy.
Piroctone Olamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Piroctone Olamine
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.