Dot & Key Skincare Pineapple Serum with AHA BHA Review

Dot & Key Skincare Pineapple Serum with AHA BHA
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
1.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Dot & Key Skincare Pineapple Serum with AHA BHA Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Dot & Key Skincare Pineapple Serum with AHA BHA has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Slight anti-wrinkle effect: Dot & Key Skincare Pineapple Serum with AHA BHA has an anti-wrinkle rating of 1.5 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
  • Soothing: Dot & Key Skincare Pineapple Serum with AHA BHA contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Dot & Key Skincare Pineapple Serum with AHA BHA

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Dot & Key Skincare Pineapple Serum with AHA BHA:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Dot & Key Skincare Pineapple Serum with AHA BHA is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Lactic Acid (est. ≈50.0%) and Propylene Glycol (est. ≈11.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

Tip: Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

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.

Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Dot & Key Skincare Pineapple Serum with AHA BHA has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 1.5 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Glycolic Acid (est. ≈22.0%), 
 a highly effective ingredient in peelings but with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy in leave-on skincare products, as supported by a single clinical study. This study, involving 72 participants (Thibault et al.), demonstrated that a lotion with 5% GA reduced the fine wrinkling score by 6% after 34 days of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without GA).
 
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.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Dot & Key Skincare Pineapple Serum with AHA BHA is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract (est. ≈1.5%), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract (est. ≈1.0%), Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

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, Dot & Key Skincare Pineapple Serum with AHA BHA is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Salicylic Acid (est. ≈2.0%).

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 AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Dot & Key Skincare Pineapple Serum with AHA BHA

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Dot & Key Skincare Pineapple Serum with AHA BHA to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using Dot & Key Skincare Pineapple Serum with AHA BHA as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Pros & Cons of Dot & Key Skincare Pineapple Serum with AHA BHA

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Dot & Key Skincare Pineapple Serum with AHA BHA to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing boost for any skincare routine
  • Provides slight anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution
  • Contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help reduce irritation and soothe the skin

Cons: 

  • Needs occlusives to seal in humectants if used as a standalone moisturizer

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
50
22
11
6
2
1.9
1.8
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Borago Officinalis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Malus Domestica Callus Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Methylisothiazolinone
Function:
Origin:
Blue 1 (CI 42090)
Function:
Origin:
CI 45430
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
61.3
50
11
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 61.3 10
10.0
50
11
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
50
11
0.3
All humectants 61.3 10
10
All humectants
61.3
50
11
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
1.5 /10 5 22 1.5
Total
1.5
Glycolic Acid
1.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
1.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
22
Anti-wrinkle rating
1.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 3.4 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.4
Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract
1.5
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
1
Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract
0.3
Borago Officinalis Extract
0.3
Malus Domestica Callus Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2
1.8
1.5
All soothing 5.3 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
5.3
2
1.8
1.5
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Lactic Acid
Est. %50
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Glycolic Acid
Est. %22
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, though it is less effective in leave-on products like creams and serums.

Propylene Glycol
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Salicylic Acid
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %1.9
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
Est. %1.8
Function
Origin
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark ExtractA potent, soothing extract from the bark of the white willow. It has potent anti-inflammatory effects due to its salicin content. Tannins from the willow bark extract have astringent effects and can aid in the skin’s healing process.
Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from pineapple fruits that contains various antioxidants, vitamin C, and bromelain - an enzyme mixture that acts as a mild exfoliant. Bromelain also has some anti-inflammatory activity and may help with the healing of wounds and scars.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed ExtractA potent antioxidant and emollient extract derived from grape seeds. It contains antioxidant flavonoids, tannins, proanthocyanidins, phytosterols, carotenoids, and vitamin E. It is often used in skincare products aimed at soothing and healing irritated skin.
Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit ExtractA bright red extract obtained from tomato fruit. Its main bioactive compound is lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. It also contains other antioxidants like various phenolic acids and flavonoids.
Borago Officinalis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Borago Officinalis Extract
Malus Domestica Callus Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malus Domestica Callus Extract
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyethylcelluloseA naturally-derived thickener that can form clear gel textures without the slimy feeling, unlike some other natural gel-formers.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
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.
Methylisothiazolinone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MethylisothiazolinoneA synthetic preservative often paired with methylchloroisothiazolinone. It has been reported to cause some irritation, which is why it is mostly used in wash-off products.
Blue 1 (CI 42090)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Blue 1 (CI 42090)A synthetic dye commonly known as Brilliant Blue FCF that produces rich blue colors for various cosmetic uses. FD&C Blue #1 can also be found in foods, medications, and dietary supplements, as it is considered non-toxic and safe for use.
CI 45430
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CI 45430