Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum Review

Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum
5.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
7.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.7 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Ingredients

Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Glycolic Acid, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Propanediol, Saccharomyces Ferment, Lactic Acid, C13-15 Alkane, Arginine, Inositol, Potassium Hydroxide, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes, Isopentyldiol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Squalane, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Honey Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Propolis Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Glycerin, Ubiquinone, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Jojoba Esters, Lecithin, Gluconolactone, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Phytate, Maltodextrin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Benzoate
Review

Does Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum has to offer:
 
Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum:
 

🔵 Lightweight Moisturizer Well-Suited for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.7 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 7.6 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Propanediol (est. ≈3.0%).

This type of moisturizer is well-suited for people with combination and oily skin who want significant hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a substantial amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive to enhance moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

This product may also be an option for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

💧 A Humectant Enhancement for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and oily skin - such a humectant enhancement 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 Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil (est. ≈4.0%).

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.

📌 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: Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum 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 Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Ubiquinone and Gluconolactone, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their 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, these ingredients do 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 Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing well-suited for combination and oily skin
Also an option for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

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

Summary: Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing, well-suited for combination and oily skin. It's also an option for those with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant enhancement, beneficial for all skin types.
 
With its high antioxidant content, Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum 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.
 
That said, there are some things about Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum 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 Farmacy Honey Glow 17% AHA + BHA Resurfacing Acid Serum 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
75
6
4
3
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
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:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Saccharomyces Ferment
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
C13-15 Alkane
Function:
Origin:
Arginine
Function:
Origin:
Inositol
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes
Function:
Origin:
Isopentyldiol
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Honey Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Propolis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Royal Jelly Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Ubiquinone
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Jojoba Esters
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Gluconolactone
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Phytate
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Sclerotium Gum
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
7.6
3
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
5.5
4.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 7.6 10
7.6
3
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 5.5 20
2.7
4.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 7.6 10
7.6
All humectants
7.6
3
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 5.5 20
2.7
All occlusives
5.5
4.0
0.3
0.3
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 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Ubiquinone
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Gluconolactone
-
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
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 6.1 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
6.1
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
4
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes
0.3
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
0.3
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract
0.3
Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Propolis Extract
0.3
Ubiquinone
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.1 5 No
All soothing
2.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
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. %6
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.

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive moisturizing oil derived from grape seeds that are leftover after juicing or wine production. It contains linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, squalene, as well as phytosterols and various antioxidant compounds.
Propanediol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Saccharomyces Ferment
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Saccharomyces Ferment
Lactic Acid
Est. %1.5
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.
C13-15 Alkane
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
C13-15 Alkane
Arginine
Est. %1
Function
Origin
ArginineA humectant amino acid used to attract water to the skin’s surface. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Arginine can also be used as a pH adjuster.
Inositol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
InositolA humectant moisturizing, sugar-like compound that is present in all the cells of the body, but especially the brain. It is manufactured from sugar beets or carob tree pods for skincare purposes.
Potassium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
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.
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) OleosomesMicroscopic droplets of safflower oil surrounded by a membrane. Oleosomes are able to create a very stable emulsion and are better absorbed by the skin. Safflower oil offers occlusive, emollient, and antioxidant properties.
Isopentyldiol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isopentyldiol

An alcohol that improves moisturization by drawing in water.

Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem ExtractA soothing and antioxidant extract from prickly pear succulent stems. These stems contain a cooling and anti-inflammatory watery gel that is similar to aloe.
Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
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.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit ExtractAn extract obtained from the skin and pulp of grapes. Grape skin and pulp contain antioxidant and astringent flavonoids and tannins, famous resveratrol, and many different organic and phenolic acids.
Honey Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Honey ExtractAn extract obtained from honey that is comprised of proteins, minerals, and various bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, emollient, moisturizing humectant, and soothing properties.
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.

Propolis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propolis ExtractA famous bee product that has traditionally been used to treat inflammation and wounds. The extract is soothing and promotes skin healing.
Royal Jelly Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Royal Jelly ExtractAn emollient extract from royal jelly, a bee product. It consists of water, anti-inflammatory proteins, fats, and sugars. It is also a source of a fatty acid that stimulates collagen production.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Ubiquinone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
UbiquinoneAlso known as Coenzyme Q10, this bright orange antioxidant supports the skin's energy metabolism. It also offers some anti-pigment action. Dietary supplementation of Ubiquinone improves the appearance of wrinkles.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Jojoba Esters
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Jojoba EstersA mixture of various wax esters from jojoba oil. It is used in skincare products as a fantastic emollient, soothing, and occlusive moisturizing agent that won't leave a sticky, oily feeling on the skin.
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
Gluconolactone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GluconolactoneA PHA derived from glucose. It has exfoliating and humectant properties and acts as a penetration enhancer for other ingredients. It has also been shown to assist in the treatment of acne and the prevention of photoaging.
Coco-Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coco-GlucosideA mild cleansing and foaming agent. It can be used on its own as a gentle cleanser in a skin cleansing product or can be combined with more powerful cleansing agents, called anionic surfactants, to make them milder on the skin.
Sodium Phytate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PhytateSodium phytate is a chelating agent that serves to remove heavy metal ions from water. Removing metal ions helps other ingredients, such as antioxidants and preservatives, to perform better and keep products from separating.
Maltodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MaltodextrinA formula helper manufactured from starch. It has a sweet flavor and is often used in rinse-off products to support their foaming structure. Maltodextrin is also used to stabilize emulsions and to absorb and bind other ingredients in the formula.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Sclerotium Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sclerotium GumA thickener with a silky, velvety feel that many manufacturers use as an alternative to silicones.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.