Saturday Skin 4% Glycolic Acid & Pore Care Complex Review

Saturday Skin 4% Glycolic Acid & Pore Care Complex
5.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
10Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Saturday Skin 4% Glycolic Acid & Pore Care Complex Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Saturday Skin 4% Glycolic Acid & Pore Care Complex has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.
  • Potent anti-wrinkle effect with the highest possible efficacy rating. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 10 out of 10, Saturday Skin 4% Glycolic Acid & Pore Care Complex is highly potent in reducing wrinkles.
  • Soothing: Saturday Skin 4% Glycolic Acid & Pore Care Complex contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Saturday Skin 4% Glycolic Acid & Pore Care Complex

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Saturday Skin 4% Glycolic Acid & Pore Care Complex:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Saturday Skin 4% Glycolic Acid & Pore Care Complex is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈6.0%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈4.1%).

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.

Potent Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Saturday Skin 4% Glycolic Acid & Pore Care Complex has a maximum anti-wrinkle rating of 10 out of 10.

It contains 3 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

  • Niacinamide (est. ≈4.1%),
     one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
  • Asiaticoside (est. ≈0.3%),
     derived from the plant Centella asiatica, an ingredient with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 27 participants (Lee et al.). This study demonstrated that a cream containing 0.1% asiaticoside reduced the average wrinkle depth by 8% after 12 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without asiaticoside).
  • Glycolic Acid (est. ≈4.0%),
     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).
Among others, Saturday Skin 4% Glycolic Acid & Pore Care Complex also contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Adenosine, Centella Asiatica Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, sh-Oligopeptide-1, sh-Polypeptide-1, and sh-Polypeptide-9. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 

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

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Saturday Skin 4% Glycolic Acid & Pore Care Complex is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈4.1%).

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, Saturday Skin 4% Glycolic Acid & Pore Care Complex is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Niacinamide (est. ≈4.1%).

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: Saturday Skin 4% Glycolic Acid & Pore Care Complex

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Saturday Skin 4% Glycolic Acid & Pore Care Complex 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.

Pros & Cons of Saturday Skin 4% Glycolic Acid & Pore Care Complex

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Saturday Skin 4% Glycolic Acid & Pore Care Complex 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
  • Delivers potent anti-wrinkle efficacy with the highest possible rating of 10 out of 10 thanks to ingredients like Niacinamide and Asiaticoside, among others
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution
  • Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, specifically Niacinamide

Cons: 

  • May increase skin photosensitivity due to glycolic acid

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
6
4.2
4.1
4
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Ethoxydiglycol
Function:
Origin:
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Function:
Origin:
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Choleth-24
Function:
Origin:
Xylitol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodeceth-16
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Phytate
Function:
Origin:
Madecassoside
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Asiaticoside
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cholesterol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
PEG-800
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
sh-Oligopeptide-1
Function:
Origin:
sh-Polypeptide-1
Function:
Origin:
sh-Oligopeptide-2
Function:
Origin:
sh-Polypeptide-22
Function:
Origin:
sh-Polypeptide-45
Function:
Origin:
sh-Polypeptide-8
Function:
Origin:
sh-Polypeptide-9
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
15.4
6
4.1
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 15.4 10
10.0
6
4.1
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4.1
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 15.4 10
10
All humectants
15.4
6
4.1
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 4.1 6
3 /10 0.1 0.3 3
1.5 /10 5 4 1.2
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
10
Niacinamide
6
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
4.1
Asiaticoside
3
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
3 /10
when present at, %
0.1
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Glycolic Acid
1.2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
1.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
4
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
sh-Oligopeptide-1
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
sh-Polypeptide-1
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
sh-Polypeptide-9
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
4.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 6.2 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
6.2
Niacinamide
4.1
Asiaticoside
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
0.3
Madecassoside
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
4.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 6.2 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
6.2
4.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %4.2
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Niacinamide
Est. %4.1
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Glycolic Acid
Est. %4
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.

1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Propanediol
Est. %1.3
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.
Ethoxydiglycol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
EthoxydiglycolA type of alcohol with humectant moisturizing properties. It also acts as a solvent, since it mixes well with a variety of other compounds, including water and even some oils.
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6A polymeric ingredient that works best in water-based formulas to create gel textures. It helps to stabilize emulsions and control viscosity.
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.
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.
Choleth-24
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Choleth-24
Xylitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
XylitolAn organic compound that is most well-known for its use as a sweetener that also protects your teeth from cavities. Xylitol is used in skincare as a moisturizing humectant and has been shown to improve the protective barrier function of the skin.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
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.
Octyldodeceth-16
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Octyldodeceth-16
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateA licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) OilAn essential oil distilled from peppermint leaves that is used as a fragrance and for its cooling effect on the skin. It contains up to 50% of menthol, which interacts with heat-sensitive nerve endings upon application to the skin, producing a cold sensation.
Centella Asiatica Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica ExtractAn extract from the leaves of the Gotu kola. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. It increases the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in 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.
Madecassoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MadecassosideAn isolated Gotu Kola compound. It helps to increase collagen and hyaluronic acid production in the skin and assists in wound healing.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Hydrogenated Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated LecithinA version of plain lecithin that has been saturated with hydrogen atoms. This ingredient can be derived from plants, like soy or sunflower, from egg yolks, or made synthetically. Its major function is to emulsify water and oils.
Asiaticoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Asiaticoside

A Gotu Kola or Centella Asiatica derivative with confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica Leaf ExtractA well-researched soothing, wound-healing, and promising anti-aging extract that is obtained from the leaves of the Gotu Kola.
Cholesterol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CholesterolAn emollient and important barrier repairing lipid, effective when combined with fatty acids and ceramides. Around 25% of the skin’s lipid layer is made up of cholesterol and it is found in the membrane of every single cell in our body.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

PEG-800
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-800
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.

Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract
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.
Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract
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.

sh-Oligopeptide-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
sh-Oligopeptide-1

Also known as Human Epidermal Growth Factor. It increases metabolism in skin cells and is claimed to improves skin texture and elasticity.

sh-Polypeptide-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
sh-Polypeptide-1

Also known as Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor. It has collagen and elastin-boosting effects and can result in firmer, more elastic skin. It has been tested for scar healing, but its use in skincare products is still a bit controversial.

sh-Oligopeptide-2
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
sh-Oligopeptide-2

Description is coming soon

sh-Polypeptide-22
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
sh-Polypeptide-22

Description is coming soon

sh-Polypeptide-45
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
sh-Polypeptide-45

Description is coming soon

sh-Polypeptide-8
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
sh-Polypeptide-8

Description is coming soon

sh-Polypeptide-9
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
sh-Polypeptide-9

Also known as Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor. It stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, thereby improving microcirculation. It is not well researched for use in skincare and is still a bit controversial.