Sunday Riley Glycolic Acid Treatment Review

Sunday Riley Glycolic Acid Treatment
3.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
2.5 Humectancy icon Humectancy
4.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
1.2Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Review

Does Sunday Riley Glycolic Acid Treatment Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Sunday Riley Glycolic Acid Treatment has to offer:
 
  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.2 out of 10.
  • Slight anti-wrinkle effect: Sunday Riley Glycolic Acid Treatment has an anti-wrinkle rating of 1.2 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.

Key Benefits of Sunday Riley Glycolic Acid Treatment

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Sunday Riley Glycolic Acid Treatment:
 

Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Normal Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Sunday Riley Glycolic Acid Treatment is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a low humectancy of 2.5 out of 10 and a moderate occlusivity of 4.0 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Dimethicone (est. ≈6.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, may provide some occlusive moisturizing that is adequate for normal skin.

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

Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Sunday Riley Glycolic Acid Treatment has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 1.2 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: 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).
 
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.

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: Sunday Riley Glycolic Acid Treatment

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Sunday Riley Glycolic Acid Treatment 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.

Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Sunday Riley Glycolic Acid Treatment contains a relatively low level of humectants.

People with normal skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of Sunday Riley Glycolic Acid Treatment

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Sunday Riley Glycolic Acid Treatment to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize normal skin
  • Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
  • Provides slight anti-wrinkle efficacy

Cons: 

  • May increase skin photosensitivity due to glycolic acid
  • Ideally needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy

Ingredients

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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate
Function:
Origin:
PPG-12
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
PPG-24-Glycereth-24
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Phytate
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Palmitic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ceteareth-20
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
2.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
8.1
6.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 2.5 10
2.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 8.1 20
4.0
6.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
3.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 2.5 10
2.5
All humectants
2.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
1.5
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 8.1 20
4.0
All occlusives
8.1
6.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
1.5 /10 5 4 1.2
Total
1.2
Glycolic Acid
1.2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
1.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
4
Anti-wrinkle rating
1.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
None
All antioxidants 0 3 No
All antioxidants
0
None
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
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.
Dimethicone
Est. %6
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.
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.

Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl Caprylate/CaprateCaprylyl Caprylate/Caprate is a medium-chain ester of a fatty alcohol (capryl alcohol) and a fatty acid (either caprylic acid with 8 carbon atoms or capric acid with 10). With a structure similar to natural waxes, this ingredient is used as an emollient, making the skin feel softer, smoother, and dry to the touch.
PPG-12
Est. %2
Function
Origin
PPG-12
Squalane
Est. %1.5
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.
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.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %1
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.
Potassium Lactate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium Lactate
Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus OilAn essential oil with a fresh, minty, and lemony scent. It is obtained from the West Indian lemongrass, also known as camel grass, and some studies suggest that it has an antibacterial effect.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

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.
PPG-24-Glycereth-24
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PPG-24-Glycereth-24
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.
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.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
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.
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.
Palmitic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitic AcidA saturated fatty acid used in skincare as a strongly occlusive moisturizer and barrier repairing, emollient ingredient. It is a waxy-looking, white solid. Palmitic acid can be commonly found in animal and vegetable fats, notably palm oil.
Stearic Acid
Est. %0.3
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.
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.
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract
Ceteareth-20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceteareth-20A fatty alcohol emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water together, best for oil-in-water emulsions. It is also a cleansing agent. When combined with cetearyl alcohol, ceteareth-20 forms a mix that, according to acne.org, can be comedogenic.
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.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ExtractA fungi ingredient made from baker's yeast. It is moisturizing and contains various beneficial compounds that support skin health. Among these is beta-glucan, the praised wound healing polysaccharide.
Sorbitan Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan IsostearateA mild yet powerful emulsifier primarily utilized to produce water-in-oil emulsions. It helps to create a particularly rich and substantial emulsion.
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 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.