Swisse Glycolic Acid 8% Brightening Gel Cleanser Review

Swisse Glycolic Acid 8% Brightening Gel Cleanser
Review

Does Swisse Glycolic Acid 8% Brightening Gel Cleanser Work?

 
Swisse Glycolic Acid 8% Brightening Gel Cleanser is a type of skincare product designed to be rinsed off, peeled off, or otherwise removed from the skin. Research confirming the moisturizing, anti-wrinkle, and soothing effects of such products is very limited. Therefore, we do not provide efficacy ratings for these types of skincare products.

However, you can explore the roles of specific ingredients in the Ingredients Explained section below.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
8.1
8
3
2
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Decyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Cocoyl Methyl Isethionate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Function:
Origin:
Red 33 (CI 17200)
Function:
Origin:

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.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Est. %8.1
Function
Origin
Cocamidopropyl BetaineA mildly cleansing ingredient derived from coconut. It also produces the foam that tells us our soap is actually working to remove dirt and oils.
Glycolic Acid
Est. %8
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.

Decyl Glucoside
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Decyl GlucosideA surfactant that can function as both a cleansing agent and emulsifier. As a cleansing agent, it is very mild on the skin. As an emulsifier, decyl glucoside will produce oil-in-water emulsions. It is naturally derived from vegetable oils and starch.
Sodium Cocoyl Methyl Isethionate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Sodium Cocoyl Methyl Isethionate
Glycerin
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %1.3
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.

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.
Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
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.
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrasodium Glutamate DiacetateA biodegradable chelating agent that chemically captures the heavy metal ions naturally present in water and disarms their harmful effects.
Red 33 (CI 17200)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 33 (CI 17200)Also known as D&C Red 33 or Acid Red 33, this ingredient is a synthetic azo used to color skincare products. It produces a cool red hue, with undertones of blue that lead to a hint of purple.