Liquid Gold with 5% Glycolic Acid
Liquid Gold with 5% Glycolic Acid
Product Description
Alpha-H Liquid Gold with 5% Glycolic Acid is the brand's cult overnight exfoliating treatment β a watery, leave-on liquid that pairs 5% Glycolic Acid with a signature low-pH delivery system (pH 2.8β3.0) to resurface skin while you sleep. Used alone after cleansing, it sweeps away dead cells to reveal a brighter, smoother, more even complexion by morning. A best-seller for over 25 years.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Low-pH Delivery System
A pH of 2.8β3.0 keeps Glycolic Acid in its most active free-acid form, so it penetrates effectively without needing a higher percentage.
Overnight Brightening
Accelerates surface cell renewal so you wake to visibly brighter, more even, glowing skin β clinically shown to exfoliate 30% faster than natural turnover.
Smooths Texture
Dissolves the bonds holding dead cells together to refine rough patches, bumps and visible pores for a softer surface.
One-Step Treatment
Designed to work alone β no need to layer serums or creams on top, which keeps the simplest possible evening routine.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Low-percentage AHAs like glycolic acid are generally considered lower-risk than retinoids or salicylic acid, but the brand advises checking with your doctor first. Marked Caution.
Contains no fatty acids, esters, ferments or polysorbates β suitable for those prone to malassezia/fungal acne.
AHAs make skin more sensitive to UV. Use only at night and apply a broad-spectrum SPF every morning.
The high alcohol content gives a fast, bare finish but can feel drying for dry or sensitive skin β follow with moisturiser once touch-dry if needed.
Can be cycled with over-the-counter retinol on alternate nights. Do not combine with a prescription retinoid or other strong exfoliants.
A short tingle on application is normal. Sensitive or acid-new skin should patch test and ease in slowly β dampening the cotton pad first dilutes the effect.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
β Glycolic Acid 5% Proven
The smallest AHA molecule, glycolic acid penetrates readily to dissolve the "glue" between dead surface cells. It brightens, smooths texture, fades pigmentation and supports collagen over time. The low pH 2.8β3.0 keeps it highly active even at 5%.
- Mechanism: Breaks down corneocyte bonds to accelerate desquamation (cell shedding).
- Brand clinical: Exfoliates ~30% faster than natural cell turnover 8 hours after application (independent trial of 30 women, 2022).
- Brand clinical: 88% saw improved skin tone and luminosity over an 8-week independent review.
π₯ Alcohol Denat. High (2nd ingredient) Functional
Acts as a solvent and penetration enhancer, helping the formula absorb almost instantly and leave no residue. It is the second ingredient, so the alcohol content is significant β this is the most-debated part of the formula.
- Role: Lowers surface tension for fast, even spread and a quick-dry feel.
- Trade-off: Can be dehydrating with frequent use on already-dry or compromised skin.
π§ Glycerin ~2β5% Proven
A gold-standard humectant that draws water into the skin and helps offset the drying effect of the exfoliating acid and alcohol, supporting the skin's moisture balance.
- Function: Binds water to the stratum corneum and supports barrier hydration.
- Comedogenic: Rated 0 β non-pore-clogging.
𧡠Hydrolyzed Silk <1% Promising
Silk proteins act as a moisture-binding conditioning agent, helping protect against the dehydration that exfoliation can cause and leaving skin feeling smooth.
- Function: Film-forming humectant that improves the sensory feel and surface hydration.
πΏ Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract <1% Promising
An antioxidant-rich botanical traditionally used to help brighten and soothe. Its active glabridin has been studied for inhibiting UV-induced pigmentation, complementing the acid's tone-evening action.
- Research: Topical glabridin was shown to inhibit UVB-induced pigmentation in animal studies.
- Function: Antioxidant and brightening support; helps calm the skin.
9 ingredients
Aqua (Water), Alcohol Denat., Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Silk, Potassium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use in the evening on alternate nights (about 3 times a week). For best results leave it to work alone β layering serums or creams on top can buffer the treatment. Sensitive skin can apply a moisturiser once touch-dry.
π How to Use
Cleanse & Dry
Start with freshly cleansed skin and pat until touch-dry. Use in the evening only.
Apply to a Cotton Pad
Moisten a cotton pad with about 5 drops of Liquid Gold.
Sweep Across
Gently wipe over face, neck and dΓ©colletage, avoiding the eye area.
Leave It to Work
Don't rinse and don't layer on top. A short tingle is normal. Let it work overnight.
SPF Every Morning
Always finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen the next day, since AHAs raise sun sensitivity.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- Your skin looks dull, rough or uneven and you want overnight glow
- You're tackling pigmentation, sun damage or early fine lines
- You have oily, combination or congested skin
- You want a simple, one-step exfoliating treatment
- You're fungal-acne prone and need a malassezia-safe acid
β Consider alternatives if:
- Your skin is very dry, reactive or has a compromised barrier
- You dislike alcohol-based formulas
- You're using a prescription retinoid or strong actives nightly
- You want a fragranced, "treat-yourself" texture
- You're brand-new to acids (start with a gentler option first)
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Watery, alcohol-based formula absorbs instantly with zero residue or shine β ideal for oily, congested skin.
Smooths texture across oilier zones while glycerin and silk help keep drier areas comfortable.
Boosts cell turnover that slows with age, improving luminosity and softening fine lines over time.
Effective but the alcohol can feel drying β use less often and follow with a richer moisturiser once touch-dry.
The strong low-pH acid plus alcohol can irritate reactive skin. Patch test, ease in slowly, or start with Generation Glow.
Non-comedogenic and fungal-acne safe; helps clear congestion and fade marks, though active breakouts may sting.
π Results Timeline
Instant Glow
Most users report waking to noticeably smoother, brighter, "fresher" skin after the very first use.
Reported by most reviewersSmoother Texture
With three uses a week, rough patches and small textured bumps visibly soften and tone looks more even.
Visible results in 21 daysBrighter, Even Tone
Continued renewal improves overall luminosity and clarity as one full skin cycle completes.
88% saw improved tone & luminosityPigmentation & Lines
Long-term use helps fade pigmentation and sun damage and supports collagen for softer fine lines.
Loyal users cite years of resultsβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Visible "wake-up glow" after the first use
- Genuinely smooths texture and bumps
- Fades pigmentation and evens tone over time
- Simple one-step, no layering needed
- Fragrance-free and fungal-acne safe
- Cult product with decades of loyal users
β Criticized
- High alcohol content can be drying
- Tingling/stinging on sensitive skin
- Premium price for the bottle size
- Pour-cap can over-dispense product
- Not ideal for reactive or barrier-compromised skin
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Higher 7% glycolic at a slightly gentler pH, fragrance- and alcohol-free, with a huge 240ml bottle. Far cheaper per ml but a simpler, less luxe formula without silk proteins.
Same 5% glycolic but at a higher, milder pH (~4) with aloe and ginseng, so it's gentler and more soothing. Less intensive resurfacing and it does contain fragrance.
An affordable 10% glycolic toner with witch hazel for a similar exfoliating-tonic experience. Stronger acid but a more basic supporting formula and a lower-cost everyday option.
π Comparison with Competitors
Alpha-H Liquid Gold (Featured)
$48.00The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7%
$13.00Pixi Glow Tonic
$15.00Paula's Choice 8% AHA Gel
$35.00π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the cap closed.
Screw-cap glass bottle with a controlled pour-spout opening.
Yes β the 30ml mini is well under 100ml and TSA carry-on friendly.
β Frequently Asked Questions
It is marked Caution. Liquid Gold contains no retinoids, salicylic acid or hydroquinone, and low-percentage AHAs like glycolic acid are generally considered lower-risk in pregnancy than those ingredients. However, the brand recommends checking with your doctor or obstetrician before using any active treatment while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Yes. The formula contains no fatty acids, esters, ferments or polysorbates that feed malassezia, so it's considered fungal-acne safe and a good exfoliating option for those prone to it.
It can be cycled with over-the-counter retinol on alternate nights (e.g. Liquid Gold one evening, retinol the next, then a rest night). Avoid layering it with other acids or vitamin C in the same application, and don't combine it with a prescription retinoid. Since it's designed to work alone, the simplest approach is to use it by itself on its nights.
It's excellent for oily, combination, congested and mature skin, and good for acne-prone skin thanks to its non-comedogenic, fungal-acne-safe formula. Dry skin can use it with a moisturiser on top, while sensitive or reactive skin should patch test and ease in slowly β or start with a gentler exfoliant like Alpha-H Generation Glow.
Many users notice a brighter, smoother "glow" the very next morning. With three uses a week, the brand cites visible results in around 21 days, and an 8-week independent review reported 88% of people saw improved tone and luminosity. Pigmentation and fine lines respond over longer, consistent use.
Use it in the evening on freshly cleansed, touch-dry skin. Apply 5 drops to a cotton pad and sweep over face, neck and dΓ©colletage, then leave it to work overnight without layering other products on top. Always apply SPF the next morning.
No. With a comedogenic rating of 0/5, the watery, oil-free formula won't clog pores β in fact, the glycolic acid helps clear congestion and refine the look of pores.
It has a Period After Opening (PAO) of around 12 months. Store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and keep the cap closed to preserve the formula.
Verdict: Alpha-H Liquid Gold has earned its cult status for good reason β a clever low-pH delivery system lets just 5% glycolic acid deliver a real, visible overnight glow that smooths texture and brightens tone over time. It's fragrance-free, fungal-acne safe and non-comedogenic, making it a standout for oily, combination, congested and mature skin. The main caveat is the high alcohol content, which can feel drying or stinging for dry and sensitive skin, and the premium price for the bottle size. If your skin tolerates acids well and you want a results-driven, one-step exfoliant, it's an easy recommendation; very sensitive or barrier-compromised skin may prefer a gentler glycolic option first.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging Β«promisesΒ» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Alcohol Denat.
|
|
|
| 4 |
Glycolic Acid
Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Exfoliant, Exfoliating, Buffering
|
Brightening
Ache-fighting
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Dark Spots
Texture
Pores
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Hydrolyzed Silk
Humectant, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|