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Overnight Exfoliating Treatment

Overnight Exfoliating Treatment

Product Description

Product overview

Made in USA INDIE

Wake up to a smoother, clearer complexion with this potent 10% AHA + BHA overnight treatment. Glycolic and lactic acids resurface while salicylic acid unclogs pores, revealing visibly radiant skin by morning.

10% AHA/BHA Blend Vegan Cruelty-Free Fragrance-Free Paraben-Free Silicone-Free pH 3.5
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
30ml / 1 fl oz
pH Level
3.5
Active %
10% AHA/BHA
Use Time
PM Only
Frequency
1-3x Weekly
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Triple Acid Formula

Combines glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids for comprehensive surface and pore-level exfoliation.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Lightweight Gel
Scent
Fragrance-Free
Absorption
30-60 seconds
Finish
Smooth, Non-Sticky

Triple Acid Formula

Combines glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids for comprehensive surface and pore-level exfoliation.

Hydrating Support

Sodium hyaluronate and glycerin help maintain moisture while acids work, minimizing dryness.

Antioxidant Protection

Tocopherol (Vitamin E) provides antioxidant benefits and helps protect skin during renewal.

Incredible Value

Professional-level exfoliation at just $6, comparable to treatments costing 5-10x more.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Contains salicylic acid (0.1%) and AHAs. While concentrations are low, consult your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or nursing.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

Not fungal acne safe. Contains Polysorbate 80 and Sorbitan Oleate which may feed malassezia yeast.

Sensitive Skin

Start with once weekly use and gradually increase. The 10% concentration is beginner-friendly compared to stronger peels.

Sun Sensitivity

AHAs increase photosensitivity. Always use SPF 30+ sunscreen daily when using this product.

Retinol Interaction

Do not use in the same routine as retinol or other chemical/physical exfoliants to avoid irritation.

Vegan & Cruelty-Free

Leaping Bunny certified. No animal testing and no animal-derived ingredients.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Glycolic Acid ~8%Proven

The most researched AHA with the smallest molecular size, allowing deepest penetration. Removes dead skin cells, stimulates collagen production, and improves skin texture and tone.

  • Research: Proven to increase collagen synthesis at concentrations above 10%
  • pH Dependent: Most effective between pH 3-4 (this product is pH 3.5)
  • Benefits: Reduces fine lines, evens skin tone, improves texture
Increases sun sensitivity. Always wear SPF during the day.

Lactic Acid ~1%Proven

A gentler AHA derived from milk that exfoliates while also providing hydrating benefits. Strengthens skin barrier and has natural moisturizing properties.

  • Dual Action: Exfoliates surface cells while improving hydration
  • Barrier Support: Helps strengthen skin's protective barrier
  • Gentle: Larger molecule than glycolic acid, less irritating
Particularly beneficial for dry and dehydrated skin types.

Salicylic Acid ~0.1%Proven

Oil-soluble BHA that penetrates into pores to dissolve sebum plugs, dead skin cells, and debris. Anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and breakouts.

  • Oil-Soluble: Penetrates into pores unlike water-soluble AHAs
  • Anti-Inflammatory: Related to aspirin, helps calm irritated skin
  • Concentration: Low percentage works synergistically with AHAs
Use caution during pregnancy - consult healthcare provider.

Sodium HyaluronateProven

The salt form of hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that attracts and holds up to 1000x its weight in water. Helps counteract potential dryness from acids.

  • Hydration: Draws moisture from environment into skin
  • Plumping: Temporarily plumps fine lines by hydrating
  • Stability: More stable than pure hyaluronic acid in formulations

Tocopherol (Vitamin E)Proven

A potent antioxidant that protects skin from free radical damage and helps stabilize the formula. Also supports skin healing and barrier function.

  • Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals that cause premature aging
  • Healing: Supports skin's natural repair processes
  • Synergy: Works well with other antioxidants

18 ingredients

Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Propanediol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Tocopherol, Sorbitan Oleate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 80

FREE FROM: Parabens, Silicones, Fragrance, Added Oils, Sulfates, Drying Alcohols, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Formaldehyde
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
Toner (Optional)
3
This Treatment
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
SPF (AM)

Use at night only, up to 3x per week. Wait a few minutes after application before continuing routine. Do not use with retinol or other exfoliants on the same night.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Cleanse Your Face

Start with clean, dry skin. Use a gentle pH-balanced cleanser and pat dry completely.

2

Apply Treatment

Dispense 3-4 drops onto fingertips. Gently spread evenly across face, avoiding eye area and lips.

3

Wait & Absorb

Let the treatment sit for several minutes to absorb before applying next products. A slight tingling is normal.

4

Follow With Moisture

Apply your favorite serum and/or moisturizer to lock in hydration and support the skin barrier.

5

SPF Next Morning

Always apply SPF 30+ the next day. AHAs increase sun sensitivity for up to a week after use.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You want to improve skin texture and smoothness
  • You're dealing with dullness and uneven skin tone
  • You have clogged pores, blackheads, or congestion
  • You're new to chemical exfoliation (great starter product)
  • You want professional results on a budget
  • You have oily or combination skin
  • You're looking for an all-in-one AHA/BHA treatment

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have fungal acne (contains potential triggers)
  • You're pregnant or breastfeeding (consult doctor first)
  • You have extremely sensitive or reactive skin
  • You're already using strong retinoids daily
  • You have active eczema, rosacea, or broken skin
  • You're not willing to wear daily SPF
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Ideal match. BHA penetrates oil to unclog pores while AHAs control excess sebum and refine texture.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Perfect for balancing oily T-zone while improving overall texture. Works well across different face zones.

Normal Skin
Excellent

Great maintenance treatment for keeping skin smooth, radiant, and preventing congestion.

Dry Skin
Good

Can benefit from exfoliation but use sparingly (1x weekly). Follow with rich moisturizer to prevent dryness.

Sensitive Skin
Moderate

Patch test first. Start once weekly and monitor for irritation. The 10% concentration is gentler than stronger peels.

Acne-Prone Skin
Good

Helps prevent breakouts by keeping pores clear. Not suitable for fungal acne due to ingredient triggers.

08

Results timeline

WEEKS 8-12
Week 1

Immediate Smoothness

Skin feels noticeably smoother to the touch. Slight tingling during application is normal as acids begin working on surface cells.

85% noticed smoother texture
Weeks 2-3

Brighter Complexion

Dull, dead skin cells are shed, revealing fresher skin underneath. Skin starts looking more radiant and even-toned.

78% reported increased radiance
Weeks 4-6

Clearer Pores & Texture

Consistent use shows significant improvement in pore congestion. Blackheads and bumpy texture visibly reduced.

72% saw pore improvement
Weeks 8-12

Visible Transformation

Full results visible including improved skin tone, reduced appearance of dark spots, and overall refined texture.

80% achieved desired results
09

Ratings by platform

7K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.5
Rating
3,500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users experienced tingling or mild irritation, especially with daily use
Ulta Beauty
4.4
Rating
1,200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Small bottle size runs out quickly for frequent users
Beautylish
4.6
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Dropper can be tricky to control amount dispensed
Brand Website
4.7
Rating
2,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: Takes time to build tolerance for sensitive skin users
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Incredible value at $6 for professional-level exfoliation
  • Visible results within first week of use
  • Triple acid formula addresses multiple skin concerns
  • Beginner-friendly 10% concentration
  • Fragrance-free and vegan formula
  • Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture
  • Improves texture, brightness, and pore appearance
  • Clean ingredient list without unnecessary fillers

Criticized

  • Not safe for fungal acne sufferers
  • Small 30ml bottle can run out quickly
  • Tingling sensation may concern beginners
  • Cannot use with retinol in same routine
  • Requires consistent SPF use
  • Dropper dispensing can be imprecise
  • May be too strong for very sensitive skin
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
$13.00
Budget Pick

Larger 240ml bottle with 7% glycolic acid only (no BHA). Great for surface exfoliation but won't penetrate pores like the GM formula. Better value per ml.

75% Match
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
$15.00
Budget Pick

Very gentle 0.1% AHA/BHA formula - much milder than GM's 10%. Better for daily use and sensitive skin, but slower results. 150ml size.

70% Match
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
$9.00
Similar

Much stronger 30% AHA + 2% BHA - a wash-off peel, not leave-on. Use only 1x weekly max. Not for beginners or sensitive skin. Better for experienced acid users.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Key Actives 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA only)
Size 118ml
Price/ml $0.30/ml
Format Leave-on Treatment
Frequency Daily use possible

Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA

Key Actives 14% AHA/BHA/Flower Acids
Size 50ml
Price/ml $1.16/ml
Format Leave-on Serum
Frequency 1-3x weekly
T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
Key Actives 12% AHA + 1% BHA
Size 30ml
Price/ml $3.00/ml
Format Leave-on Serum
Frequency Every other night
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap tightly closed.

Packaging

Frosted glass bottle with dropper dispenser for precise application

Travel Friendly

Yes, 30ml is under TSA liquid limits. Glass bottle - pack carefully.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Use with caution. While the salicylic acid concentration is very low (0.1%), it's still present along with AHAs. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists considers topical products with 2% or less salicylic acid safe, but it's always best to consult your healthcare provider before using any chemical exfoliants during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

No, this product is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains Polysorbate 80 and Sorbitan Oleate, both of which are known potential triggers that can feed malassezia yeast. If you have fungal acne, look for alternatives like The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% or COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner which have cleaner ingredient profiles for malassezia-prone skin.

Do NOT use this in the same routine as retinol or other chemical/physical exfoliants. This combination can cause severe irritation and compromise your skin barrier. You can use retinol on alternate nights (e.g., retinol Monday/Wednesday/Friday, this treatment Tuesday/Thursday). Vitamin C is generally fine to use in your morning routine while using this at night, but if you experience sensitivity, alternate days.

This treatment works best for oily, combination, and normal skin types. The triple acid formula excels at unclogging pores, controlling oil, and improving texture. Dry skin types can use it sparingly (once weekly) with extra moisturizer. Sensitive skin should patch test first and start with once-weekly use. It's not recommended for those with fungal acne, active eczema, rosacea, or very reactive skin.

Most users notice smoother skin texture within the first week. Improved radiance and brightness typically appear by weeks 2-3. Significant pore improvement and reduced congestion become visible around weeks 4-6. Full results including even skin tone and refined texture are usually achieved by weeks 8-12 with consistent use. Results depend on your starting skin condition and consistency of use.

Apply at night only, after cleansing and toning (if you use toner). Apply 3-4 drops to dry skin and let absorb for several minutes before applying your serum and moisturizer. Do not use in the morning. Always follow with SPF the next day. Use 1-3 times per week depending on your skin's tolerance - start with once weekly and increase gradually.

No, this product has a very low comedogenic rating of 1/5. It's a water-based formula without heavy oils or pore-clogging ingredients. In fact, the salicylic acid (BHA) actively helps UNCLOG pores by dissolving sebum and debris. However, it contains ingredients that can trigger fungal acne (which looks like clogged pores), so those with malassezia should avoid it.

The product has a 12-month Period After Opening (PAO). The 30ml bottle typically lasts 2-4 months depending on usage frequency (1-3x weekly as recommended). Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and keep the dropper cap tightly closed to maintain product integrity and prevent contamination.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.5 / 5 ★★★★★

Verdict: The Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment delivers exceptional value with its professional-grade 10% AHA/BHA formula at an unbeatable $6 price point. It effectively addresses texture, dullness, and congestion while being beginner-friendly. The only notable drawbacks are its incompatibility with fungal acne-prone skin and the need for SPF diligence. For anyone seeking serious exfoliation on a budget, this is a top-tier choice that rivals products costing 10-15x more.

Browse related

By Concern Brightening Acne
By Brand & Origin US Brands

Product Overview

question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb 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 «promises» 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.

muscle 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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 3 ingredient(s):
Glycolic Acid Lactic Acid Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
brightening Brightening from 4 ingredient(s):
Glycolic Acid Glycerin Lactic Acid Salicylic Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Glycolic Acid Glycerin Sodium Hyaluronate
ache Ache-fighting from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycolic Acid Salicylic Acid
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
4
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
2
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
71% 14% 14%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 14 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
4 B
Glycolic Acid
Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Exfoliant, Exfoliating, Buffering
brightening Brightening
ache Ache-fighting
anti-aging Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Dark Spots
Texture
Pores
1 A
Sodium Citrate
Masking, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Chelating
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 Unknown
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS