Smooth Out
Smooth Out
Product Description
Geek & Gorgeous Smooth Out is a high-strength, water-light AHA exfoliating toner delivering 12% acids (10% Glycolic + 2% Lactic) buffered with fermented Prickly Pear and a humectant complex. Used overnight, it sweeps away dull, dead surface cells to reveal smoother, brighter, more even-toned skin and supports collagen with regular use โ all in a fragrance-free, vegan formula at a transparent, budget-friendly price.
โจ Texture & Feel
Overnight Glow
The 10% Glycolic + 2% Lactic blend dissolves dead surface cells while you sleep for visibly smoother, brighter skin by morning.
Buffered with Prickly Pear
Fermented Opuntia (Nopal cactus) + yeast extract is added specifically to calm the neurosensory irritation high-strength AHAs can cause.
Hydration Built In
An Aquaxyl sugar trio plus cross-linked hyaluronic acid offset the drying effect of acids, so skin feels supple rather than tight.
Honest, Disclosed %
No "complex" smokescreens โ Geek & Gorgeous lists the exact active percentages and pH, so you know precisely what you're applying.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Glycolic and lactic acids are topical AHAs (not oral or retinoid actives); the brand labels Smooth Out pregnancy-safe. Always confirm with your OB/GYN.
Contains no fatty acids, oils, esters or polysorbates that feed malassezia โ verified fungal-acne safe.
An oil-free, water-based toner โ nothing in the formula is known to clog pores.
AHAs make skin more vulnerable to UV. Use only at night and apply a broad-spectrum SPF every morning.
Avoid layering with retinol, vitamin C or other exfoliants in the same routine to prevent over-exfoliation and irritation.
At 12% AHA this is the brand's strongest exfoliant. Very reactive skin should choose a gentler PHA option instead.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐งช Glycolic Acid 10% Proven
The most-researched alpha-hydroxy acid and the star active here. With the smallest molecule in the AHA family, it penetrates efficiently to dissolve the "glue" binding dead cells, revealing fresher skin underneath.
- Source: Kim & Won (1998) found glycolic acid stimulates fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis.
- Source: Babilas et al. (2012) confirm AHAs improve texture, tone and fine lines in cosmetic and dermatologic use.
- Effect: Smooths roughness, fades hyperpigmentation and supports collagen over time.
๐ฅ Lactic Acid 2% Proven
A larger, gentler AHA that exfoliates the surface while doubling as a humectant. It draws water into the skin and contributes to the natural moisturizing factor, so exfoliation comes with hydration.
- Source: Ramos-e-Silva et al. (2001) document hydroxy acids' role in smoothing and hydrating skin.
- Effect: Softens, brightens and supports a healthy skin barrier and microbiome.
๐ต Fermented Prickly Pear + Yeast Blend Promising
The combination of Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Nopal cactus) and Saccharomyces Cerevisiae extracts supplies low-molecular-weight peptides, carbohydrates and bound minerals chosen specifically to reduce the neurosensory irritation high-percentage AHAs can trigger.
- Source: Prickly pear flavonoids and polyphenols provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action.
- Source: Yeast (Saccharomyces) peptide fractions show antioxidant and anti-collagenase effects in lab studies.
๐ฒ Galactoarabinan โ Promising
A larch-tree polysaccharide that forms a light, breathable film to limit transepidermal water loss while boosting the spreadability and efficacy of the exfoliating acids.
- Effect: Reduces post-exfoliation tightness and enhances AHA performance without a greasy feel.
๐งฌ Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer โ Proven
A new-generation cross-linked hyaluronic acid that lingers in the upper skin layers longer than standard HA, binding several times more water for sustained moisture alongside the acids.
- Effect: Counterbalances the drying tendency of AHAs and keeps skin plump.
๐ฉน Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) โ Proven
A classic soothing humectant that hydrates, calms and supports skin repair โ a smart addition to any exfoliating formula.
- Effect: Reinforces the barrier and reduces the chance of post-acid irritation.
๐ฌ Aquaxyl Sugar Trio + Glycerin โ Promising
Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol and Xylitol (the Aquaxyl complex) plus Glycerin form a multi-layer humectant network that increases the skin's water-binding capacity and strengthens the barrier.
- Source: Xylitol has been shown to lower transepidermal water loss and support the skin microbiome.
- Source: A 2016 study rated glycerin a more effective humectant than AHAs or HA alone.
20 ingredients
Aqua (Water), Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-20, Galactoarabinan, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear) Extract, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Pentylene Glycol, Glucose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use as your first step after cleansing on a night you are not using retinol or other exfoliants. Follow with hydrating and barrier-supporting products, and never skip morning SPF.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse & fully dry
Wash your face and pat completely dry โ applying to dry skin reduces the tingling sensation.
Apply a thin layer
Sweep over the face with a cotton pad, or pour a few drops into your hands and pat on like an aftershave. Avoid the eye area.
Start slow, build up
Begin once or twice a week and increase toward nightly use only as your skin tolerates it. A short tingle is normal.
Layer & protect
Follow with your moisturizer. Every morning after, wear a broad-spectrum SPF โ freshly exfoliated skin burns more easily.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have dull, rough or uneven-textured skin
- You're focused on smart-aging and fine lines
- You want to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation
- You have normal, oily or combination skin
- You like fragrance-free, transparently dosed formulas
โ Consider alternatives if:
- Your skin is sensitive or redness/rosacea-prone
- You're brand-new to acids (start gentler first)
- You already use strong retinoids nightly
- Your barrier is currently compromised or irritated
- You won't commit to daily sunscreen
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Water-light and oil-free; clears dull buildup and refines texture without adding shine.
Smooths rough zones while the humectants keep drier areas comfortable.
An ideal maintenance exfoliant for glow, tone and overall texture.
Built-in hydrators help, but use less often and always layer a richer moisturizer on top.
Non-comedogenic and fungal-acne safe; aids texture, though BHA may suit congestion better.
At 12% AHA this is the brand's strongest exfoliant โ reactive skin should pick a PHA option.
๐ Results Timeline
Instant Glow & Softness
Most users wake to noticeably smoother, brighter, "polished" skin after the first overnight use.
~80% noticedSmoother Texture
Rough patches and flakiness diminish; makeup and follow-up products apply more evenly.
~70% noticedMore Even Tone
Dark spots and post-acne marks begin to fade as cell turnover speeds up. Consistency is key.
~60% noticedFirmer, Refined Skin
Collagen-supporting effects of glycolic acid contribute to softer fine lines and a refined look.
~50% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Visible "overnight glow" and smoother skin fast
- Transparent, disclosed acid % and pH
- Prickly pear + humectants reduce dryness
- Fragrance-free, vegan and affordable
- Lightweight, watery texture absorbs instantly
โ Criticized
- Too strong / tingly for sensitive skin
- Easy to over-exfoliate if overused
- Mandatory daily SPF commitment
- 30 ml size is pricey per millilitre
- Not ideal as a first-ever acid for beginners
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Roughly 10% glycolic in a fragrance-free, witch-hazel-based toner. Similar exfoliating strength at a lower price, but lacks the lactic acid and prickly pear buffering complex.
A cult 7% glycolic toner with aloe and ginseng at a similar pH. Lower acid strength and it contains added fragrance, so it's gentler but less potent than Smooth Out.
Only 5% glycolic at a higher pH (~4.1), so far milder and fragranced. A good beginner step, but well below Smooth Out's resurfacing power.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Smooth Out (This Product)
~$32 / 100mlThe Ordinary Glycolic 7%
~$13 / 240mlPixi Glow Tonic
~$15 / 100mlPaula's Choice 8% AHA Gel
~$33 / 100ml๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
8 months after opening ยท 2 years unopened from production
Keep tightly capped in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
Screw-cap toner bottle (available in 30 ml and 100 ml)
Yes โ the 30 ml size is well under the 100 ml carry-on limit.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Smooth Out uses topical glycolic and lactic acids (AHAs) rather than retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens, and Geek & Gorgeous labels it pregnancy-safe. Topical AHAs are generally considered low-risk during pregnancy, but absorption and tolerance vary โ always confirm with your OB/GYN before use.
Yes. The formula contains no fatty acids, oils, esters or polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast, so it is considered fungal-acne (malassezia) safe.
Don't stack them in the same routine. At 12% AHA, combining Smooth Out with retinol, vitamin C or another exfoliant risks over-exfoliation and irritation. Alternate on different nights โ for example acids one evening, retinol another โ and the brand advises not using other scrubs or exfoliants at the same time.
It suits all skin types except sensitive and redness/rosacea-prone skin. It shines for oily, combination and normal skin dealing with dullness, rough texture, dark spots or early signs of aging. Very reactive skin should choose a gentler PHA-based exfoliant instead.
Many people notice an immediate glow and smoother feel the very next morning. Texture improvements typically build over 1โ2 weeks, more even tone and faded spots over 4โ8 weeks, and collagen-related firmness with consistent use beyond three months.
Use it at night as the first step right after cleansing and before serums and moisturizer โ applied like a toner with a cotton pad or patted on with clean hands. Avoid the eye area, and always follow with SPF the next morning.
No. It's an oil-free, water-based toner with a comedogenic rating of 0/5 โ none of its ingredients are known to clog pores, and exfoliation actually helps keep them clear.
The period after opening (PAO) is 8 months. Unopened, it stays good for 2 years from production. Store it capped in a cool, dry spot away from sunlight to preserve the acids.
Verdict: Geek & Gorgeous Smooth Out is one of the best-value high-strength AHA toners on the market. Its honest 10% glycolic + 2% lactic blend at pH 3.5โ3.9 delivers a real overnight glow and meaningful long-term smoothing, while prickly pear, hyaluronic acid and sugar humectants keep it more comfortable than most acids of this potency. It's fragrance-free, vegan and fungal-acne safe. The only caveats: it's genuinely strong, so sensitive or beginner skin should ease in (or pick a gentler option), and committed daily sunscreen is non-negotiable. For oily-to-combination skin chasing brighter, more even, refined texture, it's an easy recommendation.
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 skinโs 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 ยซpromisesยป 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 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 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
|
|
|
| 4 |
Glycolic Acid
Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Exfoliant, Exfoliating, Buffering
|
Brightening
Ache-fighting
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Dark Spots
Texture
Pores
|
|
| 0 |
Lactic Acid
|
Brightening
Anti-Aging
|
|
| 3 |
Sodium Hydroxide
Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Denaturant, Buffering
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|