Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector
Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector
Product Description
Product overview
Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector is a daily liquid chemical exfoliator from cult favorite NYC brand Glossier. Featuring a 10% blend of three acid families — AHA (lactic + glycolic), BHA (salicylic), and PHA (gluconolactone) — paired with niacinamide, aloe and glycerin to gently sweep away dull, dead skin while keeping the barrier comfortable. The result: smaller-looking pores, fewer blackheads, less redness and a noticeably softer, glowier complexion.
Triple-Acid Complex
10% blend of glycolic, lactic, salicylic and gluconolactone targets surface dullness, deep pore congestion and sensitive-skin tolerance simultaneously.
Texture & feel
SENSORYTriple-Acid Complex
10% blend of glycolic, lactic, salicylic and gluconolactone targets surface dullness, deep pore congestion and sensitive-skin tolerance simultaneously.
Anti-Stress Buffer
Aloe leaf juice, glycerin and niacinamide cushion the acids to reduce redness and keep the skin barrier comfortable during exfoliation.
Pore & Texture Refining
Daily use visibly smooths bumpy texture, dissolves blackheads and refines the look of enlarged pores — especially around the nose and chin.
4-Week Glow Promise
In a clinical trial of 60 users, 94% of acne-prone testers reported clearer skin after four weeks of consistent daily use.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENot recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to salicylic acid (BHA) content. Consult your OB-GYN before use.
Contains polysorbate 20 and pentylene glycol — generally tolerated but flagged as potentially feeding malassezia in highly reactive cases.
Oil-free, silicone-free and rated 0/5 on the comedogenicity scale — safe choice for clogged-pore and acne-prone skin types.
Glossier is Leaping Bunny certified. Solution contains no animal-derived ingredients.
AHA exfoliants increase UV sensitivity. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is essential while using and for one week after stopping.
Mild tingling on application is normal. Persistent stinging, peeling or burning is a sign to scale back to every other day.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGlycolic Acid ~3-4%Proven
The most studied AHA in skincare. Smallest molecular size means it penetrates deeply to dissolve dead-cell bonds, brighten dullness and stimulate collagen production over time.
- Source: Sugar cane derivative; clinically proven to thicken skin and reduce wrinkle depth at concentrations above 8%.
- Function: Surface exfoliation, tone evening, glow boost.
Lactic Acid ~3-4%Proven
A gentler AHA that doubles as a humectant. Larger molecule than glycolic, so it exfoliates the upper layers while pulling moisture into the skin — ideal for dry or sensitive types.
- Source: Naturally fermented from milk sugars (vegan synthetic version used by Glossier).
- Function: Brightening, hyperpigmentation fading, mild exfoliation with hydration.
Salicylic Acid (BHA) 0.5%Proven
The only oil-soluble acid in the formula. Penetrates inside the pore lining to clear out sebum, debris and blackheads while calming inflammation thanks to its aspirin-like structure.
- Source: FDA-recognized OTC acne active at 0.5–2%.
- Function: Pore decongestion, blackhead breakdown, anti-inflammatory action.
Gluconolactone (PHA) ~2-3%Proven
A next-generation polyhydroxy acid with a much larger molecular structure. Exfoliates only the very top layer, making it dramatically less irritating than AHAs — even for rosacea-prone skin. Bonus: it's a humectant and antioxidant.
- Source: Created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
- Function: Gentle exfoliation, hydration, barrier support, antioxidant defense.
Niacinamide ~1-2%Proven
Vitamin B3. The unsung hero of the formula — works alongside the acids to reduce redness, regulate sebum, fade post-acne marks and reinforce the moisture barrier weakened by exfoliation.
- Source: Synthetic vitamin B3 derivative.
- Function: Pore minimizing, redness reduction, hyperpigmentation control.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice <1%Promising
Cooling, anti-inflammatory plant extract. Acts as a buffer to soothe the tingling sensation that low-pH acid formulas naturally produce on contact.
- Source: Pressed juice from aloe vera leaves.
- Function: Calms irritation, light hydration, post-exfoliation comfort.
Glycerin ~1-2%Proven
The gold standard humectant. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface, preventing the dehydration commonly caused by leave-on acids.
- Source: Plant-derived (typically soy or coconut).
- Function: Hydration, barrier support, antimicrobial.
20 ingredients
Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Gluconolactone, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Magnesium Chloride, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Phytic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Amylopectin, Polydextrose, Dextrin, Caprylyl Glycol.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply on clean, dry skin and wait 1 minute before layering serums. Avoid pairing with retinol or vitamin C in the same routine — alternate AM/PM instead.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse first
Start with thoroughly clean, towel-dried skin. Residual cleanser or oil can blunt the acids' effectiveness.
Tap the dispenser
Press a cotton round on top of the press-down pump to saturate it — the product is dispensed only when pressed.
Sweep across face
Glide gently over the entire face avoiding eye area, lips, and any broken or peeling skin. A mild tingle is normal.
Wait 1 minute
Let the acids fully absorb before applying water-based serums or moisturizer. Do not rinse off.
Start slow, then build
Begin with every other night, then increase to nightly, then twice daily if your skin tolerates it well.
Always SPF in the morning
AHAs increase sun sensitivity. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning while using this product.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin
- You struggle with blackheads and clogged pores
- You want a gentle daily exfoliator (not a weekly treatment)
- You're new to acids and want a balanced multi-acid intro
- You have post-acne marks or uneven texture
- You prefer a fragrance-free, no-frills formulation
Consider alternatives if:
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding (contains BHA)
- You have very dry or compromised skin barrier
- You already use prescription retinoids daily
- You have active eczema, rosacea flares, or open lesions
- You want a stronger weekly peel — this is mild
- You prefer leave-in toners with a more refined finish (some report a slight tacky residue)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESBHA targets sebum directly. Lightweight watery texture leaves no residue or shine.
Triple-acid blend addresses both oily T-zone and drier cheek areas without over-stripping.
Non-comedogenic with 0.5% salicylic acid. Clinical study showed 94% reported clearer skin in 4 weeks.
Reliable maintenance exfoliator that keeps texture smooth and pores clear without overdoing it.
Glycerin and aloe help, but daily AHA use may be drying. Start 2–3 times per week and follow with rich moisturizer.
PHA portion is gentle, but glycolic + BHA can sting reactive skin. Patch test first; use every other night.
Results timeline
AFTER 4 WEEKSSmoother, cleaner feel
Skin feels noticeably softer to the touch immediately after application, with most users reporting a perceptible "working" sensation right away.
75% noticedBrighter, clearer complexion
Surface dullness lifts, makeup goes on smoother, and small bumps around the chin and forehead start to subside.
75% noticedSmaller pores & reduced blackheads
Visibly tighter-looking pores around the nose, with blackheads dissolving and a healthy glow appearing.
75% noticedClearer acne-prone skin
The headline clinical result: in a third-party study of 60 acne-prone users aged 14–40, 94% reported clearer skin after 4 weeks of daily use.
94% noticedRatings by platform
8K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Triple-acid blend covers AHA, BHA, and PHA in one step
- Gentle enough for daily use, even for beginners
- Visibly fewer blackheads and smaller-looking pores
- Niacinamide buffers redness and irritation
- Fragrance-free and vegan
- Cult-favorite minimalist Glossier branding and packaging
- Strong clinical claim (94% clearer skin in 4 weeks)
Criticized
- Acid percentages are not individually disclosed
- Slight sticky/tacky finish disliked by some users
- Press-down dispenser can dispense too much product
- Not suitable for pregnancy/breastfeeding
- Expensive per ml compared to The Ordinary alternatives
- Some sensitive-skin users report stinging or burning
- May cause initial purging (2–3 weeks)
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Pure 7% glycolic AHA with aloe and ginseng. Half the cost per ml, but lacks the BHA and PHA combo — pair with a separate salicylic toner for full coverage.
Almost identical multi-acid concept (AHA + BHA + PHA) plus zinc PCA for extra oil control. More transparent percentages and a slightly stronger BHA dose.
Single-acid AHA toner with aloe and ginseng. Smoother sensorial finish but lacks BHA, so less effective on blackheads and clogged pores.
Drugstore option with salicylic + mandelic + PHA. Lotion (not toner) format — different texture but covers similar exfoliating bases at a third of the price.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEGlossier Solution
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening (12M symbol on packaging)
Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Tightly close cap after each use.
Opaque pink plastic bottle with press-down pump dispenser (designed for cotton pad application)
Yes — 130 ml is over the 100 ml TSA carry-on limit, must go in checked baggage. Decant for short trips.
Frequently asked questions
FAQNo, Solution is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It contains 0.5% salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid), and most OB-GYNs and dermatologists advise avoiding leave-on BHA products throughout pregnancy and nursing. While topical absorption is low, the safer alternative is to switch to pregnancy-friendly options like azelaic acid, glycolic-only toners (in moderation), or PHA-only formulas during this period. Always consult your physician before continuing any active skincare during pregnancy.
Mostly yes, but with one caveat. The formula is free from fatty acids, esters, and oils that typically feed malassezia. However, it does contain polysorbate 20 — which is sometimes flagged as a potential trigger for highly fungal-acne-reactive skin. Most users with fungal acne tolerate it well, but if you've previously reacted to polysorbate ingredients, patch test first. The salicylic acid can actually help reduce fungal acne breakouts due to its antimicrobial properties.
Use with caution and proper spacing. Solution already contains AHA + BHA + PHA — adding more exfoliating acids on top can damage your skin barrier. Vitamin C: alternate AM (vitamin C) and PM (Solution) for best results. Retinol: use on opposite nights, not the same evening, to avoid irritation. Standalone AHA/BHA products: do not stack — pick one. Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid serums layer beautifully on top. Always finish with moisturizer and SPF.
It's formulated as an all-rounder, but it shines brightest on combination, oily, and acne-prone skin — the types Glossier specifically tested in their clinical study. The 0.5% salicylic acid targets clogged pores and blackheads, while the AHAs handle surface dullness. Normal and lightly dehydrated skin types do well too. If you have dry, sensitive, or rosacea-prone skin, start at 2–3 times per week and follow with a rich barrier-supporting moisturizer.
According to Glossier's clinical study of 60 daily users: smoother, softer skin within 24 hours; brighter, clearer complexion at 1 week; visibly smaller pores and reduced blackheads at 2 weeks; and 94% of acne-prone testers reported clearer skin after 4 weeks. Real-world results vary — some users experience an initial purging phase (2–3 weeks of small breakouts as congestion clears) before seeing improvement. Give it a full 4–6 weeks before judging.
Apply Solution after cleansing and any hydrating toner, but before serums and moisturizer. Order: cleanse → hydrating toner (optional) → Solution on a cotton pad → wait 1 minute → serums (hyaluronic, niacinamide, peptides) → moisturizer → SPF (AM only). Do not rinse off. Solution functions as your exfoliating step — it replaces other AHA/BHA products in your routine, not adds to them.
No — Solution is rated 0 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale. The formula is oil-free, silicone-free, and contains zero pore-clogging fatty alcohols or esters. In fact, its 0.5% salicylic acid is specifically designed to unclog pores by dissolving the sebum and dead-cell mixture inside them. This makes it one of the safer choices for blackhead-prone, congestion-prone, and acne-prone skin types.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months — indicated by the "12M" symbol on the packaging. Stored properly (room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat, with the cap tightly sealed), the formula remains stable and effective for a full year. After 12 months, the acid concentrations may begin to degrade and the preservative system weakens, so replace the bottle. With daily use, most people finish a 130 ml bottle within 4–6 months.
Verdict: Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector earns its cult status. The triple-acid blend of AHA, BHA, and PHA delivers reliable daily exfoliation that's gentle enough for beginners yet effective enough for stubborn blackheads and texture. With a strong 94% clinical clearer-skin claim, niacinamide and aloe to buffer irritation, and a fragrance-free vegan formulation, it's a smart choice for combination, oily, and acne-prone skin. The trade-offs: undisclosed individual acid percentages, a slightly tacky finish, and a price-per-ml that's beat by The Ordinary and Curology. Pregnant users should skip it. For everyone else, it's a solid one-bottle solution to multi-acid exfoliation.
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 skin’s 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 «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.
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 6 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 7 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 3 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
|
|
|
| 3 |
Sodium Hydroxide
Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Denaturant, Buffering
|
|
|
| 0 |
Lactic Acid
|
Brightening
Anti-Aging
|
|
| 4 |
Glycolic Acid
Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Exfoliant, Exfoliating, Buffering
|
Brightening
Ache-fighting
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Dark Spots
Texture
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Gluconolactone
Solvent, Fragrance, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
|
Anti-Aging
|