Add to Cart is a reader interest series that breaks down products and launches in beauty and skincare from your wish list. Has something caught your eye and preoccupied your desires? What products are you curious to learn more about? Let us know what's living on your wish list in the comments - each month, we'll select, buy, and review one product to see if it lives up to the hype!
Welcome to another round of Add to Cart! Last month, I listed a few options that were on my mind, and I even tried to snag one in particular, just to see that the shade I would need has been sold out ever since launching. I was a little unsure of how to proceed and then, Glow Recipe launched another product. You all know I love this brand. It is adorable, affordable, and effective. So this seemed like the perfect new launch to explore!
The Product I Chose: Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid Serum, 30 mL - $40
My Subscription Addiction paid for this product. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
Can we please take a moment to appreciate this adorable glass strawberry bottle?! I can't handle it. This is a brand that knows how to make products that will make you smile. And this new little bottle of goo has a lofty goal: to decongest blemish-prone skin, smooth skin texture, and refine pores. That is a lot of ground to cover. Let's dive in:
The Ingredients
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Here is a closer look at the ingredient list:
Water/Aqua/Eau, Methylpropanediol, C9–12 Alkane, Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Salicylic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Mandelic Acid, Succinic Acid, Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Leaf Extract, Azelaic Acid, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bisabolol, Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear) Flower Extract, Niacinamide, Glucosamine, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment, Dextrin, Polydextrose, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Amylopectin, Butylene Glycol, Succinoglycan, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Lauroyl Lysine, Sodium Phytate, Lecithin, Aminomethyl Propanol, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Fragrance/Parfum*. *100% Naturally Derived.
The Key Players and What They Do
Salicylic Acid: This exfoliating BHA is one of those magical ingredients that is great for most skin issues. It targets congestion (a blackhead superstar) but is also an anti-inflammatory.
Mandelic Acid: This antibacterial AHA is another exfoliating acne hero. It also works to fade the extra post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation leftover from healing spots.
Azelaic Acid: This ingredient is anti-inflammatory, skin brightening, and also anti-bacterial. (Those filled zits on your face? Usually filled with icky bacteria.)
Succinic Acid: This acid stimulates the skin's natural exfoliation process and reduces oil.
Niacinamide: We know her, we love her. Niacinamide is one of those wonder ingredients that add dewiness and brightness while helping minimize pores.
Hyaluronic Acid: AKA a big moisture bomb. HA holds 1000 times its own weight in water and adds hydration to the skin.
My Takeaway
What Does It Smell Like?
Roses. Just kidding! It smells like strawberry candy to me. It isn't the most natural strawberry scent, but it is very light and fun and I can't imagine it being super offensive to anyone.
What Does It Feel Like?
The first time I applied this serum, I thought "This absolutely has hyaluronic acid inside." It has that gel sort of vibe that is light and slippy but absorbs easily and doesn't leave much behind. I also tried this before my daily SPF and makeup and didn't have any weird texture peeling or anything else negative to report.
When Should I Apply This?
You can use this in the AM or PM or even both before your moisturizer. Because this has exfoliants, SPF is really important while using this product.
Who Is It For?
Specifically, I feel like this product is made for acne-prone skin, but even those of us who have inconsistent acne issues can benefit. I am someone with dried skin and often, acne-focused products can be drying. I didn't notice any dryness or irritation with this product. Glow Recipe is one of those brands that prioritize effective but gentle formulas, so this doesn't surprise me at all!
Should You Buy Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid Serum?
If you are having acne issues regularly or even just often, this is a great new product to try. With the ingredients inside formulated to target congestion as well as texture (thanks exfoliation!) while still being gentle, this could be your new favorite and most cute addition to your routine.
Ready to Add to Cart? Get it here!
What's Next?
A note: I feel like so many items are sold out often now on Sephora. I intended to snag the IT Cosmetics CC glow for this month, but wow, so many shades sold out online. I will still try to grab that soon, but in the meantime, here are the products living their best life in my shopping cart:
1 of 6 | Herbivore
Moon Fruit 1% Bakuchiol + Peptides Retinol Alternative Serum
What new launch has you wondering if it is worth an Add to Cart? Let me know in the comments below!
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