For your skin
The mildest exfoliating acid. Refines texture and hydrates at the same time, and it's sensitive-skin friendly.
Want the science? Keep reading ↓Mechanism of action
Large polyhydroxy acid that exfoliates the surface with minimal penetration and added humectant action.
Why we tier this moderate
6 cited papers across 3 countries. The mechanism is well-described and there's at least one controlled trial in the literature, but we tier this Moderate rather than Strong to stay honest about how many specific papers we cite directly.
Layering matrix
Cited research
Peng Y et al., Comparison of Efficacy and Willingness to a 5% Gluconolactone-Based Topical Serum and Intense Pulsed Light in Mild Erythema of Rosacea: A Paired Control Study, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(3):e70025 — 5% gluconolactone serum improved erythema and moisturization over 30 days
Kantikosum K et al., The efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris, Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology 2019;12:151-161 — gluconolactone cosmeceutical added benefit on top of adapalene without hindering treatment
Green BA et al., Clinical and cosmeceutical uses of hydroxyacids, Clinics in Dermatology 2009;27(5):495-501
Edison BL et al., A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimen, Cutis 2004;73(2 Suppl):14-17 — 12-week PHA regimen matched AHA antiaging benefits with significantly less stinging/burning
Grimes PE, Green BA, Wildnauer RH, Edison BL, The use of polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) in photoaged skin, Cutis 2004;73(2 Suppl):3-13 — PHAs deliver photoaging benefits across skin types with superior tolerability vs traditional AHAs
Bernstein EF et al., The polyhydroxy acid gluconolactone protects against ultraviolet radiation in an in vitro model of cutaneous photoaging, Dermatologic Surgery 2004;30(2 Pt 1):189-95 — gluconolactone provided up to 50% UV protection in vitro without increasing sunburn cell formation
Sources: PubMed · KCI · J-Stage · CNKI · Wanfang · SFD · MFDS · Cochrane · SCCS · CIR. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for what each outcome label means.