Black Rice Triple AHA Gentle Cleansing Gel
What it's good for
Key actives from our research database. Click any to read the full evidence dossier.
A heavy-duty hydrator that also reduces irritation. Often called "better than hyaluronic acid" for sensitive skin.
Good for: Hydrating, Anti-inflammatory
A fruit-derived AHA that exfoliates and antioxidizes. It shares the same basic mechanism as glycolic and lactic acid but is weaker gram-for-gram; in practice you'll see it doing dual duty (a little exfoliation plus pH stabilisation) in multi-acid toners and serums. When it appears low on an ingredient list, it's adjusting pH; higher up, it's contributing real exfoliation.
Good for: Exfoliating, Antioxidant
A workhorse hydrator that pulls water into your skin. In nearly every good moisturizer for a reason.
Good for: Hydrating
The slowest, gentlest exfoliating acid. Resurfaces with the least irritation, especially friendly to sensitive and deeper skin tones.
Good for: Exfoliating
A staple in Hanbang (traditional Korean medicine) skincare. It's packed with antioxidants and ginsenosides that help firm the skin, boost circulation, and defend against environmental aging.
Good for: Anti-aging, Antioxidant, Barrier repair
A gentler grape-derived AHA that exfoliates and helps multi-acid formulas stay at the right pH to work. Less studied than glycolic or lactic acid as a standalone, but well-tolerated in combination peels, and the antioxidant side effect is a genuine bonus.
Good for: Exfoliating, Antioxidant
Evidence behind the ingredients
Real citations from our research database, one per tracked active in this product. Click any ingredient name to read its full evidence dossier.
A heavy-duty hydrator that also reduces irritation. Often called "better than hyaluronic acid" for sensitive skin.
Feng X et al., Exploring the Properties and Application Potential of beta-Glucan in Skin Care, Food Science and Nutrition 2025;13(4):e70212 — review concludes beta-glucan exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, barrier repair, and moisturizing bioactivities
Kussie HC et al., Avenanthramide and beta-Glucan Therapeutics Accelerate Wound Healing Via Distinct and Nonoverlapping Mechanisms, Advances in Wound Care 2024;13(4):155-166 — in vivo: beta-glucan accelerated wound closure with increased angiogenesis
Cao Y et al., Improving the outcome of treating striae gravidarum by combined therapies using topical β-glucan and 1565-nm non-ablative fractional laser, Journal of Dermatology 2022;49(9):829-836 — RCT; topical beta-glucan twice daily for 12 weeks on stretch marks
A fruit-derived AHA that exfoliates and antioxidizes. It shares the same basic mechanism as glycolic and lactic acid but is weaker gram-for-gram; in practice you'll see it doing dual duty (a little exfoliation plus pH stabilisation) in multi-acid toners and serums. When it appears low on an ingredient list, it's adjusting pH; higher up, it's contributing real exfoliation.
Tang SC, Yang JH. Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin. Molecules. 2018;23(4):863.
Yamamoto Y, Uede K, Yonei N, Kishioka A, Ohtani T, Furukawa F. Effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the human skin of Japanese subjects: the rationale for chemical peeling. Journal of Dermatology. 2006 Jan;33(1):16-22. — Clinical-mechanistic study in Japanese subjects demonstrating AHA (including citric acid class) keratolytic and epidermal renewal effects as rationale for chemical peeling.
Bernstein EF, Underhill CB, Lakkakorpi J, et al. Citric acid increases viable epidermal thickness and glycosaminoglycan content of sun-damaged skin. Dermatologic Surgery. 1997 Aug;23(8):689-694. — Mechanistic study showing topical citric acid increased viable epidermal thickness and dermal glycosaminoglycans in sun-damaged skin, similar to glycolic acid and retinoic acid.
A workhorse hydrator that pulls water into your skin. In nearly every good moisturizer for a reason.
Danby SG et al., Different types of emollient cream exhibit diverse physiological effects on the skin barrier in adults with atopic dermatitis, Clinical and Experimental Dermatology 2022;47(6):1154-1164 — glycerol+urea emollient delivered superior barrier-strengthening and irritant protection
Youssef R et al., Glycerol 85% efficacy on atopic skin and its microbiome: a randomized controlled trial, Journal of Dermatological Treatment 2021;32(7):730-736 — topical glycerol 85% RCT on atopic skin
Evans NJ et al., Human axillary skin condition is improved following incorporation of glycerol into the stratum corneum from an antiperspirant formulation, Archives of Dermatological Research 2017;309(9):739-748 — 4% glycerol penetrated axillary SC, reduced irritation, improved hydration
+−3 more ingredients
The slowest, gentlest exfoliating acid. Resurfaces with the least irritation, especially friendly to sensitive and deeper skin tones.
Ravikumar P et al., Efficacy of Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acid Chemical Peels in Postacne Pigmentation, Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology 2022 — mandelic-acid-containing peels improved postacne hyperpigmentation in a randomized comparison
Dayal S et al., Comparative study of efficacy and safety of 45% mandelic acid versus 30% salicylic acid peels in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2020 — 45% mandelic acid peels comparably effective and better tolerated than 30% salicylic peels
Sarkar R et al., Comparative study of 35% glycolic acid, 20% salicylic-10% mandelic acid, and phytic acid combination peels in the treatment of active acne, Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 2019;12(3):158-163
A staple in Hanbang (traditional Korean medicine) skincare. It's packed with antioxidants and ginsenosides that help firm the skin, boost circulation, and defend against environmental aging.
Jung SW et al., Protective Effects of Korean Red Ginseng Against Oxidative Stress-Induced Damage in Human Hair, Annals of Dermatology 2025
Kim H et al., The Beneficial Effect of Korean Red Ginseng Extract on Atopic Dermatitis Patients: An 8 Weeks Open, Noncomparative Clinical Study, Annals of Dermatology 2018
Park HM et al., A single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the efficacy and safety of enzyme-treated red ginseng powder complex (BG11001) for antiwrinkle and proelasticity in individuals with healthy skin, Journal of Ginseng Research 2016
A gentler grape-derived AHA that exfoliates and helps multi-acid formulas stay at the right pH to work. Less studied than glycolic or lactic acid as a standalone, but well-tolerated in combination peels, and the antioxidant side effect is a genuine bonus.
Tang SC, Yang JH. Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin. Molecules. 2018;23(4):863.
Berardesca E et al., Alpha hydroxyacids modulate stratum corneum barrier function, Br J Dermatol 1997;137(6):934-8 — controlled: AHAs incl tartaric modulate stratum corneum barrier/TEWL
Sources: 10 clinical journals and regulatory databases across the US, EU, Korea, Japan, and China. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for the full list and what each outcome label means.
Layering conflicts
Ingredients in this product that can react with common actives. Avoid stacking unless noted.
- Retinolmedium
Retinol + mandelic acid — alternate nights to preserve barrier integrity.
Similar comparisons
Not medical advice. GlowPal is educational. Patch-test new products and talk to a qualified healthcare professional before changing your routine, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or have a diagnosed skin condition. See our terms.