Retinol 2% Exfoliating Scrub/Mask
What it's good for
Key actives from our research database. Click any to read the full evidence dossier.
A workhorse hydrator that pulls water into your skin. In nearly every good moisturizer for a reason.
Good for: Hydrating
Technically a wax that masquerades as oil, molecularly closer to your own sebum than any other plant oil. Hydrates without clogging pores, calms inflammation, and plays well in acne-prone and sensitive routines.
Good for: Hydrating, Barrier repair, Anti-inflammatory
A brightening ingredient derived from fungi that fades dark spots and evens skin tone.
Good for: Brightening
Speeds up how fast your skin renews itself so old, dull cells shed faster and fresher skin shows through. Builds collagen over time, smoothing fine lines.
Good for: Anti-aging
A botanical astringent backed by real anti-inflammatory evidence. Extracts genuinely calm acne-related inflammation by blocking the same NF-κB pathway that redness-causing cytokines depend on. Honest caveat: most shelf-ready witch hazel toners are distilled water with trace tannin; look for "Hamamelis virginiana extract" rather than "hamamelis water" on the label if you want the active fraction.
Good for: Anti-inflammatory, Anti-acne
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 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
Technically a wax that masquerades as oil, molecularly closer to your own sebum than any other plant oil. Hydrates without clogging pores, calms inflammation, and plays well in acne-prone and sensitive routines.
Tietel Z, Melamed S, Ogen-Shtern N, et al. Topical application of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis L.) wax enhances the synthesis of pro-collagen III and hyaluronic acid and reduces inflammation in the ex-vivo human skin organ culture model. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2024;15:1333085. — Ex-vivo human skin model showing jojoba wax reduced LPS-induced IL-6/IL-8/TNFα by ~30% and enhanced pro-collagen III and hyaluronic acid synthesis.
Blaak J, Staib P, An updated review on efficacy and benefits of sweet almond, evening primrose and jojoba oils in skin care applications, International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2022;44(1):1-9 — jojoba oil documented as effective for strengthening stratum corneum integrity, recovery, and lipid ratio
Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL, Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2017;19(1):70 — jojoba reviewed among 19 plant oils: supports stratum-corneum lipid replenishment, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects
A brightening ingredient derived from fungi that fades dark spots and evens skin tone.
Chang YF et al., Efficacy and safety of topical agents in the treatment of melasma: a network meta-analysis, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2023;22(4):1168-1176 — MA finding kojic acid comparably effective with low irritation for melasma
Park JH et al., Evaluating the tolerance and efficacy of laser-assisted delivery of tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and kojic acid for melasma: A single center, prospective, split-face trial, Dermatologic Therapy 2022;35(3):e15287 — laser-assisted delivery of TXA/niacinamide/kojic acid produced greater melasma improvement vs laser alone
Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). Opinion on Kojic Acid (CAS No. 501-30-4). SCCS/1637/21. Preliminary opinion October 26-27, 2021; Final opinion adopted March 15-16, 2022; Corrigendum August 2023. Concludes kojic acid is safe as a skin lightening agent in cosmetic products at concentrations up to 1%, with caveats regarding peeling agent combinations and endocrine disruption concerns.
+−2 more ingredients
Speeds up how fast your skin renews itself so old, dull cells shed faster and fresher skin shows through. Builds collagen over time, smoothing fine lines.
SCCS Revision of the Scientific Opinion on Vitamin A (Retinol, Retinyl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate), SCCS/1639/21, final version adopted 24-25 October 2022
Chien AL et al. Biomarkers of Tretinoin Precursors and Tretinoin Efficacy in Patients With Moderate to Severe Facial Photodamage: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Dermatology. 2022;158(8):892-900. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.1891 — RCT comparing topical retinol precursors vs tretinoin for photoaging; both showed equivalent wrinkle reduction at week 24 with retinol formulation causing 6x less erythema than tretinoin.
MFDS Approved Functional Cosmetic Active — Retinol (anti-wrinkle). Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cosmetic Functional Active Ingredient List — listed alongside Adenosine, Retinyl Palmitate, and Polyethoxylated Retinamide in the Korean Functional Cosmetics Codex anti-wrinkle category
A botanical astringent backed by real anti-inflammatory evidence. Extracts genuinely calm acne-related inflammation by blocking the same NF-κB pathway that redness-causing cytokines depend on. Honest caveat: most shelf-ready witch hazel toners are distilled water with trace tannin; look for "Hamamelis virginiana extract" rather than "hamamelis water" on the label if you want the active fraction.
Liu X, Hage TW, Chen LC, Wang EHC, Liao IC, Goldberg J, et al. Revealing the Therapeutic Potential: Investigating the Impact of a Novel Witch Hazel Formula on Anti-Inflammation and Antioxidation. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2025 Feb. — Clinical evaluation of a novel witch hazel formula demonstrating anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on skin.
Wojciak M, Pacuła W, Sowa I, Feldo M, Graczyk F, Załuski D. Hamamelis virginiana L. in Skin Care: A Review of Its Pharmacological Properties and Cosmetological Applications. Molecules. 2025 Jun 26;30(13):2744. — Narrative review of pharmacological properties and skin care applications of Hamamelis virginiana.
Piazza S, Martinelli G, Vrhovsek U, Masuero D, Fumagalli M, Magnavacca A, et al. Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Acne Effects of Hamamelis virginiana Bark in Human Keratinocytes. Antioxidants. 2022;11(6):1119.
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.
- Salicylic Acidhigh
Retinol + salicylic acid can over-exfoliate and damage the barrier. Alternate nights.
- Glycolic Acidhigh
Retinol + glycolic acid is a classic barrier-buster. Use on different nights.
- Lactic Acidmedium
Retinol + lactic acid is gentler than glycolic but still alternate nights to be safe.
- Mandelic Acidmedium
Retinol + mandelic acid — alternate nights to preserve barrier integrity.
- Benzoyl Peroxidemedium
Benzoyl peroxide can break down retinol. Use one in the morning and the other at night, or pick a stabilized formula made to combine them.
- Vitamin Clow
Vitamin C and retinol work best at different pH levels. Use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night.
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.