Monroe Skincare Glycolic Serum 7%

Water is the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. It often makes up the largest portion of a product, and is thus typically found at (or near) the top of an ingredients list.

In most cases, the purpose of water within an ingredient list is to act as a solvent - this means it's there to help dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

Water also happens to be necessary for all life on Earth. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with research to back up its benefits. Its main role is to peel the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.

Glycolic Acid has shown to boost collage production, a protein that helps skin stay firm. Overall, Glycolic Acid helps with improving uneven tone, rough patches of skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage. It also increases skin hydration by playing a role in creating molecules that create hyaluronic acid naturally.

When applying Glycolic Acid, it is normal to feel slight stinging. The pH value and concentration of glycolic acid play a role in the effectiveness of the product.

Recent studies have shown Glycolic Acid may protect the skin against UV damage. However, you should always wear SPF, especially when using exfoliants.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
* Citric Acid
* Lactic Acid
* Malic Acid

We don't have a description for Hydroxypropylcellulose.

An odorless, colorless liquid used as a humectant, meaning it helps skin retain moisture.
Within a product, it helps deliver actives and also protects it from melting or freezing.

Propylene Glycol is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.

An organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic compound that has antimicrobial and antiviral properties. It acts a humectant in skincare products, meaning it helps skin retain moisture by pulling moisture from the air.

We don't have a description for Calendula Officinalis Extract.

Polysorbate 20 isn't fungal acne safe.

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil is the oil distilled from the leaves of the Tea Tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, Myrtaceae

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.

Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.

Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant that's found in cosmetic products to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.

Vitamin E also provides some UV protection by reducing the damage caused by UVB rays.

There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.