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Glytone: Taking the Confusion out of Product Labels

Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid that is made from sugar cane. It weakens the bonds between cells in the dead outer layer of skin, which helps with exfoliation and speeds up the normal skin shedding process. By helping to remove this dull layer of dead skin cells and therefore revealing the new skin cells underneath, glycolic acid improves the texture of skin, unclogs pores, can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and may aid in the building of collagen and elastin, which help to make skin firmer.

There are numerous companies out there that sell products that contain glycolic acid, and many of them state the percentage of total glycolic acid in each product. Glytone, however, is unique because they decided years ago to clearly and concisely state science-based product information. For that reason, they publish the percentage of glycolic acid actually available for activity in each of their products upon application to the skin, which is the more important clinically relevant number.

“For example,” explains dermatologist and DermStore.com founder Dr. Craig Kraffert, “some glycolic lines have a high concentration of glycolic compound, say 30 percent, but if one third of it is buffered; the actual bioavailable percentage of glycolic acid on the skin is only 20 percent.” Dr. Craig believes that this openness speaks to the scientific integrity of Glytone and is evidence of their commitment to maximizing the value of their product offering through information and education.

Some of Glytone’s featured products include the Firming Eye Gel, with a free acid value of 2.6 percent. The gel resurfaces the eye area, diminishes puffiness and uses collagen to increase hydration in the delicate skin of the eye area. If, after using the Firming Eye Gel, the skin around the eyes becomes overly dry, use the moisturizing Glytone Essentials Hydrating Eye Cream to nourish and lubricate the area and help reduce the appearance of crow’s feet.

Keratosis Pilaris is a skin condition that usually causes small red or white bumps on the upper arms, thighs and buttocks. For those who suffer from this condition, Glytone’s Keratosis Pilaris Kit includes Glytone’s Exfoliating Body Wash, with a free acid value of 8.8 percent, and Body Lotion, which has a free acid value of 17.5 percent.

Step 1 Glytone products, such as Exfoliating Lotion 1 and Facial Cream 1 have the lowest free acid levels, with 5.5 and 10 percent, respectively. Step 3 Glytone products, such as Exfoliating Lotion 3 and Facial Cream 3, conversely, contain the highest levels of free acids, with levels of 17 and 20 percent, respectively.