
Highlights
WHAT IS IT?
Serum with 3 key ingredients
FEATURES
Natural exfoliant, promotes cell turnover, antioxidant, anti-melanogenic, anti-aging, fights wrinkles and fine lines, enhances skin elasticity
BEST FOR
sensitive
CHECKS
Who Is It For?
What Does It Help With?
Exfoliation Anti-aging Skin Elasticity Skin Brightening SmoothnessBudget
Mid-range ($30-$75)How To Use
Which routine should it be used in?
Instructions:
Key Information
What VLCC Clinic Says
Product Description:
Explore the entire range of Serums & Essence available on Nykaa. Shop more VLCC Clinic products here.You can browse through the complete world of VLCC Clinic Serums & Essence.
About the Brand:
Ingredients Overview
Ingredients List
glycolic-acid,marine-algae,ceramide
Key Ingredients
Glycolic Acid, Marine Algae, Ceramide
Ingredients Details
Glycolic Acid
Common Name(s): Hydroxyacetic acid,2-hydroxyacetic acid
CAS Number: 79-14-1
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides maximum aha efficacy from the smallest most penetrating alpha-hydroxy acid.
Why It's Used: The most potent aha โ glycolic acid's smallest molecular size provides the deepest penetration and highest efficacy of any alpha-hydroxy acid for exfoliation and anti-aging.
How It Works: Smallest aha (mw 76) provides deepest stratum corneum penetration. disrupts corneodesmosomes reducing cohesion. stimulates fibroblast collagen i and iii synthesis. efficacy is ph-dependent โ free acid fraction determines activity.
Typically Found In: Chemical peels,body lotions,anti-aging serums,exfoliating toners
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ primary aha
Secondary Functions: Brightening,collagen stimulation
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 1%โ10% cosmetic; higher professional
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ synthetic or fermentation-derived
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Fermentation-derived or synthetic. ph must be โค4.0 for aha activity.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 2/5 โ low to moderate
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Photosensitizing โ mandatory spf use. start at low frequency.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Use with caution โ spf required
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Eu cosmetics: max 10% leave-on, ph โฅ3.5, mandatory sun protection advisory. professional peel concentrations regulated separately.
Works Well With: Niacinamide,ceramides,hyaluronic acid,spf
Avoid Combining With: Retinol in same step; multiple exfoliants simultaneously
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Glycolic acid's ph-dependent efficacy is critical: at ph 3.0 ~100% is in the free acid (membrane-permeable) form; at ph 3.5 ~70%; at ph 4.0 ~50%. the eu ph โฅ3.5 requirement reduces free acid proportion, lowering efficacy but also reducing irritation โ why professional peel concentrations at lower ph are far more active than equivalent cosmetic concentrations.
Last Verified: Cosing database,eu aha guidelines,cir safety assessment
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12