Your morning and night routine.
Every step is backed by published research, and every product links to where you can buy it.
Pregnancy-safe filter is on. Retinoids, hydroquinone, bakuchiol, high-% salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide are excluded from this routine.
This routine is built to gently resurface the top layer so skin feels smoother to the touch, and to control excess oil and refine pore size with targeted actives. Each step works toward one of those goals.
Exfoliates the surface of your skin to smooth rough texture and fade dullness. The strongest of the AHAs, so start slow.
Give it about 8 weeks before you decide if it's working. That's how long the research says your skin needs to show real change for what you picked. Why.
Everything in this routine
7 products
$6.00Amazon
$5.00Amazon
$12.00Amazon
$23.93Amazon
$5.19Amazon
Sun protectionEltaMD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 46$47.00Amazon
$10.67Amazon
Prices are approximate. Browse all products · Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure.
- 1Cleanser✦ Best matchGood match
St IvesCleansing Stick Rose Water And BambooGood evidenceGood evidence, Glycerin a workhorse hydrator that pulls water into your skin.
Alternatives
GentlerGood evidencePacificaFuture Youth Foaming Cleansing GelCalmer formula for reactive skin.
$14Amazon↗ - 2Toner✦ Best matchGood match
T.N. Dickinson'sWitch Hazel Alcohol-free Moisturizing AstringentGood evidenceGood evidence, Aloe Vera calms irritation and adds light hydration.
Alternatives
- 3Essence1 active · 7 citations✦ Best matchGood match
RevolutionHyaluronic Essence SprayGood evidenceHyaluronic AcidGood evidence, Aloe Vera calms irritation and adds light hydration.
Alternatives
GentlerExcellent evidenceAPLBGlutathione Niacinamide Mist EssenceCalmer formula for reactive skin.
$15Amazon↗ - 4Serum4 actives · 27 citations✦ Best matchGood match
VTCICA Reedle Shot 100Good evidencePHAAllantoinNiacinamideTargets your uneven texture. Good evidence, Centella Asiatica also called "cica," it calms redness, repairs the skin barrier, and speeds up recovery.
Built to smooth texture.
Alternatives1/2
GentlerExcellent evidenceLove PotionTeatree Oil Vitamin C Glow Serum SignatureCalmer formula for reactive skin.
$40Amazon↗ - 5Moisturizer✦ Best matchGood match
SKIN1004Madagascar Centella Soothing Cream MiniExcellent evidenceTargets your uneven texture. Excellent evidence, Ceramides refills the natural barrier between your skin cells.
Built to smooth texture.
Alternatives
- 6SPF✦ Best matchExcellent match
EltaMDUV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 46Excellent evidenceTargets your uneven texture and large pores. Excellent evidence, Niacinamide a multitasker that calms redness, evens out skin tone, and helps oily skin balance out.
Built to smooth texture.
Alternatives1/2
GentlerGood evidenced'albaPiedmont Italian White Truffle Waterfull Mild Mineral Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++Calmer formula for reactive skin.
$30.15Amazon↗
What to expect
Week 1
Smoother texture to the touch
Week 4
Visible improvement in skin surface
Week 12
Noticeably refined texture and more even tone
How we pick these Ranked by peer-reviewed evidence, not sponsorship.
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.