Serum 3R
- Routine step
- Serum
- When
- Morning and evening
- Pairs well with
- Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Squalane, Snail Mucin
Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, slightly damp skin before your moisturizer. Start with a few nights a week if it contains an active you are new to.
This product contains an active that can irritate at first. Patch test on the inner forearm for 24 hours and start two or three times a week.
Ingredient research in this formula
These are ingredient-level research links, not evidence that this exact product has been clinically tested.
A workhorse hydrator that pulls water into your skin. In nearly every good moisturizer for a reason.
Good for: Hydrating
A "next-gen AHA" that exfoliates and hydrates at the same time, with much less stinging than glycolic. Sensitive-skin or rosacea-prone users tolerate it where stronger acids fail.
Good for: Exfoliating, Hydrating, Antioxidant
The mildest exfoliating acid. Refines texture and hydrates at the same time, and it's sensitive-skin friendly.
Good for: Exfoliating, Hydrating
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
A "next-gen AHA" that exfoliates and hydrates at the same time, with much less stinging than glycolic. Sensitive-skin or rosacea-prone users tolerate it where stronger acids fail.
Warowna M, Strzelecka A, Krecisz B (Poland), Influence of Lactobionic Acid on Hydration and Elasticity Parameters in Women Aged 30-40 and 50-60 Years in Comparison to Mandelic Acid, Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025: 180-woman trial: 5 lactobionic acid peels improved skin elasticity in both age groups and uniquely raised hydration in the 50-60 group versus mandelic acid
Tasic-Kostov M et al. (Poland), Lactic and lactobionic acids as typically moisturizing compounds, International Journal of Dermatology 2019
Tasic-Kostov M, Lukic M, Savic S (Serbia), A 10% Lactobionic acid-containing moisturizer reduces skin surface pH without irritation - An in vivo/in vitro study, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2019: in vivo + in vitro study: 10% LA emulsion lowered skin surface pH with satisfactory safety profile; viable AHA alternative for acidifying emollients
The mildest exfoliating acid. Refines texture and hydrates at the same time, and it's sensitive-skin friendly.
Peng Y et al., Comparison of Efficacy and Willingness to a 5% Gluconolactone-Based Topical Serum and Intense Pulsed Light in Mild Erythema of Rosacea: A Paired Control Study, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(3):e70025: 5% gluconolactone serum improved erythema and moisturization over 30 days
Kantikosum K et al., The efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris, Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology 2019;12:151-161: gluconolactone cosmeceutical added benefit on top of adapalene without hindering treatment
Edison BL et al., A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimen, Cutis 2004;73(2 Suppl):14-17: 12-week PHA regimen matched AHA antiaging benefits with significantly less stinging/burning
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.
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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.