Radiance Serum
What it's good for
Key actives from our research database. Click any to read the full evidence dossier.
A fruit-derived AHA that exfoliates and antioxidizes. It shares the same basic mechanism as glycolic and lactic acid but is weaker gram-for-gram; in practice you'll see it doing dual duty (a little exfoliation plus pH stabilisation) in multi-acid toners and serums. When it appears low on an ingredient list, it's adjusting pH; higher up, it's contributing real exfoliation.
Good for: Exfoliating, Antioxidant
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 slowest, gentlest exfoliating acid. Resurfaces with the least irritation, especially friendly to sensitive and deeper skin tones.
Good for: Exfoliating
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 fruit-derived AHA that exfoliates and antioxidizes. It shares the same basic mechanism as glycolic and lactic acid but is weaker gram-for-gram; in practice you'll see it doing dual duty (a little exfoliation plus pH stabilisation) in multi-acid toners and serums. When it appears low on an ingredient list, it's adjusting pH; higher up, it's contributing real exfoliation.
Tang SC, Yang JH. Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin. Molecules. 2018;23(4):863.
Yamamoto Y, Uede K, Yonei N, Kishioka A, Ohtani T, Furukawa F. Effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the human skin of Japanese subjects: the rationale for chemical peeling. Journal of Dermatology. 2006 Jan;33(1):16-22. — Clinical-mechanistic study in Japanese subjects demonstrating AHA (including citric acid class) keratolytic and epidermal renewal effects as rationale for chemical peeling.
Bernstein EF, Underhill CB, Lakkakorpi J, et al. Citric acid increases viable epidermal thickness and glycosaminoglycan content of sun-damaged skin. Dermatologic Surgery. 1997 Aug;23(8):689-694. — Mechanistic study showing topical citric acid increased viable epidermal thickness and dermal glycosaminoglycans in sun-damaged skin, similar to glycolic acid and retinoic acid.
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
+−2 more ingredients
The slowest, gentlest exfoliating acid. Resurfaces with the least irritation, especially friendly to sensitive and deeper skin tones.
Ravikumar P et al., Efficacy of Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acid Chemical Peels in Postacne Pigmentation, Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology 2022 — mandelic-acid-containing peels improved postacne hyperpigmentation in a randomized comparison
Dayal S et al., Comparative study of efficacy and safety of 45% mandelic acid versus 30% salicylic acid peels in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2020 — 45% mandelic acid peels comparably effective and better tolerated than 30% salicylic peels
Sarkar R et al., Comparative study of 35% glycolic acid, 20% salicylic-10% mandelic acid, and phytic acid combination peels in the treatment of active acne, Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 2019;12(3):158-163
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.
Layering conflicts
Ingredients in this product that can react with common actives. Avoid stacking unless noted.
- Retinolmedium
Retinol + mandelic acid — alternate nights to preserve barrier integrity.
Similar comparisons
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.