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I’ve read and learned what needs to be read and learned about using chemical exfoliants in skincare. I’ve tried every single type of skincare acid in every single type of form. Glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, maltobionic acid, and in serum, cream, toner, and even mist form. But one exfoliator allowed me to exfoliate my skin daily and with ease. And it’s Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Essence.
I have sensitive skin and I deal with signs of aging in my late 30s. So my reasons for using Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Essence are keeping dead skin cells at bay, reducing dark spots and dullness, softening fine lines, and minimizing the appearance of my pores. And doing all this without irritating my skin. After almost finishing my second bottle of the year, I’m convinced that a full review is in order!
Review: Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Essence
Read on for my full review of Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Essence.
Ingredients
Made with a low concentration of glycolic acid.
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Essence is made with the gold standard chemical exfoliant, glycolic acid, from the alpha-hydroxy acids family.
It’s an exfoliating acid that encourages skin turnover. This helps slough off dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, revealing smoother, brighter skin.
Other notable ingredients in the formula include peony extract, which has antioxidant and brightening benefits. It also has grape water and glycerin to hydrate and plump the skin.
Overall, the formulation is geared towards brightening the skin, reducing dark spots, and giving you a more even complexion.
Caudalie doesn’t disclose the percentage of the glycolic acid in essence. So I reached out. According to Caudalie customer service, the percentage of glycolic acid in Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Essence Caudalie is less than 4%.
According to another Caudalie customer service assistant, the concentration is less than 2%. I feel like they need to get their numbers in order and be more open about these things.
Texture
Fast absorbing water.
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Essence is as light as water. The light consistency feels like a splash of water and instantly absorbs.
The oil-free, minimal formula disappears into the skin in about a minute and does not leave any residue at all! After my skin dries, I can comfortably press my hand onto my cheeks and I feel zero tackiness or stickiness.
Scent
Fresh citrus.
Like most other Caudalie products, the essence has a very fresh, citrus scent that adds to the sensorial experience. It’s not overwhelming but definitely noticeable.
Packaging
Expensive feeling.
The essence comes in a recycled bottle and is recyclable. That aside, it looks luxurious and feels expensive. The silver lid definitely makes the packaging bathroom top-shelf material and showcase-worthy.
Application
Essence doubling as toner/serum.
Before going to the application process, let’s talk about the product because not everyone is familiar with facial essences.
In case you’ve never used one before, a face essence is a liquid skincare product that’s almost as concentrated as a face serum but more convenient like a face toner. That means you can use and apply it either way depending on your preference.
You can use it as a water-based face serum and apply it by pouring it into the palms of your hands and pressing your hands onto your skin. You can use it as a face toner and apply it by pouring it into a cotton pad, which is how I usually do it.
I saturate a single cotton pad with the Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Essence and sweep it across my face starting from the cheeks.
As it absorbs, there’s a tingling sensation that lingers for about 10 seconds and quickly fades away. With that, my skin wakes up and looks more energized. I wipe the cotton pad across my forehead, nose, and chin too.
Results
Instantly glowing skin.
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Essence doesn’t need a lot of uses to give results. I saw radiant, glowing skin starting from first use. With consistent use, my flaky skin problem is gone!
I no longer deal with patchy, rough skin from the build-up of dead skin cells, especially around my nose. My skin is smoother and brighter, and my pores are clean and feel tighter. I still have dark spots but they are less visible.
Who It Is For
For all skin types dealing with discolorations.
Caudalie claims that the glycolic acid essence is suitable for all skin types. It’s oil-free so you can use it comfortably on oily, combination, acne-prone skin.
The concentration is low and beginner-friendly, so you can use it on normal, dry skin too. With that being said, here’s the deal.
Even though I have zero problems with it even though I have sensitive skin, I’d suggest doing a patch test if you have very sensitive skin.
Things that can cause problems in the formula are the fragrant essential oils that might irritate. And the mere existence of glycolic acid means you need to be cautious if you have very sensitive skin. So keep that in mind.
Also, concerning the benefits you can expect from the product, Caudalie claims that the essence is for minimizing sun spots and acne marks.
I think because it has glycolic acid, you can also use it as an anti-aging essence to gently stimulate skin turnover and minimize the appearance of signs of aging. So it’s great for managing mature, aging skin.
How to Use Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Essence
Step 1: Make sure you apply your essence on clean, dry skin
Step 2: Shake the bottle and pour some essence onto a cotton pad to saturate it
Step 3: Start wiping your skin with the cotton pad, and swipe the pad all over the face and avoid the eye area
Step 4: Wait for your skin to fully absorb
Step 5: Once your skin is dry, apply your toner, serum, and moisturizer
Step 6: In the morning, finish your routine with sunscreen because exfoliants like glycolic can make your skin more prone to sunburn
How Often to Use It
You can use Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Essence two times a day. That’s how I usually do it too. However, know that glycolic acid isn’t something every skin type can use willy-nilly.
That is so especially if you have sensitive skin or if you have rosacea like I do. Typically, you should approach any exfoliant with caution, especially if you’ve never used one before.
So start using your essence a couple of times a week at first. And then once you’re convinced that your skin isn’t irritated by it, you can increase the frequency as much as you like.
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