Love Alpha-H Liquid Gold? Supercharge Its Skin Benefits With These Vitamin Serums
Flick is Adore Beauty’s Creative Copywriter. She started her writing career covering women’s sports and interviewing musicians and can often be found photographing gigs on the side. She’s no stranger to a rotating skincare cabinet and is currently on the lookout for a skincare routine that caters to redness, sensitivity and texture. She also used to complain when her mum would tell her to wear sunscreen and for that, she'd like to publicly apologise
In Partnership With Alpha-H.
I’m going to start by saying that I’m biased. Big time. This article is biased. I love Alpha-H and I’ve been in love with them ever since I was first introduced to Liquid Gold.
Their formulas have always been kind to my breakout-prone, sensitive skin and if we’re measuring skincare purchases via the fun (but financially unwise) method of ‘cost-per-compliment’, I can always count on more than a few “you’re glowing’s” when I’m using their products.
Basically, I’m obsessed, and I want to pass on that obsession to you.
Among other things (listed below), Liquid Gold helps clear away the pesky dead skin cells that are drinking up your skincare and stopping it from fully penetrating your skin.
If you’re using serums, Liquid Gold is a great addition to your routine (and vice versa).
It took me years to fully wrap my head around what goes with what and when to use it, so scroll on for a complete breakdown of Liquid Gold and every Alpha-H vitamin serum.
Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment.
This is a love letter to whoever decided to name Liquid Gold, well done–there are no better two words I could use to describe it.
She is beauty, she is grace, and she just got a movie-style packaging makeover.
The geniuses at Alpha-H chose (wisely) not to mess with perfection and left the formula of our much-loved liquid gold alone.
The revamp? Packaging-only. Am I excited? Yes, you have NO IDEA how excited I am.
As a clumsy gal who loves to travel, my ONE grievance with Liquid Gold is that I always accidentally lose at least 10% of it to accidents that involve leaving it on its side and/or breaking the plastic hinge on the cap (a tragedy).
The new packaging is 100mls (just like the old version, no shrinkflation here) and a SCREW. TOP. (Insert thunderous applause).
So now that the formula is safe and sound in its new sleek and easy-to-store bottle, what does it do for your skin?
What is it:
Liquid Gold is an exfoliating treatment that uses 5% glycolic acid, licorice extract and silk proteins to exfoliate dead skin cells and speed up skin renewal. It’s formulated with a low pH (2.8-3.0) to help the glycolic acid penetrate the skin more effectively.
What does it do:
- Helps to improve the appearance of skin tone and texture.
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Brightens up your skin for a more radiant complexion.
- Helps other skincare penetrate your skin.
How to use:
This is a PM product!
Like any exfoliant, you want to start low and slow.
If your skin is feeling sensitive, or you haven’t ever used a chemical exfoliant before, start slowly (like once a week) and build up from there.
The recommendation is to build to 3 times per week on alternate evenings, but do whatever works for your skin!
Make sure your skin is clean and dry before use.
Pour some on a cotton pad (or in the palm of your hand) and sweep it over your face, neck and chest.
You can follow it up with a moisturiser or soothing serum, but Liquid Gold can also be used alone for a more effective delivery.
It’s got to be used in conjunction with SPF, but if you’re reading skincare articles I’m sure you’re wearing (and reapplying) your SPF every day anyway (right?).
Skin cycling:
Liquid Gold is your night 1 exfoliator! It clears away the dead skin cells so the serums you use on other nights have an easier time penetrating.
My Alpha-H Liquid Gold review:
I’ve used it once or twice a week for the last couple of years and love it, it’s helped refine my skin texture, reduce congestion, and brighten my complexion, it’s honestly great.
I’m not the only one who thinks so either, over 2.6K people have left reviews for it on the Adore Beauty website and the average rating is 4.6/5 stars.
I think this one pretty much sums it up:
Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment customer review:
“This is real-life liquid gold! The title does not lie! I have sensitive combination skin and find that regular use of Alpha H liquid gold, completely evens out my skin tone, leaving my skin fresh and dewy. If you can only purchase one product to transform your skin, make it this one!”
Alpha-H Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol.
This beginner-friendly retinol from Alpha-H contains 0.5% retinol along with tomato fruit extract and evening primrose oil to offer extra barrier support, prevent moisture loss and maintain the skin’s strength and elasticity.
It doesn’t have added fragrance, and I love the silky texture.
What does it do:
- Increases skin renewal.
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Evens out skin tone and texture.
- Helps regulate oil and shine.
How to use:
This is another strictly PM product!
It should be introduced gradually into your routine and used after cleansing and before moisturising.
Put 3-4 drops on the palm of your hand and gently pat it onto your face neck and chest.
If your skin adapts well then you can increase your use, but ensure you’ve still got a buffer night in between and aren’t overdoing it by using too many products that increase cell turnover (we’ve all been there, and the result is unfortunately red and tingly).
Skin cycling:
If you’re skin cycling, use retinol on night 2. Your skin will be freshly exfoliated which allows your retinol to really get in there and enhance cell turnover.
Alpha-H Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol customer review:
“A good introduction to retinol. I have rosacea and sensitive skin so I was concerned about introducing retinol into my routine but I haven't had any issues with this gentle one! Am only using it twice a week but so far so good!”
Alpha-H Vitamin B Serum with 5% Niacinamide.
There’s something so soothing to me about applying a blue serum (also it’s just got a really soothing formula). The vitamin B serum from Alpha-H is made from a blend of niacinamide, panthenol, copper tripeptide, and hyaluronic acid.
What does it do:
- Helps protect the skin from free radical damage.
- Supports your skin barrier.
- Hydrates while also reducing moisture loss.
- Plumps up your skin and promotes skin elasticity.
- Helps regulate oil production.
How to use:
This serum can be used in the AM & PM.
Apply 3-5 drops after cleansing and before moisturising.
This one can be used daily with other products like retinol and Liquid Gold (the only reason not to would be that you could dilute their potency).
Skin cycling:
If you’re skin cycling, vitamin B should come in on night 3, or the night after you’ve used something that encourages cell turnover like retinol or a chemical exfoliant.
Incorporating vitamin B into nights 3 & 4 of your skin cycling routine can help add a little extra nourishment to your skin on your rest nights.
My Alpha-H Vitamin B Serum with 5% Niacinamide review:
This serum feels good on my skin and helps regulate oil (which I find especially useful when I’m trying to lessen the effects of period-induced breakouts).
I genuinely wish I had written the customer review I’m including below because it’s hilarious and on point. Enjoy.
Alpha-H Vitamin B Serum with 5% Niacinamide customer review:
“It's blue! Incredible! Am I a scientist doing amazing science? Yes.
Am I a witch who has discovered the secret of poreless skin in a mysterious vial? Also yes.
It smells like smoked apples which wasn't even something I knew I needed but I do. I need the smoky apples. My skin is bright, smooth, and my pores have run in fear.”
New to skin cycling? Here's how to embrace the skincare trend with Alpha-H's Discovery Kit.
Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum with 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid.
Alpha-H’s vitamin C serum contains added goodies like hyaluronic acid, licorice extract, and Australian Tazman Pepper.
The antioxidant-rich formula is gentle enough to use every day and leaves skin bright and glowy.
What does it do:
- Boosts brightness and radiance.
- Improves the appearance of uneven skin tone and texture.
- Hydrates skin.
- Helps protect against the visible signs of premature aging.
How to use:
Vitamin C should be used daily in the AM.
Gently pat 2-3 drops into your skin after cleansing and before moisturising.
This one is an AM product anyway, but it shouldn't be applied at the same time as your vitamin A and chemical exfoliants.
My Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum with 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid review:
As well as all the skincare benefits, I love how well this serum layers under makeup and SPF (should be a must for a morning serum). It keeps my skin looking juicy and plump.
I’ve also included my favourite customer review below.
Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum with 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid customer review:
“I absolutely love this serum. It spreads nicely, sits well under other products, is light and a little goes a long way. I have noticed an overall improvement in the texture of my skin and evening [out[ of pigmentation. Would purchase again.”
We put the Alpha-H Vitamin Discovery Kit (which includes all of the serums mentioned in this article) to the test - here are five people's reviews.
Alpha-H Vitamin E Serum with 1% Ceramide Complex.
If you’ve overdone it on the actives, this is your guy.
It’s nourishing and has lots of added skin-soothing ingredients like ceramides and squalane.
It’s the serum equivalent of a really good hug when you’re feeling sad. I have pretty reactive skin at times and this is a go-to when I’m looking to calm down redness.
What does it do:
- Helps to reduce irritation.
- Reduces the appearance of redness.
- Suitable for sensitive or sensitised skin.
- Supports the skin’s healing process.
- Enhances the skin barrier.
- Hydrates and softens the skin.
How to use:
You can use this serum as often as you need in both your AM & PM routine.
Apply 2-3 drops to your face, neck and chest after cleansing and before moisturising.
You can also use this one after your retinol or your chemical exfoliant if you’re looking to dilute its potency.
Skin cycling:
If you’re skin cycling, this is a good serum to incorporate into your rest nights (nights 3 and 4). It will help nourish your skin and support the skin barrier.
Our Beauty Editor Jas loves the Alpha-H vitamin E serum so I thought I’d let her take it away.
Jas' Alpha-H Vitamin E Serum with 1% Ceramide Complex review:
"This serum is an absolute staple in my winter skincare routine.
As someone with dry skin who seems to throw a tantrum at the slightest inconvenience (honestly, same), the Alpha-H Vitamin E Serum has been a game-changer.
Inclement weather, a new laundry detergent, steaming hot showers (I know, they're a beauty no-no, but I just can't resist), or a road test gone wrong can all throw its delicate balance out of whack.
Hence, I always keep a bottle of this soothing serum close by.
Beyond being deliciously hydrating, thanks to its hero ingredients like vitamin E, ceramides, and squalane (the holy trinity for dry skin, IMO), it genuinely works.
This serum swoops in like a superhero to save my skin and, quite frankly, my sanity.
Its rich, creamy texture glides over the skin and sinks in like butter.
Any irritation or redness is instantly soothed, and usually disappears entirely within a day or two, leaving me with baby-soft skin in its wake.
I couldn't recommend this serum more for those with sensitive skin or anyone whose skin is parched and in desperate need of some serious TLC."
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