When Ruth Crilly of A Model Recommends places something in her most-coveted Top 10 Beauty, you step up and listen. Alpha-H Liquid Gold has warranted cult status from everyone and their mom it seems, hailed as the HG to non-abrasive exfoliation. Reading reviews of this liquid gold (no pun intended… okay yes, pun intended), one commenter even said, “At 70 years old I have cared for my skin all my life using numerous products, but this one takes things to a different level.” As you may know, I’m rather dubious when it comes to believing the hype over cult beauty, but with that kind of praise, I had to give it a try. What’s my verdict? Read on, curious reader. Read on.
First things first, here’s the good ol’ stuff you need to know about this claimed hero product.
What does this product actually claim to do? According to the experts, “Alpha-H Liquid Gold is a powerful resurfacing and firming treatment for diminishing wrinkles, pigmentation and sun damage.”
How does it work? “Starring 5% nature-derived glycolic acid (it comes from sugar cane), this overnight treatment harnesses the cell-stimulating and exfoliating properties of alpha hydroxy acids, which melt the ‘glue’ that binds dulling dead cells to skin’s surface, revealing the healthy ‘new’ skin cells beneath.” Something else about pH-levels, collagen. Essentially, it’s a Scientist and a Wizard in a golden plastic bottle.
Who should use it? “A must-have for anyone concerned with skin ageing, sun damage or problem skin conditions.” Essentially everyone. Who should not use it? As they say, “anyone with sensitive or delicate skin.” Technically I fit into this category, and I’ve used this product with no problem (a bit of redness upon first use, but this is apparently normal). I say, unless you have crazy-as-our-British-weather sensitive skin, give it a try.
Editor’s Note
For reference, I have normal/combination skin, and my biggest skin concerns are dull skin, tired eyes, large pores (PREACH) and occasional flaky skin. I’ve been using Alpha-H Liquid Gold off-and-on for a good few months now.
Now comes the crux of this blog post: how have I been getting along with this stuff? Truth be told, it took me a while to ‘get into the swing’ of using it. You’re meant to use this bad boy twice a week, and for the ideal scenario, you apply this and nothing else on top. That alone gave me the heebie-jeebies, considering it’s liquid and my face is used to a slathering of cream.
However, I dutifully gave it a go for a while back in winter. I quickly found, though, that the schedule of remembering when I put it on (“Was it Tuesday? Or did I forget? Screw it, I’ll just use an oil”) — coupled with my dry, wintery skin — was just too much for me. It was relegated to the back of my beauty cabinet for a while, not to be seen again until early Spring. You beauty junkies may find this a breeze, though, so don’t let that deter you.
Since then, I’ve been excellent at using it the recommended twice a week. As I said before, it does take some getting used to for your skin, if it’s remotely sensitive. Expect some stinging and a tad of redness. However, I just assume all chemical (i.e. non abrasive) exfoliants will end up doing this to your skin, by nature of exfoliating.
Having used it for only a few months now, I say so far, so good — although, I have yet to have this ‘miraculous skincare epiphany’ that so many people experience with this guy. It could be my skin is just too ‘normal’ for it to really make a difference? But, I have been noticing a bit more brightness in my skin; I put this down to the sun finally putting its hat on, but it could be this holy grail shining.
The important question: would I buy it again? Considering they often sell the Alpha-H Liquid Gold with a free cleanser, mask or even in 3-for-1 packs — and that I love other Alpha-H products — my answer is yes. I’m slowly moving away from any abrasive exfoliants towards chemical ones (much better for your skin), and the product and performance of the Liquid Gold (as well as the good price point!) will keep me coming back.
Alpha-H Liquid Gold: Essential Info & Review
I T E M | Alpha-H Liquid Gold
T Y P E | Overnight Exfoliant
P R I C E | £60
T E S T O N A N I M A L S | No
A V A I L A B L E F R O M | Cult Beauty, BeautyBay, LookFantastic (special deal), Bath & Unwind (comes with free cleanser), etc.
P A C K A G I N G | Tightly closed flip-top bottle (5/5)
P R O D U C T | The actual nothing-but-liquid at night feels a bit weird to get used, but it’s SO easy to apply (5/5)
P R I C E | Mid-range; can get many offers, including 3 bottles for the price of 1 (4/5)
P E R F O R M A N C E | Good, but I still get flaky patches and I haven’t noticed anything ‘miraculous’ (3/5)
S H O U L D I B U Y I T ? Considering the sheer about of positive reviews — and the fact that it’s not a huge price point — my answer is yes. Particularly if you have acne-prone skin, I think this could be a winner for you. I think I’d repurchase simply for the ease of exfoliation.