Yesterday’s Pigment Lifting Masque review was only the beginning! I have been testing a variety of Exuviance skincare over the holidays and plan to eventually introduce you to all of them. Today we’ll talk about Exuviance Firm-NG6 Non-Acid Peel [$68 at exuviance.com], the newest addition to the lineup designed for people that are normally too sensitive to traditional glycolic exfoliants.
I was intrigued by the name, because Exuviance is known for their acid peels. I already know that their AHA/BHA/Bionic products are second to none, but what about acid-free formulations?
According to the company, Firm-NG6 Non-Acid Peel represents a whole new way of experiencing the benefits of a peel without the fear of irritation. The formula contains patented acid-free 6% NeoGlucosamine®, clinically proven to increase cell turnover and skin exfoliation. With regular use, NeoGlucosamine® can help improve skin’s elasticity and firmness, reduce the depth and length of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote healthy and bright complexion. Doesn’t that sound promising? Check out the rest of the ingredient list below!
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Acetyl Glucosamine, Propylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Acetyl Tyrosinamide, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 20, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, CI 19140 (Yellow 5), CI 14700 (Red 4).
Exuviance Firm-NG6 Non-Acid Peel is packaged in a round jar with an airtight pump to preserve the efficacy of the ingredients. The product itself looks like a clear unscented gel, and I needed about a quarter-sized amount to cover my whole face [avoid sensitive areas around the eyes]. I was prepared to feel nothing at all, but this peel actually does sting a little at first. Eventually my skin got acclimated, and by week two I felt nothing but the pleasant cooling sensation.
While my face definitely felt smooth and the complexion started looking brighter over time, the results were not comparable to a proper AHA peel. After the trial period was over, I found myself consistently reaching for another cult product from Exuviance, because it helps achieve a very drastic change in a short amount of time. However, if my skin wasn’t already used to stronger formulations and I was only starting to get into at-home peels, I’m sure Exuviance Firm-NG6 Non-Acid Peel would have served as a great starting point due to its gentle non-irritating nature.
Glycolic Acid peels are considered to be among the safest cosmetic peels in skincare, but there are people with individual allergies and sensitivities who can’t use those. Exuviance Firm-NG6 Non-Acid Peel might provide a good alternative, even though it’s not as strong as a proper AHA peel. It’s also a viable choice for someone who simply doesn’t like the burning sensation or the excessive skin flaking that often accompanies AHA peels. Lastly, with this non-acid peel it’s almost impossible to give yourself a chemical burn, so you could potentially use it every single day without experiencing any adverse effects. I can’t imagine using an AHA peel daily, my skin would throw a tantrum that will last for months!
So far this is the second product with NeoGlucosamine® as the star ingredient that I’ve tried, and now I’m curious to see if it might eventually become the next big thing in skincare like Glycolic Acid once has. Remember, after all it was Exuviance who developed the original glycolic peel and popularized its anti-aging benefits? Now almost every skincare brand makes their own version of it. With such impressive track record, I wouldn’t be surprised if Exuviance chemists were onto something again with NeoGlucosamine®, but only time will tell.
WHERE TO BUY: $68 for 1.7 oz. Available at Neostrata, Ulta.
Does your skin react negatively to acid peels? Would you like to try a non-acid alternative? Let me know in the comments below!
Disclosure: This post features products received for editorial consideration and may contain affiliate or referral links. For more details about my product review policy, copyright, and information about affiliate links, please refer to Disclosures & Content Use page.
