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[ DemythSkin Verdict ]

Essentials by Catalina Glycolic Acid Face Cream Base

ExfoliantDullness, texture, mild hyperpigmentation

Efficacy

Basic

3.4 / 5.0

Safety

Safe

4.3 / 5.0

System Verdict

Mediocre exfoliating cream with low glycolic acid concentration and undisclosed pH, limiting efficacy for real resurfacing. Efficacy score of 3.5 reflects ~5% glycolic acid (position 9, likely 3-5% per site data and AHA rules) which studies confirm improves texture at 5%, but lacks pH confirmation (needs 3.0-4.0 for AHA activity), no penetration enhancers, and basic emollient base without synergistic actives like lactic acid; safety score of 4.4 deducts mildly for cationic surfactant Distearyldimonium Chloride (potential irritant) but rewards paraben-free preservatives.

Active Ingredients Detected

S Tier: Gold StandardsHigh Clinical Proof | Skin-Transformative

Glycolic Acid

A Tier: Good BasicsProven Results

GlycerinCyclopentasiloxaneAllantoin

B Tier: Supporting IngredientsPromising Ingredients

Deionized WaterC12-15 Alkyl BenzoateDistearyldimonium ChloridePropylene GlycolCetyl AlcoholStearyl AlcoholGlyceryl StearatePolyquaternium-37Hexylene GlycolCaprylyl Glycol

C Tier: Marketing IdolsHype | Limited or Weak Data

Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract

D Tier: Potential IrritantsBe Cautious

PhenoxyethanolEthylhexylglycerin

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DemythSkin is an independent ingredient analyzer. Scores are computed by a deterministic rubric from published clinical evidence — no brand pays for a score.