# Neostrata Resurface Lotion Plus for sensitive skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for sensitive skin.**
Normal Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/neostrata/resurface-lotion-plus/for/sensitive-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Canada.

Brand: [Neostrata](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/neostrata)
Category: [Exfoliants](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/best/exfoliators)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with sensitive skin: redness, stinging, and reactions to new products. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for sensitive skin; other products fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate exfoliation for your normal skin due to the presence of glycolic acid, which promotes skin renewal and can help with redness and irritation.
- The concentration of glycolic acid may be too harsh for your sensitive skin, potentially exacerbating redness and irritation.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/neostrata/resurface-lotion-plus/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/neostrata/resurface-lotion-plus/for/dry-skin): Low
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/neostrata/resurface-lotion-plus/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/neostrata/resurface-lotion-plus/for/sensitive-skin): Average (this page)
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/neostrata/resurface-lotion-plus/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/neostrata/resurface-lotion-plus/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/neostrata/resurface-lotion-plus/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/neostrata/resurface-lotion-plus/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/neostrata/resurface-lotion-plus/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Aha Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Glycolic Acid, Dimethicone, Cholesterol, Propylene Glycol

## What the research says

- Repeated short-contact 70% glycolic acid peels provided superior results in atrophic acne scars compared to daily low-strength glycolic acid cream or placebo in 58 women over 24 weeks. ([International Journal of Dermatology, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11095203/))
- Serial glycolic acid peels combined with a modified Kligman formula significantly reduced facial PIH severity in Indian patients compared to the modified Kligman formula alone. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28114204/))
- Wearing an N95 mask alone compared to using dimethicone cream or hydrocolloid dressing caused more adverse skin reactions among 73 military health care workers, with no significant differences in fit test failure rates between groups. ([Military Medicine, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38771104/))
- A dimethicone skin protectant lotion significantly decreased visual scoring and transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control and SLS-only treated sites in 12 healthy humans exposed to sodium lauryl sulfate. ([Skin Research and Technology, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11428946/))
- Treatment with a moisturizer containing dimethicone and glycerine increased epidermal thickness by 0.019 mm, improved barrier function by decreasing transepidermal water loss by 13%, decreased melanin intensity, and induced keratins 6 and 16 in fifteen women with moderately photoaged forearms. ([Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17137484/))
- Botulinum toxin-A encapsulated in phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol nanoliposomes delivered transdermally achieved a diffusion depth of 380 μm and showed a nonsignificant advantage in relieving post-acne scarring compared to hyaluronic acid hydrogel treatment in 12 facial patients. ([Journal of Materials Science. Materials in Medicine, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39073502/))
- Topical application of cholesterol sulfate increases stratum corneum thickness and inhibits protease-induced cell dissociation by competitively inhibiting serine proteases in mice and human stratum corneum. ([The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 1998](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9699715/))
- Topical lovastatin treatment impairs the recovery of cutaneous permeability barrier function and stratum corneum cholesterol levels after acetone disruption in mice, an effect normalized by simultaneous treatment with mevalonate or cholesterol. ([The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 1990](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2243142/))
- Treatment with a combination of propylene glycol, ethanol, water, and shampoo was found effective, easy to use, and cosmetically attractive with no observed side effects in patients with dandruff. ([Cutis, 1988](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2970946/))
- A moisturizer containing glycerol and propylene glycol reduced transepidermal water loss, decreased epidermal thickness, increased stratum corneum thickness, and reduced dermal inflammatory infiltrate compared to untreated disrupted skin in six healthy beagle dogs. ([Veterinary Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32628309/))

## How to apply

- Use your exfoliant PM once a week to help with redness and irritation. Start slowly and only increase frequency if your skin feels happy and comfortable.
- Apply the exfoliant after cleansing and toner , but always before your moisturizer . This ensures the product absorbs properly into the skin.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin without rubbing . Let it absorb for a minute before moving on.
- Since your skin is sensitive , apply the exfoliant on completely dry skin for the best tolerance. This helps prevent any extra stinging or discomfort.
- Always do a patch test before your first use and avoid the delicate eye area .
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/028e5e793422a3b665c02ff502cf5a68.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Neostrata Lotion Plus work for sensitive skin?

Neostrata Resurface Lotion Plus is an average fit for sensitive skin because its glycolic acid provides moderate renewal but may be too harsh, potentially making redness and irritation worse. An exfoliant treatment for sensitive skin needs calming ingredients like niacinamide and soothing hydrators that calm irritation without harsh acids.
Sources: [Journal of Dermatological Science, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28330776/)

### Which ingredients make this exfoliant a good fit for sensitive skin?

Glycolic Acid makes this exfoliant treatment a fit by promoting skin renewal and helping calm redness and irritation, though its strength can sometimes be too harsh for sensitive skin. A product of this type needs soothing ingredients like niacinamide or snail secretion filtrate and rich hydrators to better protect and comfort sensitive skin without causing irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Dermatological Science, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28330776/)

### What does Alpha Hydroxy Acid do for sensitive skin?

Alpha hydroxy acids help smooth and brighten sensitive skin when you choose gentler forms like polyhydroxy acids or carefully formulated derivatives that are less likely to cause irritation. They improve hydration and soften lines while keeping the skin calm.
Sources: [Clinics in Dermatology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19695482/), [Cutis, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15002656/)

### What does Glycolic Acid do for sensitive skin?

Glycolic acid can be too harsh for sensitive skin, leaving it dry and irritated, so this type of skin needs a gentler exfoliating ingredient and calming plant extracts to keep the skin barrier safe and comfortable.
Sources: [Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35920724/)

### Where does this exfoliant go in a skincare routine for sensitive skin?

This exfoliant goes in your evening routine once a week as a treatment step, after your cleanser and soothing toner and before your moisturizer. Because glycolic acid may be too harsh and potentially worsen redness, sensitive skin needs a gentler exfoliation routine with soothing and moisturizing ingredients to keep the skin calm.

### Can I use this exfoliant with retinol, and in what order?

Using this exfoliant with retinol is likely to be too harsh for sensitive skin and may cause redness and irritation. To safely use active treatments on sensitive skin, a product needs gentle exfoliating acids paired with soothing and barrier-protecting ingredients like cholesterol and dimethicone.

### How often should I use this exfoliant?

Start using this exfoliant just once a week in the evening to see how your skin reacts, as the glycolic acid concentration may sometimes be too harsh and trigger redness and irritation.

### Can this exfoliant clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for sensitive skin?

This exfoliant is unlikely to clog pores, but the strong Glycolic Acid may cause purging or redness on sensitive skin. To work well for sensitive skin, a product of this type needs soothing ingredients and a gentler strength to keep skin calm and smooth.
Sources: [Journal of Dermatological Science, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28330776/)

### Is this exfoliant fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for sensitive skin

- [COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/the-vitamin-c-23-serum/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — CA$33.98 at Amazon
- [Skin1004 Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/skin1004/probio-cica-intensive-ampoule/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — CA$24.44 at Amazon
- [The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/matrixyl-10-ha/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — CA$14.40 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$44.95 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/clarins/soothing-toning-lotion/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$49.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [Torriden DIVE-IN Mild Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/torriden/dive-in-mild-sunscreen/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$27.34 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Canada has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Water, Glycolic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Ammonium Hydroxide, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Cholesterol, Dimethicone, Petrolatum, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Myristic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Peg-40 Stearate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Cetyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Stearate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Isostearic Acid, Tetrasodium Edta
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/neostrata/resurface-lotion-plus/for/sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/neostrata/resurface-lotion-plus/for/sensitive-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/neostrata/resurface-lotion-plus/for/sensitive-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/neostrata/resurface-lotion-plus/for/sensitive-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/neostrata/resurface-lotion-plus/for/sensitive-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/neostrata/resurface-lotion-plus/for/sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/neostrata/resurface-lotion-plus/for/sensitive-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/neostrata/resurface-lotion-plus/for/sensitive-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/neostrata/resurface-lotion-plus/for/sensitive-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/neostrata/resurface-lotion-plus/for/sensitive-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/neostrata/resurface-lotion-plus/for/sensitive-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/neostrata/resurface-lotion-plus/for/sensitive-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/neostrata/resurface-lotion-plus/for/sensitive-skin