🇮🇪Ireland

AXIS-Y PHA Resurfacing Glow Peel for acne-prone skin

High

  • HighCombination Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

A great choice for acne-prone skin; a few products fit it even better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Offers high suitability for your combination skin as gluconolactone gently resurfaces and unclogs pores, while glycerin provides essential hydration. Camellia japonica flower extract and papaya fruit extract further support skin renewal and radiance.
  • The formula is safe for your combination skin, containing no harsh or irritating ingredients.
  • This product effectively addresses your concerns with acne and blemishes through its exfoliating properties.

How to apply

  • Use this exfoliant PM once a week to start, and gradually increase if your combination skin tolerates it well. Always apply SPF the next morning to protect your clear skin.
  • Apply the exfoliant after cleansing and toning, but right before your moisturizer step. This ensures the treatment targets blemishes effectively.
  • Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin without rubbing. Let it absorb for a minute before moving to the next step.
  • Apply the exfoliant on clean, dry skin to help control breakouts safely. Since your skin is not sensitive, this dry application method ensures good product absorption.
  • Avoid the sensitive eye area and do a patch test before your first use. Do not mix this exfoliant with other strong acids in the same routine.

People Say

★4.6Overall rating based on 100+ reviews

Based on limited data, this gel-type chemical exfoliant is highly recommended for sensitive and acne-prone skin, with users frequently reporting immediate improvements in skin texture and a radiant glow without irritation. While most users find it exceptionally gentle and effective for smoothing skin and providing hydration, a moderate number of users feel it may be too mild for deeper exfoliation needs.

Highlights

  • Extremely gentle exfoliation Mostly Mentioned
    • “Mild and non-irritating”
    • “No adverse effects”
    • “Perfect for sensitive skin”
    • “Zero irritation”
  • Instant glow Often Mentioned
    • “Fresh-faced glow”
    • “Visibly radiant”
    • “Instant glass skin”
    • “Skin looks brand new”
  • Smoothes skin texture Often Mentioned
    • “Baby smooth skin”
    • “Whiteheads gone next morning”
    • “Milia disappearing”
    • “Refines pores”
  • Cooling gel texture Sometimes Noted
    • “Cooling sensation”
    • “Soothing gel”
    • “Refreshing feel”
    • “Thick and easy to apply”
  • Hydrating & plumping Sometimes Noted
    • “Soft plump layer”
    • “Hydrating finish”
    • “Doesn't dry me out”
    • “Leaves skin moist”
  • Too gentle for some Sometimes Noted
    • “Didn't see big results”
    • “Too mild for deep exfoliation”
    • “B aja (average)”
    • “No change in hyperpigmentation”
  • Odd scent Rarely Noted
    • “Smells like balloon”
    • “Chemical scent”
    • “Weird plastic smell”
  • Packaging design flaws Rarely Noted
    • “Hard to get empty”
    • “Pump stops working at the end”
    • “Packaging waste”
    • “Difficult to finish”
  • Slight drying effect Rarely Noted
    • “Leaves skin a little dry”
    • “Felt tight afterwards”
    • “Not for super dry skin”

Sources: lovi.care, axis-y.com, iherb.com, yesstyle.com, olivekollection.com, skincupid.co.uk, and more

Questions and answers

What makes AXIS-Y PHA Resurfacing Glow Peel a great fit for acne-prone skin?

This exfoliant treatment is a great fit because gluconolactone gently resurfaces and unclogs pores, while glycerin provides essential hydration to keep your skin smooth. It effectively targets acne and blemishes safely without harsh ingredients, helping to calm and renew your skin.

The Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 1992Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Which ingredients make this exfoliant a good fit for acne-prone skin?

This exfoliant is a great fit for acne-prone skin because gluconolactone gently unclogs pores and helps clear up breakouts while causing fewer side effects than traditional treatments. Glycerin and Centella asiatica extract also support the skin by keeping it hydrated and calm.

The Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 1992Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

What does PHA do for acne-prone skin?

PHAs help acne-prone skin by gently smoothing the surface and lifting away dead cells without causing irritation, making them a great choice for sensitive skin types. They also provide light anti-aging and brightening benefits while remaining very well tolerated.

Cutis, 2004

What does Papaya Fruit Extract do for acne-prone skin?

Papaya fruit extract helps clear acne-prone skin by gently removing dead skin cells and clearing pores. This helps reduce both pimples and red bumps when used consistently in your routine.

Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia, 2015International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2023

Where does this exfoliant go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?

This exfoliant treatment goes in your evening routine once a week to gently resurface and unclog pores, though people who tolerate it well and see good results may carefully use it more often. Lovi routines put treatments in the evening for simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure.

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

You can use this exfoliant with retinol, but it is best to apply them on different nights to keep your skin calm and avoid irritation. Using them on separate days allows the PHA to gently resurface without overwhelming your skin barrier when you apply your retinol.

The Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 1992

How often should I use this exfoliant?

Start using this exfoliant once a week in your evening routine, and if your skin tolerates it well and you see good results, you can carefully use it more often. The formula gently unclogs pores and helps address blemishes without harsh or irritating ingredients.

Can this exfoliant clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?

This exfoliant is a great fit because it gently resurfaces and unclogs pores to help clear up acne and blemishes without harshness. Ingredients like gluconolactone and papaya fruit extract work to improve breakouts while keeping skin safe and comfortable.

The Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 1992Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia, 2015

Is this exfoliant fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • Gluconolactone 14% solution significantly improved mild to moderate acne by reducing inflamed and non-inflamed lesions similarly to 5% benzoyl peroxide, but with fewer side-effects in 150 patients.

    The Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 1992
  • A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
  • Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components.

    Molecules, 2023
  • A fixed combination of hydroxypinacolone retinoate, retinol glycospheres, and papain glycospheres in aqueous gel applied once daily for 12 weeks achieved a 41% mean reduction in GAGS score and a 40.8% mean reduction in total lesions, with 15.3% of patients experiencing mild to moderate local side effects, in 94 evaluable patients with comedonal-papular, mild to moderate acne of the face.

    Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia, 2015
  • Topical papain treatment may slightly decrease pain within 30 minutes in humans stung by Chrysaora chinensis compared to placebo.

    Wilderness & Environmental Medicine, 2016
  • Reflux extraction of Carica papaya leaves yielded higher antioxidant capacity and superior in vitro wound-healing activities including fibroblast proliferation, cell migration, and collagen synthesis in human skin fibroblasts compared to ultrasonic-assisted extraction and agitation.

    Molecules, 2020
  • Carica papaya leaf extracts obtained via supercritical fluid and conventional methods demonstrated antioxidant and cytoprotective effects on skin fibroblasts against oxidative stress, driven by their respective lipophilic and hydrophilic constituents.

    Molecules, 2021
  • Transgenic cucumber expressing poly-γ-glutamic acid synthesis genes increased water content by 6-14%, reduced water loss by 11-12%, decreased facial wrinkles and roughness by 19.58% and 24.97%, decreased skin melanin by 5.27%, and improved facial elasticity in human skin and zebrafish compared to controls.

    International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024
  • Copper Oxide nanoparticles synthesized using cucumber extract exhibited antibacterial, antifungal, UV protection, and reactive-oxygen species inhibition properties with low cellular toxicity and skin-rejuvenating effects when incorporated into skin cream.

    Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders Drug Targets, 2021
  • Topical treatment with Holothuria parva extract gel showed significant wound contraction compared to the negative control in full-thickness wounded rats.

    The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds, 2024
  • Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene showed no hindrance compared to adapalene monotherapy and provided benefits in reducing complications in 25 subjects with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019
  • Gluconolactone and tartaric acid significantly lower transepidermal water loss and erythema after sodium lauryl sulphate challenge compared to vehicle, untreated control, and glycolic acid in healthy subjects.

    The British Journal of Dermatology, 1997
  • A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provided antiaging benefits comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimen while demonstrating enhanced mildness and better tolerance in subjects.

    Cutis, 2004
  • Topical application of 0.05% w/w ECa 233 gel reduced erythema index by 0.03 U and improved early crusting and general wound appearance compared to placebo in thirty individuals undergoing facial laser resurfacing.

    Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2020
  • Moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese decreased adverse reactions and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with comparable efficacy to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in 20 subjects.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
  • Topical treatment with 5% vitamin C and 0.1% madecassoside significantly improved clinical scores for wrinkles, suppleness, firmness, roughness, and skin hydration, along with functional and structural remodeling of the elastic fiber network in 20 female volunteers with photoaged skin after 6 months compared to baseline.

    Experimental Dermatology, 2008

Ingredients

Water, Butylene Glycol, Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Tromethamine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Acrylic Acid Ma Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium Edta, Caprylyl Glycol, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract Grape Fruit Extract, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Tocopherol

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our 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.

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Prices checked 10 Oct – 4 Nov 2026

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

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