Formulated without Essential Oils, Synthetic Fragrances/Colorants, Parabens, Phthalates, Sulfates, Formaldehydes.
Real Skin Transformations
"This one is good to drying the acne even those with no head acne. This one i recommended" - jezzugo ★★★★★
"Tried it a few days as spot treatment and it does seem to shrink my acne breakouts." - lplin6 ★★★★★
"Bought for my teenage boy and he said it helped to remove his blackheads after using." - cocoshen_here ★★★★★
The Ingredients That Make It Work
Key Ingredients:
• Salicylic Acid (2%) A BHA (oil-soluble acid) that penetrates deep into pores to dissolve sebum, dead skin cells, and debris that cause breakouts. Also helps fade the appearance of post-acne red and brown marks for a more even-looking complexion.
• Mandelic Acid An AHA that gently exfoliates the surface layer of dead skin cells to reveal smoother, more radiant skin. Its larger molecular size makes it one of the gentler AHAs, suitable even for sensitive and breakout-prone skin.
• Purslane (Portulaca Oleracea Extract) Rich in antioxidants that help calm the appearance of redness and support the skin's natural recovery. Helps protect skin against daily environmental stressors while the acids do their work, keeping your skin comfortable throughout exfoliation.
Why These Specific Ingredients?
Glow Exfoliant's formula traces back to a dermatologist who helped our founder Jasmine finally clear her skin after 14 years of struggling with acne. The original formula was salicylic acid-based, and it worked. But we didn't stop there.
Over time, we improved on that foundation by adding Mandelic Acid, a gentler AHA that exfoliates the skin's surface without the harshness of stronger acids. We also added Purslane (Portulaca Oleracea) extract to soothe the skin and reduce sensitivity while the acids do their work, so you get effective exfoliation without the reactive, irritated feeling.
Not all salicylic acids are the same! While researching ways to improve the formula, Jasmine tested an encapsulated salicylic acid version, a popular newer format. With just one use, her whole face broke out in little bumps overnight. She immediately switched back to the original formula, and her skin cleared up. That experience confirmed what we already knew: the form and delivery of an ingredient matters just as much as the ingredient itself.
You might ask about the alcohol. We've tried many versions without it, but they just don't work as well. The alcohol helps kill bacteria on the skin's surface and allows the active ingredients to penetrate deeper into pores. This is the only Skinlycious product with alcohol, and it's there for a very good reason.
One more thing Jasmine noticed: whenever she got lazy and skipped her full-face exfoliation (3 times a week), breakouts would start creeping back. Regular exfoliation isn't just about glow; it's what keeps her skin consistently clear. That's why this product does double duty: your go-to spot treatment and your breakout-prevention ritual, in one bottle.
There’s likely a biological reason for this. Studies show that genetically acne-prone skin has two key differences from non-acne-prone skin: slower skin cell turnover and a higher presence of harmful P. acnes bacteria strains. Slower cell turnover means dead skin cells accumulate faster than they shed, clogging pores more easily and more frequently than someone without a genetic predisposition to acne.
The higher concentration of harmful P. acnes bacteria compounds this, creating an environment where breakouts form more readily whenever pores are even slightly congested. Regular exfoliation with Glow Exfoliant directly counters both: it physically accelerates cell turnover that acne-prone skin can’t do efficiently on its own, and the alcohol in the formula helps reduce the bacteria that thrive in clogged pores. For genetically acne-prone skin, regular exfoliation isn’t optional maintenance; it’s what normalises the skin.
The frequency guide below applies to full-face exfoliation only. As a spot treatment, Glow Exfoliant can be used twice daily at any age. Why: Without this, someone who reads "teens, once a week" may think their teenager can only touch the bottle once a week. That kills the spot-treatment use case, which is the one that sells the product.
Use 1: Fast-Acting Spot Treatment
Wet a cotton bud or cotton pad with the solution and apply directly to blemishes after cleansing, twice daily. Whiteheads and tiny bumps tend to flatten quickly. Blackheads and cystic acne take more time and consistent use, but you'll see progress. Suitable for both face and body breakouts.
Use 2: Full-Face Glow Exfoliant
Wet a cotton pad and apply a thin, even layer over the entire face in the evening. No need to rinse. Do not exfoliate in the morning, and do not exfoliate daily, as that can lead to skin sensitivity.
How often depends on your age and how quickly your skin renews itself:
Teens: once a week. Sports, sweat and rushed cleansing clog pores fast, so a weekly reset keeps them clear.
Adults: 2 to 3 times a week. Enough to smooth uneven texture and brighten dull skin.
Maturing skin: 3 to 4 times a week. Cell turnover slows with age, so skin needs more help shedding dead cells.
Start at the lower end of your range and build up as your skin gets comfortable.
Avoid the eye area. If a tingling sensation is uncomfortable, apply Skinlycious Hydrating Serum over the area.
Some initial peeling is normal as your skin adjusts, this typically reduces with continued use. If peeling feels too intense, reduce frequency. If you prefer a non-peeling, non-drying option, try our Clarifying Serum for vitamin-based spot correction.
⚠ If you are allergic to salicylic acid or aspirin, or if you are pregnant, please use our Clarifying Serum instead.
Description
AS FEATURED IN
Hear from our Happy Customers
Why Exfoliation Matters for Breakout-Prone Skin
Why Most Exfoliants Only Solve Half the Problem Most people with acne-prone skin are actually under-exfoliating, or using the wrong kind of exfoliant. Physical scrubs causemicro-tears, while harsh chemicals strip the barrier, triggering even more oil and redness.
The result? A cycle of breakouts, clogged pores, post-acne marks, and dull, uneven texture that no skincare routine seems to fix.
Glow Exfoliant was designed to break that cycle. It delivers targeted spot-treatment power to flatten pimples overnight, plus full-face exfoliation to keep pores clear and glowing. One formula, two jobs, minimal irritation.
What Makes Glow Exfoliant Different
3 Reasons This Exfoliant Actually Works
Flattens Bumps and Pimples Fast
Glow Exfoliant goes deep. The 2% salicylic acid dissolves the oil and bacterial buildup inside the pore, tackling the blemish at its source.
Whiteheads and small bumps tend to flatten noticeably with twice-daily use. Blackheads and cystic acne need more time and consistency, but the same deep-pore action works on them too. Just give it patience.
Regular Exfoliation for Glowier Skin and Breakout Prevention
Used full-face, Glow Exfoliant tackles skin at every layer. The two acids work together:
Salicylic acid penetrates deep into pores, dissolving the oil and buildup that cause clogs.
Mandelic acid gently lifts away the outermost layer of dead skin cells. Its larger molecular size makes it slower-acting and gentler, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.
The results build over time: pores stay clearer, post-acne marks gradually fade, skin texture smooths, and your natural glow returns.
And here’s what Jasmine noticed: whenever she skipped her full-face exfoliation, breakouts would start creeping back. Regular exfoliation isn’t just a glow step; it’s what keeps skin consistently clear. Think of it as your breakout-prevention ritual.
There’s likely a biological reason for this. Studies show that genetically acne-prone skin has two key differences from non-acne-prone skin: slower skin cell turnover and a higher presence of harmful P. acnes bacteria strains. Slower cell turnover means dead skin cells accumulate faster than they shed, clogging pores more easily and more frequently than someone without a genetic predisposition to acne. The higher concentration of harmful P. acnes bacteria compounds this, creating an environment where breakouts form more readily whenever pores are even slightly congested. Regular exfoliation with Glow Exfoliant directly counters both: it physically accelerates cell turnover that acne-prone skin can’t do efficiently on its own, and the alcohol in the formula helps reduce the bacteria that thrive in clogged pores. For genetically acne-prone skin, regular exfoliation isn’t optional maintenance; it’s what normalises the skin.
A Formula Refined from Real Experience and Honest Testing
Glow Exfoliant started with a dermatologist-recommended salicylic acid formula that helped Jasmine clear 14 years of stubborn acne. We improved on that base by adding mandelic acid for gentler surface exfoliation and purslane extract to calm and protect, making it more effective and more tolerable than the original.
We take formula integrity seriously. While testing an encapsulated salicylic acid version, Jasmine’s entire face broke out in small bumps with just one use. She switched back to the original immediately, and her skin cleared up. It confirmed what we already knew: not all salicylic acids perform the same way.
The current formula is sulfate-free, essential-oil-free, and fragrance-free, and it’s the best version we’ve ever made.
Real People. Personalized Results.
Discover how others with similar skin struggles found their clear skin solution.
Smooth, No Bumps
★★★★★
“This Skinlycious Glow Exfoliant helps me a lot by exfoliating my skin. After I use it, I can see the difference—my skin looks lighter. Every time I finish washing my face, I’m like ‘Oh!’ I keep touching my face because it’s so smooth, with no bumps. It’s a rare occasion for me.”
— Hafiz
See full review on Youtube →
Scars Completely Cleared
★★★★★
“My favourite is Skinlycious Glow Exfoliant as it penetrates into my skin and removes all the dirt in the pores. Redness and acne scars are gone too. My acne and scars were completely cleared after 3 months of use!”
— Andie
See full review on Youtube →
Acne Literally Gone
★★★★★
“This is probably one of my favorites because it actually clears up my acne. The Skinlycious Glow Exfoliant helps my acne disappear completely, and it’s literally gone.”
— Cheryl
See full review on Youtube →
Acne Dries Faster
★★★★★
“When my acne is really huge, I use this. I tried the Skinlycious Glow Exfoliant for about 2 1/2 weeks, and I actually saw a huge difference in the acne. It dries faster than usual.”
— Vanessa
See full review on Youtube →
Why Us vs. Everyone Else
Skinlycious
Glow Exfoliant
Most
Exfoliants
✓
Dual-use: spot treatment + full-face exfoliant in one bottle
×
Single-use products, need separate spot treatment and exfoliant
✓
Dual BHA + AHA for complete exfoliation at every skin layer
×
Single-acid formulas that only address one layer
✓
Purslane extract to calm skin while the acids work
×
Harsh formulations that strip and irritate
✓
Co-developed with real people with acne-prone, oily-prone, sensitive skin
×
Generic formulas created in labs without real-world input from problem skin
✓
Effective clearing without disrupting your skin barrier
×
Either too harsh or too mild, hard to find the right balance
Frequently Asked Questions
Good Questions, Straight Answers
Where are the products made?
All Skinlycious products are made in a certified GMP facility in Singapore, lab-tested rigorously, and notified with the US FDA, HSA, and NPRA.
How fast will I receive my Glow Exfoliant?
Just give us 1-2 working days to prepare your order once you have placed your order and another 1-2 working days for the courier to deliver.
Do note that we don’t work on weekends and on Singapore’s Public Holidays.
How often should I exfoliate with Glow Exfoliant?
It depends on your age, because skin renews itself at different speeds through life.
Teens: once a week. Sports, sweat and rushed cleansing clog pores fast, so a weekly reset keeps them clear.
Adults: 2 to 3 times a week. Enough to smooth uneven texture and brighten dull skin.
Maturing skin: 3 to 4 times a week. Cell turnover slows with age, so skin needs more help shedding dead cells.It depends on your age, because skin renews itself at different speeds through life.
Always exfoliate in the evening, never in the morning, and never daily.
This guide is for full-face exfoliation. As a spot treatment, you can dab Glow Exfoliant onto blemishes twice daily at any age.
Some initial peeling is normal as your skin adjusts. If it feels too intense, drop back a step in frequency and build up again slowly.
Can tweens use Glow Exfoliant?
Yes, if they have acne. Age is not the deciding factor, breakouts are.
For most tweens, a gentle cleanser and a hydrating serum is enough. But when clogged pores and pimples start appearing and gentle cleansing alone is no longer clearing them, Glow Exfoliant can be used as a spot treatment on the blemishes themselves.
For full-face exfoliation, once a week is plenty at this age.
If your tween has very sensitive or reactive skin, or you would rather avoid acids altogether, our vitamin-based Clarifying Serum is a gentler alternative.
Can I use my fingers to apply Glow Exfoliant instead of using cotton pad or bud?
For best results, we recommend using a cotton pad or cotton bud rather than your fingers. It’s not as effective when using fingers.
Here’s why:
• Better precision Glow Exfoliant has a watery texture. When applied with fingers, it tends to run and spread uncontrollably, making it harder to target specific acne spots accurately.
• Improved absorption The gentle dabbing motion with a cotton pad helps the solution absorb more effectively. For larger cystic acne, you can hold the soaked pad on the area for a few seconds to allow deeper penetration.
• Protects your fingers Regular direct contact may cause unnecessary peeling or irritation on your fingertips.
• More even full-face exfoliation A cotton pad helps distribute the solution more evenly across the skin. The slight friction from the pad also helps lift surface dead skin cells for more effective exfoliation.
Using the right application method ensures you get the full benefits of Glow Exfoliant while minimising unnecessary irritation.
Will I get more pimples or experience purging when using Glow Exfoliant (GE)?
Skinlycious Glow Exfoliant (GE) is designed to reduce existing bumps and pimples, often showing results overnight.
Sometimes, you may notice new breakouts at areas where you applied GE. This can happen because the exfoliant is bringing older, hidden clogs to the surface, which is a normal part of the skin’s clearing process. These clogs might have been formed weeks prior.
If the GE does not reduce your EXISTING acne, it may not be the best fit for your skin. Vitamin-based Clarifying Serum might be more suitable in that case.
Tips for Beginners: Try our Starter Kit and use the half-face test to see whether the acid-based Glow Exfoliant (GE) or vitamin-based Clarifying Serum (CS) works better for your skin. Pair it with the Calming Cleanser (CC) and Hydrating Serum (HS) to maintain skin balance and prevent new breakouts.
It’s important to confirm if you truly have fungal acne, as it can easily be mistaken for regular acne. Only a dermatologist can provide an accurate diagnosis.
That said, Glow Exfoliant may help with both bacterial and fungal acne. It contains mandelic acid and salicylic acid and alcohol, which helps reduce fungus, yeast and bacteria on the skin.
To find out if it works for your skin, we recommend trying our Clear Skin Starter Kit, which includes both Glow Exfoliant (acid-based) and Clarifying Serum (vitamin-based). The kit guides you through a simple half-face test to see which formula is more effective for your specific acne type.
Glow Exfoliant contains 2% salicylic acid, which is at the upper limit generally considered safe in pregnancy. However, to be extra cautious, we recommend avoiding it during pregnancy. Always check with your gynaecologist to be sure.
A safer alternative is the Skinlycious Clarifying Serum – gentle, antioxidant-rich, and effective for brightening and calming the skin without salicylic acid concerns.
How was Glow Exfoliant developed?
Glow Exfoliant was first learnt from a dermatologist that helped our founder, Jasmine, clear her 14 years of acne. Originally only with Salicylic acid, we improved the formula by adding Mandelic acid, a gentle AHA as well as adding Purslane/Portulaca extract to soothe skin and reduce sensitivity.
Not all salicylic acids are the same! While researching and testing to improve on Glow Exfoliant’s formula, Jasmine tested an encapsulated salicylic acid. With just one use, her whole face broke out into little bumps overnight! Thankfully, by switching back to the old formula, Jasmine was able to clear her major breakout.
You might ask about the alcohol in the formula. We have tried many versions without alcohol but it is just not as effective. The alcohol in the formula helps to kill bacteria as well as allow deeper penetration of the ingredients. This is the only product in Skinlycious with alcohol.
What Real Customers Are Saying
205 reviews for Glow Exfoliant
Rated 5 out of 5
salaw77 (verified owner)–
Packaging:v good
Fragrance:ok
User Tips:must use 2 & 3 together
I’ve lost count of my purchases. For my son we need to use both 2 & 3 in order to see results. Delivery was swift well packed in a box thank you
Rated 5 out of 5
gsmg0711 (verified owner)–
Beauty Profile:For acne
Usage Experience:For oily and acne prone skin
User Tips:Good to use a few times a week
If using more than 3-4 times a week it will dry the skin and the skin will be v red. Best to use it for 3-4 times a week to prevent redness
Rated 5 out of 5
gsmg0711 (verified owner)–
Usage Experience:Good for oily skin
Packaging:Good
User Tips:Good to prevent acne but do not use daily as it will really dry the skin
Use it on every alternate day to prevent acne and prevent dry skin
Rated 5 out of 5
rustandstardust (verified owner)–
Repeat purchase many times. Helps well with reducing and drying out pimples.
Rated 5 out of 5
rida8827 (verified owner)–
User Tips:5 times per week
Beauty Profile:combination skin
Packaging:normal packaging
Only use this at night . Spot treatment or can be use whole face. Remember to always apply sunscreen day time.
salaw77 (verified owner) –
Packaging:v good
Fragrance:ok
User Tips:must use 2 & 3 together
I’ve lost count of my purchases. For my son we need to use both 2 & 3 in order to see results. Delivery was swift well packed in a box thank you
gsmg0711 (verified owner) –
Beauty Profile:For acne
Usage Experience:For oily and acne prone skin
User Tips:Good to use a few times a week
If using more than 3-4 times a week it will dry the skin and the skin will be v red. Best to use it for 3-4 times a week to prevent redness
gsmg0711 (verified owner) –
Usage Experience:Good for oily skin
Packaging:Good
User Tips:Good to prevent acne but do not use daily as it will really dry the skin
Use it on every alternate day to prevent acne and prevent dry skin
rustandstardust (verified owner) –
Repeat purchase many times. Helps well with reducing and drying out pimples.
rida8827 (verified owner) –
User Tips:5 times per week
Beauty Profile:combination skin
Packaging:normal packaging
Only use this at night . Spot treatment or can be use whole face. Remember to always apply sunscreen day time.