Aqua Glycolic Review
Editor's Review: 3.0 / 5.0

Overview

Merz Pharmaceuticals brings us the Aqua Glycolic line of skin care. This company began a century ago in Germany with a patented, water-soluble base that could be used for a variety of topical therapies. Today, Merz is a global company with a wide range of products. According to the company website, Merz is “dedicated to addressing unmet medical needs with innovative health care solutions that improve self esteem and quality of life”.

The Aqua Glycolic line is designed as an “alpha hydroxy acid skin care system for all skin types”. It includes a facial cleanser, toner, face cream, shampoo and body cleanser, and hand and body lotion. You can purchase these products directly from the company or from online retailers. These products claim to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, exfoliate dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and clean out clogged pores. After perusing the numerous company websites available, we were unable to find any customer testimonials or information regarding free test samples or a money back guarantee on purchases.

Product Details

Alpha hydroxy acids tend to work best when they are left on the skin to work their magic. For this reason, we are going to look primarily at the face cream as it applies to an anti-aging skin care regimen. The ingredients listed for the Aqua Glycolic face cream include: Purified Water, Cetyl Ricinoleate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycolic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceresin, Ammonium Glycolate, Glyceryl Stearate (and) PEG-100 Stearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Sorbitol, Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methyparaben, Propylparaben, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Dimethicone, Xanthan Gum, Trisodium EDTA. The company states that this face cream is designed to moisturize dry skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The primary ingredient touted in the Aqua Glycolic cream is glycolic acid, which is an alpha hydroxy acid from sugar cane. This substance is primarily used for skin exfoliation, sloughing off dead cells on the surface of the skin and leaving a smoother, younger looking layer underneath. Another ingredient that we are pleased to see in this formula is hyaluronic acid. This highly effective skin hydrator can work even more efficiently when the glycolic acid maximizes penetration potential. However, we did not find proven wrinkle reducers like argireline, collagen or matrixyl in this formula, making us wonder just how effective this product can be at minimizing deep lines and wrinkles that already exist.

The Good

  • Alpha hydroxy acids can be effective in keeping the skin smoother and younger looking.
  • Hyaluronic acid is an effective skin hydrator.

The Bad

  • Proven, patented wrinkle reducers are not found on this ingredient list.
  • Alpha hydroxy acid can irritate the skin and make it more susceptible to sun damage.
  • We could not find customer testimonials or a money back guarantee on this product line.
  • This product contains synthetic paraben preservatives, which can irritate skin.

The Bottom Line

If you are looking for an effective method of exfoliating and moisturizing the skin, the Aqua Glycolic line might be for you. However, there are better ingredients for reducing the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles than the substances found in these products, so if you’re looking for an anti-aging treatment you may wish to select one of these instead.

Top Pick for 2010

What Readers Are Saying About Our 2010 Top Pick:

  • Martina said:
    i use this product I am in my mid-50's with fine lines, especially around my mouth... (more)
  • Amy said:
    I am a 45 year old mother of 4 and have been on hydroxatone for almost three months now and... (more)
  • cindy said:
    Hydroxatone helps with wrinkles, but what about discoloration, scarring?... (more)
  • Steven said:
    does this product work for men too... (more)
  • Rose Pasowicz said:
    Can I get samples. I need to make a change and need to do some testing... (more)

** Our Top Skin Care Choice **

Hydroxatone Bottle

Top Wrinkle Cream for 2010: Hydroxatone

After looking at literally hundreds of wrinkle reduction and prevention treatments, Hydroxatone is our top choice. This product offers customers a Risk-Free Trial, and contains all four of the most effective and exciting ingredients for reversing and preventing wrinkles: Matrxyl 3000®+ Argireline® + SPF + Hyuloronic Acid. No other formula combines these ingredients into one cream, and the Hydroxatone® website has testimonials from customers who have seen results. Argireline® and Matrixyl 3000® are two clinically proven and patented wrinkle-fighting peptides, while SPF provides sun protection and Hyuloronic Acid penetrates tissue to keep skin young and supple. Clinical data that a formula works says it all, and the Hydroxatone® website provides ample proof. When you factor in the trial offer, the potent formula, the user testimonials and the clinical studies, it's easy to see why Hydroxatone is our top anti-aging pick. >> Read more about Hydroxatone Go



Hydrolyze Bottle

(Optional- For Enhanced Results): Hydrolyze

After looking at so many anti-aging treatments, we've seen that the delicate skin around the eyes can be a real problem area for many people. Dark circles can make you look years older, and for some people even a good night's sleep won't make them go away. That's why we were so excited to find Hydrolyze, which has been formulated by industry experts specifically as an under-eye treatment. The makers of Hydrolyze are so confident in their product that they offer potential users a Risk Free Trial so they can see the results for themselves. Hydrolyze contains the break-through ingredient Haloxyl, which has been shown to reduce under-eye discoloration between 40%-60% in a clinical case study. By offering consumers a way to erase the dark circles and wrinkles that often occur under the eyes, Hydrolyze is revolutionizing the skincare industry. >> Read more about Hydrolyze Go


2 Comments/Questions/Answers to Aqua Glycolic

  • 1

    Awilda June 24th, 2010

    I recently purchased aqua glycolic face cream. There directions on the side of the jar is extremely vague. Can you please provide clarification on the proper use of the aqua glycolic face cream. Do I just apply the face cream and leave it on for the rest of the day?

    [Reply]

    SBarnacle Reply:
    July 20th, 2010 at 5:36 pm

    I have used it in the past and just used it as my nightly face cream.

    [Reply]


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