So we have all heard the hype on Alpha-H Liquid Gold and Neostrata Oily Skin Solution. I will share my experiences and results with you.
Alpha H Liquid Gold – This product is raved endlessly in blogging world and I’m sure we would all have heard amodelrecommends rave about it. To be honest, Im not very far from giving it 5 stars either. Only reason I wouldn’t give 5 stars is for its availability (mainly online, Australian made brand).
In saying so, it has revolutionized the way I perceive gentle chemical exfoliation. I apply it with a cotton pad on my face and get a sheer kick out of how it picks up all impurities from my face. My skin is so accustomed to AHA’s & BHA’s that I don’t feel the tingly sensation anymore (weirdly enough I miss it because psychologically it made me feel product is working its magic!). It dries almost immediately without leaving a sticky feeling. Next morning, my skin feels softer and smoother. Over a period of time I have also noticed it has helped with uneven skintone, skin congestion and pigmentation. However I alternate the use with Alpha H Intensive Night Repair Serum (review coming soon).
The ingredients of this product are Aqua, Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, Hydrolysed Silk, Glycolic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Extract. I’m not exactly thrilled to see Alcohol Denat in the listing. This ingredient is used as preservative in skincare which may lead to dryness to skin (not that I have experienced any). Based on that, I’m assuming they would have used in this ingredient to preserve the effectiveness of Glycolic acid. The concentration of Glycolic acid is not mentioned on product packaging or website. On further research it was noted the Glycolic acid concentration was 5% (http://www.adorebeauty.com.au/alpha-h/alpha-h-liquid-gold.html)
Price point – 100ml $40 and 200ml $58 (http://www.beautybay.com/skincare/alphah/g/liquidgold/)
Neostrata Oily Skin Solution – This product on other hand is 8% Glycolic acid and does tingle my skin. The method of application and results are not hugely different to Liquid Gold. In saying so, the ingredients are a distinction point.
Key ingredients – Aqua (Water), Alcohol denat., Glycolic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Ammonium Hydroxide, Polyquaternium-10, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Polysorbate 20, Tetrasodium EDTA.
Price point – 100ml $30 (http://www.neostrata.com/product/neostrata+oily+skin+solution.do)
CRUNCH DOWN COMPARISON – Neostrata is cheaper, easily available in US, Glycolic acid third ingredient listed (8%). Whilst Liquid Gold is steeper in price, available online and Glycolic acid is fifth ingredient listed (5%). The packaging, method of application and results are not hugely different. Perhaps for USA consumers Neostrata is a viable option. For starters, Liquid Gold may be good option as it may not be as strong on skin. However one would have to fork out more moolah! However if you are willing to take a leap of faith with stronger product at cheaper price your bank account and skin may thank you!
As for me, I own both products and enjoy using them both. Next I “might” try layering or mixing the product (I doubt if that would be good idea)
Hidden Harmony World 
Valuablle information. Luky me I found your web sitfe by chance, and I am stunned wwhy this accident did not took place
in advance! I bookmarke it.
I’m glad you found it helpful:) thanks for stopping by and taking time to read.
Hi hiddenharmony
Thanks for writing about this:
Can I ask you
1. How long have you been using the neostrata solution?
2. Have you noticed any side effects because of the alcohol? How is your skin now?
Please let me know
Hi I will try my best to respond to your questions as its been a while since I’ve used and written this post:
1. I had used it for a year on and off
2. I have not noticed any side effects of alcohol, I was advised that in some formulations alcohol D is used to stabilize the acid. I always follow with an oil or cream to ensure I nourish skin and alcohol wouldn’t dry out my skin. Hope this helps.
xx
Thanks for the reply!
Ok, so do you no longer use this products? If you still use them, am I correct to say you have been using them for a year?
The reason I ask is that I have suffered from acne and the neostrata product really helped. However, once I say the alcohol D I stopped using it and my skin broke out like crazy. So, I am trying to answer the question if I can use neostrata solution long term.
I would really appreciate if you could answer the two additional questions and let me know your opinion about using neostrata long term
I have continued using Alpha H Liquid Gold for years and still use however limit my use to 2-3 times a week or sometimes just over the weekend. I haven’t used Neostrata Oily Solution for a while now, however if you limit use and appropriately nourish skin so alcohol d doesn’t dry and torment skin it should be fine. Its maintaining the acid mantle that keeps my skin from breaking out:)