Review : Frutique Papaya Enzyme Exfoliating Gel

Ever since I battled Acne, I moved away from conventional mechanical scrubs. I might as well start scrubbing my face with sand paper. I have been using a lot of AHA products for combatting acne which has made my skin sensitive. I was introduced to enzyme exfoliators and OMG they are the bomb!

When I was in Australia I was introduced to Organi Honey Enzyme Peel (used Manuka Honey, AUD $140). Since using that product I was hooked n booked on enzyme exfoliators like there was no tomorrow. I was left slightly disheartened by the fact that not a lot of companies have jumped on bandwagon yet. Anyway since then I have moved to USA where I discovered Frutique (US based company). This product is a lot more affordable than aforementioned product. I bought this product at Sally’s Beauty Supply for $12.99 (keep an eye out for Buy 1 Get 1 free offer) for whopping 6.8 fl.oz. Neatly packaged product with a generous quantity at a bank account friendly price…..Have I hit jackpot? Lets see if it performs…….

CLAIMS: “An innovative, non-abrasive exfoliator that smoothes skin. Not your everyday exfoliating scrub, the enzymatic reaction of this gel will digest dead protein material on skin. Polish away dead skin cells and remove impurities with this resurfacing gel. Papaya Fruit Enzymes play a key role in improving and smoothing skin texture.

• A gentle, non-abrasive exfoliating gel
• Detaches dead skin cells and removes impurities
• Clears pores leaving skin radiant
• Instantly improves skin texture”

So, I squirt product on my fingertips, smear all over my face and gently massage in circular motions. And then I start seeing balls of dead skin (eeeksssss but in satisfying way). The scent of this product is quite strong but not unpleasant. My skin looks and feels clean, brighter and radiant (like from within). I have also noticed my moisturizer gets absorbed in skin far more quickly.

Downside: The yucky balls of dead skin get stuck in your sink if you don’t wash it immediately. Not enough to deter me from buying for another 10 years! I would highly recommend this product for any skin type and can be used on your body too. When I do get around giving myself a manicure, exfoliating my disgusting hands with this wonder product makes it looks brighter and radiant.

All in all, must buy….heck even stock up for apocalypse!!!

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Liquid Gold VS. Neostrata Oily Skin Solution

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)