#NOTSPONSORED: Why Alpha-H Liquid Gold Has A Cult Following

New beauty launches fly thick and fast. Every day, we are presented with a new, you-beaut product, each promising to change our lives and ensure we never (ever!) get a wrinkle again.

Despite all of the noise in the market, there are a handful of old-faithful products that have stood the test of time. Why? Because they work—and they have a loyal following of fans to prove it.

Previously, we’ve delved into the finer details of Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask, Oribe Texturizing Spray, Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation and more. Today, we’re throwing the spotlight on Alpha-H Liquid Gold. 

Recently, Alpha-H celebrated its 25 year anniversary. When this Australian-owned brand first launched way back when, Liquid Gold was its hero product (in that sense, not much has changed). 

When the late Michelle Doherty founded Alpha-H in 1995, she was looking for a treatment to manage her 14-year struggle with acne. She spent 11 years on antibiotics and oral contraceptives before taking matters into her own hands. Doherty discovered glycolic acid: a sugarcane derived ingredient with a myriad of skin benefits. She was so impressed with glycolic acid that it went on to form the basis of Alpha-H’s first and most popular product: Liquid Gold. 

Have you tried Liquid Gold? If not, you’ve surely seen its name kicked about in various beauty groups on Facebook. This no-rinse peel has a cult following. Here, we explain why.

Alpha-H Liquid Gold

According to the brand’s website: “Liquid Gold combines 5 per cent glycolic acid with a unique low-pH delivery system to stimulate action at a deeper layer of the skin. This miracle product accelerates the skin’s renewal process, dramatically improves brightness and tone, supports collagen production and helps minimise the visible signs of sun damage, ageing and blemishes.”

$59.46 / 100ml at Adore Beauty

Liquid Gold has the most gold stars of any product on Adore Beauty (and trust us, Adore Beauty stocks a lot of products). At last count, 1489 people have given Liquid Gold a perfect score.

Reviews are one thing but let’s get down to the nitty gritty: how does this formula change skin for the better?

First and foremost, glycolic is Liquid Gold’s not so secret weapon. Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) which means it exfoliates skin by dissolving the glue that holds dead cells to the skin’s surface. This means that rough layers of skin melt away revealing the baby-smooth skin underneath. 

Glycolic acid also stimulates your natural production of hyaluronic acid to give your skin an added hit of hydration. Liquid Gold also contains a hefty dose of glycerin: a humectant that draws moisture into the skin from its surrounds.

Liquid Gold is strong. When you put it on, you’ll likely feel a mild tingling sensation. Start by introducing this product to your routine once or twice a week, with the option of gradually increasing the frequency until you’re applying every other day. (Do a patch test first, promise?)

Technically speaking, Liquid Gold is a no-rinse peel—meaning, you put it on and leave it there. For best results, moisten a cotton pad with the solution and apply to face, neck and décolletage. To get the most out of the product, don’t follow with a moisturiser or serum as this will alter the pH.

How much time do you have? Because we could talk about the benefits all day. 

With regular use, skin will become firmer (as glycolic acid kickstarts collagen production), smoother (thanks to serious exfoliation) and wrinkles will be less prominent (seeya!). 

In 2008, Alpha-H commissioned two clinical trials (sample size unknown) that saw some pretty impressive results. Overall participants agreed that within 20 minutes, wrinkle depth was reduced by 20 per cent, moisture levels were boosted by 12 per cent and roughness of skin was reduced by 23 per cent. Wowee.

At this point, we couldn’t imagine our lives without the stuff. Try it!