I wouldn’t call 6% glycolic acid “extreme”.
My skin’s used to higher doses. But Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Liquid Glow Extreme 6% is the strongest glycolic acid exfoliant the brand makes.
If you’re a teen or young adult – Nip + Fab’s target audience – and your skin’s still behaving as it should, 6% is an extreme dose for you. Baby steps, ladies. Start small and increase your glycolic acid fix when YOU need it, not when Cosmo tells you to.
What’s In Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Liquid Glow Extreme 6%?
GLYCOLIC ACID TO EXFOLIATE SKIN
Glycolic acid is the star of the show here. It’s the smallest member of the Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) family, a group of acids that exfoliates skin by dissolving the glue that holds skin cells together.
Once the old, superficial layer of damaged cells is off your face, your complexion is brighter and softer. The texture of your skin looks smoother and more even-toned, too.
That’s not all. Glycolic acid is a moisture magnet that attracts water into the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It boosts collagen production, too – but at higher concentrations. *sighs*
Its small size means glycolic acid can penetrate skin deeper than other acids. That means it works better… but is more irritating. If you have sensitive skin, this is NOT for you.
Sensitive skin fares better with lactic acid. That just happens to be in Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Liquid Glow Extreme 6%, but at much lower dose. It’s more hydrating than exfoliating here.
Related: Glycolic Acid VS Lactic Acid: Which One Should You Use?
SALICYLIC ACID TO UNCLOG PORES
Salicylic acid is the only member of the Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) family used in skincare. Like AHAs, BHA dissolves the glue that holds skin cells together so they can slough off and reveal the brighter and smoother skin underneath.
Unlike AHAs, salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This means it can get past the skin’s lipid layer and get inside the pores. Once there, it removes all the crap that’s clogging them up and giving you blackheads, whiteheads and pimples.
The catch? I don’t think there’s enough salicylic acid in Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Liquid Glow Extreme 6% to exfoliate pores and fight acne. 🙁
Related: AHAs VS BHA: Which One Is Right For You?
NIACINAMIDE TO MOISTURISE SKIN
Niacinamide is another ingredient that’s not present in a massive amount in Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Liquid Glow Extreme 6%. But hey, I’d rather get a little niacinamide than none at all. This form of vitamin B3 is a multi-tasker:
- It hydrates skin: It’s more effective than petrolatum at preventing water loss
- It soothes skin: It alleviates the symptoms of rosacea and irritations
- It lightens skin: It reduces dark spots, blotchiness (redness) and sallowness (yellowing)
- It helps treat wrinkles: Preliminary research shows it can boost the production of skin-firming collagen
- It treats acne: Its effects are similar to those of 1% clindamycin gel
No matter what you’re dealing with, a little niacinamide can only help.
Related: The Complete Guide To Niacinamide: What It is, What It Does & How To Use It
Struggling to put together a skincare routine that banishes dryness and makes your skin supple and dewy? Download your FREE “Best Skincare Routine For Dry Skin” to get started (it features product recommendations + right application order):
Texture
Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Liquid Glow Extreme 6% has a liquidy, runny texture that doesn’t leave a sticky residue behind.
Fragrance
Citrusy and summery.
How To Use It
- Two or three nights a week, after cleansing.
- You need to apply it with a cotton pad all over your face.
- If you’re using retinoids, exfoliate on a different night.
Performance & Personal Opinion
If you’re new to glycolic acid or have sensitive skin, you may experience a little tingling. I didn’t – my skin is used to it.
I apply it straight after cleasning 3 nights a week, but if you’re a teen once or twice is more than enough. Your skin is doing most of the exfoliation on its own, so it doesn’t need much of a helping hand.
After the first use, my skin already looked a little brighter. Dewy glow aside, the toner also smooths out the texture of my skin and makes it softer to the touch.
Instead, it didn’t help me that much with blackheads. They tend to spring up on my nose if I’m not careful. This toner didn’t send them packing, but it didn’t make things worse either. I can’t say I’m surprised. You need a higher dose of salicylic acid to deal with any type of acne.
Who Is This For?
It’s more suitable for dry skin.
Who Is This NOT For?
- Oily skin
- Acne-prone skin
- Blackheads and whiteheads
Packaging
A dark blue bottle. Sleek and practical.
Does Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Liquid Glow Extreme 6% Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| Glycolic Fix Liquid Glow Extreme is a high performance liquid exfoliator with 6% pure Glycolic Acid for a brighter complexion. | True. |
| A powerhouse blend of exfoliating acids works to deeply cleanse and helps unclog pores for a more refined skin surface. | Mostly true. It just can’t unclog pores. You need salicylic acid for that. |
Price & Availability
Available at: £19.95 at Feel Unique and Look Fantastic
Do You Need It?
If you’re looking for a glycolic acid exfoliant, this does the job well.
Dupes & Alternatives
- Good Molecules Glycolic Exfoliating Toner ($14.00)
- The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution (£6.80)
Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Glycolic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Niacinamide, Lactic Acid, Limonene, Parfum (Fragrance), Benzyl Benzoate, Panthenol, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Geraniol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citral, Linalool.
Thanks for this review! I haven’t tried this product yet, but I’ve used the Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Pads Extreme. Like you mentioned, I did get smoother, softer skin but not as much help with acne/dark spots. But I also use acids regularly so my skin is used to a stronger product. I use this as a “light maintenance acid”, and alternate with my Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial once a week to really get my AHA/BHA fix in!
Melody, I agree, it’s a great exfoliant for smoothing out skin’s texture. But if you’ve got acne, you need salicylic acid.
I much prefer the Pixi Glow tonic as it has some soothing ingredients added into the formula so it isn’t as irritating I noticed the difference when I used Alpha H liquid gold which doesn’t but it’s at the same percentage.
Andrew James – theskincaresaviour.com
Andrew, that’s a good point. I love it too when brands add something ingredients. They help a lot, especially if you have sensitive skin.