Dr. G Brightening Mild Peeling Gel Review

A vital part in caring for your skin is exfoliation. I am a firm believer in exfoliation because it helps rid the skin of unwanted dead skin cells. Exfoliation also helps to accelerate cell turnover. We shed skin, it's a natural bodily function and process but as we age, this process begins to slow down. Dead skin cells that build up on the surface of the skin can cause a myriad of skin related issues such as acne, dullness and dehydration. Due to my sensitive skin, I must be very careful in how I exfoliate my skin because some products that exfoliate can cause irritation and increase skin's sensitivity. 

Dr. G is a very popular brand in Korea and although I had heard great things about the brand especially when it comes to sensitive skin and acne prone skin, I had never tried any of their products. Founded by respected Korean dermatologist Dr. Gun Y. Ahn who suffered facial burns as a child, the brand uses scientific training, state-of-the-art technology and high quality ingredients to create products for sensitive and troubled skin. The G stands for Gowoonsesang which means"Beautiful World" and Dr. G is the world's second largest medical skin care group in Korean with over 15 clinics. 

I decided to try one of the most loved and celebrated exfoliators in Korean (and in Asia for that matter), the Dr. G Brightening Peeling Gel in Mild. I got this product from BBCosmetic, a online retailer that ships worldwide. 




To start, my skin type during this time of the year is normal to dry.  My skin can also be quite sensitive, temperamental and is very acne prone. However, with the incorporation of Curology,  I have noticed less breakouts. My review will reflect how this cream works for my personal skin type and condition and as always, your results may vary.

The Claims:
Formulated with natural cellulose, this peeling gel gently removes dead, flaky skin, while nourishing skin with moisture locking ingredients such as Hollyhock and Trehalose. This also claims to be great for sensitive skin types with soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Further, this claims to brighten and clarify the skin.

Packaging:
This products comes in a plastic tube that contains 120 ml or 4.06 oz of product and it retails for around $12 on BBCosmetic 

Patch Testing:
Every product I use goes through a very detailed patch testing period. I always patch test and I recommend patch testing to everyone. This is how I introduce new skin care products to my easily irritated skin. Patch testing can look different for everyone but for me, I test products in stages. For this particular product, I used it on one cheek a few times before using it all over my face and neck. 

Texture and Formula:
This has a creamy gel like texture that has a bit of grittiness to it. The picture on the left below shows the texture but it was pretty hard to photograph. Once you begin to rub it into the skin, it begins to ball up as the picture on the right below shows. The gritty texture also fades once the product begins to ball up. This formulation is very concentrated so a little goes a very long way. I love products that are super concentrated because it is more cost effective. 

The formula contains soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as honey extract and hollyhock. Hollyhock also has rich hydrating properties plus it helps the skin lock in moisture. This also contains vitamin c which helps brighten and black willow that softens dead skin cells. 

Scent: 
This peeling gel has a very strong medicinal scent. If you have tried the Cosrx Low PH Cleanser, this has a very similar scent of tea tree. After rinsing, the scent did linger a bit but eventually fades. 

Full Ingredients: 
water, cellulose, dipropylene glycol, trehalose, butylene glycol, fomes officinalis (mushroom) extract, althaea rosea flower extract, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, diospyros kaki leaf extract, rhus semialata gall extract, betula platyphylla japonica bark extract, honey extract, glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract, salix nigra (willow) bark extract, tocopheryl acetate, ascorbyl glucoside, chlorophenesin, caprylhydroxamic acid, capylyl glycol, glycerin, peg-60 hydrogenated castor oi, allantoin, acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, fragrance, potassium hydroxide, disodium edta 

CosDNA: You can see the possible irritants/acne trigger here


Results: 
I have used this for about a month now about 1-2 times per week and I really enjoy this peeling gel. There are a few acne triggers including castor oil and fragrance but I have not experienced any breakouts from using this product. While the scent is strong, this exfoliates my skin without causing any irritation, reactions or sensitivity. I have honestly not been a huge fan of peeling gels in the past and have relied mostly on my actives (BHA, AHA and Curology RX) to exfoliate my skin. I have been using the Brightening Scrub from Acure here for many years and this combination has worked well for my skin. However, I have found as I am getting older, my skin is becoming more and more sensitive so I have been on the hunt for a gentler "scrub" so I am glad I finally tried this peeling gel. This is far less abrasive than the Acure scrub plus I do feel that the Dr. G brightens and my skin doesn't feel as tight and more hydrated.

Overall:
Although the scent is a little strong, the end results of this peeling gel are well worth it. This is the first peeling gel that has actually brightened my skin without causing irritation. I personally like that it has a bit of a gritty texture because it really does give the skin a deep exfoliation without being too harsh. I now understand why this peeling gel is the most popular exfoliator in Korea! Although I fell in love with the Naruko peeling gel here, the Dr. G peeling gel is a little better at exfoliating but I also do like the Naruko. I would definitely repurchase the Dr. G and would recommend this for all skin types except those with rosacea.


Where can you purchase?
Memebox: $20
Nordstrom: $28

Stay Beautiful ❤️


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