Double Alpha Hydroxy Gel Cleanser with Green Tea

Tolerance can vary dramatically from person to person. Some Protocol clients might be able to work their way up to daily use, while others might prefer to only use it less often. We recommend you only use the Double Alpha Hydroxy Cleanser with Green Tea Extract and Aloe every other day or a few times (2-3) a week when starting. Gradually increase frequency while paying close attention to signs of irritation.

Even when formulated as a cleanser, glycolic acid acts as a highly effective yet gentle chemical exfoliant. It breaks down the substance that attaches rough dead skin cells to the surface of the skin, ensuring even shedding. This reveals the smoother, more compact layers of your stratum corneum, and helps speed the effects of other skincare treatments, such as retinol. To enjoy this exfoliating effect, leave the cleanser in contact with your skin for at least several minutes.

For best results, leave the Double Alpha Hydroxy Cleanser on your skin for approximately 5 minutes. If you have sensitive skin, you might need to leave it on for less time.

You can use our AHA Cleanser and a separate salicylic acid product, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin. When first starting out or if you have sensitive skin, avoid using AHA and salicylic acid products on the same night. Work your way up to using them on alternating nights, one in the morning and one in the evening, or one followed by the other.

Alpha-hydroxy acid’s ability to exfoliate is tied to the pH of its formula. The ideal pH level for an AHA skin cleanser or other AHA products is between 3 and 4. Any higher and it won’t exfoliate much if at all, any lower it can irritate the skin. That’s why the pH level of our AHA Cleanser is right in between, at 3.4.

Yes. Alpha-hydroxy acids can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. It’s important to use sunscreen with at least 30 SPF and limit sun exposure when using products with AHA and for at least a week after stopping use.

There are no specific interactions between AHAs and other skincare ingredients. However, there is a risk of over-exfoliation and skin barrier damage, especially if you use too many products at once. The precise level of tolerance will vary from person to person. Our AHA skin cleanser is designed to offer the precise level of exfoliation to use in conjunction with our Enzyme-Active Retinol Serum and Vitamin C Superserum, but even this gentle combination might be too aggressive for those with very sensitive skin. Always introduce one new skincare product at a time and pay close attention to signs of irritation or over-exfoliation, such as redness, flakiness, tenderness, or itching.