CLAY+essence
Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads
acid toner,  Nip+Fab

Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads (Extreme)

the claim

The Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads (Extreme) claim to refine pores, brighten the complexion and decongest the skin through the improvement of the skin’s natural exfoliation process.
 

the science

Glycolic Acid, an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) sourced from sugar cane is present at a 5% concentration in these pads. Its exfoliation properties are able to remove dead skin cells and accelerate cellular renewal to deliver a smooth and radiant skin surface. In removing surface grime, it allows antioxidants, peptides and other nutrients to travel deeper for more effective treatment. Glycolic acid displays a small molecular structure which assists it to deeply penetrate the skin. It softens fine lines and stimulates collagen for a more youthful appearance and better skin tone.

The formulation includes other popular acids which are also incorporated for their ability to remove dead cells. Salicylic Acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) often found in acne treatments due to its pore cleansing strength. It has proven effective at reducing acne, blackheads, whiteheads and skin blemishes without drying. It is also able to soothe aggravated skin and minimise the appearance of uneven skin tone.

Another AHA present is Lactic Acid, derived from milk. It can gently break down the bonds between epidermal cells to clear the skin’s surface of debris whilst also working deeper to increase cellular turnover for smoother and more even skin tone. Finally, Mandelic Acid  is an AHA made from the extract of bitter almonds. It delivers similar benefits to glycolic and lactic acids but because it comprises larger molecules, it doesn’t penetrate the skin as deeply. It strengthens collagen for increased skin firmness and corrects tone to even out pigmentation by reducing dark spots. Due to it’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it additionally makes it a good acne treatment as it regulates sebum production and promotes clear pores.
 
Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads (Extreme)
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), is heralded as a superstar skin restoring ingredient that offers multiple benefits for ageing skin. These include the ability to improve the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines, dullness and to strengthen the skin surface.

There are also major humectants at work in this formulation, namely Glycerin, Panthenol and Sodium Hyaluronate. These are water-binding ingredients that have the ability to fill the spaces between the connective fibers resulting in a plumping effect. They help with moisturization, wound healing and replace some of the water lost in the dermis.

Finally, there are several preservative and fragrance additives in the formulation.
 

the ingredients

Aqua (Water/Eau), Glycolic Acid, Triethanolamine, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Niacinamide, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Mandelic Acid, Panthenol, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Limonene, Parfum (Fragrance), Benzyl Benzoate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Geraniol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citral, Linalool
 
Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads (Extreme) Ingredients
 

the packaging

The Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads (Extreme) come in a plastic screw top jar.
 

the analysis

Both the CosDNA and EWG reports rate this product a moderate hazard due to the presence of AHAs (to be expected given the nature of the product), plus preservative and fragrance agents.
 
Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads (Extreme) CosDNA Analysis
 

the application

The directions for the Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads (Extreme) suggest 2-3 uses per week at night, reduced to 1 use for sensitive skin. Application involves swiping one pad across the face, neck and décolleté after cleansing, avoiding the eye area.
 
Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads (Extreme) Ingredients
 

the scent

This product has a fairly strong orange/citrus scent.
 

the cost

The jar of Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads (Extreme) contains 60 pads (55mm diameter) and has a recommended retail price of AUD$34.99.
 

the availability

Nip+Fab products are available online at skincare boutiques as well as in store at Priceline pharmacy.
 

the expiry

The Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads (Extreme) should be used within 6 months of opening.
 

the performance

The Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads (Extreme) are presented in a distinctly coloured screw top jar which prevents the contents from drying out. Each pad is embossed/textured to enhance exfoliation. Fluid is sufficiently generous to swipe across the face, neck, décolleté and the backs of hands. There is no spatula or tool provided with which to separate the pads. They do have a tendency to stick together so it can be a little fiddly to pick up a single pad although I have found that lightly pinching the uppermost one in the centre will draw it up each time. This product is highly portable, the container being lightweight and the acid itself represented in a non-spill configuration.

The only thing I don’t like about this product is the heavy artificial scent. I noticed the same aroma in the brand’s Glycolic Wash so it is distinct to Nip+Fab, or at least their glycolic products. If you have read other reviews, you know I don’t like added fragrance and this one even moreso because it smells so strong and unnatural. Furthermore, I tend to find orange scents give me a headache so I really don’t appreciate the fragrance. Additionally, the ingredients added for scent are all known irritants which degrade the safety rating of this product and also make it unsuitable to those with such sensitivities.

Regarding the cost, 60 pads cost AUD$34.99, equating to just over AUD$0.58 (around US$0.44) per application. On the surface, 60 doesn’t sound like much, but when you apply these consistently as directed (2-3 times a week), they should last the full 6 months of their shelf life which averages 2.3 pads per week.
 
Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads (Extreme) Appearance
Smell, appearance and cost aside, let’s consider the efficacy. I have been using these pads for a couple of months now, applying them 2-3 times a week as instructed. Thankfully, I haven’t reacted to any of the potential irritants in the formula but I tend to have fairly robust skin and am accustomed to acids so wasn’t expecting any adverse reaction. I use one straight after double cleansing in my evening routine only and then follow up with a hydrating toner and the remainder of my routine.

Although they warn that they are an extreme treatment, they really are very gentle. Contact with the skin is instantly soothing and cooling with the slightest of tingles on the surface. They glide easily and I must admit, skin instantly looks and feels fresher. Even though these primarily comprise glycolic acid, I love the presence of the other acids in the formula. They combine to deliver an effective pore cleansing and detoxifying experience and together with the humectants, ensure their effects are not drying. As such, I would expect this to work well for people with oily and acne prone skin since it would assist to cleanse the pores where pimples, blackheads and whiteheads take root. As it is non-drying, dry and normal skin types may will find the gentle exfoliation and associated brightening addictive. Using these regularly, I noticed a smoother and more radiant complexion which is also enhanced by the presence of Niacinamide.
 
Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads (Extreme)
 

the conclusion

The Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads (Extreme) are a solid performer. They successfully address the product claims whose objectives are to refine pores, brighten the complexion and decongest the skin and do so without drying the skin. If not for the added fragrance, this would be a superb product. As such, I highly recommend it to people with oily, acne prone, dry and normal skin and advise those with sensitivities to try something else.
 

the summary

Pros Cons
Easy to use, lasts 6 months with regular application Limited availability in store
Gently exfoliates and brightens skin Sensitizing fragrance and preservative agents
Pore cleansing good for acne prone/oily skin Irritating unnatural orange scent
Highly portable
Leaves skin clean, smooth without drying

 

the references

Nip+Fab website
Glycolic Acid Alpha-H Concentrated Skin Care
What Is Glycolic Acid? Uses and Benefits Of This Super Star Ingredient Bona Fide Skin Care
Salicylic Acid Paula’s Choice Skincare Dictionary
Lactic Acid and Skin The Skincare Clinic
The benefits of Mandelic Acid DermaZen
Mandelic Acid Truth In Aging
Sodium Hyaluronate Truth In Aging
Niacinamide Paula’s Choice Skincare Dictionary

 


the disclaimer

Please read in context with my disclaimer.
 
 


 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Shares