Dot & Key Hydro Peel 10% Aha + 2% Bha Exfoliating Serum Review

Are you here looking for a review on the Dot & Key 10% AHA + 2 BHA exfoliating serum because you think it’s a dupe for the Ordinary 30% AHA & 2% BHA Peeling solution? Well, then you are in the right place. Not only am I gonna review this exfoliating serum I’ll also compare it to the Ordinary one in terms of user experience since I have used both.

My main aim here is that after reading this you should be able to make a decision on whether you need this in your life or not.

Before we start let’s just be clear with all related terms:

If you don’t know what know about the Ordinary peeling solution then check out my full review on it: Click here

 

If you don’t know what AHA & BHA are and what they do for your skin then check out my full post on it: Click here

 

If you are confused between chemical and physical exfoliation and which one is right for you then check out my post on them: Click here

Product Description:

While physical scrub exfoliants can help buff away dead cells, chemical exfoliants combining AHAs & BHAs like Dot & Key’s Hydro Peel Potion go a step further. They sink deeper into the skin to dramatically shed away extra layers, visible sun damage, and other advanced signs of aging, revealing a more radiant, glowing skin.

This glow potion is made with naturally derived fruit acids from pineapple, grapefruit, green apple, and tomato, which have unique skin refining and renewing properties. It gently sloughs away dead skin cells and improves the appearance of spots and blemishes. Combining 10% Glycolic + Lactic Acids with 2% BHA i.e., Salicylic acid, this super-concentrated exfoliating serum makes skin visibly smoother, firmer, and softer. The BHAs go deeper into the skin to unclog pores and work wonderfully to improve rough patches, dry skin, and enlarged pores.

The pH-balanced formula also includes powerful antioxidants like borage flower and willow bark extracts to soothe skin after the treatment and protect against environmental damage. A cruelty-free, derma tested formula, this is just the right chemical peel for spotless glowing skin. Now radiance is only a few drops away!

Ingredients:

How to use:

1. Dispense 2-3 drops and apply to face and neck, avoiding the lower lash line and eyelids. 

2. Rinse off with cold water after 10 minutes. 

3. Always follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater. 

4. Apply up to twice a week after cleansing and toning.

Price: Rs 1095/- for 30 ml

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Packaging:

When it comes to the packaging of the exfoliating serum it’s quite efficient. It comes in a plastic dropper bottle. Easy to carry and travel with but chemical exfoliation isn’t something you carry in your daily bag so no use there. The dropper is good and efficient. There are no major issues with the packaging. especially clumsy people like me who drop everything they hold will like the plastic packaging fewer chances of destroying it.

It comes in a big box that I am obviously throwing away after this review. But all the required information is in the box. The bottle doesn’t have anything important on it other than the name so just make a note of the expiry date. Rest all information you should be able to find on their website other than the full ingredients list for that you can come here.

My Experience:

I bought this one simply because it looked like the Ordinary’s AHA + BHA. I wanted to see how it works comparatively. The first major difference is the percentage when it comes to AHA. Dot & Key AHA + BHA uses only 10% AHA where the major AHA is lactic acid (it is milder and better for sensitive skin) whereas the Ordinary one has 30% AHA and the major potion is glycolic acid which is more potent compared to lactic acid but its also more effective in terms of effects on the skin.

The kind of baby smooth skin you get after using the Ordinary AHA + BHA you just don’t get that after using the Dot & Key AHA + BHA. I feel that more. Because I have been using the Ordinary peeling solution for over a year now. My skin has gotten totally used to it, that it doesn’t even tingle any more. Even when I apply the Dot & Key exfoliating serum my skin doesn’t tingle. Since this one is way milder compared to what my skin is already used to.

But because of this reason, I also feel Dot & Key exfoliating serum doesn’t do anything major for me. It does make my skin smooth and l feel less texture on my skin but the smoothness is not as defined and I don’t see the natural glow. The next day my skin feels normal. The nights I use the Ordinary peeling solution, I know for sure my skin feels plumper and softer the next morning. I also use the same products in my after routine there is no change in that.

If you haven’t use the Ordinary Peeling solution and your skin is baby new at chemical exfoliation then you will obviously see a difference after using the Dot & Key AHA + BHA. The results will be visible in 4 weeks. You will also feel the tingle for 2 to 3 mins when you apply it to your skin.

Coming to the formula of the Dot & Key 10% AHA & 2% BHA:

It feels like a gel-based serum on the skin. It does have a flowery scent which lingers for a while. I don’t mind the scent. I like the way it smells but at the same time, it doesn’t sit right with me that a chemical peel has added perfume in it. The formula also has other flower & fruit extracts that help it to be milder on the skin making it perfect for sensitive skin.

Also, this one isn’t as drying on the skin compared to the Ordinary peeling solution.

Regular use of this exfoliation serum will give smoother skin. It will help with mild texture on your skin It will also help fade out marks, scars & blemishes. It helps even out your skin and reduces pigmentation. But since this is a milder formula it will take time to show results so don’t expect fabulous skin the next morning after one use. Slowly gradually when you know your skin has gotten used to it switch to a higher percentage like the ordinary peeling solution.

How to use Dot & Key 10% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliating Serum?

• I take a good amount of it that I can cover my face and neck. I like applying a thick layer. If you are new to chemical peel then it will tingle for a min or two.
• I keep it for 10 to 15 mins. Never keep this more than 15 mins.
• I take a soft wet cloth and wipe the serum off. You can also wash it off with plain cold water. Do not use soap to wash it.
• Follow it up with a mild gentle toner without any actives. Rosewater works the best. I have been using their soothing toner.
• Now I prefer using a ceramide based moisturizer. You can use any nourishing & hydrating moisturizer. Look for ingredients like Ceramide, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E. Avoid ingredients like retinoid, vitamin C, and niacinamide.
• You can use a good sleeping mask or you can use a facial oil. This way you are giving your skin the required hydration it needs to heal its barrier.
• You can use this 2 times a week, not more. If you also use a physical scrub then use this only once. Also, every few months give your skin a break from it and let it heal naturally.
• Always and I mean always use sunscreen the next day even if you are staying indoors. I prefer using this at night so your skin can heal and repair itself at night.

Why you should buy it?

• It’s mild and gentle on the skin therefore beginner-friendly
• Doesn’t irritate your skin
• Not drying on the skin compared to Ordinary Peeling solution
• Milder dupe for Ordinary (a good start before you go for the ordinary one)
• You live in India and can’t get your hands on the Ordinary currently

Why you shouldn’t buy it?

• If you are already used to a higher percentage of chemical exfoliation
• You already use the ordinary peeling solution
• Have super sensitive skin
• Prefer using physical exfoliation i.e scrubs
• You despise everything with perfume or any kind of scent even good kind

My Recommendation:

Overall I really like using Dot & Key AHA & BHA exfoliating serum e but I still love the ordinary way more. If you are a beginner at chemical exfoliation and want to start with something mild and simple but something that will also show some kind of positive effect then do give this one a shot. Normal skin would like this. But if you hate perfume or scent of any kind or have very sensitive skin then skip this. You can try the Dr.Sheth’s Gentle peel if you want an AHA which is super mild and has no added scent. Or you can also check out Dr.Sheth’s ABC cleanser which is mild enough for all skin types and has no added scent.

My Rating: 🌺🌺🌺🌺4/5

Some new launches reviews are coming up soon till then you can check out other Dot&Key products that I have already reviewed: Click here

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** The link I attached is not affiliated. 

*P.S: As always all opinions are my own and honest.

What worked for me may or may not work for you. A patch test is recommended.