AHA Superstar Serum
Serum

AHA Superstar Serum

Awake Beauty
23Ingredients
0EU Banned
2Caution
0.3/5Comedogenic
Pregnancy Risk1 ingredient flagged
0.3/5Comedogenic
Pregnancy Risk1 ingredient flagged
Low Allergens2 fragrance allergens
65% Natural30% synthetic
Ingredient Analysis

Key Ingredients

Proven ActivesBeneficial ingredients with clinical evidence
Glycolic Acid (AHA)GOODLactic Acid (AHA)GOODAloe Vera JuiceGOODPropanediol (Humectant)EXCELLENT2-HexanediolGOOD

Contains Regulated Ingredients

EU Restricted Ingredients

These ingredients are permitted in the EU but subject to concentration limits, usage conditions, or mandatory labelling requirements under Annex III of the EU Cosmetics Regulation.

Limonene
Restricted — see EU CosIng Annex III
Sodium Hydroxide
Restricted — see EU CosIng Annex III
What does "EU Restricted" mean?

Restricted ingredients are not banned — they are allowed in cosmetic products as long as specific conditions are met:

  • Concentration limits — maximum allowed percentage in the final product
  • Product type restrictions — some ingredients are only allowed in rinse-off or leave-on products
  • pH restrictions — the finished product must stay within a specific pH range
  • Mandatory labelling — certain allergens must be listed on the packaging
  • Usage conditions — must not be combined with certain other ingredients

These limits are based on the EU CosIng database (Annex III) and are updated regularly. Products sold in the EU must comply with all applicable restrictions.

Ingredient Chemistry

pH

pH Efficacy

pH Efficacy

pH 3.1 — Optimal
3.1
0Neutral 714
pH estimated from category & ingredients: 3.1
Active ingredients: Glycolic Acid
Glycolic Acid at pH 3.1: optimal range (3–4)
Detected actives & ideal pH
Glycolic AcidpH 3–4

Microbiome

Composition & Ethics

Product Details

Attributes

Ethics
VeganLikely
No animal-derived ingredients detected
Cruelty-FreeUnknown
No brand statement — contact manufacturer
Safety
Fragrance-FreeContains fragrance
Contains fragrance/parfum
Key Actives
Exfoliating SerumConfirmed
Confirmed Inferred Unknown Not compliant

Composition

65% natural31% synthetic
15 natural 1 unknown 7 synthetic

Based on 23 ingredients analyzed. 65% natural, 4% unknown and 31% synthetic.

Active ingredients3 actives
Preservatives2 preservatives
Fragrance2 essential oils

Functions Overview (15)

type of chemical entity5:Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Ubiquinone, Polysorbate 60
buffering4:Glycolic Acid, Sodium Carbonate, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate
solvent3:Water/​Aqua/​Eau, Propanediol, 2-Hexanediol

Texture & Feel

Texture & Feel

Expected texture
Lightweight, watery liquid that spreads easily
SpreadabilityVery easy
AbsorptionFast
Tackiness / ResidueNone
Finish:Luminous / radiant — subtle light-reflecting glow

Standard cosmetic feel — no unusual sensory characteristics detected.