Reviewed by Ki
As soon as you reach the BRAD website, you immediately know you’ve landed in LA-LA land! The site has a classy minimalist look with super-expensive streamlined products geared towards actual “jet-setters” (people who spend a lot of time on jets). Not my lifestyle by a long shot. What piqued my interest in BRAD’s Ultra Peel Exfoliating Gel ($175) was its promise for “ultimate skin youth.” My skin suffers from sun damage, so I was hoping for a more even tone and overall clarity on my face and neck. The site states that other benefits to expect are deep hydration and “re-tenderization”… not sure about this second idea: tender means “sensitive” to me, and I avoid things that make my skin sensitive, which is what this serum did after three days of use.
The BRAD Ultra Peel Serum comes in a black glass bottle that has “special properties” to filter in only “violet light” – or some such thing… what do I know? The entire line appears to have a sleek medicinal/magic potion look, and I was excited to see if my 61-year old skin would respond and reveal the “new skin” BRAD promised.
The ingredients consist of a number of acids, such as glycolic, lactic, kojic and pyruvic, so I expected some power “peeling.” I immediately added the serum to my routine (day and night) and by the end of Day 3 my face looked somewhat burned and rashy in areas. This was definitely not good! I “backed off,” as the bottle directions recommend, and slowly worked my way back up to once a day. I used it in the evening, only on targeted areas where “new skin” would be greatly appreciated: nose, forehead, chin and lower parts of my neck. This serum certainly tightens and brightens! I got some peeling around my nose that was a little too much (stingy and raw feeling). I used a good moisturizer or skin oil on top of the serum for the most part, and my usual YBF Correct on the eye area, which the bottle says to avoid. When I used this product by itself, I did not find it hydrating.
I have pretty thick, healthy skin, so I would imagine anyone with thin delicate skin would have to be extremely careful using this product; it is powerful. I also know that some of these types of skin acids can be found on derma sites for much less, so I wonder at the exorbitant price of $175 is it worth it? The ingredients include Biophotonic Bio-fermented glycolic acid, and I have no idea what this actually is. I’ve never used acids like this on my face before, so I’m not sure what makes this processed glycolic better. I am about five weeks in, and have not had another rash, but feel I have to monitor the use of this product carefully.
I wouldn’t buy it because of the price, but for someone who has really leathery super sun-damaged skin, a product like this might be very helpful. The bottle does say to smooth this ultra peel over other BRAD products, so perhaps one has to take the plunge and buy two BRAD products to experience the real deal. For me, it is all a bit much, and the results (at this point) aren’t spectacular enough for me to want to continue using this peel. Perhaps when I get my first jet, I’ll change my mind….
Ingredients: Biophotonic Distilled Water, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Kojic Acid, Licorice Extract, Bearberry Extract, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Sodium Lactate, Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Hexylene Glycoln