Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Serum bottle shown to highlight its silky, fast-absorbing gel texture.

Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Serum

4.7
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
726 Reviews
Pore-clearing clarifying acid serum View Details
For: Breakouts, Uneven Texture, Congested Pores
Apple Pay Available at checkout
Clear Skin Essentials five-piece kit shot with the mini cleanser, toner, blur drops, dew drops, and moisturizer on pink.
Clear Skin Essentials Kit
Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Serum
Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Serum
4.7
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
726 Reviews
1

CLINICAL Results

100%

had shown an improvement in fine lines/wrinkles

100%

had significant decongestion and visible reduction in pore size

Before result
After result

*In a clinical study of 34 participants, after 6 weeks of use

BENEFITS

GENTLE, EFFECTIVE EXFOLIATION

Proprietary 10% Clarity Acid decongests, exfoliates, and smooths skin while staying mild enough for AM and PM use.

MANDELIC ACID

As a larger-molecule AHA, mandelic acid penetrates skin more slowly than glycolic acid, delivering effective exfoliation with minimized irritation, suitable for sensitive skin.

REDUCES IRRITATION AND REDNESS

Azelaic acid helps reduce redness, calm inflammation, and inhibit the bacteria that contribute to breakouts, adding a soothing, anti-blemish dimension to the formula.

NATURAL ENZYME EXFOLIATION

Naturally occurring enzymes from strawberry water and leaf extract hydrate and resurface skin while helping to reduce excess oil production for a clearer complexion.

BALANCING HYDRATION

Hyaluronic acid and allantoin offset the exfoliation by replenishing moisture and calming skin, ensuring the formula clarifies without over-drying or causing a tight feeling.

Meet Strawberry Smooth: Gently smooth texture, clear breakouts, and refine pores, while calming skin with our most powerful, yet gentle daily clarifying BHA+AHA serum.

Powered by our 10% Clarity Acid Complex™–a special blend of 2% salicylic acid & mandelic acid (AHA+BHA), strawberry, azelaic acid, and succinic acid–this serum gently smooths texture, clears breakouts, and refines pores, while calming skin. These clarifying qualities are balanced with hydrating & soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid & allantoin to add moisture and protect your skin for a soft-glow finish. It’s time to ditch over drying acid treatments & get Strawberry smooth!

The shelf life for this product once opened, is 12 months.


SELF Healthy Beauty Awards ‘Best Facial Exfoliant’ 2022
CEW Beauty Creator Award 'Best Indi Skincare' 2022

About Glow Recipe: Glow Recipe creates clean, clinically-effective, fruit-powered skincare for glowing skin. Anchored in Korean skincare philosophies, this sensorial skincare line develops innovative formulas that pair antioxidant-rich fruit with gentle yet powerful actives for real results and your healthiest, glowiest skin yet. Vegan. Cruelty-free.

10% Clarity Acid Complex™

  • 2% Encapsulated Salicylic Acid (BHA): Closer to skin’s pH level, this encapsulated form of salicylic acid gently dissolves blemish-causing buildup and balances oil with minimized irritation.
  • Mandelic Acid (AHA) A larger exfoliating molecule that smooths rough texture and slowly penetrates for minimal irritation.

Strawberry:

Naturally occurring enzymes found in strawberry water and leaf extract work to hydrate & resurface skin while reducing production of excess oil.

Azelaic Acid Liposome:

Boosts the performance of salicylic acid to gently calm sensitized, blemish-prone skin and provide a brightened complexion.

Succinic Acid:

A naturally derived acid that hydrates, soothes, & decongests your skin

Hyaluronic Acid:

A holy grail hydrator that retains 1000 times its weight in water and plumps and restores moisture to the skin (a.k.a all day hydration!)

Allantoin:

A moisturizing skin protectant that also smooths the skin.

Bisabolol:

A soothing form of vitamin B with skin brightening benefits.

Free Of:

Parabens, Mineral Oil, Silicones, Phthalates, Drying Alcohols, Synthetic Dyes, & Synthetic Fragrance. Vegan & Cruelty-free.

View All Ingredients

Water/Aqua/Eau, Methylpropanediol, C9-12 Alkane, Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Salicylic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Mandelic Acid, Succinic Acid, Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Leaf Extract, Azelaic Acid, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bisabolol, Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear) Flower Extract, Niacinamide, Glucosamine, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment, Dextrin, Polydextrose, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Amylopectin, Butylene Glycol, Succinoglycan, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Lauroyl Lysine, Sodium Phytate, Lecithin, Aminomethyl Propanol, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Fragrance/Parfum.

This serum is gentle enough to use daily, both morning & night. Dispense 1–2 pumps and gently pat onto a clean face and neck until fully absorbed. During the day, follow with sunscreen after moisturizer.

Pro Tip:

Double serum with our other serums for double the benefits! We recommend applying your serums in order of density, starting with the thinnest, more lightweight of treatments.

Double Serum Combinations:

Strawberry + Plum Serum = Clarify + Plump
Strawberry + Avocado Serum = Clarify + Soothe
Strawberry + Guava Serum = Clarify + Brighten
Strawberry + Dew Drops = Clarify + Instantly Glow

What is the proper way to store my Strawberry Serum?

Keep in a cool, dry place. Do not keep in direct light.

Can you use it day and night?

Yes! If this is your first time using an acid treatment we recommend patch testing first and gradually introducing the serum into your routine. Our formula is gentle enough to be used either day or night or both, even with the high percentage of acids. The encapsulated salicylic acid we chose is closer to skin’s natural pH level while the mandelic acid is a larger exfoliating molecule that penetrates skin slowly - both producing real results with minimized irritation.
If used during the day, make sure to wear sunscreen at the end of your skincare routine.

Are there any other ingredients to avoid when using this serum?

This formula pairs great with most ingredients, except benzoyl peroxide. There’s a common misconception that salicylic acid (BHA) cannot be used while using retinol products, which is not the case. The two ingredients can actually work synergistically together to be more effective. People with oily skin that are not particularly sensitive may be able to tolerate using both on a daily basis. People with more dry or sensitive skin, can ease into using both ingredients into their routine by using a salicylic acid formula in the day and retinol at night. As always, we recommend patch testing.

At Glow Recipe, we’re committed to glowing responsibly, creating products that are good for your skin and the planet. To learn more about our sustainability initiativesclick here

You may also like

The Club Glow Favorites Kit
Members-Only Exclusive · $99 ($153 Value)
7-Piece Kit
Limited Edition
Banana Souffle Moisture Cream
For: Uneven Tone, Dryness, and Pores
50ml
New
Vitamin C Brightening Korean Toner Pads
For: Dark Spots, Dark Circles, Dullness
60 Pads
New
PDRN+ Repair + Soothe Korean Toner Pads
For: Redness, Sensitivity, Irritation
60 Pads
New Shades
Glass Balm Lip Treatment
For: Dry Lips, Fine Lines
Choose Shade:
+
Fig Bingsoo (Sheer Mauve Nude)
New
LHA + AHA Korean Watermelon Toner Pads
For: Congested Pores, Breakouts, Uneven Texture
60 Pads
Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
For: Dark Spots, Dryness, Uneven Texture, and Dullness
Choose Size:
Full-Size (40ml)
Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner
For: Visible Pores, Uneven Texture, Dryness
Choose Size:
Pride Full-Size (150ml)
Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream
For: Dryness, Fine Lines
Choose Size:
Full-Size (50ml)
Prickly Pear Peptide Mucin
For: Redness, Dryness, Fine Lines
Full-size (40ml)

Reviews

4.7
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
Based on 726 reviews
Customers Talked About
Reviews Summary
Customers say this serum makes their skin feel smooth and soft while effectively addressing acne and texture issues. Many appreciate the pleasant strawberry scent and lightweight texture that doesn't dry out skin. Users report seeing improvements in blackheads, pore appearance, and breakout reduction, often within days of use. The serum works well under makeup and moisturizers. Common concerns include pump malfunctions, high price point for the size, and temporary results that require consistent use. Some experience initial purging or find it less effective over time.
Slide 1 selected
Write a Review (Opens in a new window)
726 reviews
  • WW Profile picture for wet w.google logo
    wet w.
    I recommend this product
    Age Range Under 18
    Skin Type Combination, Dry, Sensitive, Teen, Acne
    Skin Concern Dryness, Dullness, Acne, Uneven tone
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    9 months ago
    I reccomend this product

    My grandma bought me some and it works so well I got multiple compliments on my skin while using it. My only problem is how expensive it is 😭 I would really like to get more but over $42 for 30ml is so much. If you’re able to pay that much you totally should but I personally have been looking for cheaper alternatives.

    Was this helpful?
  • E
    Evie
    Verified Reviewer
    I recommend this product
    Age Range Under 18
    Skin Type Normal, Combination, Sensitive
    Skin Concern Pores, Acne, Dryness
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 year ago
    The best serum

    This serum is so good it works so well my whole grale

    Was this helpful?
  • MF
    Marian F.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Age Range Under 18
    Skin Type Acne, Combination
    Skin Concern Dark spots, Dullness, Uneven tone, Acne
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 year ago
    Tower of heaven

    Really amazing products. My girls love using all your products.

    Was this helpful?
  • C
    Char
    I do not recommend this product
    Age Range 35 - 44
    Skin Type Combination
    Skin Concern Dark spots
    Rated 1 out of 5 stars
    1 year ago
    Disappointed

    I recently purchased a bottle of yourStrawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Serum on December 15th from Sephora Singapore. However, when I finally opened the new bottle, I discovered that the spray nozzle is faulty, causing the serum to be wasted as it does not spray properly.

    I kept the product in my drawer after purchasing, as I still had supply left and did not open the new bottle until recently. Despite this, the spray malfunctioned right away.

    Unfortunately, I am aware that Sephora has a 30-day return/exchange policy, which has now lapsed. As such, I am unable to exchange the product through them. Given this situation, I would like to request a resolution directly through glow recipe customer service team.

    I explained my situation regarding the products purchased from Sephora, and Glow Recipe responded, asking for additional details like a video or picture. I provided those, but they then told me to reach out to Sephora instead. I sent another email, but never received a response. A few weeks later, the other Glow Recipe serum I purchased developed the same issue—the nozzle stopped dispensing the product. I’m extremely disappointed with both the product quality and how Glow Recipe has handled the situation. If you're not willing to take responsibility or offer a solution, please stop requesting evidence.

    Was this helpful?
    Glow Recipe
    1 year ago

    Hi Char! Thanks for your review and feedback. We are so sorry you experienced this and have passed along all feedback to our production team. Our team replied to all emails we received with instructions on how to return the product for a refund. Unfortunately, an item purchased from a Sephora store must be returned to Sephora as we have no access to their transactions. We apologize again and invite you to please email us again for any further assistance - love@glowrecipe.com

  • U Profile picture for Unknownxoxo
    Unknownxoxo
    I recommend this product
    Age Range 18 - 24
    Skin Type Combination
    Skin Concern Pores, Oiliness
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2 years ago
    Love this serum 😍😍

    Good for black heads and congested pores and smells amazing 🤩 🍓❤️

    Was this helpful?