Payot Radiance Micro Exfoliating Essence

Payot

Radiance Micro Exfoliating Essence

face essence

Added Last edited

Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
47%
Combination (dry)
47%
Balanced
77%
Combination (oily)
93%
Oily
93%

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20
Ingredients
5
Benefits
1
Actives
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The micro-exfoliating essence that reveals new skin. This fluid lotion harnesses glycolic acid to gently resurface the skin and unveil its natural radiance. Enriched with vitamin- and nutrient-rich fruit extracts — organic goji berry and acai — it delivers a targeted antioxidant action that helps restore luminosity to dull, lacklustre complexions. Sweet orange extract completes the formula, neutralising the free radicals responsible for grey, fatigued skin.

Key Insights

Benefits

5
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Smooths Bumpy Skin
Soothing

Active Ingredients

1
AHA

Risks

1
Alcohol

About Radiance Micro Exfoliating Essence

Overview

Radiance Micro Exfoliating Essence is a watery-light essence from Payot. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 20 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as very light — essentially a water-and-humectant base with little emollient weight. With almost no emollient load it should absorb quickly and finish close to matte. Hydration is handled by Butylene Glycol, Glycerin and Propanediol, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.

What the formula does

Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propanediol and Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil.

Cell renewal: Moderate. Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover, and here that comes from Glycolic Acid and Citric Acid.

Brightening: Moderate. Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks, and here that comes from Glycolic Acid.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. A few ingredients carry irritation flags, so reactive skin should patch test before using it on the whole face.

What it does not target

The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, antioxidant protection, oil control and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.

What is not in it

Reading the full list, the formula is essential-oil-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, microplastic-free, sulfate-free and oil-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain fragrance and drying alcohol, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.

Where it fits in a routine

It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after cleansing, before serums. Apply to slightly damp skin so the humectants have water to hold on to.

This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.

Pros and cons

Drawn purely from the ingredient list

Pros

  • No essential oils
  • Silicone-free
  • No microplastics
  • Strong humectant content for hydration
  • No recognised malassezia (fungal acne) triggers

Things to know

  • Contains fragrance or declared fragrance allergens
  • Contains drying alcohol high in the list

Which skin types it suits

Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.

Suitable for

  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

May suit

  • Balanced skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin

Sensitive skin

A few ingredients here carry irritation flags. Reactive skin should patch test on the jawline for a few days before using it on the whole face.

Skin concerns

Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.

Helps with

  • Hydration 6 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 4 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Evens Skin Tone 1 ingredient

    Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance

  • Smooths Bumpy Skin 1 ingredient

    Refines texture by gently exfoliating rough, uneven patches

  • Soothing 1 ingredient

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

Does not target

Anti-Acne Blackhead Reducing Dark Spot Fading Oil Control Pore Minimizer

None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.

Key ingredients

The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)

Hydration

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Acetic acid, hydroxy-

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Smooths Bumpy Skin

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Castor oil (Ricinus communis), hydrogenated, ethoxylated (40 mol EO average molar ratio)

Hydration

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Cabbage Palm, Euterpe oleracea, Arecaceae

Anti-Aging Soothing

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Boxthorn, Lycium barbarum L., Solanaceae

Anti-Aging Hydration

10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging

11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Propane-1,2-diol

Hydration

12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,3-dihydroxypropane

Hydration

13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid

Formula analysis

Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.

Hydration High

Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin

Barrier support None

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support None

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control None

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening Moderate

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Low

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal Moderate

Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover

Firmness signalling None

Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support

Active and supporting ingredients

"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.

Active ingredients (2)

Supporting ingredients (18)

Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.

Aqua Alcohol Denat. Butylene Glycol Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract Xanthan Gum Glycerin Propylene Glycol Propanediol Sodium Hydroxide Sodium Citrate Sodium Benzoate Potassium Sorbate Parfum CI 19140 CI 14700

What is and is not in it

Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.

Free from

  • Essential-oil-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Microplastic-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Oil-free
  • No animal-derived ingredients

Contains

  • Fragrance

    Parfum

  • Drying alcohol

    Alcohol Denat.

  • Added colour

    CI 19140, CI 14700

What to layer it with

Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.

Compatible with

  • Azelaic acid
  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Use with caution

  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • BHA (salicylic acid)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • PHAs (gluconolactone)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • Benzoyl peroxide

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

Where it fits in a routine

Morning Evening
  1. Cleanse
  2. Toning
  3. Treat
  4. Moisturise
  5. Protect

This product is the "Toning" step.

  • Apply to slightly damp skin so the humectants have water to hold on to.

Safety and suitability

Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not clearance — ask your doctor about anything you use daily.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
No ingredient here is a recognised food source for malassezia.
Sensitive and reactive skin
A few ingredients here carry irritation flags. Reactive skin should patch test on the jawline for a few days before using it on the whole face.
Recorded ingredient risks
Alcohol

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 20 ingredients on the label.

6
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

6
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

4
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

3
Fragrance / colour

Changes how the product smells or looks

3
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

3
Plant extract

Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent

3
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

2
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

2
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

2
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

1
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.

1 Aqua Solvent
Estimated level
30–80%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Water

2 Alcohol Denat. Texture agent
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent, Preservative

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Alcohol Denat. is ethyl alcohol that is denatured with one or more denaturing agents in accordance with the national legislation of each European Community (EU) country.

Alcohol
3 Butylene Glycol Humectant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Texture agent, Solvent

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
  • US Food and Drug Administration Code of Federal Regulations</em>, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, May 2011, pages 5S-16S
  • Skin Research and Technology, November 2007, pages 417-24
  • Journal of the American College of Toxicology, September 1985, pages 223-248
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active, pH adjuster

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Acetic acid, hydroxy-

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Smooths Bumpy Skin
5 scientific references
  • Molecules, April 2018, 23(4), ePublication
  • DNA Cell Biology, February 2017, pages 177-187
  • Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, October 2015, pages 21-26
  • BioMed Research International, 2015, Volume 2015
  • Dermatology Research and Practice, February 2015, Volume 2015
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Castor oil (Ricinus communis), hydrogenated, ethoxylated (40 mol EO average molar ratio)

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed July 2021, ePublication
  • https://cosmeticsinfoorg/ingredient/peg-40-hydrogenated-castor-oil
  • Toxicological Research, June 2015, pages 105-136
  • https://wwwdeepdyvecom/lp/pubmed-central/safety-evaluation-of-polyethylene-glycol-peg-compounds-for-cosmetic-dV2e45HAp7?articleList=%2Fsearch%3Fquery%3DPEG-40%2Bhydrogenated%2Bcastor%2Boil
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Sweet Orange, Citrus aurantium L. var. dulcis L., Rutaceae

Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Cabbage Palm, Euterpe oleracea, Arecaceae

Anti-Aging Soothing
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Boxthorn, Lycium barbarum L., Solanaceae

Anti-Aging Hydration
9 Xanthan Gum Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant, Texture agent

9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Xanthan gum

10 Glycerin Humectant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent

10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, March 2021, pages 223-231
  • International Journal of Toxicology, November/December 2019, Volume 38, Supplement 3, pages 6S-22S
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2016, ePublication
  • British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 23-34
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2007, pages 75-82
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 2003, pages 7, 360-7, 365
11 Propylene Glycol Humectant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Texture agent, Solvent

11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Propane-1,2-diol

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
  • Archives of Dermatological Research, November 2019, pages 337-352
  • Critical Reviews in Toxicology, April 2013, pages 363-390
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September-October 2012, pages 245S-260S
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Physiology, 2001, pages 72-81
12 Propanediol Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent

12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,3-dihydroxypropane

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • PubChem Compound Summary, April 2021, ePublication
  • SpecialChem, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, June 2018, pages 1-73
  • Cosmetics & Toiletries, May 2013, pages 81-86
13 Citric Acid Active
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active, Chelator, pH adjuster

13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid

14 Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
pH adjuster

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium hydroxide

15 Sodium Citrate Chelator
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Chelator, pH adjuster

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Trisodium citrate

16 Sodium Benzoate Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium benzoate

17 Potassium Sorbate Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Potassium (E,E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate

18 Parfum Fragrance / colour
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Fragrance / colour

18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Parfum is a term for ingredient labelling used to identify that a product contains a material or a combination of materials normally added to a cosmetic to produce or to mask a particular odour. According to Article 19 of the Cosmetics Regulation, 'Perfume and aromatic compositions and their raw materials shall be referred to by the terms ‘parfum’ or ‘aroma’. '

19 CI 19140 Fragrance / colour
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Fragrance / colour

19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Trisodium 5-hydroxy-1-(4-sulphophenyl)-4-(4-sulphophenylazo)pyrazole-3-carboxylate

20 CI 14700 Fragrance / colour
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Fragrance / colour

20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Disodium 3-[(2,4-dimethyl-5-sulphonatophenyl)azo]-4-hydroxynaphthalene-1-sulphonate

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in Radiance Micro Exfoliating Essence?

AQUA, ALCOHOL DENAT., BUTYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCOLIC ACID, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS FRUIT EXTRACT, EUTERPE OLERACEA FRUIT EXTRACT, LYCIUM BARBARUM FRUIT EXTRACT, XANTHAN GUM, GLYCERIN, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PROPANEDIOL, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, SODIUM CITRATE, SODIUM BENZOATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, PARFUM, CI 19140, CI 14700.

What are the active ingredients in Radiance Micro Exfoliating Essence?

GLYCOLIC ACID, CITRIC ACID.

How do I use Radiance Micro Exfoliating Essence?

Morning and/or evening, apply with a cotton pad or fingertips to perfectly cleansed skin, before your usual care. Follow with a UV-filter skincare product, as exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun.

What skin types is Radiance Micro Exfoliating Essence good for?

Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.

Is Radiance Micro Exfoliating Essence good for sensitive skin?

Some ingredients here carry irritation flags, so sensitive skin should patch test on the jawline for a few days before applying it to the whole face.

Is Radiance Micro Exfoliating Essence fungal acne safe?

No ingredient in this formula is a recognised food source for malassezia, the yeast behind fungal acne.

Can I use Radiance Micro Exfoliating Essence while pregnant?

Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.

Is Radiance Micro Exfoliating Essence fragrance free?

No — it contains Parfum.

Does Radiance Micro Exfoliating Essence contain alcohol?

Yes — it contains Alcohol Denat..

Is Radiance Micro Exfoliating Essence silicone free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.

Does Radiance Micro Exfoliating Essence contain essential oils?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.

Is Radiance Micro Exfoliating Essence paraben free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.

What can I layer with Radiance Micro Exfoliating Essence?

It layers well with Azelaic acid, Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Take more care combining it with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.

When should I apply Radiance Micro Exfoliating Essence?

Use it morning and evening, after cleansing, before serums.

How many ingredients does Radiance Micro Exfoliating Essence have?

It lists 20 ingredients, of which 2 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Radiance Micro Exfoliating Essence?

Payot.

Brand
Payot

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