The most important ingredients

Glycolic acid

The smallest fruit acid (AHA) - can penetrate especially deep into the skin and loosen dead cells.

Function: Can accelerate skin renewal, ease pigment spots and refine skin texture.

Lactic acid

Gentle fruit acid (AHA) that occurs naturally in the skin - exfoliates and provides moisture at the same time.

Function: Can loosen dead skin cells, regulate the pH value and provide the skin with moisture.

Allantoin

Plant-based active from the comfrey root that can soothe the skin and support cell renewal.

Function: Can ease irritation and redness, supports regeneration and makes the skin softer.

Squalane

Skin-identical moisturising factor - the skin produces squalene itself, and production declines with age.

Function: Can care for the skin without clogging pores and replenish the natural lipid layer.

Application

Evening apply a thin layer to face and neck after cleansing. Do not rinse - works overnight.

Start with 2-3x per week and increase to daily use with good tolerance.

Frequently asked questions

When do I need an Exfoliation Accelerator in addition?

With pronounced sun damage, rough skin texture or strong unevenness, when daily exfoliation alone is not enough. The glycolic acid accelerates cell renewal on the surface, so that subsequent serums absorb better.

Use in the evening and always sunscreen in the morning - the skin is more light-sensitive after AHA use.

When should I apply the Exfoliation Accelerator - before or after serum?

Right after cleansing and the toner, before all other serums and creams. The glycolic acid prepares the skin, so that subsequent actives absorb better.

Application order: cleanser → toner → Exfoliation Accelerator (leave on for 10-20 minutes) → serum (e.g. vitamin C or peptides) → night cream. You could also leave the accelerator on overnight, but 10-20 minutes is more effective. Use in the evening, not in the morning.

Can I combine the Exfoliation Accelerator with retinol?

Not on the same evening. Both are exfoliating, active ingredients - together that is too aggressive and leads to irritation and overstimulation.

Better to split: retinol 3-4 times a week, Exfoliation Accelerator on the other evenings 1-2 times. This way you exfoliate regularly and accelerate cell renewal without destabilising the skin barrier. After 4-6 weeks you will see clear improvements in texture and brightness.

Does this accelerator contain soothing ingredients?

Yes, that is exactly what makes it special. Green tea, aloe vera and allantoin are antioxidant and soothing. This is important because glycolic acid (alpha hydroxy acid) activates the skin and can irritate slightly.

The botanicals balance that out, so that you have the benefits of exfoliation - faster cell renewal, refined texture, better active absorption - without red, burning skin. For redness-prone skin this is ideal, so that you tolerate active exfoliation.

How long does it take until I see results?

Surface results (smoother texture, glowing appearance) you see after the first or second application. Deeper effects - less unevenness, improved skin quality, sun damage becoming finer - build up over 4-6 weeks of consistent use.

The accelerator works by speeding up natural cell renewal (glycolic acid loosens old cells faster), so that new, healthy skin cells become visible sooner. The more consistently you use it, the clearer the improvement.

About the brand

ZO Skin Health was developed by Dr. Zein Obagi - one of the world's most renowned dermatologists, with over 35 years of research in Beverly Hills. His principle: the skin is not “repaired” from the outside; instead, the cells themselves are activated. Because collagen, elastin and cell renewal decline with age, ZO products work in a targeted way across different skin layers - as system skincare following established treatment protocols, not as a single product.

Transparency & Mandatory Information

Ingredients (INCI)

Aqua, Glycolic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, PEG-100 Stearate, Squalane, Glyceryl Stearate, Steapyrium Chloride, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Cetyl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate

Instructions for use

Contains AHA acids (glycolic acid) and may make the skin more photosensitive. Contains small amounts of vitamin A compounds (retinyl palmitate). Consult a doctor before use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Daytime sunscreen with at least SPF 30 recommended. For external use only.

Product Safety & Contact

NOVVIA GmbH ,

Am Lohmühlbach 17
85356 Freising
Deutschland
,

info@NOVVIA.de , +49 8161 96994-0