Horace 3701154701474 Serum Review
Our verdict
Horace brings a clean, brightening-focused drop serum with glycolic acid and glycerin to the $28 price point. A well-positioned option for those who want chemical exfoliation in a minimal, silicone-free formula.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Buyers looking for a glycolic acid serum with a clean ingredient profile, free of mineral oil and silicones, at a mid-range price.
Skip if
You have very sensitive skin that reacts to AHAs, are new to chemical exfoliants and want a gentler first step, or need a fragrance that differs from unscented.
- Form Drop
- Skin type All
- Key ingredients Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Glycolic Acid
- Benefits Brightening
- Size 30 Milliliters
- Scent Unscented
- Priced 27% above the category median ($22.00 across 291 tracked models)
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.4/5
4.4 average across 120 owner ratings
-
Popularity0.7/5
120 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other anti-aging skincare: serums, night creams, facial peels, wrinkle patches and anti-aging devices we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
Horace is a European grooming and skincare brand with a design-minimal, ingredient-intentional identity. This 30 ml drop serum at $28 lists glycolic acid and glycerin as its key ingredients, pairing an AHA exfoliant with a classic humectant. The brightening benefit listed in the specs aligns with what glycolic acid is commonly associated with in skincare practice.
The formula is unscented and free of mineral oil and silicone, which appeals to buyers who want a clean base without pore-clogging or occlusive concerns. The natural label adds to that positioning. At 30 ml for $28, it sits at a reasonable per-ml cost compared to many name-brand AHA serums.
With 120 reviews at 4.4 stars, the sample is smaller but the rating is strong. Horace is not yet a household name in the US market, so the review count reflects a more limited buyer reach rather than underperformance. The feedback from those who have tried it trends consistently positive.
Pros
- Glycolic acid targets the look of brightness and skin texture
- Glycerin as a humectant helps balance the drying potential of AHAs
- Unscented, mineral-oil-free, and silicone-free formula
- 4.4 stars from 120 reviews shows a solid positive reception
- Natural label with a minimal ingredient philosophy
Cons
- Glycolic acid can irritate sensitive or reactive skin, particularly without acclimatization
- 120 reviews is a limited base compared to mass-market serums
- AHA use requires consistent daytime SPF, adding a step some find inconvenient
- No additional anti-aging actives listed beyond glycolic acid and glycerin
Specifications
- Form
- Drop
- Skin type
- All
- Key ingredients
- Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Glycolic Acid
- Benefits
- Brightening
- Size
- 30 Milliliters
- Scent
- Unscented
- Free of
- Mineral Oil Free, Silicone Free
- Features
- Natural
Performance notes
Glycolic acid is among the most studied alpha hydroxy acids. It works at the skin surface by encouraging the shedding of older skin cells, which may help with the look of uneven texture, dullness, and over time the appearance of fine lines. Glycerin is a widely used humectant that draws moisture to the skin surface, which helps counteract the temporary dryness that AHA exfoliants can cause. The silicone-free formula means the serum relies on the active ingredients and carrier rather than a smoothing agent to deliver its feel, which some buyers specifically prefer.
What buyers say
4.4 stars from 120 reviews positions this as a well-liked serum within its buyer base. Horace has stronger brand recognition in European markets, and the review count reflects its emerging presence in the US channel. Feedback appears to center on the clean texture and brightening results. For a glycolic acid serum at $28, the rating suggests buyers find it worth the price.
Similar anti-aging skincare: serums, night creams, facial peels, wrinkle patches and anti-aging devices to consider
Frequently asked questions
How often should a glycolic acid serum be used?
For most people, starting with 2 to 3 times per week and building toward daily use as tolerated is a common approach. Glycolic acid at regular use can cause dryness or mild peeling in the first few weeks. Using a moisturizer afterward and applying SPF every morning without exception is important when using any AHA regularly.
Can glycolic acid be combined with other actives like retinol?
Combining glycolic acid with retinol in the same routine is generally not recommended on the same night for most people, as both are active exfoliants that can compound irritation. Using one in the morning and the other at night, or alternating evenings, is a more manageable approach. Applying glycerin or a hydrating moisturizer over either active helps support the skin barrier.
Is this serum appropriate for all skin types despite listing?
Glycolic acid is listed as suitable for all skin types in many formulas, but in practice it tends to work best on normal to combination and dull or uneven skin. Very sensitive or rosacea-prone skin may find glycolic acid too stimulating compared to a milder AHA like mandelic acid. If your skin reacts easily to active ingredients, starting with once-weekly use on a small area is the most cautious approach.