MD Formulatons Vit-A-Plus Clearing Complex Masque

Apparently, MD Formulations was the first company to license glycolic patents worldwide.  They developed a proprietary glycolic compound that is safe for all skin types and conditions because of a patented technology that raises the pH of the glycolic compound to match skin's pH levels, thus making it less irritating.  Originally operating as Bioceutix, MD Formulations offered its products primarily through spas and salons but also through physicians across the United States and in 17 countries.  Enter Bare Escentuals, who  acquired MD Formulations in November 2001, introducing it's product lines to the mass market.

I've been using Bare Escentuals products for about 5 years now, and somehow I was unaware of this.  When I bought the Vit-A-Plus Clearing Complex Masque from Beauty.com, I was surprised to see the Bare Escentuals info on the container.  Sometime the obvious escapes me, I guess. Regardless, I'm glad I bought this masque for problem prone skin, as I really like it!  Using dual action Alpha and Beta Hydroxy acids for exfoliation, it purports to improve skin texture and clarity.  Retinol-pure Vitamin A helps to eliminates oily shine, fight blemishes, and diminish the appearance of enlarged pores while Rosemary adds antibacterial benefits.  The base is french white clay, giving it a pale yellow green color.  

After smoothing a thin layer on my face, I can feel a slight tingling sensation.  The masque contains a 5% lactic compound and 1% salicylic acid, so I'm guessing these are what I'm feeling.  I leave it on for about 15 minutes and then rinse off.  This is not a masque that leaves my skin feeling particularly soft, but it does feel invigorated, clean and deslicked.  Recommended usage is 1-2 per week, and I've been using it once a week since I use several other exfoliating products as well.  I can tell that my pores are getting smaller and that my skin texture and clarity has improved, but I have to attribute that to more than one product since i have a rotation going.

This masque has earned a place in that rotation, however.  It retails for $30 for 2.5 oz, which should last quite a while since about a quarter's amount covers my face.  You can purchase MD Formulation products from a variety of online retailers, including Bare Escentuals, Skinstore, and Amazon.  The best prices seem to be on Amazon.