Le Mieux 5% Glyco-Polymer Solution

A leave-on glycolic micro-peel for smoother, brighter and more refined-looking skin

A lightweight exfoliating solution formulated to improve the appearance of dullness, uneven texture, enlarged pores and fine lines. Glycolic acid lifts accumulated surface cells, while gluconolactone provides complementary polyhydroxy-acid exfoliation and moisture support.

Cucumber, green tea, grape extract and humectants complement the exfoliating action with antioxidant, hydrating and conditioning benefits. With consistent use, 5% Glyco Polymer Solution helps the complexion appear smoother, clearer and more radiant.

Benefits

• Exfoliates accumulated surface cells without physical scrubbing
• Refines rough or uneven-looking skin texture
• Helps brighten dull, tired-looking skin
• Supports a more even-looking complexion
• Softens the visible appearance of fine lines
• Helps keep pores clear and less noticeable
• Encourages a smoother, more polished skin surface
• Prepares the complexion for the hydrating products that follow

Best For

5% Glyco Polymer Solution is particularly well suited to:

• Dull or lacklustre-looking skin
• Rough or uneven surface texture
• Enlarged or congested-looking pores
• Fine lines and early visible signs of aging
• Uneven-looking tone and post-blemish marks
• Combination, oily, normal or mature skin
• Skin already comfortable with gentle exfoliating acids
• Those seeking a leave-on exfoliant rather than a scrub

It is not our first choice for highly sensitive, rosacea-prone or barrier-compromised skin.

Why It Is Different

Unlike a rinse-off acid cleanser, 5% Glyco Polymer Solution remains on the skin, giving its exfoliating ingredients more contact time. This makes it a more targeted treatment for dullness, uneven texture and visible signs of aging—but it also means frequency and product combinations need to be managed carefully.

The current published ingredient list identifies glycolic acid and gluconolactone. Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that works at the skin’s surface, while gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid with exfoliating and humectant properties.

• Glycolic Acid: Helps loosen accumulated surface cells to improve visible texture, tone and radiance.
• Gluconolactone: A polyhydroxy acid that provides complementary surface exfoliation while helping attract moisture.
• Cucumber Extract: Helps hydrate and condition the skin.
• Green Tea Extract: Provides antioxidant and comforting benefits.
• Grape Extract: Supports the formula with antioxidant compounds.
• Glycerin and Propanediol: Humectants that help maintain hydration.
• Glycosaminoglycans: Help support moisture retention and a softer skin feel.
• L-Arginine: An amino acid used to support formula balance and skin conditioning.

How to Use

Use in the evening after cleansing.

Dispense three to four drops onto a cotton pad and gently sweep across the face, avoiding the eye area, lips and any irritated or compromised skin. Do not rinse.

Allow the solution to absorb before applying a hydrating serum and moisturizer. Slight tingling may occur. Persistent burning, significant redness or discomfort is a sign to rinse the skin and discontinue use.

Le Mieux recommends using the product as needed. If you are new to glycolic acid, begin one or two evenings per week and increase gradually only if your skin remains comfortable.

Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning.

Loshen & Crem’s Recommendation

This is a leave-on exfoliant, so we do not recommend beginning with daily use simply because the skin appears dull or congested. Start with one evening per week, then increase to two or three evenings if needed and well tolerated.

Use a gentle cleanser beforehand. Do not prepare the skin with Exfoliating Cleansing Gel, Brightening Cleanser, Microderm Exfoliant or another acid-based product in the same routine.

Alternate evenings when using retinol, benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C with a low pH, another leave-on acid or a strong blemish treatment. More exfoliation will not create faster results if it compromises the skin barrier.

Pause use before and after professional peels, laser treatments, microneedling or other resurfacing procedures until your skincare professional confirms that the skin has recovered.

Complete the Le Mieux Smoothing and Brightening Routine

1. Cleanse: Peptide Foam Cleanser or Phyto-Nutrient Cleansing Gel
2. Exfoliate: 5% Glyco Polymer Solution, one to three evenings per week
3. Hydrate: Hyaluronic Serum
4. Moisturize: Bio Cell Rejuvenating Cream or Sheer Hydration
5. Protect: Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning

Glycolic Acid and Gluconolactone

Glycolic acid and gluconolactone are both hydroxy acids, but they have different characteristics.

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid with a relatively small molecular size. It exfoliates accumulated cells at the skin’s surface, helping improve visible dullness, uneven texture, fine lines and discoloration.

Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid with a larger molecular structure. It generally penetrates more gradually and also functions as a humectant, helping attract moisture while providing surface exfoliation.

Together, they create a multi-acid approach to texture and radiance. Individual tolerance will still depend on frequency, the complete routine and the condition of the skin barrier.

Which Le Mieux Exfoliant Is Right for You?

Choose 5% Glyco Polymer Solution if you want a leave-on chemical exfoliant for dullness, uneven texture, fine lines and visible pores.

Choose Exfoliating Cleansing Gel if your skin is oily, blemish-prone or congested and you prefer a rinse-off cleanser containing 1% salicylic acid.

Choose Microderm Exfoliant if you prefer an occasional physical polish that provides immediate surface smoothness.

These products should not automatically be combined in the same routine. Choose the exfoliation method that best matches your skin rather than layering all three.

Ingredients

• Glycolic Acid: Exfoliates accumulated surface cells to improve visible texture, radiance and tone.
• Gluconolactone: Provides gentle polyhydroxy-acid exfoliation while helping support hydration.
• Cucumber Fruit Extract: Helps hydrate, refresh and condition the complexion.
• Witch Hazel Leaf Extract: Provides a toning and astringent effect that may help oily skin feel more balanced.
• Grape Fruit Extract: Offers antioxidant and conditioning benefits.
• Green Tea Extract: Provides antioxidant support and helps comfort the skin.
• Glycerin: Attracts moisture to support hydration.
• Glycosaminoglycans: Help support moisture retention and softness.
• L-Arginine: An amino acid that helps condition the skin and support formula balance.
• Propanediol: Functions as a humectant and helps improve the application of the formula.

Full Ingredient List:

Water, Glycolic Acid, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Propanediol, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Extract, Glycerin, L-Arginine, Glycosaminoglycans, Gluconolactone, Polysorbate 20, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin.

Ingredient lists may change. Always refer to the product packaging for the most current ingredient list, particularly if you have allergies or sensitivities. Contact info@loshen.ca if you need help reviewing the formula before purchasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 5% Glyco Polymer Solution a toner?

No. It is a leave-on exfoliating treatment. It may have a water-light texture, but it should not be used as frequently or casually as a basic hydrating toner.

What exfoliating acids does it contain?

The current published ingredient list identifies glycolic acid and gluconolactone. Although Le Mieux’s marketing description mentions lactic acid, lactic acid is not separately listed in the current online INCI.

Does it need to be rinsed off?

No. Apply three to four drops with a cotton pad after cleansing and allow the product to remain on the skin.

How often should I use it?

Begin one or two evenings per week. If your skin remains comfortable, gradually increase to two or three evenings weekly or follow personalized professional guidance.

Is tingling normal?

A brief, mild tingling sensation may occur. Persistent burning, significant redness, swelling or discomfort is not a result to push through. Rinse the skin and discontinue use if irritation develops.

Can it help with clogged pores and breakouts?

Surface exfoliation may help reduce the buildup that contributes to congestion, but 5% Glyco Polymer Solution is not an acne medication. Oily skin with deeper pore congestion may benefit more directly from salicylic acid.

Does it permanently tighten enlarged pores?

No skincare product can permanently change the structural size of a pore. By removing accumulated surface cells and improving texture, the solution may help pores appear smoother and less noticeable.

Can sensitive or dry skin use it?

Possibly, but frequency should be conservative. The formula contains glycolic acid and witch hazel, which may not suit highly sensitive, rosacea-prone or barrier-compromised skin.

Can I combine it with retinol?

Avoid using them in the same evening when beginning. Alternate nights and increase frequency only if the skin remains comfortable. Many clients do not need both products every night.

Can I combine it with vitamin C?

It depends on the vitamin C formula and the skin’s tolerance. Using two low-pH active products together may increase stinging or irritation. Separate them into morning and evening routines when unsure.

Can I use it with Microderm Exfoliant or an acid cleanser?

We do not recommend combining them in the same routine. Layering physical exfoliation, an acid cleanser and a leave-on glycolic treatment can easily lead to over-exfoliation.

Can it be used after a professional peel or resurfacing treatment?

Not until the skin has fully recovered and your skincare professional has approved the return of exfoliating products.

Is it fragrance-free?

No added fragrance, parfum or essential oil is listed in the current ingredient list. However, individual sensitivity to botanical extracts can still occur.

Is 5% Glyco Polymer Solution vegan?

The formula contains glycosaminoglycans, whose source is not identified on the product page. Le Mieux does not make a vegan claim for this product, so we cannot independently confirm its vegan status.

Can it be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

The formula does not list a retinoid, but pregnancy and breastfeeding recommendations should be personalized. Le Mieux does not specifically identify this product as pregnancy-safe. Consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before use.