Core Four (Retinoid Alternative)
The Barefaced Core Four (Retinoid Alternative) is a streamlined skincare system designed to support healthy, long-term skin function. Each step—exfoliate, protect, correct, and brighten—works together to improve clarity, tone, and texture while helping your skin perform at its best. Built for consistency and results, the Core Four makes it easy to care for skin that works better over time, not just looks better in the moment.
What's included:
- SPF–Tinted or Sheer SPF
- Retinoid-Alternative–Overachiever
- Vitamin C–Liquid Gold
- Exfoliant–Toning Pads or Toning Pads II
Toning Pads:
- Aloe Barbadensis: succulent plant that provides potent hydration and soothing properties.
- Glycolic Acid 2%: alpha-hydroxy acid that retexturizes and brightens the skin, providing exfoliating benefits while boosting the skin's natural moisture.
- Lactic Acid: alpha-hydroxy acid that provides exfoliating benefits, stimulates cellular renewal for an anti-aging effect, helps rejuvenate the appearance of photoaged skin and serves as a humectant to boost the skin's natural moisture.
- Salicylic Acid: beta-hydroxy acid that improves uneven skin texture, helps unclog pores and promotes exfoliation.
- Mandelic Acid: alpha-hydroxy acid that helps rejuvenate the appearance of photoaged skin by increasing cellular turnover and exfoliating dead skin cells.
- Succinic Acid: provides hydration while restoring the skin's pH and regulating sebum production.
- Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Extract: a botanical extract that contains antioxidant properties which calm and soothe the skin while promoting cellular turnover.
- Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract: contains antioxidant properties which calm and soothe the skin
Water (Aqua), Sd Alcohol 40-B, Glycolic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Succinic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Tocopherol
Toning Pads II:
- Glycolic Acid 5%: alpha-hydroxy acid that retexturizes and brightens the skin, providing exfoliating benefits while boosting the skin's natural moisture.
- Lactic Acid: alpha-hydroxy acid that provides exfoliating benefits, stimulates cellular renewal for an anti-aging effect, helps rejuvenate the appearance of photoaged skin and serves as a humectant to boost the skin's natural moisture.
- Salicylic Acid: beta-hydroxy acid that improves uneven skin texture, helps unclog pores and promotes exfoliation.
- Mandelic Acid: alpha-hydroxy acid that helps rejuvenate the appearance of photoaged skin by increasing cellular turnover and exfoliating dead skin cells.
- Succinic Acid: provides hydration while restoring the skin's pH and regulating sebum production.
- Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Extract: a botanical extract that contains antioxidant properties which calm and soothe the skin while promoting cellular turnover.
- Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract: contains antioxidant properties which calm and soothe the skin
- Aloe Barbadensis: succulent plant that provides potent hydration and soothing properties.
Water (Aqua), Sd Alcohol 40-B, Glycolic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Succinic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Tocopherol
Liquid Gold:
- L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 15% - potent antioxidant that improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, minimizes dark spots and provides UV protection
- Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E) - works in conjunction with vitamin C to provide enhanced effectiveness.
- Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Extract helps skin appear more radiant and even toned.
- Morus Alba (White Mulberry) Extract brightens the skin while enhancing an even skin tone.
- Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Extract brightens the skin while helping to prevent premature aging and inflammation.
- Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Extract a skin conditioner that improves skin’s radiance.
Water (Aqua), Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Propanediol, Coconut Alkanes, Hydrated Silica, Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Fruit Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum (Reishi) Extract, Morus Alba (White Mulberry) Leaf Extract, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin. Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Pullulan, Silica, Phenoxyethanol
Overachiever:
- Resveratrol: antioxidant that reduces inflammation, swelling and irritation
- Bakuchiol: packed full of anti-aging and soothing benefits and promotes more even skin tone and texture
- Azelaic Acid: provides anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties which lessen breakouts and increases skin’s radiance
- Hyaluronic Acid: provides intense hydration and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Green Tea: contains antioxidant properties which calm and soothe the skin
- Peptides: contains hydrating and soothing properties and encourages the production of collagen to promote firmer looking skin
- Caffeine: helps minimize appearance of pores for tighter looking skin
Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Resveratrol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bakuchiol, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide, Bisabolol, Azelaic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Saccharide Isomerate, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Propylene Glycol, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Lecithin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Tocopherol, Caffeine, Sodium Bisulfite, Sodium Lactate, Pullulan, Sodium PCA, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Silica, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Citrate
Sheer Protection SPF 50+:
- Zinc Oxide 14.5% protects against harmful UV rays which in turn helps prevent premature wrinkles and sun damage.
- Octinoxate 7.5% protects against harmful UV rays which in turn helps prevent premature wrinkles and sun damage.
- Niacinamide - Vitamin B3 provides anti-aging benefits while brightening and soothing the skin.
- Lactic Acid - alpha-hydroxy acid that provides exfoliating benefits, stimulates cellular renewal for an anti-aging effect, helps rejuvenate the appearance of photoaged skin and serves as a humectant to boost the skin's natural moisture.
- Hyaluronic Acid provides intense hydration and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Caffeine helps minimize the appearance of pores for tighter looking skin.
Inactive Ingredients: Purified Water, Niacinamide, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Polyisobutene, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Butylene Glycol, Caffeine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lactic Acid, Panthenol, Sucrose, Jojoba Esters, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Xanthan Gum, Dimethicone, Coconut Ether, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloydimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate
Tinted Protection SPF 50+:
- Zinc Oxide 14.5% protects against harmful UV rays which in turn helps prevent premature wrinkles and sun damage.
- Octinoxate 7.5% protects against harmful UV rays which in turn helps prevent premature wrinkles and sun damage.
- Niacinamide - Vitamin B3 provides anti-aging benefits while brightening and soothing the skin.
- Lactic Acid - alpha-hydroxy acid that provides exfoliating benefits, stimulates cellular renewal for an anti-aging effect, helps rejuvenate the appearance of photoaged skin and serves as a humectant to boost the skin's natural moisture.
- Hyaluronic Acid provides intense hydration and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Caffeine - helps minimize appearance of pores for tighter looking skin
Inactive Ingredients: Purified Water, Niacinamide, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Polyisobutene, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Butylene Glycol, Caffeine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lactic Acid, Panthenol, Sucrose, Jojoba Esters, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Xanthan Gum, Iron Oxides, Dimethicone, Coconut Ether, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloydimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate
Formulated without parabens, fragrance, phthalates, sulfates, artificial dyes, mineral oil, formaldehyde donors.
While considered pregnancy/nursing-friendly, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider for any specific concerns.
Orders are processed Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and major holidays. Orders are typically delivered within 5-7 business days.You may return any item purchased at full price in new or gently used condition within 30 days of purchase, by mail. Some orders may be subject to a $9.95 handling fee. Please note, some Items are final sale.More Information on Shipping + Returns
Targets:
Before & After
Smoother & Clearer Skin. More Confident You.
"Started seeing results in the first couple weeks and now after a full year of using this product I have brand new skin! My biggest insecurity is gone and I can feel confident in myself again."
"I couldn’t find anything to help treat the hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and rough texture left behind from the acne scars until I discovered this absolute gem!"
"These before and after photos are from 6 months apart and without using any other products! So thankful to have found this brand!"
"I have been using these products for almost a year. I have been waiting for my face to break out again like it has done the last several winters... it hasn't happened. My skin is clearer and healthier than ever. I don't have severe itching and pain from brutal adult acne. Thank you Barefaced."
Clinically–Proven Ingredients You’ll Love
Glycolic Acid
Salicylic Acid
L-Ascorbic Acid
Resveratrol
Bakuchiol
Hyaluronic Acid
Niacinamide
Zinc Oxide
Octinoxate
Toning Pads:
- Aloe Barbadensis: succulent plant that provides potent hydration and soothing properties.
- Glycolic Acid 2%: alpha-hydroxy acid that retexturizes and brightens the skin, providing exfoliating benefits while boosting the skin's natural moisture.
- Lactic Acid: alpha-hydroxy acid that provides exfoliating benefits, stimulates cellular renewal for an anti-aging effect, helps rejuvenate the appearance of photoaged skin and serves as a humectant to boost the skin's natural moisture.
- Salicylic Acid: beta-hydroxy acid that improves uneven skin texture, helps unclog pores and promotes exfoliation.
- Mandelic Acid: alpha-hydroxy acid that helps rejuvenate the appearance of photoaged skin by increasing cellular turnover and exfoliating dead skin cells.
- Succinic Acid: provides hydration while restoring the skin's pH and regulating sebum production.
- Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Extract: a botanical extract that contains antioxidant properties which calm and soothe the skin while promoting cellular turnover.
- Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract: contains antioxidant properties which calm and soothe the skin
Water (Aqua), Sd Alcohol 40-B, Glycolic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Succinic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Tocopherol
Toning Pads II:
- Glycolic Acid 5%: alpha-hydroxy acid that retexturizes and brightens the skin, providing exfoliating benefits while boosting the skin's natural moisture.
- Lactic Acid: alpha-hydroxy acid that provides exfoliating benefits, stimulates cellular renewal for an anti-aging effect, helps rejuvenate the appearance of photoaged skin and serves as a humectant to boost the skin's natural moisture.
- Salicylic Acid: beta-hydroxy acid that improves uneven skin texture, helps unclog pores and promotes exfoliation.
- Mandelic Acid: alpha-hydroxy acid that helps rejuvenate the appearance of photoaged skin by increasing cellular turnover and exfoliating dead skin cells.
- Succinic Acid: provides hydration while restoring the skin's pH and regulating sebum production.
- Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Extract: a botanical extract that contains antioxidant properties which calm and soothe the skin while promoting cellular turnover.
- Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract: contains antioxidant properties which calm and soothe the skin
- Aloe Barbadensis: succulent plant that provides potent hydration and soothing properties.
Water (Aqua), Sd Alcohol 40-B, Glycolic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Succinic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Tocopherol
Liquid Gold:
- L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 15% - potent antioxidant that improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, minimizes dark spots and provides UV protection
- Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E) - works in conjunction with vitamin C to provide enhanced effectiveness.
- Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Extract helps skin appear more radiant and even toned.
- Morus Alba (White Mulberry) Extract brightens the skin while enhancing an even skin tone.
- Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Extract brightens the skin while helping to prevent premature aging and inflammation.
- Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Extract a skin conditioner that improves skin’s radiance.
Water (Aqua), Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Propanediol, Coconut Alkanes, Hydrated Silica, Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Fruit Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum (Reishi) Extract, Morus Alba (White Mulberry) Leaf Extract, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin. Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Pullulan, Silica, Phenoxyethanol
Overachiever:
- Resveratrol: antioxidant that reduces inflammation, swelling and irritation
- Bakuchiol: packed full of anti-aging and soothing benefits and promotes more even skin tone and texture
- Azelaic Acid: provides anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties which lessen breakouts and increases skin’s radiance
- Hyaluronic Acid: provides intense hydration and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Green Tea: contains antioxidant properties which calm and soothe the skin
- Peptides: contains hydrating and soothing properties and encourages the production of collagen to promote firmer looking skin
- Caffeine: helps minimize appearance of pores for tighter looking skin
Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Resveratrol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bakuchiol, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide, Bisabolol, Azelaic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Saccharide Isomerate, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Propylene Glycol, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Lecithin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Tocopherol, Caffeine, Sodium Bisulfite, Sodium Lactate, Pullulan, Sodium PCA, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Silica, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Citrate
Sheer Protection SPF 50+:
- Zinc Oxide 14.5% protects against harmful UV rays which in turn helps prevent premature wrinkles and sun damage.
- Octinoxate 7.5% protects against harmful UV rays which in turn helps prevent premature wrinkles and sun damage.
- Niacinamide - Vitamin B3 provides anti-aging benefits while brightening and soothing the skin.
- Lactic Acid - alpha-hydroxy acid that provides exfoliating benefits, stimulates cellular renewal for an anti-aging effect, helps rejuvenate the appearance of photoaged skin and serves as a humectant to boost the skin's natural moisture.
- Hyaluronic Acid provides intense hydration and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Caffeine helps minimize the appearance of pores for tighter looking skin.
Inactive Ingredients: Purified Water, Niacinamide, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Polyisobutene, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Butylene Glycol, Caffeine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lactic Acid, Panthenol, Sucrose, Jojoba Esters, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Xanthan Gum, Dimethicone, Coconut Ether, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloydimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate
Tinted Protection SPF 50+:
- Zinc Oxide 14.5% protects against harmful UV rays which in turn helps prevent premature wrinkles and sun damage.
- Octinoxate 7.5% protects against harmful UV rays which in turn helps prevent premature wrinkles and sun damage.
- Niacinamide - Vitamin B3 provides anti-aging benefits while brightening and soothing the skin.
- Lactic Acid - alpha-hydroxy acid that provides exfoliating benefits, stimulates cellular renewal for an anti-aging effect, helps rejuvenate the appearance of photoaged skin and serves as a humectant to boost the skin's natural moisture.
- Hyaluronic Acid provides intense hydration and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Caffeine - helps minimize appearance of pores for tighter looking skin
Inactive Ingredients: Purified Water, Niacinamide, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Polyisobutene, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Butylene Glycol, Caffeine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lactic Acid, Panthenol, Sucrose, Jojoba Esters, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Xanthan Gum, Iron Oxides, Dimethicone, Coconut Ether, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloydimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate
Formulated without parabens, fragrance, phthalates, sulfates, artificial dyes, mineral oil, formaldehyde donors.
While considered pregnancy/nursing-friendly, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider for any specific concerns.
Free from Unwanted Ingredients
Using Core Four (Retinoid Alternative)
Frequently Asked Questions
We can help with that! To get started, we recommend taking our skin quiz, which you can find here. The skin care quiz will guide you to the best products for your skin type.
Barefaced, and all of the other lines we carry, are considered “medical-grade” skincare (although that’s not a regulated term). Our products are formulated to be results-driven, and they’re developed by medical professionals, master formulators and expert chemists to induce change in the skin at the cellular level.
Yes, all of the products we stock are cruelty-free.