Core Four (Retinoid Alternative)
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Core Four (Retinoid Alternative)
Core Four (Retinoid Alternative)

Core Four (Retinoid Alternative)

The four pregnancy-friendly essentials your skin needs

221 reviews

The Barefaced Core Four (Retinoid Alternative) is a simplified skincare system designed to strengthen skin over time. Each step—exfoliate, protect, correct, and brighten—works together to improve clarity, tone and texture while supporting healthy skin function day to day. Built for consistency and lasting results, the Core Four focuses on long-term skin health to deliver results that last beyond the moment.

Customize your set

Round Out Your Routine

Hydrating Lotion
Hydrating Lotion
lightweight, antioxidant rich, age-defying moisturizer
$115
Key Benefits

  • Improves the look of fine lines + uneven texture without retinoids
  • Helps keep pores clear + skin balanced
  • Visibly brightens dull tone for a more even-looking complexion
  • Supports healthy skin renewal with consistent use
  • Designed for skin that can’t tolerate traditional retinoids
  • Suitable for sensitive skin types
How to Use

Morning Routine

After cleansing, apply Toning Pads, gently swiping one pad across your face, neck and chest. Follow with 2-5 drops of Liquid Gold to face, neck and chest, then apply Overachiever and moisturizer. Finish with SPF for broad-spectrum protection.

Evening Routine

Double cleanse. Gently swipe a Toning Pad across your face, neck and chest. Apply 2-5 drops of Liquid Gold and let it absorb. Apply Overachiever. Follow with Hydrating Lotion (or your preferred moisturizer).

Getting Started Tips

Introduce one new product a day, starting every other day to monitor tolerance. Once tolerated, increase to daily use. If you have sensitive skin, wait 1 week between introducing new products to avoid irritation.

Ingredients

Toning Pads/II: 1 jar/60 pads

  • Glycolic Acid: Brightens + exfoliates
  • Lactic Acid: Hydrates + smooths fine lines
  • Salicylic Acid: Clears pores + fights breakouts

Liquid Gold: 1 fl oz/30 mL

  • L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 15%: Brightens + defends
  • Vitamin E: Enhances antioxidant efficacy

Tinted/Sheer Protection SPF 50+: 2 fl oz/60 mL

  • Zinc Oxide 14.5% & Octinoxate 7.5%: Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection

Overachiever: 1 fl oz/30 mL

  • Bakuchiol: Enhances efficacy + reduces sensitivity
  • Resveratrol: Improves texture/radiance + reduces redness/inflammation

View Full Ingredients

Toning Pads: 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: 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

Liquid Gold: Water (Aqua), Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, 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, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Pullulan, Silica, Phenoxyethanol

Overachiever: Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Bakuchiol, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Bisabolol, Azelaic Acid, Saccharide Isomerate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Resveratrol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Sprout Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Lycium Barbarum Callus Culture Extract, Isomalt, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Lecithin, Bacillus Ferment, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Tocopherol, Caffeine, Sodium Lactate, Undecane, Tridecane, Pullulan, Xanthan Gum, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Silica, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sclerotium Gum, Sodium PCA, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Citrate, Pentylene Glycol, Maltodextrin, Propanediol

Tinted Protection SPF 50+:

  • Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 14.5% & Octinoxate 7.5%
  • Inactive Ingredients: Purified Water, Niacinamide, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Polyisobutene, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Butylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caffeine, Panthenol, Dimethicone, Sucrose, Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Xanthan Gum, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloydimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA

Sheer Protection SPF 50+:

  • Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide 14.5% & Octinoxate 7.5%
  • Inactive ingredients: Purified Water, Niacinamide, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Polyisobutene, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Butylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caffeine, Panthenol, Dimethicone, Sucrose, Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Xanthan Gum, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloydimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA

Jordan Harper, NP

From the Expert

Clinically-Proven Ingredients You’ll Love

  • No parabens
  • No fragrance
  • No phthalates
  • No sulfates
  • No artificial dyes
  • No mineral oil
  • No formaldehyde donors
Ingredient Highlights
Glycolic Acid

Brightens + exfoliates

L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 15%

Provides antioxidant protection + collagen stimulation while visibly brightening + evening skin tone

Bakuchiol

Retinoid alternative that helps improve texture + tone, fights acne + has antioxidant power

Zinc Oxide (14.5%) & Octinoxate (7.5%)

Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection

See Full Ingredients

Toning Pads: 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: 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

Liquid Gold: Water (Aqua), Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, 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, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Pullulan, Silica, Phenoxyethanol

Overachiever: Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Bakuchiol, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Bisabolol, Azelaic Acid, Saccharide Isomerate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Resveratrol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Sprout Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Lycium Barbarum Callus Culture Extract, Isomalt, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Lecithin, Bacillus Ferment, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Tocopherol, Caffeine, Sodium Lactate, Undecane, Tridecane, Pullulan, Xanthan Gum, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Silica, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sclerotium Gum, Sodium PCA, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Citrate, Pentylene Glycol, Maltodextrin, Propanediol

Tinted Protection SPF 50+:

  • Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 14.5% & Octinoxate 7.5%
  • Inactive Ingredients: Purified Water, Niacinamide, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Polyisobutene, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Butylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caffeine, Panthenol, Dimethicone, Sucrose, Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Xanthan Gum, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloydimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA

Sheer Protection SPF 50+:

  • Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide 14.5% & Octinoxate 7.5%
  • Inactive ingredients: Purified Water, Niacinamide, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Polyisobutene, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Butylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caffeine, Panthenol, Dimethicone, Sucrose, Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Xanthan Gum, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloydimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA

Where it Fits in Your Routine

  • 01 CLEANSE
  • 02 TONE
  • 03 ANTIOXIDANT
  • 04 STRENGTHEN
  • 05 HYDRATE
  • 06 PROTECT
Papaya Enzyme Cleanser

754 reviews

Papaya Enzyme Cleanser
mild exfoliating cleanser
Toning Pads

4248 reviews

Toning Pads
reveals brighter, smoother skin & unclogs pores - best for first time users + normal/dry skin
Liquid Gold

4658 reviews

Liquid Gold
hydrating, 15% vitamin C serum
Overachiever

3970 reviews

Overachiever
a skin-boosting serum
Hydrating Lotion

2253 reviews

Hydrating Lotion
lightweight, antioxidant rich, age-defying moisturizer
Tinted Protection SPF 50+

2095 reviews

Tinted Protection SPF 50+
broad-spectrum mineral based sunscreen

FAQs

What’s the difference between Toning Pads and Toning Pads II?

Both our Toning Pads and Toning Pads II are designed to exfoliate, smooth, and brighten the skin. The key difference comes down to strength and skin tolerance.

Toning Pads:

  • Up to 2% glycolic acid
  • Best for sensitive skin or those new to exfoliating acids
  • Provides gentle exfoliation to clear pores and improve skin texture

Toning Pads II:

  • Up to 5% glycolic acid
  • Better suited for experienced users or those with oily, resilient skin
  • Helps improve stubborn congestion and more noticeable texture concerns

*Both pads contain up to 2% Salicylic Acid

If you’re new to Barefaced pads, start with Toning Pads to let your skin adjust before moving up to Toning Pads II. Always use sunscreen daily when incorporating exfoliating acids into your routine.
Should I start with Toning Pads or Toning Pads II?

We recommend starting with regular Toning Pads and then increasing to Toning Pads II as tolerated.
Can I wear SPF with makeup?

Absolutely. It layers beautifully under foundation or tinted moisturizer and also gives a polished, even finish on its own.

If you’re wearing makeup, reapply with a powder or spray SPF to maintain protection throughout the day.
Is this product considered pregnancy or nursing-friendly?

We recommend consulting your healthcare provider for any specific concerns.
How do I apply my products?

We wrote you a blog post all about it! Check out How to Layer Your Skincare Products for more info.
What is your Shipping and Returns policy?

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.

Overall rating: 4.864865 / 5 from 222 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

The Barefaced Core Four (Retinoid Alternative) is a skincare system that enhances skin texture and tone. Customers report improved clarity, reduced fine lines, and brighter, smoother skin. While some experienced hormonal breakouts, the routine is simple, effective, and pregnancy-friendly.

Summary topics

  • Breakouts: 5%
  • Results: 9%
  • Difference: 9%
  • Routine: 7%
  • Fine Lines: 5%

Review topics: ["irritation","results","quality","issues","smell","improvement","feels","lines","spots","texture","glow","use","formula","skin","looks","difference","face","breakouts","acne","routine","alternative","pores","shade","set","core four","sunscreen","gold","overachiever","kit","regimen"].

Review highlights

  • "My skin feels so amazing and refreshed and my sunspots have gotten lighter too" — Jill P.
  • "Smooth skin, minimal breakouts and reduction in fine lines." — Nicol
  • "I’m a few weeks in to utilizing the pregnancy friendly bare essentials product line and my skin is so happy." — Emily S.

Reviews

Love this system!

"These products are amazing! I have sensitive skin and tolerate all of them well! The sunscreen was new to me and it feels really nice on my skin that is usually quite sensitive to other brands."

— Miranda R. (5/5)

So good I’ll buy it again!

"If you are looking for products that are both effective and safe, I cannot recommend making the switch enough. It takes a little research, but finding brands that prioritize skin health over cheap fillers is totally worth it!"

— Mikaela J. (5/5)

Mostly Love!

"I love the pads, vitamin C, and the overachiever! However, the tinted moisturizer has a musty smell to it. I have ordered this in the past and it smelled more like sunscreen. This one smells badly and I have a hard time using it when I can smell it on my face! Not sure if something changed in the formula, but a little bummed!"

— Alli M. (4/5)

Minimal, yet effective!

"I’ve seen a reduction in fine lines and an overall boost in my skin’s glow in just 4 short weeks! A little product goes a long way! The only product that is mediocre is the tinted spf. It doesn’t blend in well and is streaky. All of the other products I plan to reorder."

— Tabitha S. (4/5)

Good for pregnancy!

"While my skin is a tad sensitive durinf this pregnancy , Ive noticed overall skin improvements while using this system. The sunscreen is perfect for a no makeup, makeup look"

— Maggie K. (4/5)

No luck yet. Not giving up.

"trying to heal my skin, I wear a Bipap at night. Decided to try only during the day."

— Annemarie P. (2/5)

Life changing

"I started with the toning pads and vitamin c, and little by little have expanded to the brightening serum, tinted sunscreen and overachiever. They have really transformed my skin and couldn’t be happier with the results!"

— Tiffany R. (5/5)

Changes your skin

"These products absolutely change your skin for the better! I look forward to this routine and keep coming back for more because of the benefits!"

— Vic L. (5/5)

Love!

"Completely transforming my skin and I’m obsessed"

— Gianna Y. (5/5)

Love a Pregnancy Friendly Skin Care Routine!

"Been searching for a pregnancy safe skin care routine and I am blown away by how my skin is feeling after 4 weeks of using these products! The toning pads have transformed my skin to feeling the smoothest it’s ever felt and having a retinol alternative in overachiever has been a game changer! My only note on the tinted sunscreen is that it is just slightly dark for my complexion but I mix a pump with my normal SPF and it’s a perfect tinted shade for me. Highly highly recommend these products!"

— Joanna C. (5/5)

Q&A

Hi there! How much glycolic acid and sacylic acid is in the toning pads? Specifically percentages? I ask because am pregnant.
Hi Kate! While exact percentages are proprietary to Barefaced, the Toning Pads have up to 2% glycolic acid and the Toning Pads II have up to 5% glycolic acid. Glycolic acid helps to exfoliate and slough off the dead skin cells revealing a "glow". Both pads have up to 2% salicylic acid which helps to cleanse the pores and improve breakouts. Please feel free to reach out to us at hello@barefaced.com with any additional questions!
Which Bare Necessities should I get for aging skin? I am 53 years old
Hi Alison, The Bare Necessities we recommend for aging skin is Liquid Gold, Barefaced Tinted or Sheer SPF (based on preference), Toning Pads, and RetinAL Skin Therapy. 😀

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