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Core Four
BEST SELLER
Core Four

Core Four

The four essentials your skin needs

213 reviews

The Barefaced Core Four 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.

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Core Four (Retinoid Alternative)
Core Four (Retinoid Alternative)
the foundation of your skincare routine
$388
What’s Included
  • SPF 50+: prevents sun damage and premature aging
  • Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid): prevents free radical damage, boosts collagen
  • AHAs and BHAs: exfoliate dead skin cells and clear out pores
  • Bakuchiol: retinoid alternative that aids cellular turnover for healthy, youthful skin
Key Benefits

  • Reveals visibly brighter, more even-looking skin
  • Shields against UV and environmental stress
  • Smooths rough texture + helps clear pores
  • Helps soften fine lines + improve overall tone
  • Builds long-term skin resilience
  • Supports long-term skin health
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. Apply serums 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 RetinAL Skin Therapy. 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

RetinAL Skin: 1 fl oz/30 mL

  • Retinaldehyde: Anti-aging powerhouse
  • Bakuchiol: Enhances efficacy + reduces sensitivity

RetinAL Skin Therapy is not recommended for use while pregnant. We recommend consulting your healthcare provider for any specific concerns.

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

RetinAL Skin: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Bisabolol, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (Argan), Retinal, Bakuchiol, Lavandula Hybrida Extract, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Flower Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Triheptanoin, Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, BHT

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 Results

100%

of users reported smoother and softer skin

97%

of users reported more even-toned skin

94%

of users reported more radiant skin

*Based on an 8-week consumer study conducted on 32 women ages 29-66.

Before

After

Age

25-34

Skin Type

Normal, acne-prone

Skin Concerns

Breakouts, redness, dark spots
Is it right for me?
Take the AI Skin analysis

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

Retinaldehyde

Visibly smoothes wrinkles, boosts collagen, evens skin tone + clarifies pores

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

RetinAL Skin: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Bisabolol, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (Argan), Retinal, Bakuchiol, Lavandula Hybrida Extract, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Flower Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Triheptanoin, Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, BHT

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 PROTECT
  • 05 RETINOID
Papaya Enzyme Cleanser

754 reviews

Papaya Enzyme Cleanser
mild exfoliating cleanser
Toning Pads

4249 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
Tinted Protection SPF 50+

2095 reviews

Tinted Protection SPF 50+
broad-spectrum mineral based sunscreen
RetinAL Skin

2547 reviews

RetinAL Skin
improve tone/texture + reduce fine lines/wrinkles

FAQs

Is this product considered pregnancy or nursing-friendly?

RetinAL Skin Therapy is not recommended for use while pregnant. We recommend consulting your healthcare provider for any other specific concerns.
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.
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.
Can I use Toning Pads with retinoids?

Yes, Toning Pads are totally fine to use together with retinoids (like RetinAL Skin Therapy) but they can be irritating at first. If you’re new to the combo, or struggle with sensitivity, we recommend using the Toning Pads in the AM only and your retinoid at night. You can start using Toning Pads in the PM once you know your skin is tolerating them without dryness or sensitivity in the morning.
How should I start using retinoid?

We wrote you a blog post all about it! Check it out here.
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.
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: 4.8638496 / 5 from 213 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

The Barefaced Core Four skincare system is designed to improve skin clarity, tone, and texture over time. Customers report that the routine is easy to follow, and they notice significant improvements in their skin's appearance and feel. The products are praised for their lightweight texture and noticeable results.

Summary topics

  • Skincare Routine: 7%
  • Skin Feel: 11%
  • Product Texture: 6%
  • Skin Difference: 10%
  • Product Results: 11%

Review topics: ["ingredients","results","improvement","lines","feels","spots","texture","use","glow","packaging","skin","difference","looks","acne","face","foundation","compliments","patches","pores","gold","hair","reduction","redness","change","alternative","spf","routine","kit","toning pads","necessities"].

Review highlights

  • "My skin looks smooth and I have smaller pores and less blackheads" — Ashley
  • "My skin looks amazing and I’m getting complements on my glow regularly." — Sarah R.
  • "Liquid Gold keeps my skin looking AMAZING:) the retinol and tinted sunscreen go on my skin like butter." — Susan S.

Reviews

Your biggest fan after a few weeks!

"My skin concerns check every box on the list. Before starting my Barefaced regime, my skin was dull, around my nose was greasy, while other parts of my face were dry and red. I started with the toning pads which made my face look less dull within a week. Wrinkles are what convinced me I needed to buy the kit. Within a day, my face felt balanced. Within a week, my skin got soft. I’m sticking with it to see if I can reduce redness more, minimize wrinkles, and look younger again. Knowing these are safe ingredients was another must. I’m very pleased with the product and am planning to look into eye creams as well."

— Blake H. (5/5)

Core 4 Review

"I cannot believe the transformation my skin has made. The fine lines are less noticeable and my complexion is so much brighter!"

— Kathryn H. (5/5)

I absolutely LOVE these products!

"I absolutely LOVE these products! Within a week my skin looked brighter. I’ve never found a retinol product that worked for me until now. I use the core four daily. No adverse reactions. Highly recommend!"

— laura r. (5/5)

My skin THIRSTS for Barefaced

"I’m just about 3 weeks into consistent, 2x daily use of the Core Four and I’ve just started layering in the Brightening Serum. I can really feel the product’s nourishing my face. I have already noticed an overall improvement and brightening in my face. At my age, I’m looking to even my skin tone and improve the glow of my face. I am prone to dark circles around my eyes and with age, melasma. This bothers me the most and would like to stop any further sun damage/brown splotches. Using these few products, consistently, is making a difference. I’m taking regular photos to mark the progress and am super excited to simplify my skincare routine and achieve real results!!!"

— Jennifer A. (5/5)

Core Four

"Products have made drastic improvement in skin in just a few short weeks. Love these products."

— Rebekah M. (5/5)

Great products!

"First of all, I really like the Toning Pads, Liquid Gold and RetinAL Skin. My dark spots are much lighter and my scaly patches are smooth and lighter. The texture has improved greatly. The combination of the 3 has lived up to the hype. The tinted SPF was not a fit for me. I have very fair skin and the tint was too dark and looked artificial on me. I also have white hair and it discolored the hair around my face. I gave it to a friend who is not as fair as I am and has darker hair and she loves it, so I will say it’s a good product, but not for everyone."

— Christy L. (4/5)

Love this set! But. . .

"I would opt for the non-tinted sunscreen next time. I've been using the other three on the set and I love them!"

— Jennifer G. (4/5)

So far So good!

"So far I like everything, haven't noticed results but only been a month."

— Margaret M. (4/5)

Simple and EFFECTIVE

"These products have truly given me that skincare routine I was lacking!! I love the less is more concept with barefaced and I've been using these products for about a month now and already see a difference!"

— Kaitlyn (5/5)

New user

"So far so good!!!!"

— Jodi C. (5/5)

Q&A

Which products work well for rosacea?
Hi Jennifer! Thank you for reaching out! We have a link under our Shop tab that is specifically for redness or rosacea that will be the best place to find products for this. You can also take our skin quiz for a more customized routine specific to your skin's needs! Overall, you'll want to use very gentle products for rosacea prone skin. Please reach out to us if you have any other questions, we're happy to help!
Is this set pregnancy safe?
Hi! Thank you for reaching out. Our Bare Necessities (Retinoid Alternative) is considered pregnancy safe. For additional questions please email hello@barefaced.com.
The bundle appears to be sold out . Will you be getting back in stock . Would love to try.
Hi Lindsay! Thank you for reaching out. The product in this bundle that is currently sold out is the Tinted SPF all other products are still available. We expect the Tinted SPF to be back in stock early September. Please email hello@barefaced.com with any further questions.
How long do the products last? (a month, 2 months, etc.)
If using the recommended amount, the products should last around 3 months. Everyone is a bit different depending on how frequently and how heavy handed you are with product usage. We recommend keeping track of the date when you started using your products and that way you know exactly how long each product lasts for you! We offer subscriptions as well, that way you never have to worry about running out! 🙂

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