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Brand founded in Taiwan, 1981 · about the brand
Glycolic Acid 12% w/w Glowell-12 Cream
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 3.9 ShowHide
Reviewed 6 times · Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This face cream contains Glycolic Acid for exfoliation, but its formulation includes several ingredients of concern. The presence of BHT raises an endocrine-disruption concern, and the undisclosed 'Fragrance' is a common source of allergens, making it unsuitable for individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies. The inclusion of two parabens (Methyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben) as preservatives, while permitted, is a concern for those who prefer to avoid them due to potential endocrine disruption. Overall, while it offers exfoliation, the formulation's additive profile warrants caution.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Glycolic Acid
- Cetostearyl Alcohol
- STEARIC ACID
- Carbomer
- Dimethicone
- +1 more →
Exfoliating cream with endocrine disruptor and undisclosed fragrance.
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This face cream features glycolic acid for skin exfoliation. However, it contains BHT, which is associated with endocrine disruption, and an undisclosed 'Fragrance' that can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. It also uses parabens as preservatives, which some consumers prefer to avoid. This product is not recommended for those with sensitive skin or concerns about endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — BHT is declared.
Concern breakdown
Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concernsHow this product performs on each concern we check for skincare. This is a breakdown of the same evidence behind the score above — not a separate verdict.
Why the score is capped
Contains an ingredient flagged for endocrine-disruption concern
Rule PC-CAP-07
Undisclosed fragrance (allergens not named)
Rule PC-CAP-06
What's good
Contains Glycolic Acid for effective chemical exfoliation.
Includes hydrating ingredients like Glycerin.
Watch out for
Presence of BHT, an antioxidant with endocrine-disruption concerns.
Undisclosed 'Fragrance' can trigger allergies and irritation in sensitive individuals.
Contains Methyl Paraben and Propyl Paraben, preservatives associated with potential endocrine disruption.
Triethanolamine can be irritating and has potential for nitrosamine formation under certain conditions.
Ingredient Concerns safety database
Sources cited below may be Indian (FSSAI) or international (EU, US, WHO, IARC) — an international classification or law is evidence, not an Indian regulatory finding.
BHT (E321)
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant used to stop fats and fragrance oils going rancid. The concern is endocrine activity: animal studies report effects on thyroid hormone and liver enzymes, and the EU SCCS has assessed it as an endocrine-disruption candidate. It is NOT classified as a carcinogen by IARC — that classification (Group 2B) belongs to BHA, a different additive with a similar name. Permitted in cosmetics at low levels.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU SCCS Opinion on BHT (SCCS/1636/21); EFSA re-evaluation of E321
BHT: regulation, sources and other products →Fragrance
"Fragrance" or "parfum" is a catch-all term that can conceal a blend of hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, including known allergens, sensitisers, and potential endocrine disruptors. The EU now mandates disclosure of 82 specific fragrance allergens. People with fragrance sensitivity, asthma, or contact dermatitis should prefer fragrance-free products.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 2023/1545; IFRA
Fragrance: regulation, sources and other products →Decode Label Analysis
BHT is present, which is flagged for potential endocrine disruption concerns.
The product contains 'Fragrance' without specific disclosure of individual fragrance allergens, which is a common cause of skin sensitization and allergic reactions, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.
Methyl Paraben and Propyl Paraben are present. While permitted, parabens are associated with potential endocrine disruption and allergic reactions in some individuals.
Claim check
Front-of-pack marketing claims checked against this product's actual ingredients and nutrition. "Can't verify" means the label does not provide enough information to check the claim — it is not the same as the claim being false.
The ingredient list shows Glycolic Acid as the first ingredient, and the claim specifies 12% w/w.
In label order — normally largest quantity first. Select a row for the full write-up and sources.
Present in trace amounts
Listed near the end of the ingredient list, so present in small quantities — not counted as a headline benefit.
✓ Decode Label Assessment: Favorable ⚠ Decode Label Assessment: Concern Decode Label Assessment: Neutral
Who should take caution
About this ingredient
No detailed safety data in our database yet for this ingredient.
Learn More
What are the ingredients in Glycolic Acid 12% w/w Glowell-12 Cream?
The label of Glycolic Acid 12% w/w Glowell-12 Cream lists 16 ingredients, in label order: Glycolic Acid, Cetostearyl Alcohol, STEARIC ACID, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Light Liquid Paraffin, Disodium EDTA, Methyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben, BHT, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Isopropyl Myristate, Glycerin, Fragrance, Aqua. Flagged by the analysis: Fragrance, Methyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben, BHT, Triethanolamine.
Is Glycolic Acid 12% w/w Glowell-12 Cream safe to use?
Glycolic Acid 12% w/w Glowell-12 Cream scores 3.9/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This face cream features glycolic acid for skin exfoliation. However, it contains BHT, which is associated with endocrine disruption, and an undisclosed 'Fragrance' that can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. It also uses parabens as preservatives, which some consumers prefer to avoid. This product is not recommended for those with sensitive skin or concerns about endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Why does Glycolic Acid 12% w/w Glowell-12 Cream score 3.9/10?
Flagged in the score: Presence of BHT, an antioxidant with endocrine-disruption concerns. Undisclosed 'Fragrance' can trigger allergies and irritation in sensitive individuals. Contains Methyl Paraben and Propyl Paraben, preservatives associated with potential endocrine disruption.
Who should avoid Glycolic Acid 12% w/w Glowell-12 Cream?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin; Fragrance allergy; Contact dermatitis; Endocrine disruption concerns.
Does Glycolic Acid 12% w/w Glowell-12 Cream contain fragrance?
Yes — the ingredient list includes Fragrance. Fragrance is declared as a single ingredient, so the individual scent chemicals in it are not named. This matters mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Are the claims on the Glycolic Acid 12% w/w Glowell-12 Cream pack accurate?
Yes — all 1 claim on the pack checked out against the ingredient list and nutrition panel.
Answers are generated from this product's own Decode Label analysis — the score, the ingredient list and the label claims shown above. Always check the pack itself for allergen and dietary information.
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About this analysis: Based on declared label information and available evidence. Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test products, and a score is not a regulatory determination or medical advice.
Disclaimer: Safety scores are Decode Label-generated assessments based on publicly available regulatory data (FSSAI, WHO, EFSA, IARC) and peer-reviewed research. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, and they are not a regulatory determination, a laboratory safety certification or a medical diagnosis. Ingredient safety can vary by individual health conditions, concentration, and usage context. Decode Label is an independent information service and scores every brand by the same rules. No brand pays for or influences its score. Our founder also founded the personal-care brand Botani Bestie (see our story); its products are scored exactly like everyone else's. Data limitations: This assessment is based on the information declared on the product label and the evidence sources above — Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test this product. Ingredient concentrations, sourcing and manufacturing can vary between batches and are not always disclosed. A finding that is not shown here means it was not identified from the available label information, not that it has been ruled out.
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