This Lemony Elixir Might Be the Best Thing I’ve Ever Put on My Face for an Overnight Glow

One of the perks of being a commerce writer at Well+Good is the product testing. Since my job entails writing about stuff, I have to test that stuff, which means each week, I get my hands on the latest-and-greatest consumer goodies ranging from vacuum cleaners to vibrators to help inform my reviews.

That being said, I’ve tested close to a dermatologist’s office closet worth of consumer skin-care products at this point in my early writing career. Creams, serums, face oils, gua sha tools, masks, cleansers, toners, pimple patches, jade rollers—you name it, and it’s crossed my desk at some point or another. In this sea of skin care, there’s one singular product that has taken my breath away for its glow factor—Ole Henriksen Dewtopia 20% Acid Night Treatment ($55), an acid-powered sucker punch that leaves skin radiant almost instantly.

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Ole Henriksen, Dewtopia 20% Acid Night Treatment — $55.00

This lemony elixir is packed with fruity goodness that leaves skin lighter, brighter, and tighter while you sleep.

I’m not exaggerating when I say this might be the best product I’ve ever put on my face. I am in love with Dewtopia and have told my entire social circle about the wonders of this fantastic, fruit-tastical face serum.

Here’s why it’s won my heart—this thing is loaded with fruity acids that lighten and brighten the skin. The star ingredients are the alpha-hydroxy acids, or AHAs, and the polyhydroxy acids, or PHAs. If those sound like something out of a science fair, here’s a refresher from Rina Allwah, MD, FAAD, a Pennsylvania-board certified dermatologist who previously gave us the low-down on chemical exfoliants: AHAs, like glycolic acid and citric acid, are plant-based acids that target the top layer of skin. They’re great for superficial skin stuff, like fine lines, mild blemishes, and hyperpigmentation.

On the other hand, PHAs (a derivation of AHAs) go a liiittle bit deeper to exfoliate dead skin cells and slough away grime. They’re not as penetrable as beta hydroxyacids, or BHAs, which dive deep into the dermis to dislodge dirt, but they’re still potent enough to even skin tone and smooth things out. Skin looks and feels like something out of a magazine ad: brighter, bouncier, and dewier in all the right ways.

This powerful serum has earned itself the top spot in my nightly routine. After I wash my face, I pump out a dollop of the stuff and gently rub it over my face and neck. Thanks to those citrus-y acids, it smells exactly like lemon meringue pie and gently tingles the skin as you rub it in. According to the Ole Henriksen site, the tingles aren’t any cause for alarm—that’s just the acids doing their thing. And if you don’t feel them? That’s normal too, since everyone’s skin is different.

After that, I top off my routine with a little bit of moisturizer before falling asleep, which is when Dewtopia gets to work and the magic happens—the 20 percent blend of acids (10 percent AHAs, 10 percent PHAs) work in tandem to welcome skin to, well, Dewtopia. They tighten, brighten, and lighten to give your face an effortless glow the next morning.

But they’re not the only all-star ingredients: Dewtopia is formulated with a handful of other skin-loving super heroes that’ll have your face feeling fine. Ingredients like aloe juice, for hydration, and Nordic birch sap, that replenishes the skin overnight. There’s also licorice extract, a plant-based tincture that’s beloved for its no-nonsense attitude toward dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

All of this goodness has proved that I’m not the only one who’s impressed by the lemony elixir: According to an Ole Henriksen clinical trial, 97 percent of users agreed this product gave them a healthy glow in just 8 weeks. Similarly, 94 percent of users said that their skin felt softer and smoother, while 92 percent felt their skin was renewed. Tl;dr—taking up residency in Dewtopia for just $55 a bottle is money well spent.

The only downside about this product is the potency—the 20 percent acid blend can be a lot on skin, especially if you’re prone to redness, irritation, and sensitivity. It can also increase your sensitivity to sunlight, thanks to those AHAs. Your best bet is to do a patch test. If all goes well, try it once or twice a week—since it is so strong, that might be all you need starting out—before working your way up to nightly use.

Otherwise, I can confirm: the Ole Henriksen Dewtopia 20% Acid Night Treatment is a game-changer for glow. Take it from me—someone whose job is literally to test hundreds of skin care products (and vacuums… and vibrators…)—this citrus-fueled serum is worth every penny.

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