1/5

a-gel

Name: a-gel
Brand: build (skincare)
SKU: AGEL
Price: 27.00 CAD
Availability: InStock

gentle activated texture control gel

1.7 fl. oz. (50 mL)

$27.00 cad

a-gel is the first product in the a-series (active) to compliment the b-series (basic) of basic skincare staples. finally, a gentle salicylic acid serum! a-gel is a weightless and plush gel serum designed to deliver a gentle dose of 1% salicylic acid. a-gel is formulated for maximum delivery of a lower dose of salicylic acid to help maintain skin clarity and smoothness in the long term while still being gentle on sensitive skin. the salicylic acid in a-gel helps control skin texture by ungluing the bonds that hold dead skin cells on the surface of your skin and inside your pores. unlike alpha hydroxy acids glycolic acid and lactic acid which are water soluble, salicylic acid is oil soluble meaning it can reach further into your pores to help clear out build up. at a 1% concentration, salicylic acid can exfoliate your skin to soften and refine texture and it can help calm skin redness.

a-gel's texture is lightweight and plush and it instantly absorbs into the skin for a non-greasy, non-sticky finish.

targets > congestion + texture + blemishes

a-gel is not a solution for persistent blemishes. consult a physician for treatment that best suits your skin.

helps to dissolve or 'unglue' the dead cells on the surface of the skin and inside your pores
improves texture & tone of skin
calms redness

massage 1-2 pumps onto clean skin. use 2-3 times per week on targeted areas or the entire face.

please be sure to follow our safe usage advice while using this product. this will ensure an optimal outcome and reduce the potential for unwanted irritation.

patch testing prior to use is advised
if excessive irritation occurs, discontinue use
avoid using in combination with other products containing salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids or retinol
do not use on skin that is irritated, peeling or compromised
keep out of reach of children
use a sunscreen and limit sun exposure when using this product

active: salicylic acid (1%)

aqua, propylene glycol, squalane, ethoxydiglycol, salicylic acid, betaine, dimethicone, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, cetearyl alcohol, cetearyl glucoside, sodium hydroxide, disodium edta, diazolidinyl urea, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate

formula updated: august 2024

if you want to lessen the chance of irritation when trying a-gel for the first time, apply it after your moisturizer until your skin becomes well adjusted
if your skin can tolerate it, a-gel can be used as much as twice per day to maintain skin clarity and smoothness

materials:

pump: PP [5] / bottle: glass / label: vinyl

step 1: remove the pump

step 2: rinse out any residue in the bottle

step 3: screw pump back onto bottle

step 4: remove label (dispose in regular trash)

step 5: toss into your curbside recycling bin

* before recycling always make sure to check that your area recycles these plastic types.

plush gel serum

a-gel's texture is lightweight and plush. it instantly absorbs into the skin for a non-greasy, non-sticky finish.

gentle texture control

a-gel is formulated for maximum delivery of a lower dose of 1% salicylic acid to help maintain skin clarity and smoothness in the long term while still being gentle on sensitive skin.

barrier-friendly extras

a-gel is formulated with barrier support ingredients including betaine, squalane, and dimethicone to hydrate, cushion, and smooth.

after cleansing and before moisturizing, apply a-gel to your face, avoiding the eye area. if you're new to salicylic acid or have sensitive skin, start by applying a-gel once or twice a week, and observe how your skin responds. if your skin tolerates it well, you can gradually increase the frequency of application to every other day or daily, as needed. remember to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day, as salicylic acid can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun.

a 1% concentration of salicylic acid balances effectiveness with skin tolerance. it's gentle enough for daily use and suitable for sensitive skin, while still effectively exfoliating pores and controlling sebum. higher concentrations can increase the risk of irritation, dryness, and peeling. this concentration aims to minimize adverse effects, making it a safer option for regular use across various skin types. for more severe skin concerns, consulting a dermatologist for a personalized recommendation is advised.

salicylic acid offers numerous benefits beyond improving skin texture, including its anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and soothe irritation, its ability to minimize pores and regulate sebum production for a less oily complexion, and its role in preventing future skin issues by keeping pores clear. additionally, it enhances the absorption and efficacy of other skincare products by exfoliating the skin's surface layer. this multifaceted approach not only enhances skin texture but also contributes to overall skin clarity and health, making salicylic acid a versatile addition to skincare routines.

yes, a-gel can be considered a bha serum because it contains salicylic acid. while salicylic acid is labeled a beta hydroxy acid (bha) in skincare for its beneficial effects and structural similarities to bhas, it doesn't perfectly fit the organic chemistry definition. nevertheless, a-gel functions similarly to other exfoliating bha serums or toners and can be used accordingly.

built on the basics

simplicity is our strength. a-gel relies on these foundational ingredients:

salicylic acid helps to even texture and keep pores clear

squalane mimics skin’s natural oils to keep it balanced and comfortable

betaine helps skin maintain its natural hydration balance for lasting comfort

a-gel targets skin texture & inconsistency

love what salicylic acid does—but hate the dryness and flaking that comes with it?

you might not need to ditch it—just dial it down. a-gel pairs a gentle 1% salicylic acid with a creamy, hydrating base to help keep your skin clear and comfortable.

using salicylic acid sporadically won't. deliver the best results. improvement comes from consistent use. less intense means less irritating—so you can use it more often, more confidently, and actually stick with it.

we formulated a-gel with a lower 1% concentration. strong enough to improve skin texture but gentle enough for daily use.

build a routine with a-gel

every routine starts with the basics. here’s how a-gel fits in to give your skin the care it needs without complication.

cleanse

b-wash

target

a-gel

moisturize

b-cream

I think as individuals we often want fast results. when it comes to taking care of your skin, there really is no such thing. I wanted to develop a product that is designed for the long term. I didn't want to create an exfoliating acid product with too much of a risk of irritation from over exfoliation. at a 1% concentration, salicylic acid is effective without the excess dryness you may experience from higher concentrations. a lot of similar products on the market have undesirable textures so a huge focus in the development of a-gel aside from efficacy was ensuring it could incorporate into a routine easily and feel nearly undetectable on the skin once it absorbed. if you suffer from more complicated skin, sometimes its nicer to feel like you are letting your skin breathe even though we know skin cells don't have lungs ;)

jonah ray, owner & founder

Makes your skin nice and smooth! Get rid of dead skin fast. Also works for acne

Hero product for managing congestion

My teenager LOVES a-gel, he's finished up multiple bottles. The mild percentage of salicylic works beautifully to manage any congestion and because it's gentle he can use it every day without any issues; easier for him to be consistent with a simple everyday product rather than trying to juggle a stronger product only a few times per week. He likes its lightweight texture too. He has combo, generally unproblematic skin with occasional pimples & blackheads.

nice, gentle product

This product is interesting. It has such a hydration factor that I never found from products containing SA. It doesn’t claim to help with acne, but I do find it at least tones down the inflammation of breakouts. It is gentle which means it can work for so many people. That’s something I really enjoy about this brand, is that the products are “basic” in a way that the majority of people will enjoy them, but they are still special products. I find when I use this that it helps with texture. I haven’t used it in a while, but I need to get back into it!

It's true! It's quite hydrating despite being designed to help with texture. The aim of a-gel is definitely about not having the highest concentration possible but instead having a gentler concentration that allows for more frequent use. Thanks for this awesome review!

Great for sensitive skin

I have rosacea acne prone skin with a weak barrier. Most actives break me out and bring on pustules. This does not. I use a small amount 3 times a week as per the instructions. It cleared up the existing acne I had. It does not sting my skin (many actives do eg. vitamin c, 2% salicylic acid, retinol). Thank you for making this!

Thank you Rebecca for this awesome review!

Country/Region

Country/Region

a-gel

a-gel targets skin texture & inconsistency

build a routine with a-gel

b-wash

a-gel

b-cream

Customer Reviews