Is this cruelty free?

Yes it is! Neither the ingredients nor the products are ever tested on animals! This is important to us too! Thanks for asking!

How long should you avoid the sun or tanning beds after using this?

We support the American Cancer Society's recommendation that no one should use a tanning bed and donate funds annually to support this messaging. A visible tan is visible darkening or damage to the melanin. Melanin exists in the dermis, not the epidermis, so technically the dead epidermal cells do not provide any protection from the sun. Therefore removing the dead skin from the surface of the epidermis will not put the dermis at any increased risk. That being said, we strongly recommend an effective, physical sun block like Titanium Oxide every day winter and summer, to protect the skin from damaging UVA/UVB radiation and to prevent damage to the melanin. I hope this was helpful - thank you for asking! Real Chemistry

I have pigment discoloration. Does this help lighten that?

Pigment resides in the Dermis, the layer of the skin under the Epidermis, which is the target for exfoliation. Exfoliation, by definition, doesn't directly impact pigment per se. That being said, when you exfoliate you are removing the surface cells, revealing the most recently created cells underneath. Doing this continuously/weekly promotes the production of collagen and cell renewal. Those two resulting processes can and do have an impact on pigment and pigment distribution. In summary, exfoliation using this product, or any other, will have a positive impact on pigment and skin tone if used regularly. Great question - hope this was helpful. Good luck! The Crew at Real Chemistry

I just received this product, my tube was not sealed in any way and the gel comes out with clumps in it. It doesn't seem to do anything on the face?

Hi Mel - we appreciate your note. I'm a little confused about the feedback and I am wondering if you could snap a photo of the tube for us? You can email that picture to karen@myrealchemistry.com. Here's why we're asking: the tubes are sealed. Unless they are sealed, no product will dispense. It is a "reverse pressure airless tube". The top of the tube is not a screw cap. It is sealed during manufacturing and without the seal, it isn't possible to dispense the product. So your description is curious for us...and we are wondering if you received the wrong product.That being said, our product should dispense as a clear gel. There are no clumps when it is dispensed. When it is applied to skin however, clumps form. This is the gel combining with the epidermal protein and is exactly how the product should work. It should be spread onto the skin and then massaged gently - as you massage the product it combines with the proteins on the surface of the skin to form new solids. Rinse away and the skin should be left smooth and soft. If this has not been your experience, we would be delighted to either replace the product or offer you a full refund. I hope the information was helpful and please let us know how you would like to proceed.Thanks and enjoy your dayReal ChemistryCustomer Crew