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Baxter of California Herbal Mint Toner
Baxter of California

Baxter of California Herbal Mint Toner

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Alanine, Allantoin + 17 more
Works
What the product description says
“An astringent for men that cleanses, hydrates and tones with mild herbal extracts.”
Source: SmallFlower

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: alanine, allantoin.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: arginine.

AlanineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking~2–2.9%
AllantoinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~1.4–2.2%
ArginineKey active· Humectant, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin~1.3–1.9%
BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.9–1.35%
GlycineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function~0.1–0.4%
Glutamic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.4%
LysineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.3%
Hydrolyzed soy proteinKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and skin lightening properties, but solid evidence is missing~0.1–0.4%
ThreonineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.05–0.25%
SerineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.05–0.15%
Sodium pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.05–0.15%
ProlineKey activeEffect: Medium~0.05–0.25%
Methyl gluceth-20Key active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it~0.05–0.2%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice· HumectantEffect: LowTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~3.3–4.9%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.75%
Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~0.05–0.2%
Sorbitol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.05–0.2%
Cucumis sativus fruit extractEffect: Low, below effective doseMight be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect~0.1–0.4%
NiacinUnder-dosedA form of vitamin B3. It is similar in action to niacinamide, but is more likely to cause red flashes in skin as the side effect~0.05–0.2%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Camellia oleifera leaf extract, Hydrolyzed soy protein + 3 more
Works well

This product contains antioxidants (camellia oleifera leaf extract) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

Camellia oleifera leaf extractKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, even though it is not usually used in sufficient concentration in cosmetics~0.1–0.5%
Hydrolyzed soy proteinEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and skin lightening properties, but solid evidence is missing~0.1–0.4%
Cucumis sativus fruit extractEffect: Low, below effective doseMight be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect~0.1–0.4%
Tocopheryl acetateEffect: Low, below effective doseA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.~0.05–0.25%
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oilEffect: Low, below effective doseA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skin~0.05–0.2%
Anti-aging
Side benefit · Lysine, Serine + 3 more
May help

This product contains lysine, serine, threonine. These ingredients might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

LysineKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.3%
SerineKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.05–0.15%
ThreonineKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.05–0.25%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: LowTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~3.3–4.9%
NiacinUnder-dosedA form of vitamin B3. It is similar in action to niacinamide, but is more likely to cause red flashes in skin as the side effect~0.05–0.2%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
10 strong irritants: Hamamelis virginiana water, Benzophenone-4 + 8 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 21 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Hamamelis virginiana waterA plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~3.6–5.4%est.
Benzophenone-4Sulisobenzone. A UV filter. Is typically used to improve the product stability under exposure to UV light. It is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. It can be used is larger concentrations as a sun protection ingredient for the skin, but can be irritatingHigh~1.7–2.5%est.
Commiphora myrrha oilUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.1–0.35%est.
Foeniculum vulgare oil—High~0.1–0.45%est.
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilAn essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
Mentha piperita oilUsed as a fragrance and can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.2%est.
NiacinA form of vitamin B3. It is similar in action to niacinamide, but is more likely to cause red flashes in skin as the side effectHigh~0.05–0.2%est.
Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.2%est.
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skinHigh~0.05–0.2%est.
Salvia officinalis oil—High~0.05–0.2%est.
Dmdm hydantoinA preservative that releases formaldehyde and can be irritatingHigh~0.01–0.1%est.
Iodopropynyl butylcarbamateA preservative. Can be irritatingHigh~0.01–0.02%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~3.3–4.9%est.
BhtA preservativeMedium~0.5–1.2%est.
Cucumis sativus fruit extractMight be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effectMedium~0.1–0.4%est.
Sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonateHelps protect the ingredients in the formulation against UV lightMedium~0.05–0.15%est.
Tetrasodium edtaHelps to stabilize the product formulationMedium~0.05–0.2%est.
Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.05–0.25%est.
Tributyl citrateHelps improve the product textureMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
Ci 17200A red colorantMedium~0.01–0.05%est.
Ci 42090A colorant (dye)Medium~0.01–0.05%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Hamamelis virginiana water~3.6–5.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating

More about Hamamelis virginiana water
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~3.3–4.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritationAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishAnti-aging

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
Octoxynol-9~2.3–3.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Octoxynol-9
Alanine~2–2.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingEvens skin tone

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking

More about Alanine
Allantoin~1.4–2.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishReduces irritationReduces rednessExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin
Arginine~1.3–1.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin

More about Arginine
Benzophenone-4~1.7–2.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Sun protection

Sulisobenzone. A UV filter. Is typically used to improve the product stability under exposure to UV light. It is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. It can be used is larger concentrations as a sun protection ingredient for the skin, but can be irritating

More about Benzophenone-4
Betaine~0.9–1.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Betaine
Bht~0.5–1.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Bht
Buteth-3~0.4–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Buteth-3
Butylene glycol~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol
Camellia oleifera leaf extract~0.1–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, even though it is not usually used in sufficient concentration in cosmetics

More about Camellia oleifera leaf extract
Commiphora myrrha oil~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance

More about Commiphora myrrha oil
Cucumis sativus fruit extract~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizing

Might be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect

More about Cucumis sativus fruit extract
Foeniculum vulgare oil~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Foeniculum vulgare oil
Glutamic acid~0.1–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Glutamic acid
Glycine~0.1–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function

More about Glycine
Hydrolyzed soy protein~0.1–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-inflammatory

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and skin lightening properties, but solid evidence is missing

More about Hydrolyzed soy protein
Lysine~0.1–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

More about Lysine
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil
Mentha piperita oil~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance and can be irritating

More about Mentha piperita oil
Methyl gluceth-20~0.05–0.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it

More about Methyl gluceth-20
Niacin~0.05–0.2%
Under-dosedIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin tone

A form of vitamin B3. It is similar in action to niacinamide, but is more likely to cause red flashes in skin as the side effect

More about Niacin
Polysorbate 80~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polysorbate 80
Proline~0.05–0.25%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing
More about Proline
Propylene glycol~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationAntibacterial

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skin

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil
Salvia officinalis oil~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Salvia officinalis oil
Serine~0.05–0.15%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

More about Serine
Sodium pca~0.05–0.15%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Sodium pca
Sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonate~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps protect the ingredients in the formulation against UV light

More about Sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonate
Sorbitol~0.05–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Sorbitol
Tetrasodium edta~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to stabilize the product formulation

More about Tetrasodium edta
Threonine~0.05–0.25%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

More about Threonine
Tocopheryl acetate~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate
Tributyl citrate~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps improve the product texture

More about Tributyl citrate
Dmdm hydantoin~0.01–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative that releases formaldehyde and can be irritating

More about Dmdm hydantoin
Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate~0.01–0.02%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Can be irritating

More about Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate
Methylparaben~0.05–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Methylparaben
Ci 17200~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A red colorant

More about Ci 17200
Ci 42090~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A colorant (dye)

More about Ci 42090
Ingredient list view

Water, Hamamelis virginiana water, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Octoxynol-9, Alanine, Allantoin, Arginine, Benzophenone-4, Betaine, Bht, Buteth-3, Butylene glycol, Camellia oleifera leaf extract, Commiphora myrrha oil, Cucumis sativus fruit extract, Foeniculum vulgare oil, Glutamic acid, Glycine, Hydrolyzed soy protein, Lysine, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Mentha piperita oil, Methyl gluceth-20, Niacin, Polysorbate 80, Proline, Propylene glycol, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil, Salvia officinalis oil, Serine, Sodium pca, Sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonate, Sorbitol, Tetrasodium edta, Threonine, Tocopheryl acetate, Tributyl citrate, Dmdm hydantoin, Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, Methylparaben, Ci 17200, Ci 42090

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Amazon USPrice as of 11/10 00:20 GMT
$22.00
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SmallFlower8 fl oz
$22.00
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Ulta
$22.00
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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
Baxter of CaliforniaHerbal Mint TonerYOUR PRODUCTNaturopathicaGotu Kola + Fruit Exosome Rejuvenating EssencecelimaxThe Real Noni Moisture Balancing TonerACWELLPhyto Active Balancing Toner
Match—41%40%40%
Price$22.00$86.00+$64.00$22.50+$0.50$21.00−$1.00
Shared key ingredients—9 of 129 of 129 of 12
Key difference—PanthenolAspartic AcidNiacinamide
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop
  • matches yours
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More alternatives: Живица Увлажняющий тоник с гиалуроновой кислотой и ниацинамидом тоник для лица, для всех типов кожиArt&fact Лимфодренажный тоник для кожи с алоэ вера 5 %, гидролатом василька 10%, ниацинамидом 4%, кофеином 1% и лизином 1%

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 19 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Combination of amino acids reduces pigmentation in B16F0 melanoma cellsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Profile of wound healing process induced by allantoinscielo.br
  3. 3
    Benzophenone 4: An emerging allergen in cosmetics and toiletries?pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Effect of Topical Application of Glycine and Proline on Recalcitrant Leg Ulcers of Prolidase Deficiencyjamanetwork.com
  5. 5
    Functional glycine receptor in cultured human keratinocytesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  6. 6
    Extracts from Glycine max (soybean) induce elastin synthesis and inhibit elastase activityonlinelibrary.wiley.com
Baxter of California Herbal Mint Toner
Baxter of CaliforniaHerbal Mint Toner
Buy at Ulta$22.00$22.00as of 11/10 00:20 GMT

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy at Ulta$22.00$22.00as of 11/10 00:20 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.