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Clinicians Complex Facial Toner
Clinicians Complex

Clinicians Complex Facial Toner

Efficacy75/100IrritancyMedium
See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation
Glycolic acid, Allantoin
Works well
What the product description says
“Infused with exfoliating Glycolic Acid, the toner gently lifts away dead skin cells to reveal a smooth and radiant complexion, while Hyaluronic Acid infuses skin with moisture to leave it feeling hydrated and comfortable.”
Source: Lookfantastic US

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: glycolic acid.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~5.2–7.8%
AllantoinEffect: LowHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~1.1–1.6%
Moisturizing
Hyaluronic acid, Allantoin + 1 more
Works
What the product description says
“Infused with exfoliating Glycolic Acid, the toner gently lifts away dead skin cells to reveal a smooth and radiant complexion, while Hyaluronic Acid infuses skin with moisture to leave it feeling hydrated and comfortable.”
Source: Lookfantastic US

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": allantoin, hyaluronic acid.

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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

Hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~1.7–2.6%
AllantoinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~1.1–1.6%
Aloe barbadensis extract· 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~3.6–5.4%
Anti-blemish
Glycolic acid, Allantoin
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Decongesting to refine the appearance of pores, the AHA toner will effectively cleanse the skin while protecting against external aggressors.”
Source: Lookfantastic US

This product contains ingredients (glycolic acid) that could help reduce blemishes and clogged pores in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.

Glycolic acidEffect: MediumAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~5.2–7.8%
AllantoinEffect: LowHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~1.1–1.6%
Evens skin tone
Side benefit · Glycolic acid
Works well

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic acid

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~5.2–7.8%
Anti-aging
Side benefit · Glycolic acid, Hyaluronic acid
Works well

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic acid.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~5.2–7.8%
Hyaluronic acidEffect: LowOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~1.7–2.6%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Diazolidinyl urea
Medium risk
We flagged 4 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Glycolic acidAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acidHigh~5.2–7.8%est.
Diazolidinyl ureaA preservative. Works by releasing formaldehyde. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.4%est.
Aloe barbadensis extractTraditionally 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~3.6–5.4%est.
Ammonium hydroxideHelps adjust the product pHMedium~0.15–0.5%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Instant Perfection Peel Pads
Skin Authority Instant Perfection Peel Pads
Higher efficacy · 100/10060% match
$50.55
Balancing Facial Toner
YEOUTH Balancing Facial Toner
Cheaper59% match
$8.99
View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Neral~22–34%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Neral
Water~12–18%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycolic acid~5.2–7.8%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneExfoliationAnti-blemish

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid

More about Glycolic acid
Aloe barbadensis extract~3.6–5.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

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 extract
Gel
Not recognized
Polysorbate 20~2.6–3.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20
Hyaluronic acid~1.7–2.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation

More about Hyaluronic acid
Allantoin~1.1–1.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

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

More about Allantoin
Beta-carotene~0.9–1.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A colorant adding orange or bright yellow color

More about Beta-carotene
Methyl
Not recognized
Propylparaben~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Propylparaben
Ammonium hydroxide~0.15–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps adjust the product pH

More about Ammonium hydroxide
Diazolidinyl urea~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Works by releasing formaldehyde. Can be irritating

More about Diazolidinyl urea
Ingredient list view

Neral, Water, Glycolic acid, Aloe barbadensis extract, Unknown, Polysorbate 20, Hyaluronic acid, Allantoin, Beta-carotene, Unknown, Propylparaben, Ammonium hydroxide, Diazolidinyl urea

Compare prices

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/14 12:24 GMT
$37.00
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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
Clinicians ComplexFacial TonerYOUR PRODUCTSkin AuthorityInstant Perfection Peel PadsYEOUTHBalancing Facial TonerNo7Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum Activating Pads
Match—60%59%58%
Price$37.00$50.55+$13.55$8.99−$28.01$20.34−$16.66
Shared key ingredients—2 of 31 of 32 of 3
Key difference—Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract—Gluconolactone
Irritancy Medium Low Low Low
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 6 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Photoprotective and antiinflammatory effects of topical glycolic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinmdpi.com
  4. 4
    Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humansncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Physiochemical properties and application of hyaluronic acid: a systematic reviewonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  6. 6
    Profile of wound healing process induced by allantoinscielo.br
Clinicians Complex Facial Toner
Clinicians ComplexFacial Toner
Buy on Amazon$37.00 · as of 11/14 12:24 GMT

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

Buy on Amazon$37.00 · as of 11/14 12:24 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.