Works for
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Ceramide np + 12 moreWorks well
“Formulated with a skin-loving blend of oat milk, niacinamide and ceramides, this gentle, non-drying, non-irritating toner helps to nourish and smooth the skin while supporting the skin’s barrier.”
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:
avena sativa kernel flour, glycerin.
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: avena sativa kernel flour, cholesterol.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide ap, ceramide eop, ceramide np, niacinamide, phytosphingosine
Evens skin toneNiacinamide, Glycolic acidWorks well
“Key Ingredients Oat Milk Nourishes and soothes skin Niacinamide Minimizes pores, evens out skin tone, and delivers antioxidant benefits Allanoin Soothes and moisturizes skin without irritation Ceramides Builds up the skin's moisture barrier Hyaluronic Acid Locks in moisture for a plump complexion Formulated Without Non-comedogenic Fragrance-free All e.l.f.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic acid, niacinamide
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.
Anti-blemishSide benefit · Niacinamide, Glycolic acid + 3 moreWorks well
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: glycolic acid
ExfoliationSide benefit · Glycolic acid, AllantoinWorks well
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.
Anti-agingSide benefit · Niacinamide, Glycolic acid + 1 moreWorks well
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic acid, niacinamide.
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Hamamelis virginiana waterMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~7.5–9.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 juiceGlycerin~4.4–5.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinNiacinamide~3.2–3.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideTrehalose~2.3–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin
More about TrehaloseCeramide np~1.9–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide npCeramide ap~1.6–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide apCeramide eop~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide eopGlycolic acid~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 acidSodium hyaluronate~0.75–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateChamomilla recutita flower water~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Tocopheryl acetate~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 acetateHamamelis virginiana water~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating
More about Hamamelis virginiana waterAvena sativa kernel flour~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of colloidal oatmeal. Can contain potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Is effective in supporting skin barrier
More about Avena sativa kernel flourSodium pca~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
More about Sodium pcaAllantoin~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinPhytosphingosine~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect
More about PhytosphingosineCholesterol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally found in skin
More about CholesterolPentylene glycol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolSodium lauroyl lactylate~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Sodium lauroyl lactylateCaprylyl/capryl glucoside~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent
More about Caprylyl/capryl glucosidePolyglyceryl-3 cocoate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-3 cocoatePolyglyceryl-10 laurate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-10 laurateXanthan gum~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumCarbomer~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerPhenoxyethanol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolEthylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.25%
Sodium benzoate~0.1–0.15%
Citric acid~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidBenzoic acid~0.1–0.2%
Disodium edta~0.05–0.15%
Tromethamine~0.1–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Water, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Trehalose, Ceramide np, Ceramide ap, Ceramide eop, Glycolic acid, Sodium hyaluronate, Chamomilla recutita flower water, Tocopheryl acetate, Hamamelis virginiana water, Avena sativa kernel flour, Sodium pca, Allantoin, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Pentylene glycol, Sodium lauroyl lactylate, Caprylyl/capryl glucoside, Polyglyceryl-3 cocoate, Polyglyceryl-10 laurate, Xanthan gum, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium benzoate, Citric acid, Benzoic acid, Disodium edta, Tromethamine
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
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.
| e.l.f. CosmeticsPure Skin TonerYOUR PRODUCT | ARZTINA-Cera Barrier Ampoule Toner | GatineauCollagene Hydra Essence | Paula's choicePore-Reducing Toner | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 86% | 83% | 81% |
| Price | — | $6.96 | $62.91 | $21.51 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 8 of 13 | 9 of 13 | 9 of 13 |
| Key difference | — | Adenosine | Lactic Acid | Adenosine |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Medium | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: NERISH Soy Ceramide Barrier TonerSaro de Rúe X GOTHAMISTA ESSENCE
Product summary
"e. L. F. Cosmetics - Pure Skin Toner" is effective for: Anti-blemish, Exfoliation, Moisturizing, Evens skin tone and Anti-aging
Ingredient callouts
- A good concentration of Niacinamide (3.20% - 3.90%). Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
- This product contains acids (glycolic acid 1.10% - 1.30%). Their concentration is low, and they will not have a strong exfoliating effect. Instead, they work to support the skin natural acid mantle and to attract water (as humectants).
- Ceramides (phytosphingosine 0.30% - 0.60%, ceramide np 1.90% - 2.30%, ceramide eop 1.30% - 1.60% and ceramide ap 1.60% - 1.90%). Ceramides are an important part of our natural skin barrier. The Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or come from plants. They help soften the skin and can help "fill the gaps" in the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient for longer.
- Humectants (avena sativa kernel flour 0.50% - 0.75%, sodium pca 0.30% - 0.55%, trehalose 2.30% - 2.80%, sodium hyaluronate 0.75% - 1.15% and glycerin 4.40% - 5.40%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.