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Emma Hardie Amazing Face Exfoliating Brightening Tonic
Emma Hardie

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Exfoliating Brightening Tonic

Efficacy81/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Evens skin tone
Bakuchiol, Lactobacillus/punica granatum fruit ferment extract
Works well
What the product description says
“It also contains skin brightening properties as well as improving skin clarity and tone.”
Source: Allbeauty

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

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.

BakuchiolKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation~1.3–2%
Lactobacillus/punica granatum fruit ferment extractEffect: LowAn enzyme-based exfoliant~4.7–7%
Anti-aging
Bakuchiol, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
Works well
What the product description says
“Emma Hardie, Amazing Face This tonic is clinically proven to reduce signs of ageing including reduction in roughness and dryness, fine lines and wrinkles as well as improving skin tone, elasticity and firmness whilst adding brightness and radiance.”
Source: Allbeauty

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

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.

BakuchiolKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation~1.3–2%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally 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~0.15–0.55%
Moisturizing
Glycerin, Rosa damascena flower oil + 1 more
Works
What the product description says
“Emma Hardie, Amazing Face This tonic is clinically proven to reduce signs of ageing including reduction in roughness and dryness, fine lines and wrinkles as well as improving skin tone, elasticity and firmness whilst adding brightness and radiance.”
Source: Allbeauty

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

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).

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~2.6–3.9%
Rosa damascena flower oilEffect: LowUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritating~0.01–0.1%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally 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~0.15–0.55%
Exfoliation
Lactobacillus/punica granatum fruit ferment extract
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Amazing Face Exfoliating Brightening Tonic”
From product name

This product might help exfoliate the skin with lactobacillus/punica granatum fruit ferment extract, but This ingredient is not the most effective.

Lactobacillus/punica granatum fruit ferment extractEffect: LowAn enzyme-based exfoliant~4.7–7%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Bakuchiol
Works well

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

BakuchiolKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation~1.3–2%
Anti-blemish
Side benefit · Bakuchiol, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
May help

This product might be able to help reduce blemishes and clogged pores because it contains bakuchiol.

BakuchiolKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation~1.3–2%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally 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~0.15–0.55%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
10 strong irritants: Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil expressed + 8 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 18 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Lactobacillus/punica granatum fruit ferment extractAn enzyme-based exfoliantHigh~4.7–7%est.
Sodium hydroxymethylglycinateA preservative. Can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.5%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil expressed—High~0.6–1.35%est.
Citrus aurantium amara flower oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.8%est.
Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oilA plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.2–0.8%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.1–0.35%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.2%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
Jasminum officinale flowerUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
Rosa damascena flower oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.01–0.1%est.
Citrus nobilis peel oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skinHigh~0.01–0.05%est.
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~3.3–5%est.
BakuchiolA plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritationMedium~1.3–2%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.95–1.4%est.
Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrateA preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determineMedium~0.45–1.1%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~0.15–0.55%est.
Juniperus virginiana oilCedarwood oil. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
Phytic acidAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), but is mostly used to stabilize product formulations in cosmeticsMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Peel & revive
Iconix Peel & revive
Higher efficacy · 90/10091% match
Beta-Glucan Lacto Barrier Milk Essence
iUNIK Beta-Glucan Lacto Barrier Milk Essence
CheaperHigher efficacy · 100/10090% match
$21.03
View all alternatives

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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
Lactobacillus/punica granatum fruit ferment extract~4.7–7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
ExfoliationEvens skin tone

An enzyme-based exfoliant

More about Lactobacillus/punica granatum fruit ferment extract
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~3.3–5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil
Glycerin~2.6–3.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 Glycerin
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
1-methylhydantoin-2-imide~1.6–2.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about 1-methylhydantoin-2-imide
Bakuchiol~1.3–2%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-agingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishEvens skin toneAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation

More about Bakuchiol
Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Can be irritating

More about Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate
Citric acid~0.95–1.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil expressed~0.6–1.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil expressed
Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate~0.45–1.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determine

More about Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate
Hexylglycerin~0.4–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Hexylglycerin
Citrus aurantium amara flower oil~0.35–0.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citrus aurantium amara flower oil
Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil~0.2–0.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil
Urtica dioica leaf extract~0.15–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Urtica dioica leaf extract
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingReduces irritationReduces rednessAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingAnti-blemish

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
Juniperus virginiana oil~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Cedarwood oil. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Juniperus virginiana oil
Limonene~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Phytic acid~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), but is mostly used to stabilize product formulations in cosmetics

More about Phytic acid
Linalool~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Parfum~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Jasminum officinale flower~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance

More about Jasminum officinale flower
Rosa damascena flower oil~0.01–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Rosa damascena flower oil
Citrus nobilis peel oil~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin

More about Citrus nobilis peel oil
Ingredient list view

Water, Lactobacillus/punica granatum fruit ferment extract, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, 1-methylhydantoin-2-imide, Bakuchiol, Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, Citric acid, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil expressed, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Hexylglycerin, Citrus aurantium amara flower oil, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Urtica dioica leaf extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Juniperus virginiana oil, Limonene, Phytic acid, Linalool, Parfum, Jasminum officinale flower, Rosa damascena flower oil, Citrus nobilis peel oil

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🇬🇧 Amazon UK (UK)Price as of 11/8 06:28 GMT
≈ $133.07
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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
Emma HardieAmazing Face Exfoliating Brightening TonicYOUR PRODUCTIconixPeel & reviveiUNIKBeta-Glucan Lacto Barrier Milk EssenceThank You FarmerBakuvita Treatment Toner
Match—91%90%90%
Price——$21.03$19.84
Shared key ingredients—2 of 22 of 22 of 2
Key difference—Glycolic AcidTripeptide-1Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide
Irritancy High Low Medium Low
Drying alcohol————
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Product summary

"Emma Hardie - Amazing Face Exfoliating Brightening Tonic" is effective for: Evens skin tone and Anti-aging

This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing and Anti-blemish, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • Bakuchiol in this product (the concentration is about 1.30% - 2.00%). Helps fight photodamage (wrinkles, elasticity loss and pigmentation) and can reduce clogged pores and blemishes. Bakuchiol is a compound extracted from a plant Babchi. It acts similar to retinoids, but with less irritation risk.
  • Humectants (glycerin 2.60% - 3.90%). 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 13 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Amended Safety Assessment of PEGylated Oils as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  2. 2
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Bakuchiol in the Management of Acne-affected Skinresearchgate.net
  4. 4
    Prospective, randomized, double‐blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageingonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  5. 5
    A dermocosmetic containing bakuchiol, Ginkgo biloba extract and mannitol improves the efficacy of adapalene in patients with acne vulgaris: result from a controlled randomized trialncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Biological Activities and Safety of Citrus spp. Essential Oilsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Emma Hardie Amazing Face Exfoliating Brightening Tonic
Emma HardieAmazing Face Exfoliating Brightening Tonic
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Find on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.