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Glow Recipe Glow With Pride Watermelon Glow PHA and BHA Pore-Tight Toner
Glow Recipe

Glow Recipe Glow With Pride Watermelon Glow PHA and BHA Pore-Tight Toner

Efficacy83/100IrritancyMedium
See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation
Gluconolactone, Betaine salicylate + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Inspired by the Korean Aqua Peel Facial which focuses on the duality of exfoliating and hydrating, this pore-perfecting, exfoliating toner helps achieve instantly glowing, pillow-soft skin.”
Source: Glow Recipe

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: betaine salicylate, gluconolactone.

GluconolactoneKey activeEffect: HighA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~2.7–4.1%
Betaine salicylateKey activeEffect: HighExfoliating acid, a "relative" of salicylic acid~1.5–2.3%
Salix alba bark extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effect~1.1–1.7%
Moisturizing
Glycerin, Hyaluronic acid + 4 more
Works
What the product description says
“Hydrate skin and tighten pores at once with the ultra-gentle Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner for supple, smooth skin.”
Source: Glow Recipe

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

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~4.4–6.6%
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~3.4–5.1%
GluconolactoneKey activeEffect: HighA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~2.7–4.1%
Saccharum officinarum extractKey activeEffect: HighSugar extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.4–1%
Scutellaria baicalensis root extract· HumectantEffect: LowA plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties~0.2–0.75%
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~0.5–1.1%
Anti-blemish
Gluconolactone, Betaine salicylate + 1 more
May help
What the product description says
“A potent poly hydroxy acid clarifies the uppermost layer of your skin, buffing away dead skin cells to clear blocked pores, while a naturally derived beta hydroxy acid helps to battle blackheads and ease congestion.”
Source: Cultbeauty

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

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: gluconolactone

GluconolactoneKey activeEffect: MediumA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~2.7–4.1%
Betaine salicylateKey activeEffect: HighExfoliating acid, a "relative" of salicylic acid~1.5–2.3%
Salix alba bark extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effect~1.1–1.7%
Evens skin tone
Side benefit · Gluconolactone, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract
Works well

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: betaine salicylate, gluconolactone

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: glycyrrhiza glabra root extract.

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.

GluconolactoneKey activeEffect: HighA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~2.7–4.1%
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals~0.4–0.95%
Anti-aging
Side benefit · Gluconolactone, Hyaluronic acid
Works well

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

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.

GluconolactoneKey activeEffect: HighA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~2.7–4.1%
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~3.4–5.1%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Gluconolactone, Citrullus lanatus fruit extract + 7 more
May help

This product contains antioxidants (gluconolactone) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

GluconolactoneKey activeEffect: MediumA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~2.7–4.1%
Citrullus lanatus fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can contain an antioxidant compound~4.5–6.8%
Salix alba bark extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effect~1.1–1.7%
Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can be irritating. It might contain a compound anthocyanin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals~0.9–1.35%
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals~0.4–0.95%
Scutellaria baicalensis root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties~0.2–0.75%
Paeonia suffruticosa root extractEffect: Low~0.2–0.75%
Brassica oleracea capitata leaf extractEffect: LowPlant extract that might help calm down inflammation and have some anti-oxidant properties~0.15–0.65%
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~0.5–1.1%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
2 strong irritants: Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract, Parfum
Medium risk
We flagged 14 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Salix alba bark extractA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effectHigh~1.1–1.7%est.
Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extractA plant extract that can be irritating. It might contain a compound anthocyanin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicalsHigh~0.9–1.35%est.
Scutellaria baicalensis root extractA plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant propertiesHigh~0.2–0.75%est.
Paeonia suffruticosa root extract—High~0.2–0.75%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
Citrullus lanatus fruit extractA plant extract that can contain an antioxidant compoundMedium~4.5–6.8%est.
GluconolactoneA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicalsMedium~2.7–4.1%est.
Betaine salicylateExfoliating acid, a "relative" of salicylic acidMedium~1.5–2.3%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~0.5–1.1%est.
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicalsMedium~0.4–0.95%est.
Brassica oleracea capitata leaf extractPlant extract that might help calm down inflammation and have some anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~0.15–0.65%est.
Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
Levulinic acidHelps stabilize a product formulationMedium~0.1–0.4%est.
Sodium levulinateA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.4%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix together2/5~0.1–0.45%est.
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
ABP Triple Synergy Liquid
Purito SEOUL ABP Triple Synergy Liquid
Higher efficacy · 100/10059% match
Daily Apple Toner
Votary Daily Apple Toner
Higher efficacy · 91/10056% match
$49.02
View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Opuntia ficus-indica extract~22–33%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Opuntia ficus-indica extract
Citrullus lanatus fruit extract~4.5–6.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that can contain an antioxidant compound

More about Citrullus lanatus fruit extract
Glycerin~4.4–6.6%
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
Hyaluronic acid~3.4–5.1%
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
Gluconolactone~2.7–4.1%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
ExfoliationMoisturizingAnti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidationAnti-blemish

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals

More about Gluconolactone
Sodium polyglutamate~2–2.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Sodium polyglutamate
Betaine salicylate~1.5–2.3%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-blemishExfoliation

Exfoliating acid, a "relative" of salicylic acid

More about Betaine salicylate
Salix alba bark extract~1.1–1.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationAnti-blemishExfoliation

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effect

More about Salix alba bark extract
Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) extract~1.2–1.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) extract
Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract~0.9–1.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that can be irritating. It might contain a compound anthocyanin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals

More about Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract
Lactobacillus/watermelon fruit ferment extract~0.55–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Lactobacillus/watermelon fruit ferment extract
Cucumis sativus fruit extract~0.5–1.1%
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
Saccharum officinarum extract~0.4–1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Sugar extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharum officinarum extract
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract~0.4–0.95%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessEvens skin toneAntibacterial

A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals

More about Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract
Scutellaria baicalensis root extract~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
AntibacterialAnti-oxidationMoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

A plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties

More about Scutellaria baicalensis root extract
Paeonia suffruticosa root extract~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation
More about Paeonia suffruticosa root extract
Brassica oleracea capitata leaf extract~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

Plant extract that might help calm down inflammation and have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Brassica oleracea capitata leaf extract
Ipomoea batatas root extract~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ipomoea batatas root extract
Sorbitan oleate~0.1–0.45%
Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan oleate
Levulinic acid~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps stabilize a product formulation

More about Levulinic acid
Sodium levulinate~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Sodium levulinate
Parfum~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Ingredient list view

Opuntia ficus-indica extract, Citrullus lanatus fruit extract, Glycerin, Hyaluronic acid, Gluconolactone, Sodium polyglutamate, Betaine salicylate, Salix alba bark extract, Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) extract, Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract, Lactobacillus/watermelon fruit ferment extract, Cucumis sativus fruit extract, Saccharum officinarum extract, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract, Paeonia suffruticosa root extract, Brassica oleracea capitata leaf extract, Ipomoea batatas root extract, Sorbitan oleate, Levulinic acid, Sodium levulinate, Parfum

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Glow Recipe25 ml
$1.50
Buy
Amazon USPrice as of 11/10 03:04 GMT
$16.00
Buy
Sephora
$20.00
Buy

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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
Glow RecipeGlow With Pride Watermelon Glow PHA and BHA Pore-Tight TonerYOUR PRODUCTinnisfreeGreen Tea Enzyme 7% PHA Gentle Exfoliating TonerPurito SEOULABP Triple Synergy LiquidVotaryDaily Apple Toner
Match—59%59%56%
Price$1.50$24.00+$22.50—$49.02+$47.52
Shared key ingredients—3 of 53 of 52 of 5
Key difference—Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractPanthenolGlycolic Acid
Irritancy Medium Low Low Low
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop
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Product summary

"Glow Recipe - Glow With Pride Watermelon Glow PHA and BHA Pore-Tight Toner" is effective for: Exfoliation, Anti-aging and Evens skin tone

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

  • This product contains acids (gluconolactone 2.70% - 4.10%). 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). PHAs (gluconolactone) especially are great for improving skin hydration. They might be even able to stimulate the production of skin's natural humectants and support the healthy skin microbiome.
  • Humectants (hyaluronic acid 3.40% - 5.10% and glycerin 4.40% - 6.60%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

About the brand

According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Glow Recipe" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.

Price

The product retails for 30.74£ in the United Kingdom and for 20.00$ in the United States.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 27 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Analyzing Lycopene Content in Fruitssciencedirect.com
  2. 2
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humansncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Physiochemical properties and application of hyaluronic acid: a systematic reviewonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  5. 5
    A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acnencbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    The Polyhydroxy Acid Gluconolactone Protects Against Ultraviolet Radiation in an In Vitro Model of Cutaneous Photoagingonlinelibrary.wiley.com
Glow Recipe Glow With Pride Watermelon Glow PHA and BHA Pore-Tight Toner
Glow RecipeGlow With Pride Watermelon Glow PHA and BHA Pore-Tight Toner
Buy at Glow Recipe$1.50$16.00as of 11/10 03:04 GMT

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

Buy at Glow Recipe$1.50$16.00as of 11/10 03:04 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.