Grown Alchemist Balancing Toner

Grown Alchemist Balancing Toner

Efficacy25/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Moisturizing
Glycerin, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract + 2 more
Works
What the product description says
“Refine the appearance of pores and even skin tone with this alcohol-free balancing toner featuring free-radical fighting antioxidants, skin-soothing and hydrating natural ingredients like Ginseng, Chamomile and Aloe Vera, for a fully refreshed, instantly lifted and radiant glow. Ingredients”
Source: Escentual

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

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~2.7–4.1%
Aloe barbadensis leaf extract· Humectant, EmollientEffect: 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%
Rosa damascena flower oilEffect: LowUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritating~1–1.45%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~1.6–2.5%
Anti-aging
Lactic acid ~1.6–2.5%
Under-dosed
What the product description says
“Benefits Helps protect skin from free radical damage Reduces the appearance of pore size, leaving skin feeling supple Visibly improves the appearance of skin elasticity Calms, soothes, and helps protect skin from inflammation and irritation Vegan, Cruelty-free & Gluten-free Key Ingredients Ginseng is the ultimate skin balancer from nature and has been shown to help boost hydration and visibly smooth, firm and brighten skin.”
Source: Ulta

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~1.6–2.5%
Evens skin tone
Lactic acid ~1.6–2.5%
Under-dosed
What the product description says
“Refine the appearance of pores and even skin tone with this alcohol-free balancing toner featuring free-radical fighting antioxidants, skin-soothing and hydrating natural ingredients like Ginseng, Chamomile and Aloe Vera, for a fully refreshed, instantly lifted and radiant glow. Ingredients”
Source: Escentual

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low

Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~1.6–2.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
5 strong irritants: Rosa damascena flower oil, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil + 3 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 12 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Panax ginseng root extractA plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritatingHigh~2.1–3.1%est.
Chamomilla recutita flower extractPlant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~1.2–1.7%est.
Rosa damascena flower oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~1–1.45%est.
Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.5–1%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~0.15–0.7%est.
Chamomilla recutita flower oilPlant oil that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains volatile compouunds that are potential allergens and can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.55%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.4%est.
CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.2%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf 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.
Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~1.6–2.5%est.
Olea europaea leaf extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties but evidence for effectiveness in skin is missingMedium~1.3–1.9%est.
Dehydroacetic acidA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.6%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
Heptyl glucoside~5.3–8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Heptyl glucoside
Aloe barbadensis leaf 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 leaf extract
Glycerin~2.7–4.1%
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
Panax ginseng root extract~2.1–3.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritating

More about Panax ginseng root extract
Lactic acid~1.6–2.5%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid
Olea europaea leaf extract~1.3–1.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties but evidence for effectiveness in skin is missing

More about Olea europaea leaf extract
Chamomilla recutita flower extract~1.2–1.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Chamomilla recutita flower extract
Rosa damascena flower oil~1–1.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Rosa damascena flower oil
Benzyl alcohol~0.5–1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol
Dehydroacetic acid~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Dehydroacetic acid
Sodium phytate~0.4–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium phytate
Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil~0.15–0.7%
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
Chamomilla recutita flower oil~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Plant oil that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains volatile compouunds that are potential allergens and can be irritating

More about Chamomilla recutita flower oil
Geraniol~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Citronellol~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol
Ingredient list view

Water, Heptyl glucoside, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Glycerin, Panax ginseng root extract, Lactic acid, Olea europaea leaf extract, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Rosa damascena flower oil, Benzyl alcohol, Dehydroacetic acid, Sodium phytate, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Chamomilla recutita flower oil, Geraniol, Citronellol

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Amazon USPrice as of 10/19 15:09 GMT
$30.00
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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
Grown AlchemistBalancing TonerYOUR PRODUCTMadara CosmeticsTónico CalmanteKiehl'sFerulic Brew Facial Treatment Essence with Lactic AcidMawenaRose Bamboo Floral Essence
Match—62%57%57%
Price$30.00$21.21−$8.79$44.14+$14.14—
Shared key ingredients—2 of 22 of 22 of 2
Key difference—BetaineSalicylic AcidSodium Hyaluronate
Irritancy High Medium High High
Drying alcohol————
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More alternatives: Embryolisse Eau De Beaute Rosamelis - Flower Waters TonerKopari Beauty Coconut Renewal AHA Toner with 8.6% Triple-Powered AHAs

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Product summary

"Grown Alchemist - Balancing Toner" could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • This product contains acids (lactic acid 1.60% - 2.50%). 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). Lactic acid is particularly good in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin and improving the skin barrier.
  • Humectants (glycerin 2.70% - 4.10%). 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 "Grown Alchemist" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.

Price

The product retails for 25.00£ in the United Kingdom and for 43.80CA$ in Canada.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Grown Alchemist Balancing Toner
Grown AlchemistBalancing Toner

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

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.