Le Mieux

Le Mieux Brightening Toner

Name: Le Mieux - Brightening Toner
Brand: Le Mieux

Efficacy93/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Panthenol, Urea + 10 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Features deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid, the master antioxidant glutathione, and brightening botanical extracts including licorice root, bearberry, and papaya to visibly help restore a radiant complexion.”

Source: N/A

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

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).

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol, urea

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.4–0.9%

UreaHero· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations~0.3–0.7%

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~3.9–5.9%

Methyl gluceth-20Key active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it~0.45–1.1%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.8%

Sodium pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.3–0.7%

GlutathioneKey activeEffect: HighA peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.7%

Superoxide dismutaseKey activeEffect: HighAn antioxidant enzyme that is naturally present in skin. It can help support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin. It is used in topical medications for inflammatory skin conditions including atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis. There are three types of natural Superoxide Dismutase in human skin. The compound used in topical treatments and cosmetics are mimics of typically one of these natural variants~0.15–0.65%

TrehaloseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.5%

Polyquaternium-51Effect: LowAn emollient that helps create a nice silky finish on the skin~0.2–0.8%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.1–0.5%

Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.2–0.75%

Exfoliation

Mandelic acid, Urea

Works well

What the product description says

“Skin-perfecting, brightening toner visibly illuminates dullness, minimizes dark spots, and balances uneven skin tone.”

Source: N/A

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: mandelic acid.

Mandelic acidKey activeEffect: HighHelps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acid~1.1–1.6%

UreaKey activeEffect: MediumNaturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations~0.3–0.7%

Evens skin tone

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Mandelic acid + 3 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Ideal for helping brighten and balance skin with uneven pigmentation.”

Source: N/A

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

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: 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, 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.

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidKey activeEffect: MediumA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products~1.3–2%

Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals~0.35–0.85%

Anti-aging

Vitis vinifera seed extract, Hyaluronic acid + 2 more

May help

What the product description says

“Deeply hydrates and maintains natural moisturizing factor Visibly brightens and evens out complexion Helps smooth and balance skin Reduces the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles”

Source: N/A

This product contains vitis vinifera seed extract. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

Vitis vinifera seed extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that contains resveratrol and other anti-oxidant compounds that can help neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation in skin and even out its tone. Can be also used to stabilize the product formulation~0.15–0.65%

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~3.9–5.9%

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidEffect: LowA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products~1.3–2%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Glutathione + 4 more

Works well

This product contains antioxidants (glutathione, superoxide dismutase, vitis vinifera seed extract) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

The following ingredients - 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

Vitis vinifera seed extractKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that contains resveratrol and other anti-oxidant compounds that can help neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation in skin and even out its tone. Can be also used to stabilize the product formulation~0.15–0.65%

Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals~0.35–0.85%

Camellia sinensis leaf extractUnder-dosedCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.2–0.75%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

8 strong irritants: Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit water, Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract + 6 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 16 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit water—High~22–33%est.

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in productsHigh~1.3–2%est.

Mandelic acidHelps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acidHigh~1.1–1.6%est.

Hamamelis virginiana leaf extractA plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~0.5–1.2%est.

Citrus unshiu peel extract—High~0.3–0.75%est.

Carica papaya fruit extract—High~0.2–0.75%est.

TriacetinUsed to dissolve other ingredientsHigh~0.15–0.7%est.

Citrus grandis fruit extract—High~0.1–0.35%est.

Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilAn essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.

Lavandula angustifolia oilAn essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.05–0.3%est.

Mentha viridis leaf oilUsed as a fragrance and can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.3%est.

Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicalsMedium~0.35–0.85%est.

GlutathioneA peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.2–0.7%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.45%est.

Hexylene glycolHelps create a more spreadable product textureMedium~0.1–0.4%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.1–0.5%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit water~22–33%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit water

Pyrus malus fruit water~4.3–6.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Pyrus malus fruit water

Hyaluronic acid~3.9–5.9%

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

Water~3.3–4.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Diacetyl boldine~2.4–3.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Diacetyl boldine

Propanediol~1.7–2.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid~1.3–2%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-aging

A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products

More about 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid

Mandelic acid~1.1–1.6%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

ExfoliationEvens skin toneAnti-blemishAntibacterial

Helps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acid

More about Mandelic acid

Rumex occidentalis extract~0.8–1.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Rumex occidentalis extract

Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract~0.5–1.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating

More about Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract

Methyl gluceth-20~0.45–1.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it

More about Methyl gluceth-20

Panthenol~0.4–0.9%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract~0.35–0.85%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Reduces rednessEvens skin toneAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterial

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

Sodium hyaluronate~0.35–0.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Sodium pca~0.3–0.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Sodium pca

Urea~0.3–0.7%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingExfoliation

Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations

More about Urea

Citrus unshiu peel extract~0.3–0.75%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Citrus unshiu peel extract

Carica papaya fruit extract~0.2–0.75%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Carica papaya fruit extract

Glutathione~0.2–0.7%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationEvens skin tone

A peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skin

More about Glutathione

Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.2–0.75%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAntibacterialAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizing

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract

Polysorbate 20~0.2–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20

Superoxide dismutase~0.15–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An antioxidant enzyme that is naturally present in skin. It can help support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin. It is used in topical medications for inflammatory skin conditions including atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis. There are three types of natural Superoxide Dismutase in human skin. The compound used in topical treatments and cosmetics are mimics of typically one of these natural variants

More about Superoxide dismutase

Xanthan gum~0.15–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract~0.15–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract

Vitis vinifera seed extract~0.15–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingAntibacterial

A plant extract that contains resveratrol and other anti-oxidant compounds that can help neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation in skin and even out its tone. Can be also used to stabilize the product formulation

More about Vitis vinifera seed extract

Polyquaternium-51~0.2–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps create a nice silky finish on the skin

More about Polyquaternium-51

Trehalose~0.15–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Trehalose

Triacetin~0.15–0.7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used to dissolve other ingredients

More about Triacetin

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Hexylene glycol~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a more spreadable product texture

More about Hexylene glycol

Caprylyl glycol~0.1–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Citrus grandis fruit extract~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Citrus grandis fruit extract

Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil

Lavandula angustifolia oil~0.05–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Lavandula angustifolia oil

Mentha viridis leaf oil~0.05–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance and can be irritating

More about Mentha viridis leaf oil

Ingredient list view

Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit water, Pyrus malus fruit water, Hyaluronic acid, Water, Diacetyl boldine, Propanediol, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Mandelic acid, Rumex occidentalis extract, Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract, Methyl gluceth-20, Panthenol, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Sodium pca, Urea, Citrus unshiu peel extract, Carica papaya fruit extract, Glutathione, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Polysorbate 20, Superoxide dismutase, Xanthan gum, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract, Vitis vinifera seed extract, Polyquaternium-51, Trehalose, Triacetin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene glycol, Caprylyl glycol, Citrus grandis fruit extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Lavandula angustifolia oil, Mentha viridis leaf oil

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/14 09:07 GMT

$28.00

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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
	Le MieuxBrightening TonerYOUR PRODUCT	BaleaBeauty expert glow toner	Irene ForteHelichrysum Hyaluronic Toner	Forté SkincareHelichrysum Toner
Match	—	49%	47%	47%
Price	$28.00	—	—	—
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 12	4 of 12	4 of 12
Key difference	—	Niacinamide	Glycine	Glycine
Irritancy	High	Low	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Le Mieux - Brightening Toner" is effective for: Moisturizing, Exfoliation and Evens skin tone

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

Ingredient callouts

This product contains acids (mandelic acid 1.10% - 1.60%). 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).
Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) at about 0.40% - 0.90% concentration. In this concentration, Panthenol works effectively to improve the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
Humectants (trehalose 0.15% - 0.50%, urea 0.30% - 0.70%, sodium pca 0.30% - 0.70%, sodium hyaluronate 0.35% - 0.80%, panthenol 0.40% - 0.90% and hyaluronic acid 3.90% - 5.90%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.