Works for
ExfoliationGlycolic acid, Lactic acid + 1 moreWorks well
“AHA/BHA Pore Refining Toner”
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, lactic acid.
Evens skin toneGlycolic acid, Lactic acid + 1 moreWorks well
“With Vitamin C-rich Kakadu Plum • Fights breakouts, pigmentation and sun damage • Unclogs and tightens pores, minimising their appearance • Fights breakouts, pigmentation and sun damage”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic acid, lactic acid
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-blemishGlycolic acid, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice + 1 moreNot delivered
“Yes KEY FEATURES • Salicylic, Lactic & Glycolic Acids to exfoliate & unclog pores.”
This product contains ingredients (glycolic acid) that could help reduce blemishes and clogged pores in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.
Anti-agingSide benefit · Glycolic acid, Lactic 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.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: lactic acid.
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.
MoisturizingSide benefit · Lactic acid, Betaine + 3 moreWorks
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": betaine, 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).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Hamamelis virginiana bark/twig extract, AlcoholMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Glycolic acid~6–9%
- 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 acidPropylene glycol~3.5–5.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolLactic acid~2.6–4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 acidSodium hydroxide~1.9–2.9%
Hamamelis virginiana bark/twig extract~1.4–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Betaine~1–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetaineGlycerin~0.9–1.35%
- 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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolAloe barbadensis leaf juice~0.3–0.75%
- 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 juiceAlcohol~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
More about AlcoholSalicylic acid~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
More about Salicylic acidChamomilla recutita flower extract~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Chamomilla recutita flower extractIngredient list view
Water, Glycolic acid, Propylene glycol, Lactic acid, Sodium hydroxide, Hamamelis virginiana bark/twig extract, Betaine, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Alcohol, Salicylic acid, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Unknown
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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.
| MCoBeautyAHA/BHA Pore Refining TonerYOUR PRODUCT | Deviant SkincareGentle Resurfacing Liquid | Jan MariniMarini Multi-Acid Exfoliating Pads | CeraVeBlemish Control Gel Moisturiser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide for Blemish-Prone Skin | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 94% | 94% | 93% |
| Price | $14.99 | $52.00+$37.01 | $95.00+$80.01 | $11.89−$3.10 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 5 | 4 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Key difference | — | Gluconolactone | Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Kerstin Florian Correcting At-Home Professional Peel 50 pcBe Minimalist AHA PHA BHA 32%
Product summary
"MCoBeauty - AHA/BHA Pore Refining Toner" is effective for: Exfoliation, Anti-aging and Evens skin tone
This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- Exfoliating acids (lactic acid 2.60% - 4.00% and glycolic acid 6.00% - 9.00%). In this concentration, they will have a noticeable exfoliating effect. They can also have an anti-aging effect and stimulate collagen production in a long-run. Lactic Acid can also help to attract water to the upper layer (works as a humectant).
- Humectants (glycerin 0.90% - 1.35%, betaine 1.00% - 1.50% and lactic acid 2.60% - 4.00%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails for 31.27CA$ in Canada, for 38.21A$ in Australia, for 19.38$ in the United States and for 52.53£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 13 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3
- 4Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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