PRODUCT REVIEW
OleHenriksen Balancing Force™ Oil Control Toner
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What can the product work for?
Anti-blemish
What does the product description say?
Pores .
salicylic acid
0.95% -
1.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: 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)
gluconolactone
2.7% -
4.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
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
glycolic acid
2.1% -
3.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
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
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Exfoliation
What does the product description say?
Formulated with Green Fusion Complex™, a powerful blend of both BHA and AHAs—salicylic, glycolic and lactic acids—and neem seed oil, its gentle clarifying action helps unclog, purify, and minimize the appearance of pores.
salicylic acid
0.95% -
1.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: 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)
glycolic acid
2.1% -
3.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: 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
gluconolactone
2.7% -
4.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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
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Anti-aging
glycolic acid
2.1% -
3.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: 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
gluconolactone
2.7% -
4.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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
lactic acid
1.7% -
2.6%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
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)
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Evens skin tone
glycolic acid
2.1% -
3.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: 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
gluconolactone
2.7% -
4.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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
salicylic acid
0.95% -
1.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
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)
Show more
Moisturizing
gluconolactone
2.7% -
4.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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
melia azadirachta seed oil
0.4% -
0.95%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function due to the high linoleic acid content
linolenic acid
0.15% -
0.65%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
An emollient that helps soften the skin and calm down inflammation
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Anti-oxidation
gluconolactone
2.7% -
4.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
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
tocopherol
0.05% -
0.2%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
camellia sinensis leaf extract
0.15% -
0.55%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
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
Honesty check
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Exfoliation | |
| Anti-blemish |
Total Promises Fulfilled score:
100/100.
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Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 2
Potential irritants
hamamelis virginiana water
3.6% -
5.4%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-inflammatory
A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating
glycolic acid
2.1% -
3.1%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Exfoliation,
Anti-aging,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-blemish
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
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
chondrus crispus extract
0.15% -
0.6%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency
Similar products & dupes
| OleHenriksen - Balancing Force™ Oil Control Toner |  The Ordinary - AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution Sponsored |  Bliss - Clear Genius Clarifying Liquid Peel |  Dope Skin Co - AHA/BHA Exfoliating Tonic |  Beautycounter - Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel |  Dr Dennis Gross - Alpha Beta Exfoliating Body Treatment Peel | Dr. Dennis Gross |  Pacifica - Glow Baby Aha/Bha Glow Tonic |  Zombie Beauty - Bloody Peel |  Skinfix - Resurface+ AHA/BHA Enzyme Exfoliating Pads for Face and Targeted Body |  Paula's choice - Resist Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA |  StackedSkincare - TCA Lactic & Glycolic Face Peel |  The INKEY List CA - Glycolic Acid Toner | |
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| WIMJ similarity score |
68%
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79%
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78%
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| Irritancy | IRRITANCY
HIGH
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MEDIUM
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MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
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MEDIUM
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Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
gluconolactone
2.7% -
4.1%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Exfoliation,
Anti-aging,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-oxidation,
Anti-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
camellia sinensis leaf extract
0.15% -
0.55%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Antibacterial,
Anti-oxidation,
Anti-aging,
Anti-blemish,
Moisturizing,
Evens skin tone
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
Show more
Potential irritants
hamamelis virginiana water
3.6% -
5.4%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-inflammatory
A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating
glycolic acid
2.1% -
3.1%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Exfoliation,
Anti-aging,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-blemish
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
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
chondrus crispus extract
0.15% -
0.6%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency
All ingredients
hamamelis virginiana water
3.6% -
5.4%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-inflammatory
A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating
Show more
Ingredient list view
Water, Polysorbate 20, Hamamelis virginiana water, Gluconolactone, Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Oleth-20, Salicylic acid, Sodium hydroxide, Sodium benzoate, Menthyl lactate, Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Mentha piperita oil, Melia azadirachta seed oil, Linoleic acid, Macrocystis pyrifera extract, Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract, Chondrus crispus extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Linolenic acid, Phenoxyethanol, Calcium gluconate, Benzoic acid, Tocopherol, Limonene
Sources
- A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
- The Polyhydroxy Acid Gluconolactone Protects Against Ultraviolet Radiation in an In Vitro Model of Cutaneous Photoaging
- Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity
- The efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: a double-blinded within-person comparative study
- A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimen
- The use of polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) in photoaged skin
- Blackwell Publishing, Ltd. Alpha-hydroxyacids and carboxylic acids
- An evaluation of a polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen in combination with azelaic acid 15% gel in rosacea patients
- Aging Skin: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
- Clinical and cosmeceutical uses of hydroxyacids
- Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) Provide Conditioning Effects to Skin Without Increasing Sensitivity to UV Light
- Photoprotective and antiinflammatory effects of topical glycolic acid
- Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current review
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
- Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
- Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review
- Beta Hydroxy Acids
- A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparations
- Glycolic Acid Peels Versus Salicylic–Mandelic Acid Peels in Active Acne Vulgaris and Post‐Acne Scarring and Hyperpigmentation: A Comparative Study
- Characterization of fatty acids in Melia azedarach L. seed oil
- Physico-Chemical Stability Studies of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Seed Oil Cream
- The Permeability Barrier in Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency: Evidence for a Direct Role for Linoleic Acid in Barrier Function
- Digital image analysis of the effect of topically applied linoleic acid on acne microcomedones.
- Vitamin E in dermatology