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Provence Beauty Sugar Plum Exfoliating Facial Toner
Provence Beauty

Provence Beauty Sugar Plum Exfoliating Facial Toner

Efficacy62/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation
Glycolic acid, Tartaric acid + 2 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Sugar Plum Exfoliating Facial Toner”
Source: Provence Beauty

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.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn 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~0.65–0.95%
Tartaric acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels~0.55–0.85%
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~0.75–1.15%
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)~0.75–1.1%
Evens skin tone
Glycolic acid, Pinus pinaster bark extract + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“WITCH HAZEL, combats excess oil production, helps prevent blemishes, and soothes irritation AHA + BHA, exfoliate skin, clarify pores, help fade dark spots, and visibly brighten skin MALACHITE, gently detoxifies congested skin GLYCOLIC ACID, resurfaces uneven skin texture + restores natural glow”
Source: N/A

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic 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: pinus pinaster bark 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.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn 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~0.65–0.95%
Pinus pinaster bark extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but evidence of effectiveness of topical application is lacking. It can be an INCI name for the trademarked ingredient Pycnogenol (but could also be a different type of this plant's bark extract)~0.35–0.6%
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)~0.75–1.1%
Anti-blemish
Glycolic acid, Salix alba bark extract
Not delivered
What the product description says
“WITCH HAZEL, combats excess oil production, helps prevent blemishes, and soothes irritation AHA + BHA, exfoliate skin, clarify pores, help fade dark spots, and visibly brighten skin MALACHITE, gently detoxifies congested skin GLYCOLIC ACID, resurfaces uneven skin texture + restores natural glow”
Source: N/A

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.

Glycolic acidEffect: MediumAn 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~0.65–0.95%
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~0.75–1.15%
Moisturizing
Lactic acid ~0.75–1.1%
Under-dosed
What the product description says
“C’est Clear Gentle Exfoliating Toner is powered by AHA, BHA, witch hazel, and malachite—an extremely moisturizing natural mineral—to deliver a dual-action benefit in one step: gentle exfoliation + a surge of hydration.”
Source: Provence Beauty

Does not contain good ingredients to help with moisturization.

Saccharum officinarum extractEffect: HighSugar extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~2.1–2.6%
Tartaric acidEffect: MediumAn AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels~0.55–0.85%
Prunus armeniaca fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might have some antioxidant properties and might help attract water to the skin, but evidence of effectiveness is lacking~0.3–0.55%
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)~0.75–1.1%
Anti-aging
Side benefit · Glycolic acid, Lactic acid
Works well

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

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn 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~0.65–0.95%
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)~0.75–1.1%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Tartaric acid, Pinus pinaster bark extract + 4 more
May help

This product contains antioxidants (pinus pinaster bark extract, tartaric acid) 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.

Tartaric acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels~0.55–0.85%
Pinus pinaster bark extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but evidence of effectiveness of topical application is lacking. It can be an INCI name for the trademarked ingredient Pycnogenol (but could also be a different type of this plant's bark extract)~0.35–0.6%
Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lacking~2.5–3.1%
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~0.75–1.15%
Coccinia indica fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect helping neutralize free radicals in skin~0.25–0.4%
Melia azadirachta flower extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might be helpful to neutralize free radicals in skin~0.25–0.45%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
4 strong irritants: Lavandula angustifolia flower water, Hamamelis virginiana water + 2 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 19 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Lavandula angustifolia flower water—High~6.3–7.7%est.
Hamamelis virginiana waterA plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~4.7–5.8%est.
Citrus limon fruit extractUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritating and cause photosensitivityHigh~1.6–1.9%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extractA plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivityHigh~1.3–1.6%est.
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~0.75–1.15%est.
Glycolic acidAn 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 acidHigh~0.65–0.95%est.
Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lackingMedium~2.5–3.1%est.
Acer saccharum extractA plant extract that contains small percentage of AHAs. Is unlikely to have any skin benefit due the small concentration of the active compoundsMedium~1.8–2.2%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~0.75–1.1%est.
Tartaric acidAn AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levelsMedium~0.55–0.85%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
Pinus pinaster bark extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but evidence of effectiveness of topical application is lacking. It can be an INCI name for the trademarked ingredient Pycnogenol (but could also be a different type of this plant's bark extract)Medium~0.35–0.6%est.
Prunus armeniaca fruit extractA fruit extract that might have some antioxidant properties and might help attract water to the skin, but evidence of effectiveness is lackingMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Melia azadirachta flower extractA plant extract that might be helpful to neutralize free radicals in skinMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Coccinia indica fruit extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect helping neutralize free radicals in skinMedium~0.25–0.4%est.
Caprylhydroxamic acidA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.35%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
Benzoic acidA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
Sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonateHelps protect the ingredients in the formulation against UV lightMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum
Herbivore Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum
Higher efficacy · 100/10056% match
Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum
Herbivore Botanicals Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum
Higher efficacy · 100/10056% match
View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Lavandula angustifolia flower water~6.3–7.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Lavandula angustifolia flower water
Hamamelis virginiana water~4.7–5.8%
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 water
Propanediol~3.3–4.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

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

More about Propanediol
Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract~2.5–3.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lacking

More about Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract
Saccharum officinarum extract~2.1–2.6%
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
Acer saccharum extract~1.8–2.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A plant extract that contains small percentage of AHAs. Is unlikely to have any skin benefit due the small concentration of the active compounds

More about Acer saccharum extract
Citrus limon fruit extract~1.6–1.9%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and cause photosensitivity

More about Citrus limon fruit extract
Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract~1.3–1.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract
Salix alba bark extract~0.75–1.15%
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
Lactic acid~0.75–1.1%
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
Glycolic acid~0.65–0.95%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
ExfoliationAnti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-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

More about Glycolic acid
Tartaric acid~0.55–0.85%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
ExfoliationAnti-oxidationMoisturizing

An AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels

More about Tartaric acid
Malic acid~0.5–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust the product pH

More about Malic acid
Citric acid~0.5–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Malachite~0.45–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Malachite
Morus alba leaf extract~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Morus alba leaf extract
Pinus pinaster bark extract~0.35–0.6%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationEvens skin tone

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but evidence of effectiveness of topical application is lacking. It can be an INCI name for the trademarked ingredient Pycnogenol (but could also be a different type of this plant's bark extract)

More about Pinus pinaster bark extract
Helichrysum stoechas flower extract~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Helichrysum stoechas flower extract
Prunus armeniaca fruit extract~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

A fruit extract that might have some antioxidant properties and might help attract water to the skin, but evidence of effectiveness is lacking

More about Prunus armeniaca fruit extract
Melia azadirachta flower extract~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might be helpful to neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Melia azadirachta flower extract
Coccinia indica fruit extract~0.25–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect helping neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Coccinia indica fruit extract
Caprylhydroxamic acid~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Caprylhydroxamic acid
1,2-hexanediol~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Benzoic acid~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Benzoic acid
Sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonate~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps protect the ingredients in the formulation against UV light

More about Sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonate
Ingredient list view

Water, Lavandula angustifolia flower water, Hamamelis virginiana water, Propanediol, Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract, Saccharum officinarum extract, Acer saccharum extract, Citrus limon fruit extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract, Salix alba bark extract, Lactic acid, Glycolic acid, Tartaric acid, Malic acid, Citric acid, Malachite, Morus alba leaf extract, Pinus pinaster bark extract, Helichrysum stoechas flower extract, Prunus armeniaca fruit extract, Melia azadirachta flower extract, Coccinia indica fruit extract, Caprylhydroxamic acid, 1,2-hexanediol, Benzoic acid, Sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonate

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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
Provence BeautySugar Plum Exfoliating Facial TonerYOUR PRODUCTHerbivore BotanicalsMilky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating SerumHerbivoreMilky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating SerumREVOLUTION SKINCAREMulti Acid Peeling Solution
Match—56%56%56%
Price———$13.14
Shared key ingredients—3 of 53 of 53 of 5
Key difference—GluconolactoneGluconolactoneSalicylic Acid
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Product summary

"Provence Beauty - Sugar Plum Exfoliating Facial Toner" is effective for: Exfoliation, Evens skin tone and Anti-aging

Ingredient callouts

  • This product contains acids (glycolic acid 0.65% - 0.95% and lactic acid 0.75% - 1.10%). 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). Lactic acid is particularly good in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin and improving the skin barrier.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 16 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    The chemotherapeutic potential of Terminalia ferdinandiana: Phytochemistry and bioactivityncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Safety Assessment of Citrus-Derived Peel Oils as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  3. 3
    Safety Assessment of Citrus Fruit-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  4. 4
    Photosensitivity in children: An approach to diagnosis and managementijdvl.com
  5. 5
    Efficacy and Safety of White Willow Bark (Salix alba) Extractonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  6. 6
    An evaluation of the effect of a topical product containing salicin on the visible signs of human skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Provence Beauty Sugar Plum Exfoliating Facial Toner
Provence BeautySugar Plum Exfoliating Facial Toner
Buy at Provence BeautyCheck priceAmazon

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

Buy at Provence BeautyCheck priceAmazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.