Works for
ExfoliationLactic acid, Salix nigra bark extractWorks well
“A toner that exfoliates, visibly brightens and tightens, and hydrates for a smooth, even-, and energized-looking complexion with a fresh, cucumber scent.”
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: lactic acid.
Evens skin toneLactic acid, Potassium azeloyl diglycinateWorks well
“Its lactic acid and willow bark extract work together to visibly smooth and tone skin as well as reduce the look of pores while azelaic acid visibly brightens and lightens the appearance of hyperpigmentation.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: lactic acid, potassium azeloyl diglycinate
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.
MoisturizingLactic acid, Lactobacillus ferment + 6 moreWorks
“A toner that exfoliates, visibly brightens and tightens, and hydrates for a smooth, even-, and energized-looking complexion with a fresh, cucumber scent.”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
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. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
glycerin, lactic acid.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: cocos nucifera fruit extract.
Anti-agingSide benefit · Lactic acidMay help
This product contains lactic acid. 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.
Anti-blemishSide benefit the brand mentions · Potassium azeloyl diglycinateMay help
“Dark Spots, Pores, and Acne and Blemishes Formulation.”
This product might be able to help reduce blemishes and clogged pores because it contains potassium azeloyl diglycinate.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Parfum, Limonene + 1 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Polysorbate 20~5.1–7.6%
Lactic acid~3.4–5.1%
- 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 acidLactobacillus ferment~2.7–4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative
More about Lactobacillus fermentPotassium azeloyl diglycinate~2.1–3.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A derivative of azelaic acid. It is obtained by reacting the chloride of azelaic acid with two molecules of glycine (an amino acid) and potassium hydroxide. It is less studied than azelaic acid, but the available research suggests that it also can be effective in reducing skin redness, hyperpigmentation and blemishes. There are claims that it is more bio-available and more effective than azelaic acid, but no comparison study is available. Potassium azeloyl diglycinate is better soluble in water compared with azelaic acid. Because of this property, products with potassium azeloyl digclycinate can have a nicer texture
More about Potassium azeloyl diglycinateSodium hydroxide~1.6–2.5%
Ethylhexylglycerin~1.4–2%
Lactobacillus~1.1–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-living ingredient made by fermentation with the bacteria Lactobacillus. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help reduce inflammation
More about LactobacillusLevulinic acid~0.9–1.4%
Salix nigra bark extract~0.8–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might contain salicylic acid
More about Salix nigra bark extractCucumis sativus fruit extract~0.5–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect
More about Cucumis sativus fruit extractSodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%
Cocos nucifera fruit extract~0.4–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic
More about Cocos nucifera fruit extractCaprylic/capric triglyceride~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglycerideGlycerin~0.2–0.7%
- 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 GlycerinSodium levulinate~0.1–0.5%
Parfum~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumCitric acid~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidPotassium sorbate~0.05–0.25%
Limonene~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneLinalool~0.01–0.1%
Ingredient list view
Water, Polysorbate 20, Lactic acid, Lactobacillus ferment, Potassium azeloyl diglycinate, Sodium hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lactobacillus, Levulinic acid, Salix nigra bark extract, Cucumis sativus fruit extract, Sodium benzoate, Cocos nucifera fruit extract, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Glycerin, Sodium levulinate, Parfum, Citric acid, Potassium sorbate, Limonene, Linalool
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
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.
| Ren SkincareReady Steady Glow AHA TonerYOUR PRODUCT | Personal DayDoing the Work Acne Treatment | Allies of SkinFounder's Essence 56 Ellagic & P.A.D. Light Reflecting Fluid | Dr. BrandtDark Spots No More Triple Acid Spot Minimising Concentrate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 86% | 77% | 76% |
| Price | — | — | $110.00 | $63.27 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 7 | 3 of 7 | 2 of 7 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Panthenol | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | High | Low | Medium | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Plenaire Tropique Enzymatic ExfoliantSkincare by Dr V BODY SMOOTHING EXFOLIATOR
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 10 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 2Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinpdfs.semanticscholar.org
- 3
- 4
- 5Use of Probiotics for Dermal Applicationsresearchgate.net
- 6
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.