Works for
ExfoliationSalicylic acid, Lactic acidWorks well
“Three AHAs (Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Citric Acid): Gently exfoliate to improve the appearance of dullness.”
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: salicylic acid.
MoisturizingGalactomyces ferment filtrate, Glycerin + 3 moreWorks
“What it is: A hydrating toner formulated with PITERA and AHAs to exfoliate and remove residual impurities and dead skin surface cells.”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": galactomyces ferment filtrate, 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).
Evens skin toneGalactomyces ferment filtrate, Salicylic acid + 1 moreMay help
“It’s also formulated with SK-II’s signature ingredient, PITERA, and multiple AHAs to improve the appearance of dullness and skin tone by exfoliating dead surface skin.”
This product might be able to help reduce hyperpigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains salicylic acid. The effect, if any, is likely to be small. 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.
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: galactomyces ferment filtrate.
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Galactomyces ferment filtrateWorks well
This product contains antioxidants (galactomyces ferment filtrate) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
Anti-blemishSide benefit the brand mentions · Salicylic acid, Galactomyces ferment filtrateWorks well
“Solutions for. . Pores .”
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: salicylic acid. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Anti-agingSide benefit · Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Lactic acidMay help
This product contains galactomyces ferment filtrate. 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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy5 flagged ingredientsLow 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%
Galactomyces ferment filtrate~4.9–7.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A yeast ferment filtrate (also known as Pitera - a trademarked name for the filtrate reserved by the SK-II brand). It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, can help neutralize antioxidants and can be helpful in evening out the skin tone. It might be somewhat helpful in preventing premature skin aging but solid evidence is lacking. A small manufacturer study also shows that, when used in high concentrations, it can help reduce sebum production and help against blocked pores
More about Galactomyces ferment filtrateButylene glycol~3.7–5.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolPolysorbate 20~2.5–3.7%
Glycerin~2.1–3.2%
- 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 hyaluronate~1.6–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronatePeg-150~1.2–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Cellulose gum~1.1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create thicker product consistency and stabilize emulsions
More about Cellulose gumDisodium edta~0.5–1%
Citric acid~0.45–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidSalicylic acid~0.3–0.7%
- 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 acidLactic acid~0.15–0.65%
- 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 acidMalic acid~0.1–0.5%
Sodium citrate~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
More about Sodium citrateSodium benzoate~0.05–0.25%
Methylparaben~0.05–0.2%
Ingredient list view
Water, Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Butylene glycol, Polysorbate 20, Glycerin, Sodium hyaluronate, Peg-150, Cellulose gum, Disodium edta, Citric acid, Salicylic acid, Lactic acid, Malic acid, Sodium citrate, Sodium benzoate, Methylparaben
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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.
| SK-IIFacial Treatment Clear Lotion TonerYOUR PRODUCT | ISNTREEChestnut BHA 2% Clear Liquid | PixiSkintreats Clarity Tonic Clarifying Toner | Paula's choiceRESIST Daily Pore-Refining Treatment With 2% BHA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 80% | 80% | 80% |
| Price | $80.00 | $12.60−$67.40 | $17.21−$62.79 | $37.00−$43.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 4 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 4 |
| Key difference | — | Biosaccharide Gum-1 | Glycolic Acid | Panthenol |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Good Molecules Glycolic Exfoliating TonerITK tri-acid toner
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 15 studies and safety reviews.
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