Works for
ExfoliationSalicylic acidWorks well
“UNFRAGRANCED BHA EXFOLIATING 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: salicylic acid.
Anti-blemishSide benefit · Salicylic acidWorks well
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.
MoisturizingSide benefit · Glycerin, Phospholipids + 2 moreWorks
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, propylene glycol.
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?
Irritancy7 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%
Propylene glycol~4.5–6.8%
- 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 glycolGlycerin~3.4–5.1%
- 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 GlycerinHexylene glycol~2.3–3.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolSalicylic acid~0.95–1.4%
- 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 acidPolysorbate 20~1.6–2.4%
Sodium hydroxide~1.2–1.8%
Peg-6 caprylic/capric glycerides~1.1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps dissolve other ingredients
More about Peg-6 caprylic/capric glyceridesPhenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolTetrasodium edta~0.45–1.05%
Cetrimonium chloride~0.05–0.1%
Cetylpyridinium chloride~0.2–0.7%
Citric acid~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidPhospholipids~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Emollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product
More about PhospholipidsBromelain~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ananas sativus fruit extract~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A fruit extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but there is no evidence for any other benefits to the skin
More about Ananas sativus fruit extractIngredient list view
Water, Propylene glycol, Glycerin, Hexylene glycol, Salicylic acid, Polysorbate 20, Sodium hydroxide, Peg-6 caprylic/capric glycerides, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrasodium edta, Cetrimonium chloride, Cetylpyridinium chloride, Citric acid, Phospholipids, Bromelain, Ananas sativus fruit extract
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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.
| St. IvesUNFRAGRANCED BHA EXFOLIATING TONERYOUR PRODUCT | AcneFree Dermatology Inspired CareBlackhead Removing Scrub With Charcoal | e.l.f. CosmeticsThirst Burst Pore-fecting Toner | PUDDERDÅSERNE.DKT-Zone Peeling | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 91% | 90% | 89% |
| Price | $12.99 | — | $6.00−$6.99 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 |
| Key difference | — | Glycolic Acid | Gluconolactone | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: CeraVe Blemish Control Gel Moisturiser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide for Blemish-Prone SkinSkin Control Peel Pads
Product summary
"St. Ives - UNFRAGRANCED BHA EXFOLIATING TONER" is effective for: Exfoliation and Anti-blemish
This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- Salicylic acid (0.95% - 1.40%). This is an oil-soluble exfoliating acid. Because of this property, it can work inside pores and help reduce the congestion. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and is used to treat acne. Because it is a quite strong exfoliator, be careful with using this product too often: it could result in over-exfoliation.
- Humectants (glycerin 3.40% - 5.10%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "St. Ives" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 8 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 2Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 4
- 5Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
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