PRODUCT REVIEW
Then I Met You Birch Milk Refining Toner
Can it cause trouble?
Buy from Amazon US $35.00
More options from: $32.00
Price as of 8/10/2025 0:58 GMT.
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What can the product work for?
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
It includes over 70% birch juice, plus squalane, glycerin and sodium hyaluronate to prep and hydrate skin, while an optimal 1% blend of AHAs (glycolic and lactic acid) and PHA (gluconolactone) smooths fine lines, brightens skin and refines pores.
glycolic acid
1.6% -
2.3%
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
butyrospermum parkii butter
1% -
1.5%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
gluconolactone
0.45% -
1.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
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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Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
glycolic and lactic acid) as well as PHA gluconolactone to reveal a more even texture and luminous tone.
glycolic acid
1.6% -
2.3%
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
0.45% -
1.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
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
1.3% -
2%
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)
Exfoliation
What does the product description say?
It includes over 70% birch juice, plus squalane, glycerin and sodium hyaluronate to prep and hydrate skin, while an optimal 1% blend of AHAs (glycolic and lactic acid) and PHA (gluconolactone) smooths fine lines, brightens skin and refines pores.
glycolic acid
1.6% -
2.3%
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
lactic acid
1.3% -
2%
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)
gluconolactone
0.45% -
1.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
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
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
Provide your skin a much-needed dose of hydration to perfectly prime skin for the rest of your routine while improving skin texture with this gentle toner.
butyrospermum parkii butter
1% -
1.5%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
sodium hyaluronate
2% -
3.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
sodium lactate
0.4% -
1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
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Anti-blemish
What does the product description say?
This gentle formulation helps to combat breakouts (particularly great for those with hormonal acne) with its exfoliating properties for soft, supple skin.
glycolic acid
1.6% -
2.3%
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
gluconolactone
0.45% -
1.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
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
Honesty check
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Anti-aging | |
| Exfoliation | |
| Evens skin tone | |
| Moisturizing | |
| Anti-blemish |
Total Promises Fulfilled score:
85/100.
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Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 1
Potential irritants
glycolic acid
1.6% -
2.3%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone,
Exfoliation,
Anti-aging,
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
althaea officinalis root extract
0.55% -
1.25%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-oxidation
A plant extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to reduce inflammation
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
butyrospermum parkii butter
1% -
1.5%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-aging,
Anti-oxidation
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
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| Common:
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| Irritancy | IRRITANCY
HIGH
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MEDIUM
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MEDIUM
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LOW
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HIGH
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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HIGH
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MEDIUM
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MEDIUM
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LOW
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Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
gluconolactone
0.45% -
1.1%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-aging,
Moisturizing,
Exfoliation,
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
glycolic acid
1.6% -
2.3%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone,
Exfoliation,
Anti-aging,
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
Potential irritants
glycolic acid
1.6% -
2.3%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone,
Exfoliation,
Anti-aging,
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
althaea officinalis root extract
0.55% -
1.25%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-oxidation
A plant extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to reduce inflammation
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
butyrospermum parkii butter
1% -
1.5%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-aging,
Anti-oxidation
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
All ingredients
glycerin
4.7% -
7.1%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
butylene glycol
4.6% -
6.9%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing
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
Show more
Ingredient list view
Betula platyphylla japonica juice, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Water, Sodium hyaluronate, Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Squalane, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Althaea officinalis root extract, Gluconolactone, Sodium lactate, Trehalose, Gaultheria procumbens leaf extract, Rosa damascena flower water, Sodium dodoxynol-40 sulfate, Sorbic acid, Olea europaea fruit oil, Polyglyceryl-10 laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 myristate, Styrene/vp copolymer, Disodium edta, Citric acid, Citronellol, Geraniol
Sources
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediols
- Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging
- Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin care
- 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
- 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
- Annex I: Clinical evidence regarding sensitisation to individual fragrance chemicals and to natural extracts
- Use of “natural” oils for moisturization: Review of olive, coconut, and sunflower seed oil