Gentle Exfoliating Toner™

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  Step 1

  After cleansing skin, apply Gentle Exfoliating Toner to a cotton pad.

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  Step 2

  Sweep the cotton pad over face and neck morning and/or night.

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  Step 3

  Don't forget to get around the hairline and behind the ears where shampoo and conditioner can get trapped and create dryness.



Queen of acid toners Caroline Hirons has made exfoliating toners an essential part of any skincare routine, whatever your age or skin condition.

What do acid toners do?  They remove surface dead skin cells making the skin brighter and clearer.  They are good for skin ageing too, taking the edge off lines and reducing hyper-pigmentation, to make skin look more youthful. They help to control spots and acne and to reduce resulting scarring (not so much pitted scarring).

Are acid toners good for skin? Yes though you have to choose the correct AHA acids to suit your skin type and preference and adapt frequency of use to suit tolerance.   Glycolic acid is fairly aggressive and some skins develop irritation with over use. In my opinion they are good though I prefer to use them as a mask or peel once or twice a week. See Skin Brightening Exfoliating Peel.  For daily use, I prefer gentler acid complexes and use lactic, tartaric and citric acid as in Gentle Exfoliating Toner. This is also combined with hyaluronic acid so you are not stripping the skin of hydration. Both of these products are also loaded with anti-inflammatory ingredients so that you don't feel a burn or irritation. 

Are acid toners safe to use?  Yes, for most people.  I do think there is a connection between the overuse of acids e.g. in cleanser and toner and overnight facial treatments with skin irritations, perioral dermatitis, sensitivity and other skin issues.  Less is more and acclimatise the skin to them. Also, use SPF during the day.

Should I use AHA's or BHA's? BHA's are very good for problem skins, acne and spots, as well as blackheads and even white heads because they are oil soluble so can dig deep and soften blocked pores.  AHA's are great for daily brightening, radiance and addressing skin ageing needs.

Which are the best exfoliating toners for acne and scars? All AHA's are good for helping this though BHA's are great for the spots and blackheads. We use them in Concentrated Spot Treatment.

What percentage acid should I use? My advice is not to get hung up on percentages at all.  The single ingredient trend in high concentrations has, I think, contributed to skin irritations and some dermatitis. I believe that a blend of acids, gives you the benefit of each ingredient doing the same thing in different ways to give better results and that you are less likely to get irritation. Look for cleverly formulated products that also take care to maintain hydration and skin calming while you are exfoliating.