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The best acid toners you can buy
Acid toners help exfoliate skin, leaving it glowing. Our beauty experts and a panel of GH readers tried 8 to find the best...
Add an acid toner to your routine and you’ll be rewarded with a softer, brighter, more even complexion, thanks to its exfoliating, skin revitalising abilities.
What is an acid toner?
Acid toners contain low levels of ingredients such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid. Applied to the face on a cotton pad, they help to remove dead skin cells, even out skin tone and promote collagen production. Gentle enough to be applied every day, they’re a perfect way to gradually brighten the complexion.
How we tested
Using our image analysis VISIA machine and a panel of 175 women, we trialled eight different acid toners. We assessed skin smoothness before and after use, as well as seeing if there was an improvement in radiance over 4 weeks. Find out which ones performed best in our roundup below…
Score: 83/100
Scoring full marks in ease of use, design and instructions, this product is simple and easy to use. It had testers raving about how it left their skin feeling clean, smoother and visibly brighter.
Over 92% of testers agreed that the product also did not dry out the skin or leave it feeling tight. It put to rest some of the concerns of even our more sceptical testers. The product is an amazing all-rounder that topped our July 2018 lab test, it's definitely worth buying!
Runners up
111SKIN Hydrolat Anti Blemish Tonic
Score: 78/100
A massive 96% of testers agreed that the product did not have an unpleasant scent making this the highest scoring for scent in the July 2018 test. Testers described the scent as light and refreshing with some even saying they would continue using the product for the scent alone!
The product also performed fairly well in our lab tests which looked at the improvement in skin's texture after four weeks of usage. Testers noted an improvement in the appearance of pigmentation marks making them less noticeable, making this a great product for those with scarring.
Price: £50.00
Caudalie Vinopure Clear Skin Purifying Toner
Score: 77/100
A super gentle and easy to use formulation. Almost 95% of testers agreed that the formulation did not cause any uncomfortable irritation. The product has a good consistency and didn't leave any residue on the skin after using. A great product for those with oily skin, as some testers noticed a dramatic improvement in their shine- even in the hot summer weather! Skin was left feeling softer and smoother with some testers even noticing an improvement in the appearance of their dark spots!
Price: £18.00
Sanoflore Aqua Magnifica Skin Perfecting Botanical Essence
Score: 76/100
Testers found this acid toner formulation to be gentle on the skin, with almost 95% of testers showing little to no irritation when using the product. The product dried quickly when applied and testers loved that it picked up the excess dirt and make-up from their skin too!
Some testers noticed an improvement in the radiance of their skin and noticed a reduction in the appearance of their pores as well. The product also showed some improvements in our lab test, showing some differences in skin texture after four weeks of usage.
Price: £18.00
Exuviance Moisture Balance Toner
Score: 76/100
Testers were extremely satisfied with the product. Over 92% of them agreed that they would continue to use the product after the testing period. Many testers noted a lightening in their pigmentation! The product left the skin feeling fresh, soft and clean without leaving it dry or tight. This product was the top pick among our testers!
Price: £34.50
As a beauty tester and writer at the GHI, Sunayah reviews products and tools to get the low-down on how well they (actually) work. You can go to her for all your beauty questions!
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