Are clogged, visible pores and dull skin preventing you from achieving your skin goals? You may want to pick up an exfoliating toner.
What are exfoliating toners?
Exfoliating toners contain ingredients such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHA and BHA) that dissolve dead skin cells and unclog pores. This results in clearer and smoother-looking skin. These products also typically come with hydrating ingredients to replenish moisture in your skin after cleansing. Read on to know which toners are worth buying in Singapore.
The popular Pixi Glow Tonic contains 5% glycolic acid to improve skin texture, while aloe vera and ginseng soothes and energises the skin. It's also formulated with sucrose and fructose to brighten up your appearance. Its hypoallergenic formula is gentle enough to use everyday and suitable for all skin types.
It's priced at SGD25 per 100ML and SGD49 per 250ML.
The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is another exfoliating toner that improves skin tone with glycolic acid. It also contains amino acids, aloe vera, ginseng and Tasmanian pepperberry to nourish your skin. Plus, it's affordably priced so you get a lot of benefits for your money.
It's priced at SGD25 per 240ML.
philosophy formulated the Microdelivery Resurfacing Solution with 4% AHAs, soothing cica, brightening vitamin C, niacinamide, anti-ageing peptides, and hydrating hyaluronic acid to create a powerful toning concoction that's still gentle on the skin.
It's priced at SGD70 per 150ML.
Glow Recipe's alcohol-free Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner contains exfoliating polyhydroxy acids (PHA) which are considered the "cousins" of AHAs. Aside from PHA, it contains watermelon extract (to hydrate and soothe), cactus water (for antioxidants and lock in moisture), and hyaluronic acid to help achieve that "poreless", smooth complexion.
It's priced at SGD26 per 40ML and SGD57 per 150ML.
You can use the Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore Minimizing Toner to make visible pores appear smaller. It contains white willowbark extract, a natural source of BHA, to lift away sebum, dirt, and other debris from your pores and skin. Caviar lime extract also helps further exfoliate while moisturising sugarcane squalane prevents skin from drying out.
It's priced at SGD53 per 120ML.
Want a product that multitasks? The Fenty Skin Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum is a toner-serum formula that refines pores, lightens dark spots and controls oil. Its formula is enriched with the powerful blend of niacinamide, Barbados cherry, witch hazel, green tea, and cactus flower. It's also vegan, oil-, alcohol-, and gluten-free. P.S. Read our review on the Fenty Skin line here.
It's priced at SGD27 per 50ML and SGD50 per 150ML.
Why choose between AHAs or BHAs when you can have both in one exfoliating toner? The Boscia Resurfacing Treatment Toner is formulated with a 20% Acid Complex comprised of glycolic, salicylic, and acetic acids. It also has a shot of apple cider vinegar to soften any wrinkles and further tone up your complexion.
It's priced at SGD42.60 (excluding GST) per 150ML.
Salicylic acid is the hero ingredient found in the Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliator. The BHA unclogs pores and improves skin turnover, while green tea leaf extract calms the skin and methylpropanediol hydrates.
It's priced at SGD21 per 30ML and SGD55 per 118ML.
The Inkey List PHA Gentle Exfoliating Toner uses polyhydroxy acid which helps to gently exfoliate the skin, revealing a healthier layer underneath. This also helps retain skin moisture for a bouncier and plumper-looking appearance.
It's priced at SGD23 per 100ML.
The Amuse Phytoncica™ LHA Reboot Toner features Phytoncica™ complex which is known for its gentle exfoliating and soothing properties. The water-like consistency also gives the product a lightweight, non-sticky feel.
It's priced at SGD27 per 150ML.
The Farmacy Deep Sweep 2% BHA Pore Refining Toner is an alcohol-free toner that contains salicylic acid to deep clean your pores. It's also infused with papaya enzymes that help refine skin texture and reduce the appearance of visible pores.
It's priced at SGD28 per 50ML and SGD55 per 120ML.
When you feel that your skin is causing trouble, call on the INNISFREE Bija Trouble Skin Toner! This lightweight formula is powered by salicylic acid and white willow bark extract that work together to control excess sebum, exfoliate dead skin cells, and tighten your pores. The result: a "refreshed" appearance.
It's priced at SGD27 per 170ML.
You can always count on getting your glow on with the ELEMIS Superfood Fruit Vinegar Liquid Glow Toner. Packed with AHAs derived from apple vinegar, apricot, and peach, this superfood-packed formula will enhance your skin's clarity and texture.
It's priced at SGD51.92 per 145ML.
The Charlotte Tilbury Glow Toner is an acid-free toner that helps make skin look glowing and healthy. It has science-powered ingredients that boost the skin’s natural turnover, too. Plus, it can be used by all skin types!
It’s priced at SGD34 per 30ML and SGD90 per 90ML.
Want a vegan option? Try out the 5% Citrus Fruit & Glycolic Glow Toner from Nudestix! It's made with 3% glycolic acid and 2% fruit acid complex that exfoliate the skin, effectively brightening the skin and reducing its roughness. This toner works as a three-in-one deep pore cleanser, cell regeneration exfoliant and skin brightening glow.
It's priced at SGD48 per 95ML.
If you're looking for a multi-purpose toner, this is it. The Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner Lotion is a non-sticky, lighweight lotion that exfoliates the skin and keeps it smooth and hydrated. It's infused with hatomugi (coix seed) that also helps calm redness and acne.
It's priced at SGD10.90 per 500ML.
(Cover photo from: @farmacybeauty)
This article was first published on 1 February 2023. Last updated: 16 February 2024.
Don't forget to exfoliate the rest of your body too! Here are the best body exfoliators you can try.
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