A few months ago, I decided to incorporate AHA and BHA acids into my routine in the form of a toner in the morning before using a vitamin C or niacinamide serum. One of my friends, who is slightly older than me, recommended this toner as she knew we have the same skin type – sometimes my skin becomes excessively oily with visibly enlarged pores. I was choosing between this and the COSRX BHA toner, and Mizon won for me because its ingredient list impressed me. Here’s my review.
The Brand: Mizon
Mizon is a beloved Korean skincare brand (and I adore K-beauty) that has earned a loyal following for its innovative and high-quality products. The brand prides itself on combining advanced technology with natural ingredients to create effective skincare solutions. Mizon’s focus on research and development ensures that their products are not only on-trend but also backed by science.
Key Ingredients and Benefits
The Mizon AHA & BHA Daily Clean Toner is formulated with a blend of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHA), making it a potent exfoliating toner. Here are the key ingredients and their benefits:
- Glycolic Acid (AHA): Known for its ability to exfoliate the skin’s surface, glycolic acid helps to remove dead skin cells, revealing a brighter and smoother complexion.
- Salicylic Acid (BHA): Penetrates deep into the pores to remove excess oil and impurities, making it ideal for treating acne and preventing future breakouts.
- Allantoin: Soothes and calms the skin, reducing irritation and promoting healing.
- Panthenol: A form of vitamin B5 that hydrates and nourishes the skin, improving its texture and elasticity.
The Experience
Using the Mizon AHA & BHA Daily Clean Toner was a straightforward part of my skincare routine. After cleansing, I applied a small amount to a cotton pad and gently swept it over my face, avoiding the eye area (maybe I should try to use it without cotton balls, just hands..). The toner had a light, refreshing feel and absorbed quickly without leaving any residue. Additionally, as a toner, it is designed to lower the pH of your skin, creating an optimal environment for the next steps in your skincare routine. One thing to note is that it has a slight fragrance and contains alcohol, which might be a concern for those with very sensitive skin.
Pluses
- Exfoliation: The combination of AHA and BHA provided gentle exfoliation, helping to unclog pores and refine skin texture.
- Non-Irritating: Despite its potent ingredients, the toner was surprisingly gentle and did not cause any irritation or redness.
- Hydration: The inclusion of allantoin and panthenol ensured that my skin remained hydrated and comfortable throughout the day.
- Convenience: The toner is easy to use and fits seamlessly into any skincare routine.
- pH Balancing: Helps to lower the pH of the skin, preparing it for better absorption of subsequent skincare products.
Minuses
- Results: While the toner offered some benefits, the results were not as dramatic as I had hoped. My skin felt clean and smooth, but there was no significant improvement in terms of brightness or clarity.
- Comparisons: When compared to other BHA toners I’ve tried, such as Glow Recipe’s BHA Toner, the Mizon toner fell a bit short. Glow Recipe’s toner provided more noticeable results, particularly in terms of improving skin texture and reducing the appearance of pores.
- Texture: As a fan of more substantial textures, I found this toner to be on the runnier side, making it too liquidy for my personal preference. It felt a bit too watery.
- Fragrance and Alcohol: The presence of a slight fragrance and alcohol might be a drawback for those with sensitive skin or who prefer fragrance-free products.
Personal Insights
As someone who has tried numerous toners, including some of the best on the market, the Mizon AHA & BHA Daily Clean Toner left me with mixed feelings. On one hand, it’s a solid, dependable product that delivers gentle exfoliation and hydration. On the other hand, it didn’t offer the dramatic improvements I’ve experienced with other products.
While I appreciated the gentle formula and the convenience of use, I found myself missing the wow factor I get from Glow Recipe’s BHA Toner. The latter not only exfoliates but also leaves my skin looking radiant and refined. That being said, skincare is highly individual, and what works for one person might not work for another.
Final Thoughts
Ive had about 3-4 breakouts since I’ve started, but they dried up super quickly, and my otherwise very clogged skin that is usually riddled with tiny zits all over my chin and lower cheeks are completely gone. To only have to deal with a few large zits once or twice a month, is a godsend for me. They disappear quickly and don’t leave behind huge pigmentation marks.
– Amazon Customer
In conclusion, the Mizon AHA & BHA Daily Clean Toner is a decent product that offers gentle exfoliation and hydration without causing irritation. However, for those looking for more dramatic results, especially in terms of brightness and texture improvement, other toners might be a better fit. Overall, if you’re in search of a reliable daily exfoliating toner, Mizon’s offering is worth a try, but manage your expectations if you’re used to more transformative products. I can’t say anything too bad about this toner, but nothing very good either. It’s just a toner, so what did I expect?
Currently available at Amazon for $18.05
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