Exfoliating Facial Toner

Niacinamide — Vitamin B3 — a broadly-tolerated all-rounder that strengthens the skin barrier, evens tone and helps regulate oil. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Works from ~5%. OTC cap 10%. Give it 8–12 weeks for tone. Suits all skin types. One of the best-tolerated actives there is — fine for every skin type, and especially handy for oil and uneven tone.

Sodium Hyaluronate — A humectant that holds water in the upper skin — pure hydration, tolerated by essentially everyone, at any concentration. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Works from ~1%. Works Ongoing while you use it; no weeks-long build-up to wait for. Suits all skin types. Pure hydration — suits everyone, and dry or dehydrated skin most of all. Apply on damp skin and seal it in.

Lactic Acid — An alpha-hydroxy acid with a larger molecule than glycolic — it exfoliates the surface more gently and doubles as a humectant, so it suits AHA beginners and drier skin. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Works from ~8%. OTC cap 10%. Best for Dry, Normal, Combination. The gentler AHA — it exfoliates while pulling in water, so dry skin tolerates it better than glycolic. Reactive skin should still ease in, with SPF daily.

Betaine — A sugar-beet humectant — steady, gentle hydration for any skin. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Works from ~5%. OTC cap 5%. Best for .

Niacinamide: a review on dermal delivery strategies and clinical evidence ›

Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology ›

Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation ›