Gentle Glow-Up: Top 4 Acid Toners for Dry and Sensitive Skin
Last Updated on February 7, 2025 by Amy
Exfoliating acid toners can be a valuable part of your skincare routine, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. Although the idea of applying acid might seem daunting, these toners can hydrate and soothe while gently exfoliating. Let’s explore how these toners can benefit your skin type.
How to Integrate Acid Toners into Your Skincare Routine
Patch Testing
Before adding a chemical exfoliant acid toner to your skincare routine, always do a patch test. This step is crucial for preventing unwanted reactions.
- Select a small area: Choose a discreet spot, such as behind the ear or on the inner arm.
- Apply a small amount: Use a cotton pad to apply a small amount of the toner to the chosen area.
- Wait 24 hours: Observe the area for any signs of irritation, such as redness or itching.
If you experience any adverse reactions, it may be best to try a different product. For those with very dry or sensitive skin, a less concentrated acid toner might be a better fit.
Frequency of Use
For dry and sensitive skin, it’s important to introduce acid toners gradually. Start by using the product once or twice a week. Pay attention to how your skin reacts. If your skin shows no signs of irritation after a few weeks, you can increase usage to 2-3 times per week. It is advisable to use your toner in the evening, allowing the acids to work overnight without sun exposure.
Pair your acid toner with a gentle moisturiser afterwards to keep your skin hydrated and balanced. This helps to prevent dryness and maintain a healthy barrier. Remember to use SPF during the daytime, as exfoliating acids can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Which Acid Toner Should You Choose?
Choosing the right acid toner can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you find the best one for your skin type and needs.
- PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acids) have extra-large molecules that don’t penetrate the skin as deeply, reducing irritation.
- BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) like salicylic acid, are oil-soluble, making them effective for clearing pores. They are great for acne and oily skin.
- AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) including glycolic and lactic acids, help to exfoliate the top layers of your skin. They excel at brightening and improving skin texture. If ageing skin is your main concern, these would be the ones to choose.
Best Acid Toners for Dry and Sensitive Skin
1. Pixi Glow Tonic £18 250mls
Pixi Glow Tonic is a cult-favourite exfoliating toner that promises radiant, smooth skin. With 5% glycolic acid, this toner gently removes dead skin cells, revealing a more luminous complexion underneath. The product is designed for all skin types and is popular with those with dry and sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients
- Glycolic Acid (5%): Exfoliates and brightens the skin.
- Aloe Vera: Soothes and hydrates.
- Ginseng: Energizes and improves circulation.
- Alcohol-free: less likely to cause irritation or dryness.
Performance
Upon application, Pixi Glow Tonic feels refreshing and slightly tingly. I have experienced mild burning a few times with this product but only when I was trialling a new retinol product so my skin was likely more sensitive than usual. Users with sensitive skin might want to start with using once per week to build tolerance.
After a few weeks of consistent use, I noticed an improvement in skin texture and brightness. It also helped reduce my post-pregnancy hyperpigmentation.
Value for Money
Priced at £18, Pixi Glow Tonic offers good value for its performance and quality. A little goes a long way, and a single bottle can last several months even with regular use. My most recent bottle lasted nearly 6 months with 3 uses per week, not bad for 18 quid!
2. REN Glow Tonic £30 250mls
REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic is an exfoliating toner designed to enhance skin radiance and smoothness. This product also features on my acid toners for oily and combination skin post as its blend of gentle AHAs and BHAs make it suitable for all skin types.
Key Ingredients
- Lactic Acid (AHA): Dissolves dead skin cells and retains moisture.
- Willow Bark Extract (BHA): Clears pores and improves skin texture.
- Azelaic Acid Derivative: Improves skin brightness and texture.
- The formula is vegan and cruelty-free, aligning with REN’s commitment to clean beauty.
Performance
This REN acid toner is probably my favourite from this list and the one that I have re-purchased many times over the past few years. After a month of daily use, you’ll notice clearer, brighter skin with a smoother texture. It’s particularly effective at reducing the appearance of spots and scars, making your complexion more even and glowing. The formula also includes soothing ingredients that help keep your skin calm.
Users with sensitive skin should start with once weekly applications to build tolerance. Over several weeks of using this product, I typically notice a reduction in dullness, with a more refined and even skin texture. Pores appear minimised, and any hyperpigmentation or dark spots gradually fade, revealing a healthier glow. My skin generally just looks better when using this product. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what it’s doing but when I have this product on my skincare routine, my skin looks plump and has more glow. I guess that’s why they call it ‘ready steady glow’!
Value for Money
This is a slightly pricier option than some of the others on this list. For me, it is worth every penny! A single bottle provides a generous amount of product, lasting several months with regular use.
3. Zelens PHA+ Resurfacing Essence £45 100mls
The Zelens PHA+ Resurfacing Essence is suitable for all skin types. Its gentle blend of PHA, AHA and BHA exfoliates without irritation making it perfect for dry and sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients
Zelens PHA Acid Toner boasts an impressive list of ingredients designed to enhance skin health and appearance. The star component is Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA), which is renowned for its gentle exfoliating properties. PHAs are larger molecules compared to AHAs and BHAs, making them less likely to penetrate deeply and cause irritation, which is particularly beneficial for sensitive skin.
Other notable ingredients include:
- Lactobionic Acid: A type of PHA that helps to exfoliate dead skin cells while retaining moisture.
- Gluconolactone: Another PHA that provides antioxidant benefits, protecting the skin from environmental stressors.
- Probiotics: These beneficial bacteria help to balance the skin’s microbiome, reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy barrier.
- Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing and hydrating properties, aloe vera helps to calm and nourish the skin.
Performance
Zelens PHA Acid Toner excels in delivering gentle yet effective exfoliation. I didn’t notice any immediate effects with this product but after a few weeks of use, I saw smoother, brighter skin. After a month of using 3 times a week, my skin felt balanced and calm. The inclusion of probiotics, which help to maintain a healthy skin barrier, likely contributed to this.
This toner is worth the investment if you experience dullness, uneven texture, and sensitivity.
Value for Money
The Zelens PHA Acid Toner has the highest price point on this list. However, the quality of the ingredients and the results justify the cost. The combination of PHAs, probiotics, and soothing agents makes this toner a standout product that offers multiple benefits beyond simple exfoliation.
4. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution £11.50 240mls
The Ordinary, known for its affordable yet effective skincare solutions, offers the Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution as a standout product in its lineup. Its powerful exfoliating properties, combined with soothing and hydrating ingredients, make it a versatile addition to any skincare routine. While it may be strong for sensitive skin, careful and gradual use can mitigate potential irritation.
Key Ingredients
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is formulated with a focus on simplicity and effectiveness. The primary ingredient, glycolic acid, is a well-known alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that provides potent exfoliating benefits. Here’s a breakdown of its key components:
- Glycolic Acid (7%): This AHA helps to gently exfoliate the outer layer of the skin, promoting cell turnover and revealing a brighter complexion.
- Tasmanian Pepperberry Derivative: Included to reduce the irritation typically associated with acid use, this botanical extract soothes the skin.
- Aloe Vera: Known for its calming and hydrating properties, aloe vera helps to balance the exfoliating effects of glycolic acid.
- Ginseng Root Extract: This ingredient is known for its brightening and revitalizing properties, adding an extra glow to the skin.
- Amino Acids: These help to strengthen the skin barrier and enhance overall skin health.
Performance
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is praised for its effectiveness in improving skin texture and tone. With a few weeks of consistent use, I noticed an improvement in the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. My skin also generally felt soft and smooth.
However, due to its 7% glycolic acid concentration, it can be potent, and those with sensitive skin may experience some initial tingling or redness. It’s recommended to use the toner once a week, gradually increasing frequency as the skin builds tolerance.
Overall, this toner stands out as a cost-effective, high-performance product that delivers on its promises.
Value for Money
One of the most appealing aspects of The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is its affordability. Despite its high concentration of active ingredients, the product is priced significantly lower than many other exfoliating toners on the market. The large 240ml bottle ensures it lasts for several months, even with regular use. Given its performance and noticeable results this toner offers excellent value for money.
Final Thoughts
Acid toners can be an excellent addition to your skincare routine, even if you have dry and sensitive skin. With careful selection and gradual introduction, these products can help you achieve smoother, brighter, and healthier skin.
Have you tried any of these acid toners? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
