Inspired by the popular aqua peel facial, we sought to capture the same intensely hydrating and pore-clearing effects in a product you can use in the comfort of your home. Our new Watermelon Glow Pore-Tight Toner is unlike any toner we’ve seen or used before. From watermelon to cactus, from PHA to BHA, and from patting (not rubbing!) and when to apply use in your routine, we’ve got all your questions about the new Pore-Tight Toner, answered.

When should I use toner in my routine?

After cleansing, apply a dime-size amount of toner to your palms and gently pat into your skin until fully absorbed, avoiding the sensitive eye area. You can also use a reusable cotton pad to apply toner if you’d like. Follow with your eye cream and the rest of your routine.

Can I use it everyday?

While Watermelon Toner contains effective actives like BHA and PHA, it’s balanced by ultra-hydrating, nourishing ingredients — like cactus water and watermelon extract — for an overall gentle formula that is safe for daily use. It’s also designed to work perfectly with our other Glow Recipe Skincare products. Here’s a peek at what goes into it:

Still, not everyone’s skin is the same! If you do have sensitive skin or are new to BHA, we recommend starting to use it 2-3 times a week and working your way to daily use.

Is it safe to use in my morning and nightly routines?

Yes and yes! We used extremely gentle forms of active ingredients paired with hydrating watermelon and cactus, making our Watermelon Glow Pore-Tight Toner totally safe to use in both your AM and PM routines.This formula includes PHA (poly hydroxy acid), a gentle exfoliating acid that’s suitable for all, even sensitive skin. We also included willowbark extract, a super gentle, natural form of BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) as well as betaine salicylate, another naturally derived BHA.

We recommend avoiding the use of benzoyl peroxide in the same routine as our Watermelon Glow Pore-Tight Toner, as it contains BHA, or salicylic acid, and when used together these ingredients may cause irritation. Feel free to alternate these ingredients in your routine as you see fit.

Why should I use a toner?

Toners are essential for restoring your skin’s pH after cleansing and infusing your skin with hydration as the first leave-on treatment step. Toners can have other benefits, too, that target specific skin concerns. Our Watermelon Toner not only refines the appearance of pores, it also creates a hydrating, supple base to help your skin better absorb the following steps of your skin-care routine. 

Don’t toners dry your skin out?

Not this one! It is true that some astringent toners can dry your skin, but our Watermelon Glow Pore-Tight Toner actually infuses skin with hydration. This formula is free of alcohols and astringents and is formulated with intensely hydrating ingredients like cactus water, hyaluronic acid, and watermelon extract. 

Will using BHAs + PHAs in my morning routine make my skin more sensitive to the sun?

BHAs and PHAs are considered to be forms of chemical exfoliation, so we always recommend ending your morning skin care routine by applying your favorite SPF! 

Will BHA make my skin purge?

BHA, or beta-hydroxy acid, is an oil-soluble exfoliating acid. This means in addition to working on the surface of your skin to slough away dead skin cells, it’s also able to break up clogged pores. This makes it great for helping to prevent breakouts, comedones, and other signs of congestion.⁠ As it works to clear out your pores, you may experience a few weeks of purging as your skin heals itself and these clogged pores come to surface. We recommend giving your skin 4-6 weeks to rebalance. Check out our blog post on skin purging for more info.

Is this safe for sensitive skin?

Watermelon Glow Pore-Tight Toner is super lightweight and hydrating, and we made sure to use the most gentle forms of BHA + PHA, making it totally safe for those with sensitive skin. We always recommend patch testing new products first, and if you’re new to exfoliating acids it’s best to incorporate them slowly into your routine, increasing frequency over the course of a few weeks.

What skin types is this toner best for?

This toner is formulated to benefit all skin! It’s hydrating and gently exfoliating, meaning it can soothe dry skin and help with texture or flakiness. For skin that’s feeling dehydrated, this combination of ingredients can help rebalance, infuse moisture, and control oil production. For skin that is oil-prone or acne-prone, these gentle exfoliants help to keep pores clear, while essential hydration and nutrients keep your skin barrier strong.

Can I use this with other Glow Recipe products?

Just like the rest of our products, the Watermelon Toner utilizes powerful active ingredients in a super gentle way. Glow Recipe Skincare is formulated and perfectly balanced to work together in the same routine. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend patch testing them together on the back of your hand before applying to your face.

What’s the difference between AHA, BHA, and PHA?

AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) are a form of chemical exfoliant that work to remove dead skin cells on the surface of your skin. BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids) are oil soluble, so they go beyond the surface of the skin to exfoliate inside your pores. Similar to AHAs, PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) work on the surface of the skin to exfoliate dead skin cells, however, their molecular size is much larger than AHAs, creating a slower and more gentle, yet still as effective, exfoliating experience. 

I love the scent of the Watermelon Glow mask! Does this smell the same?

Watermelon Glow Pore-Tight Toner has an herbal scent with a fruity finish. You’ll smell fresh cucumber and juicy watermelon along with refreshing herbal notes. Some people describe the Watermelon Glow mask as smelling like watermelon candy, whereas Pore-Tight Toner smells more like a watermelon spa. It’s relaxing and refreshing – everything you want in a toner!

Where does the color come from?

The natural color is from cabbage leaf extract and sweet potato extract!

You can shop the Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner here.