Balancing Acne Toner

After cleansing the skin, dampen cotton pad with toner and gently sweep across the face and neck morning and/or evening. Avoid the eye area. For extra benefits allow to sit for five minutes prior to applying other products in order to avoid neutralizing the exfoliating ingredients.  Follow with Hydrating Rose Water, Hyaluronic Hydration Primer, and a QÚL Moisturizer.

Witch Hazel:  This multi-purpose product has many uses, including killing bacteria that can live within skin’s pores to keep acne at bay. Witch hazel contains a high concentration of tannins, a group of antioxidant chemicals. Tannin’s act as an astringent, is anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial. Tannins help to shrink pores and regulate excess oil on the skin.  It can also help stop cellular damage that can lead to skin cancer, while preventing signs of aging and speeding up healing.

• Witch Hazel is a rich source of constricting compounds that make the proteins inside skin cells come together and shrinks pores and reduce puffiness

• The antioxidant effects of tannins help mitigate and prevent free radical damage to skin from UV (rays) and oxidizing air pollution

Aloe Vera: Besides its ability to help replenish and retain moisture in the skin, aloe also stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, all of which are necessary to keep skin hydrated, firm, and supple, which decline naturally with age. Applying aloe vera topically has been shown to help restore skin elasticity and decrease the appearance of fine lines.  It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe acne-prone skin. Aloe vera will then work to add the necessary moisture back into the barrier to prevent any irritation.

Glycolic Acid (AHA):  Glycolic acid has the smallest-sized molecules of all the AHAs. This allows glycolic acid to absorb into the skin and exfoliate it better than other AHAs.  Glycolic acid works by speeding up cell turnover as it dissolves the bonds that hold skin cells together. In effect, your skin is able to shed dead skin cells more quickly than it would on its own and unclog pores effectively.  Glycolic acid triggers the skin to make more collagen as well. Collagen is the protein that makes skin firm, plump, and elastic.  The skin makes less collagen with age. Collagen is also destroyed when you spend too much time in the sun. Using glycolic acid each day can help prevent the breakdown of collagen. 

Salicylic Acid (BHA): Is an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid (or BHA) that goes deep into the pores to clear out dirt, oil, and other impurities. It exfoliates and reduces clogged pores, leading to clearer and brighter skin.  Salicylic acid also plays an important role in the acne-healing process (both in the short and long term), acting as an anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps red, inflamed pimples and pustules go away faster.

Rosemary Oil Extract: Has antimicrobial, astringent capabilities and is high in antioxidants.   Rosemary Leaf extract can eliminate puffiness, combat age spots, reduce acne and regulate sebum production.

Origanum Marjorana (Marjoram) Leaf Oil:  Marjoram has been shown to have several anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is used as an antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial ingredient that is effective in addressing bacterial and viral acne issues.

Hemp Seed Oil: Is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids which form a protective seal over the surface of the skin to help hydrate dry skin and provide anti-inflammatory and anti-aging benefits.  The main chemical constituents of Hemp Oil are: Linoleic Acid, α-Linolenic Acid, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, and γ-Linolenic Acid.

Tea Tree Oil:  Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic for the skin, it contains key compounds that reduce the bacteria on skin's surface that contribute to acne production, it helps calm the skin and reduces redness caused by acne pustules.

Chlorella Vulgaris:  Contains significant levels of vitamins A, B, C, E, Iron and Zinc.  These vitamins work to calm skin inflammation and promote healthy functioning.  Chlorella contains high levels of antioxidants. The antioxidants in Chlorella encourage cell turnover, protect the skin from UV damage and help fight off free radicals.  Chlorella decreases blood vessel growth, minimizes the visibility of redness, and helps to reduce dark circles from around the eyes. It has skin-lightening and brightening effects that help reduce pigmentation and increase transparency.

Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate: Is a by-product of fermented sake. Galactomyces is actually a nutrient-dense yeast.  The vitamins and antioxidants created by the fermentation process help to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier.  It also reduces the appearance of pigmentation and brightens the skin.  A study conducted by the Asian Journal of Beauty and Cosmetology highlighting an essence made up of 97% of the ferment filtrate led to some convincing results. Participants of the study found that their pores shrank by 22% and sebum, blackheads, and keratin in the face decreased by 64%. The participants also found their skin felt and looked smoother and brighter.

Geranium Oil:  Geranium Oil has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, when applied topically, it aids in preventing the bacteria on the skin from entering the pores and causing breakouts. With the antibacterial and antiseptic properties, the number of acne outbreaks may be reduced along with the length of time they remain once they do break out.  Geranium oil may also help prevent breakouts by regulating the skin’s sebum production.

• Provides a second cleansing step to remove residual oil, product, dirt, bacteria, pollution, and debris that may remain after washing your skin with a cleanser and water.

• With exfoliating Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), which are both known to rid the pores of dirt and debris while smoothing the skin.

• Alcohol-Free and pH-balanced to reduce redness, irritations, and inflammation without stripping the skin barrier of moisture.

• This unique formulation of ingredients helps to improve skin texture and hydration and increases vitality while eliminating impurities all in one step.

• Brightens the complexion and decreases the appearance of surface lines and wrinkles.

Distilled Water (Aqua), Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Vegetable Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Triethanolamine (TEA), Glycolic Acid (AHA), Polysorbate 20, Salicylic Acid (BHA), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Origanum Marjorana (Marjoram) Leaf Oil, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil (Hemp Seed Oil), Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris, Phenoxyethanol, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil