Top 10 Best Exfoliating Toners in the Philippines 2021 (The Ordinary, Pixi, and More)

Exfoliation happens when you remove the dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. The skin sheds these dead skin cells regularly to make room for new cells after 28 to 30 days. Some of these don’t shed completely, leaving your skin’s surface clogged, dry, and patched. If you don’t exfoliate, it also results in skin concerns in the long run.

One of the ways to exfoliate is through leave-on products like toners. They consist of acids that are non-abrasive, resulting in a healthy, beautiful glow overnight. These exfoliating toners are also well-formulated with other ingredients to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, unclog pores, brighten dark spots, to name a few.

There are other ways to exfoliate your skin, such as chemical peels, scrubs, and sponges. However, some of these alternatives can be too harsh on your skin. For instance, scrubs can be rough or have a coarse texture, so if you have sensitive skin, it may harm the surface of the face's skin.

In contrast, exfoliating toners are formulated for a specific skin concern. With the right concentration and combination of acids, they can even penetrate even the multiple layers of your skin. In this regard, regular exfoliation is a must if you wish to have radiant and glowing skin. 

If you plan to include an exfoliating toner in your skincare routine, here are the important things to consider based on your skin type. Exfoliating toners aren’t formulated the same, so make sure you also know the active ingredients in the bottle.

Exfoliating toners are formulated with acids, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, which are both AHAs or (Alpha Hydroxy Acids). These two superstar ingredients are beneficial for combination and oily skin. They reduce fine lines and wrinkles, brighten the skin, and eliminate dark spots from sun damage. AHAs are less likely to irritate the skin with the right dose. 

Salicylic acid is the common BHAs or Beta Hydroxy Acid ingredient used in exfoliating toners. This is the gold standard in treating acne and other skin problems like whiteheads and blackheads. It can penetrate your skin's surface and pores, which can prevent breakouts and blackheads. 

Moreover, salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, which effectively treats rosacea and regulates sebum production. BHAs also target sun discoloration and improve overall skin texture. Look for concentrations of about 0.5% to 2% BHA solutions if you want to treat acne, blemishes, and clogged pores. 

Another ingredient to consider is witch hazel, recommended by dermatologists ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. It's a natural astringent with anti-inflammatory powers that can relieve dry and irritated skin. Go for alcohol-free exfoliating toners, especially if you plan to use them regularly.

PHAs or Polyhydroxy Acids are exfoliators that repair the skin, remove dead skin cells, and have anti-aging benefits. They are recommended for all skin types, but sensitive skin will benefit significantly from these because they are more gentle than AHAs and BHAs. 

PHAs are gentle on the skin because they have large molecules, which penetrate slowly into the skin. On top of that, they are also humectants, which means they also retain moisture on your skin. They can also combat glycation, a process that weakens your skin’s elasticity and collagen.

If you have dull skin, look for exfoliating toners that have active ingredients like vitamin C, an antioxidant skin superstar that brightens your skin, and beneficial for those who have uneven skin tone. Kojic acid also has skin brightening benefits and target dark spots, sun damage, and scars.

You may also want to look for ingredients to address hyperpigmentation- AHAs, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, and also niacinamide, a well-known humectant that can reduce dark spots. Azelaic acid, a not-so-distant acid to AHAs and BHAs, also has a "magical" skin-lightening effect.

Look for exfoliating toners that are alcohol-free because alcohol can dry your skin. If you already have dry skin, look for moisturizing ingredients like niacinamide to strengthen the skin's barrier and soothing effects. Aloe vera extract is beneficial for the skin as a natural ingredient- ideal for improving skin hydration.

Avoid toners that have sulfates and dyes, which can also exacerbate dryness. While glycolic acid is recommended for oily skin, it’s also a humectant, which can help retain moisture on your skin.

Mature skin tends to be dry, dull and may have a rough texture and dark spots. Since AHAs have anti-aging properties aside from their ability to remove dead skin cells, look for exfoliants formulated with these acids and other active ingredients like green tea extract. It also has moisturizing powers and can reduce skin roughness. 

Humectants are also beneficial for this type of skin, so toners with niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid are the best bet. Overall, since this type of skin can also be sensitive, go for gentle exfoliants and formulations with the right amount of concentration of acids.

Now that you are armed with pointers in choosing an exfoliating toner, here are the best products we found on the market. Whether you are just starting to include exfoliation in your routine or already using acids, there's something for you. Best if you can conduct a patch test first to see how your skin responds. 

**Prices may vary depending on the website and their campaign period.**

Acid toners address different skin concerns and needs. They are also formulated with different acid solutions and active ingredients. While you might read some reviews claiming that the product worked for them, your skin might not respond the same to that product. So, before you dip your toes into the acids, take note of these tips.

Tips:

1. For beginners, use AHAs every other day and work up your way gradually for daily application until your skin gets used to it.
2. Caution for everyone: if you apply AHAs like glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, malic acid, which are common in skincare products, in the morning, use sunscreen with SPF 30 broad-spectrum to avoid burning. At best, use the exfoliating toner at night. Check the instructions on how to apply the product.
3. If you're allergic to aspirin, you might want to steer away from salicylic acid as this acid is a salicylate, which is a closer relative to aspirin.
4. Don't mix retinoids or retinol products with glycolic acid and salicylic acid because it may result in dryness and irritation. Try using these items every other day, but not on the same day for layerings. 

Because sharing is caring, here are some of the skincare products our specialists have reviewed so far. Achieve that glass skin look and explore the best skincare items that fit your needs and budget. Click the links below for more buying guides and product recommendations.

Exfoliation should be done regularly if you want to maintain healthy and radiant skin. We hope that you have found the one that matches your skin type. If you are just starting, make sure you buy a low concentration of acid solutions or opt for active ingredients made of natural extracts. Glowing skin makes for a happier you!

Author: Maria Krisette Capati

Like and follow our Instagram and Facebook page for updates!