Overview

Glow Recipe PHA + BHA Face Toner 150mL is a popular Korean skincare product designed to hydrate, exfoliate, and tighten pores. This toner features a unique combination of PHA and BHA, which work together to gently remove dead skin cells and clear out pores. With the addition of hydrating ingredients like watermelon extract and cactus water, this toner helps maintain moisture while improving skin texture. Ideal for both AM and PM skincare routines, this toner is perfect for those looking to achieve a smoother, more balanced complexion. Overall, it’s a great option for anyone seeking gentle exfoliation and hydration.

Key Ingredients & Benefits

The Glow Recipe face toner combines powerful ingredients like PHA (Polyhydroxy Acid) and BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid), which are key to its exfoliating action. PHA works gently to smooth the skin and promote an even complexion, while BHA dives deeper to clean out pores and reduce congestion. Watermelon extract and cactus water offer vital hydration, helping the skin retain moisture and stay soft. Additionally, hyaluronic acid locks in hydration, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and plump. These carefully selected ingredients work together to create a toner that exfoliates while keeping your skin nourished.

Best For

This toner is suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin, due to its gentle exfoliation and soothing properties. It’s particularly effective for individuals with oily, acne-prone skin or those who struggle with large pores, as it works to reduce excess oil while improving texture. Whether you’re seeking a smoother complexion or extra hydration, this toner caters to a wide range of skin needs. Its balanced formula makes it an excellent choice for those who want to enhance their skincare routine without worrying about irritation or harsh ingredients.

User Feedback

Many users report seeing noticeable improvements after using this toner consistently, including smoother, more hydrated skin and a reduction in pore size. It’s praised for its gentle formula, which works well even for sensitive skin without causing irritation. However, some users with drier skin types have noted that they prefer using it in combination with a richer moisturizer for extra hydration. Overall, most feedback highlights the toner’s ability to improve skin texture and give the skin a healthy, natural glow, making it a popular choice in daily skincare routines.

Pros

  • The toner hydrates the skin while gently exfoliating, leaving a refreshed and smooth complexion.
  • PHA and BHA work well together to minimize pores without causing irritation, even for sensitive skin.
  • Many users notice visible improvements in skin texture after consistent use over time.
  • Its lightweight formula is perfect for layering in both AM and PM skincare routines.
  • The product provides noticeable hydration, making it a great addition to dry skin routines.
  • Users appreciate the soothing ingredients like watermelon extract and cactus water that calm and hydrate the skin.

Cons

  • Some users find the toner too mild for more stubborn texture or deep exfoliation needs.
  • It may require an additional moisturizer for very dry skin types to maintain hydration throughout the day.
  • A few users with oily skin reported the toner didn't control oil as much as expected.
  • While it’s suitable for sensitive skin, new users may experience slight tingling or redness initially.
  • The formula might not be strong enough for those looking for a more intense pore treatment.
  • A small number of users find the product's scent a bit too subtle and wish for a stronger fragrance.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews of Glow Recipe PHA + BHA Face Toner 150mL from multiple languages and platforms, the results reflect a range of opinions on its performance. The feedback was carefully curated to remove spam, bot-driven, incentivized, and off-topic reviews, ensuring that only authentic and high-quality insights were considered. Both strengths and potential pain points are reflected in the scores, providing a balanced view of this product’s performance and suitability for different users.

Exfoliation Effectiveness
88%
Many users find this toner effective at gently exfoliating their skin, revealing a smoother texture over time. The combination of PHA and BHA acids works well to reduce dead skin cells without causing irritation, making it suitable for regular use. For those with mild congestion, it can leave skin feeling fresher and clearer after consistent use.
A few users mentioned that while it provides exfoliation, it didn't offer the deep, intense exfoliation they were expecting. Some individuals with thicker or oilier skin types felt that it wasn't potent enough to target more stubborn blemishes or heavy congestion.
Hydration & Moisture Retention
91%
This toner is highly praised for its ability to hydrate the skin effectively, thanks to ingredients like watermelon extract and cactus water. It helps maintain moisture balance without feeling greasy, leaving the skin soft and refreshed. Many users note that their skin feels plump and hydrated throughout the day, even in dry environments.
While the toner hydrates, some reviewers felt the moisture retention didn't last as long as expected, particularly in drier climates. A few mentioned that those with very dry skin might need to pair it with a more intense moisturizer to lock in hydration for longer periods.
Skin Compatibility (Sensitive Skin)
85%
This toner is appreciated for its gentle formula, making it a solid choice for sensitive skin. The exfoliating acids (PHA and BHA) offer a mild experience, and many users with reactive skin report minimal irritation. The soothing watermelon and cactus ingredients provide a calming effect, which is a major plus for those prone to redness or discomfort.
While most users with sensitive skin found it safe, a small number experienced slight tingling or dryness after initial use. Those with very sensitive skin may find it requires gradual introduction to avoid over-exfoliation, especially in combination with other active products.
Pore Minimizing Results
80%
20%
For users dealing with enlarged pores, this toner is beneficial in offering a slight reduction in pore appearance over time. The exfoliating properties of the BHA help clear out pore blockages, and the regular use of this product can provide a smoother texture, making pores less noticeable.
Several users noted that while it improved texture, the results for pore size reduction were minimal, especially for those with very large pores. Some found the effects subtle and not as dramatic as other pore-minimizing products they've tried.
Texture & Feel on Skin
89%
The toner is widely praised for its lightweight texture, which absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a sticky or greasy residue. It has a refreshing feel, making it suitable for both AM and PM routines. Users enjoy the smooth, soft finish it provides after application.
A few users mentioned that while it feels light, some could experience a slightly tight or dry feeling if used excessively, especially if they already have dry skin. It’s important for some to follow up with additional hydration to maintain comfort throughout the day.
Absorption & Finish
86%
This toner is well-loved for its quick absorption, allowing it to seamlessly integrate into daily skincare routines. It leaves the skin feeling fresh and not overly moisturized, making it ideal for those who prefer a balanced finish. It works well as a prep step for other serums or moisturizers.
Some users felt the toner absorbed a little too quickly, leaving them with the feeling that it didn’t provide enough hydration before they applied their next skincare step. A few also noted it didn't leave a long-lasting dewy finish, which they expected from a hydrating product.
Fragrance (Scent)
82%
18%
The light, refreshing scent is a highlight for many users, providing a pleasant experience without being overpowering. Its subtle fragrance makes it a good option for those who prefer skincare products with a mild scent that doesn’t linger or compete with other products in their routine.
While most users enjoy the fragrance, a few found it a bit too artificial or strong for their liking, particularly those who prefer fragrance-free or very lightly scented products. The scent, though refreshing, might be a bit much for those with more sensitive noses.
Packaging & Dispensing
78%
22%
The 150mL bottle is a generous size, offering good value for those using this product daily. The packaging is functional with a secure cap and a nozzle that dispenses the toner in controlled amounts, preventing spills or waste. The bottle’s design also feels sleek and modern, aligning well with the brand's aesthetic.
Some users found the bottle a bit bulky and not as travel-friendly as they’d hoped. The dispensing nozzle could be a bit more precise to avoid over-application, and a few reported leakage when the cap wasn’t tightly sealed during storage.
Overall Skin Texture Improvement
83%
This product is favored for its consistent ability to improve overall skin texture, leaving it feeling smoother and softer after consistent use. The combination of exfoliating acids and hydrating ingredients helps balance the skin's surface, enhancing its appearance without harsh irritation.
However, some users were not as impressed with the texture improvement, feeling it was gradual rather than noticeable after a few uses. Those with already relatively smooth skin might find the results more subtle and not as impactful compared to others with more textured or uneven skin.
Value for Money
92%
Users are generally pleased with the value they get from this product. At 150mL, it offers a good amount for daily use, and many feel it provides great results for the price. The blend of exfoliating and hydrating ingredients makes it versatile for different skin concerns, justifying the cost.
A small group of users felt that while it delivers on hydration and exfoliation, the price is a little high for a toner, especially when compared to similar products with more immediate results. Some users also mentioned that they expected more dramatic results for the price point.
Long-Term Results
85%
This toner shows positive long-term results, with users noticing smoother, brighter skin after several weeks of use. It helps maintain clear pores and even texture, leading to a more refined complexion. For those with acne-prone or congested skin, it can gradually show noticeable improvements in skin clarity.
However, for some users, the long-term benefits were slower than expected, especially when it came to major texture or pore-reducing effects. Those seeking faster results may find the gradual progress less satisfying.
Consistency Across Batches
75%
25%
Most users found the product consistent in quality and performance across different batches. There were no major complaints about variations in texture or results, and the formula has remained reliable for long-term use.
A few users reported slight variations in consistency or formulation between different batches, which led to occasional inconsistencies in feel or scent. These discrepancies left some feeling unsure about product quality and hesitant to repurchase.

Suitable for:

The Glow Recipe PHA + BHA Face Toner 150mL is ideal for individuals seeking a gentle exfoliating product that also hydrates and improves skin texture. It’s particularly well-suited for people with sensitive skin, as the mild exfoliating acids (PHA and BHA) are balanced by soothing ingredients like watermelon extract and cactus water. Users with oily or acne-prone skin will appreciate its ability to minimize pores and reduce excess oil without irritation. This product is also great for those with large pores or textured skin who are looking for a gradual improvement in their complexion over time, as it helps smooth the skin without being overly harsh or drying.

Not suitable for:

While the Glow Recipe PHA + BHA Face Toner 150mL works well for most, it may not be the best choice for users with very dry or dehydrated skin, as it provides hydration but might require an additional moisturizer for long-lasting moisture. Some individuals with thicker skin or those expecting more intense exfoliation may find the product too mild for their needs. Additionally, users who have experienced irritation with other exfoliating toners may need to introduce this product gradually or avoid it altogether, as even gentle acids can cause reactions if overused or combined with other potent actives.

Specifications

  • Volume: The product contains 150mL of toner, suitable for daily use over a few weeks.
  • Formulation: This is an exfoliating toner that combines PHA and BHA for gentle skin resurfacing.
  • Key Ingredients: It features PHA, BHA, watermelon extract, cactus water, and hyaluronic acid.
  • Skin Types: Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, thanks to its gentle ingredients.
  • Hydration: Formulated with hydrating ingredients like watermelon extract and cactus water to keep the skin moisturized.
  • Exfoliation: PHA and BHA work together to exfoliate the skin, helping to smooth texture and minimize pores.
  • Usage: This toner is designed for both AM and PM use, providing gentle exfoliation at any time of day.
  • Fragrance: The toner has a light, refreshing scent that is not overpowering.
  • Packaging: It comes in a 150mL plastic bottle, easy to store and use.
  • Application: Apply the toner using a cotton pad, gently sweeping it across the face after cleansing.
  • Effect on Pores: This toner helps reduce the appearance of pores over time, providing a smoother skin texture.
  • Safety Notes: It is recommended to patch-test the product first, especially for users new to exfoliating acids.
  • Acid Concentration: Contains mild concentrations of PHA and BHA, suitable for sensitive skin without causing irritation.
  • Absorption: Absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving a smooth and refreshed feeling without a sticky residue.
  • Long-term Use: With consistent use, this toner improves skin texture and delivers noticeable hydration.
  • Effectiveness for Acne: Helps to clear pores and reduce breakouts, making it suitable for acne-prone skin.
  • Non-comedogenic: This toner is formulated to be non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.
  • Eco-Friendly Packaging: The packaging is recyclable, aligning with environmentally conscious skincare practices.
  • Cruelty-Free: This product is cruelty-free, not tested on animals.

FAQ

To use this toner, apply it to a cotton pad and gently swipe across your face after cleansing, both in the morning and evening. Avoid the eye area. Follow with your moisturizer and sunscreen in the AM.

Yes, this toner is designed for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Its gentle exfoliation from PHA and BHA helps to smooth and refine skin without causing irritation, making it a great option for those with delicate skin.

This toner contains PHA and BHA, which gently exfoliate and cleanse the skin, while watermelon extract and cactus water provide hydration. Hyaluronic acid locks in moisture, leaving the skin plump and refreshed.

Yes, the combination of BHA (a deep pore cleanser) and exfoliating acids can help reduce congestion and prevent breakouts, making it ideal for those with acne-prone or oily skin. It also helps minimize the appearance of pores.

This toner is formulated to be gentle on the skin. While it does exfoliate, the presence of hydrating ingredients like watermelon extract and cactus water helps to keep the skin moisturized, reducing the likelihood of dryness or irritation.

If you’re using other exfoliating products, it’s best to be cautious to avoid over-exfoliation. Start by introducing this toner gradually into your routine, especially if you use other acids or strong exfoliants.

Many users report seeing smoother, more hydrated skin after a few weeks of consistent use. While results can vary, expect visible improvements in skin texture and pore reduction with regular use.

Yes, this toner absorbs quickly and leaves your skin smooth and hydrated, making it an excellent base for makeup. It won't leave a sticky residue, so your foundation and other products can go on smoothly.

The toner has a light, refreshing scent that many users find pleasant. However, it’s not overpowering, making it suitable for those who prefer minimal fragrance in their skincare products.

Store this toner in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve its effectiveness. Make sure the cap is tightly closed after each use to prevent contamination.