Here in all its glory is the most searched for item on this blog. There were over 100 searches for it in December alone so I thought I'd best get to reviewing it.
This is automatically in my Top 5 Toners.
A few things to say up front: it does contain alcohol - which I am always asked about - but it counteracts it nicely with glycerin. If I hadn't seen the inci list I wouldn't have known there was alcohol present. There is absolutely NO feeling of dryness after use.
It also contains glycolic, salicylic and tartaric acid - in much smaller amounts than P50 and Pixi Glow Tonic - there is only the teeniest sting on open skin (after extractions) so this in essence is a lovely everyday toner that will really gently exfoliate the surface of the skin without really over-working it and thus the danger of thinning it out..
You'll find that the bigger beauty houses steer away from using products that are too active - and always, always, protect themselves with very safe usage directions. It's not their fault - they answer to lawyers and shareholders and have to avoid any costly lawsuits.
So this says to use 1 or 2 times a week and to avoid the eyes. I have been using it twice a day and purposely used it across my eyelids and undereyes (as I always do with toner) and this is absolutely fine. On me. I'm not suggesting you pour it all over your face - just giving you reassurance that for my eyes - which are actually quite sensitive - this was fine.
It also has the must-have legal requirement labelling about sunburn and AHA usage - saying to avoid the sun for a week after use. This is bog standard EU inci legislation that has to be applied to anything containing AHA's.
Ridiculous when you consider that glycolic acid is the only one of the AHA's that actually makes you sun sensitive. Do not read the packaging and be put off. It's not scare-mongering. Just the EU.
So yes, protect your skin and patch test on a Clarins counter if you are concerned, but this is a beautiful, softening, exfoliating, brightening, hydrating toner that should be in everyone's arsenal.
Available from Clarins.co.uk priced £24.50.
* press sample
This looks like such a lovely toner, may look into it when my current one has run out. I did a blog post on it a few weeks ago if you would like to look at it : http://unstitchedd.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/body-shop-cucumber-water-makeup.html
ReplyDeletexxx
What do you think of clinique mild clarifying lotion? also, just bought Michael Todd AHA toner. looks good anyway.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't choose it over this.
Deletewhat do you think of the REN exfoliating toner? http://www.renskincare.com/p/3393/Clarifying+Toning+Lotion x
ReplyDeleteIts ok but it only has lactic acid - which is still good - but it doesn't have much oompf - if you know what i mean
Deletethanks, i might try it as my skin is a bit sensitive aswell as spot-prone and i already use glycolic and salicylic acids in my routine so i dont want something with too much "oompf" :) x
DeleteI wish my skin liked Clarins products. There's some great ones out there, I love the sound of the one step cleanse but my skin kicks off big time whenever I try it :(
ReplyDeleteCould you tell me if this idea I've got that toners help your skin to absorb your moisturiser more effectively actually true or not? I can't remember where I read it! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteDepends on the toner. A spray on like Evian - no. It'll just make your own skin dehydrate more. Anything with glycerin or hyaluronic acid - in theory yes.
DeleteOmg I often use Evian and Avene Eau Thermal Spring Water to cool down my face because my skin is sensitive to the sun and to get some hydration. I have a dehydrated skin already so do my Evian and Evene spray water make my skin a lot more dehydrated than before?
DeleteSorry for my bad english :)
Avene has proven healing properties for problem skins (eczema, psorasis, etc...) unlike Evian that doesn't do anything. But as Caroline says it shouldn't be used for hydrating purposes.
DeleteAvene has proven healing properties for problematic skins (eczema, psoriasis...) unlike Evian that does nothing. But as Caroline said it's not meant for hydration.
DeleteBought this at the end of the year and it has worked wonders on my acne. My skin looks the best it has for a long time.
ReplyDeleteYay!
DeleteI have dry skin, can I use p50 every day?
ReplyDeleteYes
DeleteThis sounds great and if you recommend it, it must be good!
ReplyDeleteI'm currently using a Paula's Choice toner. Any thoughts/opinions on the brand?
ReplyDeleteI personally disagree with some of her views - but that's only to be expected. Her products seem fine for what they are.
DeleteI use to be a Clarins freak but then they started changing the formulas of their products! This though I have not tried I may give it a bash after your review. At the moment I am using the Pixi glow & not made up my mind about it yet, I really want something that will stop the need for exfoliating scrubs.
ReplyDeletethis is slightly more gentle than Pixi - I think the Glycerin helps somewhat. And yes the change of formulations aggravated me too.
DeleteThis may be a silly question but should you use less, more or the same amount of an exfoliating lotion as you would a toner? - Do you saturate the cotton pad, or do you use just a couple of drops? Or does it depend on the actual product? I always saturate the cotton pad and no idea if this is right or wrong. Even when using liquid gold or P50 I use a very wet cotton pad. Is this ok or am I just wasting the product? Thank you if you have time to answer.
ReplyDeleteGod I never wet the cotton pad. If you've used the product for longer than a couple of days - no point. I don't saturate it but I do like good dollop if that makes sense? And i use one side all over the face, flip the cotton - and go again.
DeleteI'm so lazy with toners, I guess because I've not found a great one! I love Clarins and this toner sounds wonderful! x
ReplyDeleteGet using it! :)
DeleteAs this contain salicylic acid, I guess this is a no no during pregnancy? Oh well, I will check it out later then. I usually get along really well with Clarins. Thanks Christine.
ReplyDeleteIts such a minute amount I would honestly not worry - none of this will get in to your bloodstream. At all.
DeleteHi, Caroline. Since I live in Asia and can't get my hands on both Pixi Glow Tonic and P50 even though I really really really want to, I want to try this Clarins Exfoliating toner as an alternative. But I have a question. I've been using retinaic cream 0.05% (Retin-A) for almost two months (only on my forehead where I get so many break outs) and I've been using REN Glycolatic Radiance Renewal Mask once a week since last month. Is my skin going to be over exfoliated if I add this Clarins Exfoliating Toner in my routine? Thank you so much! :)
ReplyDeleteyou should be fine
DeleteThanks for the review. I've been wanting to try it but I am presently using Dermalogica Gentle Cream exfoliant twice a week. Can I still use the the Clarins toner? How often should I use it? Thank you. :)
ReplyDeleteYes I would say so. Try using it the way i suggest - it'll be fine - if it irritates decrease use to once a week.
DeleteHi Caroline, what do you think of Neal's Yard Rose Toner or NYR toners in general? I'm 31 and want to move to a more natural, organic skincare regime. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI like NY in general. Can I ask why you want to move into natural as you are getting older? That's usually when I advise hi-tec! :)
DeleteI have rosacea and I find that hitec stuff causes my skin to redden. An suggestions would be welcome!
Deletethis sounds lovely! I definitely have to try this soon :)
ReplyDeleteand uhh, I just read the phrase 'thinning it out' which reminded me that I wanted to ask you about exfoliation. I've been enjoying exfoliators regulary for quite some time now but I'm not quite sure how often I can use them. here's what I do: once a week Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant, sometimes: once a week any other purifying mask like Origins Clear Improvement or Elemental Herbology Facial Glow, almost everyday Paula's Choice 2% BHA Exfoliant, everyday muslin cloths for wiping away cleansing balm - I'd like to add Liquid Gold to my routine, would that be too much exfoliation? I'm scared of ruining my skin with adding too much to my routine. what would you recommend?
I usually get one or two clogged pores (huge, red, painful and won't come to a head - how I hate those!) on my chin about once a month - other than that my skin is dry, dehydrated and sensitive.
If you are dry dehydrated and sensitive you need to stop with all the scrubbing exfoliation. Topical exfoliants like the Clarins/Liquid Gold are better for your skin. The Paula's Choice is salicylic not glycolic so don't worry.
Deleteoh don't worry, I haven't done the scrubbing part since I started reading your blog a few months back, haha.
DeleteI put these masks on and gently wipe them away after a few minutes with a muslin cloth soaked in warm water. I was just concerned about how often I should use topical exfoliants in general!
correct me if I'm wrong but when the active ingredients are different (I have products with lactic acid, salicylic acid and glycolic acid) it's okay to use a few exfoliants in your skincare regimen, right? I'm obviously not using everything at once, but let's say per week..
I need something that exolifates and hydrates - but am worried about my ultra-sensitive skin. I have used Paula's Choice exfoliant before, but had to discontinue as it was iritating my skin (and not really doing anything), and tried LE Skin Tonic, but that made my skin feel tight. Is it worth me trying this, or would I better off getting some Liquid Gold to use once a week, and upping muse of hydraluron? I have combination skin, oily areas mostly under control apart from nose
ReplyDeleteWhy don't you try this at a Clarins counter? I really like it - its not tight. Use hydraluron 2 x day.
DeleteCaroline,
ReplyDeleteThis product is not available in the US. Clarins stocks something here that seems like it might be similar/an alternative to. Any thoughts?
http://www.clarinsusa.com/Bright-Plus-HP-Gentle-Renewing-Brightening-Peel/C010406036,en_US,pd.html?start=9
I think its exactly the same thing! Different name.
DeleteHow much exfoliating lotion should you use. When using liquid gold/P50 I usually saturate the cotton pad, is this ok? Or should it only be a few drops. Also should you wipe over face just once or can you keep going over the same area.
ReplyDeleteWhen I asked the Clarins girl in Liberty for an exfoliating toner this is definitely not what she suggested *sigh* I fear for the people walking around in the world without blogs like this to guide them! Thanks for the tip... Advantage card points splurge ahead!
ReplyDeleteWhat did she say? Xx
DeleteJust bought it. Cant wait to see how it goes. Literally used my last drop of P50 this morning. Good timing.
ReplyDeleteDon't be surprised - it's not as strong as P50! X
DeleteI'm sticking with P50!
ReplyDeleteI currently use liquid gold every other night. Can I use this on the nights I don't use the liquid gold?
ReplyDeleteYep.
DeleteThank you so much for replying :) Has anyone ever told you how amazing you are?? I'm sure they have, but I'll say it again, you are amazing!! Your blog is like my bible! I think my life is complete! X
DeleteHi Caroline, this is a completely random question but I didn't know whether you would see it on one of your supplement posts. I am 21 years old and I want to start taking fish oil (one good reason is that I don't eat any fish- oily or otherwise) is there any that you would particularly recommend? I like Lambert's after your recommendations, they are affordable too so perhaps a Lambert's one but I don't know which?
ReplyDeleteThanks x
Lambert's 1100mg tabs. Always take before food or you'll burp Nemo. Gross.
DeleteCould you list all the ingredients of this product please? I tried google it for hours but couldn't find it. I want to compare the ingredients between this and the Bright Plus HP Gentle Renewing Brightening Peel (the one that US have). Thanks
ReplyDeleteI would do but I've lost the box. Typically. They look like exactly the same product to me - i checked both sites.
DeleteIs this Clarins toner and/or the Pixi Glow toner safe during pregnancy? On your advice I have put aside the liquid gold, but would like to use something exfoliating again (if safe). Many thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe toners will be fine - they are purposely in small quantities - the Clarins is the most gentle.
DeleteI dont wear makeup in the weekends. Should i still cleanse, tone and moisturise morning and evening? Is this not classed as overcleansing/treating the skin?
ReplyDeleteNo it's classed as cleaning and treating your skin :)
DeleteDear Caroline,
ReplyDeleteI just saw that Lierac have launched a new toner, called solution kératolytique. The blurb says that it contains "hydroxy-acides (10%) + zinc". The acids are a mixture of glycolic, salicylic and lactic. I have no experience with this, but perhaps you could roughly say where this is on a scale of Clarins toner to Liquid Gold? Thank you!
hello,
Deletei purchased the lierac prescription solution keratolytique a few weeks ago. i also do own alpha-h liquid gold. in my experience, i would say lierac feels a lot stronger. it feels more of a treatment and when i put lierac on, i find it so difficult not to scratch my face, liquid gold tingles but not to the point of willing to scratch myself.
I finally bought this and my skin in different already after 1 use!! Great product. And my skin is dry sensitive.
ReplyDeleteDear Caroline,
ReplyDeleteI am a breastfeeding mom, so I wonder if this toner is safe for my baby. More than that, in Asia I only found White Plus HP Gentle Renewing Brightening Peel, is it the same? Please help me. Thank you.
Dear Caroline,
ReplyDeleteI am a breastfeeding mom, so I wonder if this kind of toner is safe for my baby. More than that, in Asia I only found Clarins White Plus HP Gentle Renewing Brightening Peel. Is it the same? Please help me. Many thanks!
Hi caroline,
ReplyDeletei am 14 years old (very young skin) i cleanse every night with liz earle cleanse and polish (i'm looking to change to the ren hydracalm cleansing milk when i've finished cleanse and polish)then i moisturise with the body shops vitamin E moisturiser. In the morning i use the avene extremely gentle cleanser and the body shop vitamin E moisturiser.
I'm looking to buy some good toners(through your reccomendtion),
1. do i need an exfoiliating one?
2. whats your opinion on the kiehls ultra facial toner?
3. is there anything i'm doing wrong in my current regime?
this will really help ,thanks! xxx just want to say also that i loooove your blog it is awesome and so useful <3
If I can't find the P50 ill pick this up. Great post!
ReplyDeleteIf anyone can help me out I'd appreciate it. I cant get the P50 or this clarins in Canada. I noticed some ppl in the US found the clarins under a different name like the "Bright plus HP peel" but I cant get that in Canada either. so if anyone knows of online stores or another name for it that i've missed that would b great!
ReplyDeleteyou can get this clarins toner at shoppers drug mart! (:
DeleteHi, have tried the Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner? I would love to get the Pixi Glow Tonic but I don't have access to a Pixi Store (I live in the UK). The Mario Badescu toner seems better value than the Clarins toner (you get 236ml for £16.95 on beauty bay). It also contains 2% Glycolic acid. Would love to hear your opinion on this product.
ReplyDeleteHi Carline! Is this kind of product safe to use on skin with rosacea?
ReplyDeleteHi Caroline..
ReplyDeleteI am on the hunt for a good toner. I have acne on my chin (I'm on antibiotics and topical creams), and this area is quite sensitive (from creams I think). I am 22. Should I give you my skin routine? Anyway, I was considering Michael Todd Antibacterial Toner or this Clarins one. Have you any recommendations? I'm currently waiting for Emma H cleanser to arrive :) and really want to include Liquid Gold and Hydraluron into my routine.
Thanks a million.
Thanks so much for the review, and the comments answering the questions about the difference between the slight different in names between the US and European versions of the same product. Off to buy the "brightening peel!" :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the review and answering questions about the brightening toner versus brightening peel (which is what it's called here in the US). Off to invest!
ReplyDeleteHi Caroline first time commenting so forgive me if this is an inappropriate question. I use Liz Earle cleanse/hot cloth, toner and moisturise-seems basic compared to some of the posts I have read. Can you comment on this product - understand if you cannot. Loved your video with pixiwoo, do you ever film skin care tutorials would help so many of us who have neglected their skin for too long. :(
ReplyDeleteHi Caroline,
ReplyDeleteI am new to your clinic. I have been using prescription retin-a .1% and love what it does for my skin, especially because I'm in my early 40's and it's helped prevent and minimize my wrinkles over the years. However I suspended it for a while to try the P50 with phenol and really liked it; but the P50 doesn't help with wrinkles, but it definitely improved the tone of my skin. I ran out of the P50 and resumed my retin-a. I've been told you can't use retin-a while using the P50, but would it be ok if I used the P50 W, which is the mildest of the P50 line, while still using my retin-a at night?
Thanks in advance!!
Do you recommend the clarins toner over the p50v? Where online can i buy p50v? I have very dry skin. Thanks :)
ReplyDelete