Glycolic Acid 5% AHA+BHA Exfoliating and Clarifying Toner

The base most products are built on. It carries the other ingredients and has no safety concern.

The smallest and most penetrating alpha hydroxy acid, used to loosen the bonds between dead skin cells for smoother texture and tone. It is a genuine irritant at higher concentrations or low pH, can increase sun sensitivity, and the EU restricts free acid content and requires sunscreen-use wording on labeling.

A fragrance component with a mild rose and honey scent, widely used in cosmetics and personal care products. Most people tolerate it without issue, though patch-test studies indicate a minority of individuals with fragrance sensitivities may react to it.

A small humectant and solvent molecule that helps other ingredients dissolve and helps skin hold water. It is one of the most studied cosmetic ingredients and is considered safe at the concentrations used in personal care products.

A soothing humectant that helps skin and hair look conditioned. Very well tolerated.

An undisclosed scent blend that can contain dozens of components. The single most common cause of cosmetic contact allergy, and the blend is not itemized, so you cannot see what is in it.

A pH buffer that neutralizes acidic ingredients to maintain a skin-compatible formulation pH. Decades of safety data and modern manufacturing practices support its use at cosmetic concentrations.

A polyethylene glycol ester of hydrogenated castor oil, widely used as an emulsifier and solvent in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics. PEG-modified ingredients are graded as safe in cosmetics by the CIR when formulated at typical use levels.

Tetrasodium EDTA is a chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and help preservatives work better. It has circulated online as a supposed "toxic" additive, but decades of safety review support its use at cosmetic concentrations.

Used in tiny amounts to set a product to skin-friendly pH. No concern at those levels.

A humectant that holds water at the skin surface for a more hydrated look. No safety concern.

A larger, gentler alpha hydroxy acid than glycolic acid, used to exfoliate and to draw in moisture. It can still cause stinging or increased sun sensitivity at higher concentrations, so daytime SPF use is sensible, but it is generally better tolerated than glycolic acid.

The most well-studied form of topical vitamin C, used as an antioxidant and to support collagen signaling and brighten uneven tone. It is acidic and can sting or irritate sensitive skin, and it oxidizes readily once a bottle is opened, which can reduce its effectiveness rather than create a safety issue.

A readily bioavailable form of zinc used in skincare formulations for its mineral content and regulatory support. It is well tolerated and commonly used in cosmetics without sensitization or irritation concerns at cosmetic concentrations.

A widely used preservative, safe at the legal limit of 1% or less. Often the "paraben-free" replacement.

A beta hydroxy acid used to smooth texture and clear pores. Safe at cosmetic levels; can be mildly irritating if overused.

A naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) from grapes, used for gentle exfoliation and pH adjustment. At exfoliating concentrations and low pH, it can irritate sensitive skin. More research exists on glycolic and lactic acids; use with caution if you react to other AHAs.

A glycerin derivative used as a skin conditioner and preservative booster, often paired with phenoxyethanol to allow lower total preservative levels. It has a low irritation and sensitization profile in safety reviews.