Hear the word “toner,” and you might instantly have a mental picture of an old-fashioned, electric-blue, alcohol-powered astringent that tingled—or burned, more likely—on contact and was meant to erase every single trace of oil from the face. Generations of teenagers’ skincare routines were traumatized by swiping twice a day, and skin was often left dried-out and excessively sensitive.
Luckily, a new generation of toners is changing the game—not just about the skincare benefits they can bring, but also who should be using them in the first place.
These days, there’s a toner for everybody, from moisturizing essences meant to augment hydration, to mattifying fluids that control oil. Our new toner breakthrough, Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner, is a unique all-in-one product that clarifies and purifies pores, smooths skin texture, and leaves a flawless look. It’s a far cry from the harsh, drying effects of other toners, and this toner truly is for every type of skin.
Can You Really Shrink Pores?
First things first—nothing can truly shrink, eliminate, or permanently reduce the size of pores. “Pore size is determined by genetics,” says Biossance Director of Global Education McKenzie Bolt. “But what this toner can do is really clean out leftover dirt and debris from the pores, which ultimately makes them look smoother and less noticeable.”
The genius part of the formula lies in the raw white willowbark, a natural source of BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) that work deep in the pores to remove dirt and dead skin cells. For thousands of years, humans have relied on the healing properties of natural willowbark. From the ancient Egyptians and Chinese to Hippocrates, it was recognized as almost a miracle cure: an anti-inflammatory, a painkiller, and a fever-reducer that could alleviate everything from labor pain to the common cold.
The willowbark extract in BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner is in its rawest, most potent state, which draws out the largest, most dynamic range of benefits for skin. The efficacy is powerful, but with a lower risk of causing irritation or sensitivity. Biossance scientists also added nourishing sugarcane-derived squalane, so users will experience clarified pores, smoother texture, less oil, and a purified feeling, all in a single refreshing step.
Toner: The Next Generation
“The beautiful thing about this toner is that it’s not just for teenagers or those who tend to experience breakouts,” McKenzie says. “Everyone can benefit from using it. It just adds this incredibly refreshed, purified feeling, and since the pores are so clean, any products used afterward will absorb more effectively.”
BHAs for exfoliation and cleansing, plus hydrating squalane to keep skin soft and healthy. This powerhouse combination makes BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner the perfect addition to any skincare routine.
How to use it? After cleansing, either pour a small amount into palms and splash onto skin, or pour a bit onto a reusable pad and gently swipe over skin. Wait a minute before moving on to eye cream or other treatments.
