Exfoliate and Brighten

It's been a little while, but I'm finally writing my review on the Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner*. I've been using it for the past three months or so (though I didn't take it travelling) and I have definitely formed my opinion. This toner is very much raved about and hyped up in the beauty community and for good reason.

The toner is packaged up in a substantial feeling plastic bottle with a lid that twists tightly shut. The 'hole' that the toner is dispensed through is effective enough though the bottle is not very 'squishable' so you sort of have to wait for the product to drip out - it's not at all an impracticality though. You won't get an excess of product coming through which is a plus.

This toner claims to be a gentle chemical exfoliant that will brighten the skin's tone, smooth skin texture and refine and tighten enlarged pores. It contains glycolic acid which is an alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin and helps to remove the dead skin cells on the outer layer of your skin. The toner does contain alcohol, but the next ingredient along is glycerin which prevents the toner from being drying on the skin. Glycerin is a humectant which helps retain water in the skin, therefore helping keep the skin from feeling dry. Despite the directions for use of 1-2 times a week, I have been using this every night and haven't experienced any issues. I don't have sensitive skin at all so please be weary. I apply it with a cotton pad and don't experience any stinging or irritation and find it quite comfortable and refreshing on the skin. It also has a very pleasant, light scent that doesn't bother me at all.

I've found my skin has definitely benefited from the use of this toner. I noticed in a matter of days that my skin felt really smooth and the redness in my acne scarring was slightly reduced. I had previously been exfoliating my skin manually twice a week, and with this added into my skincare routine additionally, I've noticed my skin in general has been in better condition. I haven't noticed drastic reductions in my dark spots and scars, though I've learnt that this sort of thing takes time, but I have hope that with continued use it will help fade them. I think the more regular, gentle exfoliation has also helped with acne and any active breakouts, both helping to prevent the bacteria related spots and to help them clear up faster. I think the salicylic acid included helps. I haven't noticed any tightening of enlarged pores, but I don't have very large ones to begin with.

I will keep you guys updated as I continue to use this (I've only gone through about a centimetre of the product, so I think it will last a while yet) but so far I really like it and think it has done a lot of good for my skin. I think it's a great way of helping with cell renewal without having to use manual exfoliators which can be rough on the skin. I've noticed these chemical exfoliants have been 'trending' in the beauty world lately and I'm hoping more continue to be released, especially from lower end brands. 

Have you guys tried the Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening toner* or any like it?

*product was sent by RY.com but chosen by me