What is it? Pure Instant Radiance Glycolic Toner is a refreshing toner, containing geranium, chamomile and elderflower extract. It is specially formulated with alpha-hydroxy acids to leave your skin looking brighter and healthier. After 2 weeks skin should feel more toned and hydrated with improved texture. It does not contain alcohol.
Who is it for? Anyone wanting more hydration and radiance. It is suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans and isn’t tested on animals.
How do you use it? After cleansing apply the toner to a cotton pad and sweep over face and neck. There may be a mild tingling sensation, this is just the product starting to work. Use every other night.
What’s the damage? £7 for 200ml
Score: 💋💋💋💋
I’ve had a bit of a downer on toners for the past couple of years since my skin suddenly turned from completely normal to sandpaper dry, all thanks to age and hormones, and toner seemed to make my skin feel tighter than ever. During one of my visits to the M&S Beauty Department I noticed their own range Pure Toner with Glycolic acid, which at £7 was a bargain, so I decided to try it out. Glycolic Acid is an alpha hydroxyl acid which naturally exfoliates the skin to help improve the texture so it looks and feels younger. It stimulates collagen and elastin and also evens out skin tone – what’s not to like? Obviously over the counter products have a fairly low level of glycolic acid, typically around 3 to 10%.
Toners should have their own place in your skin care regime, they shouldn’t be considered the final part of cleansing; if anything toner marks the start of your moisturising regime. Toning removes any traces of cleanser that are left and prepares your skin for serums and moisturisers. Just make sure you’re using the appropriate type of toner for your skin, obviously I concentrate more on the anti-ageing properties of skin care as that’s what concerns me. As you know, I’m not that keen on the term anti-ageing, I’m not obsessed by looking younger, I just want to look the best I can.
A good tip is to make sure you put the toner on as soon as possible after your cleanser as damp skin will accept a new product much more easily that dry skin and this makes it easier for the active ingredients to do their work, the same goes for putting on your serums and creams after the toner.
Glycolic acid can sting on application but I found this toner absolutely fine. I use it every second day as recommended (if you do find glycolic acid too harsh then look for products that contain aloe vera as well to help the sensitivity). It is alcohol free which is something I look out for in my products as alcohol dries out the skin.
It’s a decent product, it has a good price point and lasts a long time, the downside is the smell which I’m not too keen on. I like the product in that it doesn’t make my skin feel as tight as other toners and prepares my skin well for my serums and moisturiser. Glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive to sun damage so as usual always wear a sunscreen.