1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
Anua
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
face toner
Anua
face toner
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
See how this fits your skin
Take the skin test and I'll show you how suitable this product is for you.
Take the skin testA gentle exfoliating toner formulated with 2% BHA, designed to exfoliate dead skin cells, help clogged pores, and improve skin clarity and balance.
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner is a lightweight toner from Anua, a brand based in Korea. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 62 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Silicones in the formula tend to give a smooth, blurred finish and help it grip under makeup. Hydration is handled by Panthenol, Butylene Glycol and Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
Hydration: Very high. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate and Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate.
Barrier support: Moderate. Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity, and here that comes from Hydrogenated Lecithin, Panthenol, Cholesterol and Ceramide NG.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Centella Asiatica Extract, Panthenol, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract and Tocopherol.
Cell renewal: Moderate. Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover, and here that comes from Salicylic Acid and Citric Acid.
On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
The formula contributes little or nothing on antioxidant protection and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, microplastic-free and sulfate-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after cleansing, before serums. Apply to slightly damp skin so the humectants have water to hold on to.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores
Helps unclog pores and reduce blackheads for clearer skin
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Salicylic acid
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract is an extract of the root bark of the Elm, Ulmus davidiana, Ulmaceae
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Pueraria lobata, Fabacea
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Centella Asiatica Extract is the extract of the whole plant Hydrocotyl, Centella asiatica L., Apiaceae
15th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Lecithins, hydrogenated
17th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Propane-1,2,3-triyl 2-ethylhexanoate
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Dimethicone
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
This product is the "Toning" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 62 ingredients on the label.
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Dissolves and carries everything else
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Calms visible redness and irritation
Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells
Forms a film that slows water loss
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
1,1'-Oxydipropan-2-ol; Oxydipropan-2-ol; Hydroxypropyloxypropanol
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Salicylic acid
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Alcohols, C12-14, ethoxylated (12 mol EO average molar ratio)
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-(2-octyldodecyl)-.omega.-hydroxy- (16 mol EO average molar ratio)
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract is is an extract of the leaves of the Tea Tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, Myrtaceae
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract is an extract of the flowers of the Evening Primrose, Oenothera biennis, Onagraceae
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract is an extract of the root bark of the Elm, Ulmus davidiana, Ulmaceae
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract is an extract of the needles of the Swamp Pine, Pinus palustris, Pinaceae
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Pueraria lobata, Fabacea
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Centella Asiatica Extract is the extract of the whole plant Hydrocotyl, Centella asiatica L., Apiaceae
14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Ficus Carica Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Fig, Ficus carica L., Moraceae
15th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Lecithins, hydrogenated
16th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Trisodium citrate
17th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Xanthan gum
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Disodium dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Zinc sulphate
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Propane-1,2,3-triyl 2-ethylhexanoate
25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Cholest-5-en-3-ol (beta)-
26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1-Decene, homopolymer, hydrogenated
27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Alcohols, C16-18
28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Potassium salt of the phosphoric ester of C11-15 alcohol
29th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ceramide 2
30th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Dimethicone
31st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ceramide AS
32nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-(2-Hydroxy) Stearamide
33rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ceramide NG,Ceramide NS,1,3-Hexadecanediol, 2-Hexadecanamide,Palmitoyl-C16-Dihydrosphingosine,1-Stearoyl-C18-Sphingosine
34th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate is the ester of dimethylsilanol and hyaluronic acid.
35th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate is the hydrolysate of Sodium Hyaluronate derived by acid, enzyme or other method of hydrolysis
36th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hyaluronic acid, potassium salt
37th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hyaluronic acid, sodium salt, polymer with 1,1'-sulfonylbis[ethene]
38th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hyaluronic acid, sodium salt, compd. with dimethylsilanediol
39th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium Acetylhyaluronate
40th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Glycine
41st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
(S)-2-Aminopentanedioic acid
42nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
(S)-2,5-Diamino-5-oxopentanoic acid
43rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-Lysine
44th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
DL-methionine
45th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Amino-3-methylbutanoic acid
46th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Amino-3-hydroxypropanoic acid
47th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-Cysteine
48th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-Ornithine, N(5)-(aminocarbonyl)-
49th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-Asparagine
50th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Aspartic acid
51st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-Isoleucine; DL-allo-Isoleucine; 2-Amino-3-methylpentanoic acid
52nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Laurdimonium Hydroxypropyl (Alanine/Arginine/ Asparagine/Aspartic Acid/Glutamic Acid/Glycine/Isoleucine/Leucine/Lysine/Methionine/Phenylalanine/Proline/Serine/Threonine/Tryptophan/Tyrosine/Valine) is the product obtained by the reaction of 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl lauryldimethylammonium chloride with an aqueous solution containing alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and valine.
53rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Pentanoic acid, 2,5-diamino-, (S)-
54th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ethanesulfonic acid, 2-amino-
55th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Amino-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid
56th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Amino-3-hydroxybutanoic acid
57th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3-Phenyl-L-alanine
58th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid, (S)-
59th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Histidine
60th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ceramide EOP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Stearoyloxyheptacosamide,Stearoyloxyheptacosanoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyloxyheptacosanoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine
61st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-amino-, (2S, 3S, 4R)-
62nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
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Shares 9 key ingredients with BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner: Water, Centella Asiatica Extract, Salicylic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid
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WATER, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, SALICYLIC ACID, C12-14 PARETH-12, OCTYLDODECETH-16, MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA LEAF EXTRACT, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, OENOTHERA BIENNIS FLOWER EXTRACT, ULMUS DAVIDIANA ROOT EXTRACT, PINUS PALUSTRIS LEAF EXTRACT, PUERARIA LOBATA ROOT EXTRACT, CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT, FICUS CARICA FRUIT EXTRACT, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, SODIUM CITRATE, CITRIC ACID, XANTHAN GUM, DISODIUM EDTA, PANTHENOL, TOCOPHEROL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, ZINC SULFATE, TRIETHYLHEXANOIN, CHOLESTEROL, HYDROGENATED POLYDECENE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, POTASSIUM C11-15 ALKYL PHOSPHATE, CERAMIDE NG, DIMETHICONE, CERAMIDE AS, CERAMIDE AP, CERAMIDE NS, DIMETHYLSILANOL HYALURONATE, HYDROLYZED SODIUM HYALURONATE, POTASSIUM HYALURONATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE CROSSPOLYMER, SODIUM HYALURONATE DIMETHYLSILANOL, SODIUM ACETYLATED HYALURONATE, GLYCINE, GLUTAMIC ACID, GLUTAMINE, LYSINE, METHIONINE, VALINE, SERINE, CYSTEINE, CITRULLINE, ASPARAGINE, ASPARTIC ACID, ISOLEUCINE, LAURDIMONIUM HYDROXYPROPYL (ALANINE/ARGININE/ ASPARAGINE/ASPARTIC ACID/GLUTAMIC ACID/GLYCINE/ISOLEUCINE/LEUCINE/LYSINE/METHIONINE/PHENYLALANINE/PROLINE/SERINE/THREONINE/TRYPTOPHAN/TYROSINE/VALINE), ORNITHINE, TAURINE, TYROSINE, THREONINE, PHENYLALANINE, PROLINE, HISTIDINE, CERAMIDE EOP, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN.
SALICYLIC ACID, CITRIC ACID, PANTHENOL, CERAMIDE NG, CERAMIDE AS, CERAMIDE AP, CERAMIDE NS, POTASSIUM HYALURONATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE CROSSPOLYMER, SODIUM ACETYLATED HYALURONATE, CERAMIDE EOP.
Apply the toner onto fingertips or a cotton pad. Gently layer it on the face and neck. May be used on affected areas of the body.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
No ingredient in this formula is a recognised food source for malassezia, the yeast behind fungal acne.
It contains Salicylic Acid, which are usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife before using it.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
No — it contains Dimethicone.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Azelaic acid, Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Take more care combining it with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.
Use it morning and evening, after cleansing, before serums.
It lists 62 ingredients, of which 11 are recorded as actives.
Anua, a brand based in Korea.
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