Glow Recipe | Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner: Review

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Released earlier this year, the Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner (C$45 for 150 ml) is the newest member of the Watermelon Glow Collection from Glow Recipe. Perfect for anyone looking for a more refined complexion and a boost of hydration, the toner is formulated with watermelon extract, cactus water, hyaluronic acid, BHAs, and PHAs. To read my review of this product, click......

Glow Recipe | Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner

Housed in a tall glass bottle with a unique, bumpy finish similar to that of the Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer and Sleeping Mask (reviewed here), the Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner dispenses from a small hole at the top of the bottle. Unfortunately, the cap does not provide a good seal on the opening, which means that if you were to shake the bottle to mix things before use, some of the toner collects within the cap and leaks out when the cap is removed. It's not a dealbreaker per se but the packaging needs a serious redesign.

Formulated with cactus water and watermelon extract full of electrolytes and amino acids, the Watermelon Glow toner gently exfoliates and refines the skin with the help of two key ingredients: BHAs in the form of betaine salicylate (a gentler version of salicylic acid) and willow bark extract (which contains salicin, a precursor of salicylic acid), and PHAs (the gentler cousin of AHAs) in the form of gluconolactone. The alcohol-free and silicone-free toner also provides a boost of hydration thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid. Additionally, a plethora of botanical extracts (ex. cucumber, tea tree, licorice) bring brightening, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Glow Recipe | Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner

With a slightly viscous liquid formulation that feels more like an essence, the Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner has a sweet but slightly artificial watermelon scent. The toner spreads very nicely on the skin but does leave behind a slick, slippery finish. The formulation is very gentle so there's absolutely no stinging or irritation; even those with dry, sensitive skin should not have any problems. I've not noticed a drastic change in the appearance of my pores but the toner definitely makes my face feel smoother, softer, and more hydrated. Overall, I think that although the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner may not be suitable for those already using fairly strong acids in their skincare, it is a great starter pick for those with dry, sensitive skin looking for a gentle exfoliating toner made with clean, high-quality ingredients.

Ingredients: Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Cactus) Extract, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Gluconolactone, Sodium Polyglutamate, Betaine Salicylate, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Lactobacillus/Watermelon Fruit Ferment Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis (Chinese Skullcap) Root Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa (Moutan Peony) Root Extract, Brassica Oleracea Capitata (Cabbage) Leaf Extract, Ipomoea Batatas (Sweet Potatoe) Root Extract, Sorbitan Oleate, Levulinic Acid, Sodium Levulinate, Fragrance/Parfum.

Availability:
Glow Recipe is available in stores and online at Sephora.