Lotion Tonique Exfoliante AHA + BHA 200 ml

AHA BHA exfoliating toner: everything to know before you start

The Lotion Tonique Exfoliante AHA + BHA is an exfoliating toner applied right after cleansing. Its formula combines AHA 5% and BHA 2% (salicylic acid) with niacinamide, witch hazel water, green tea extract, panthenol and allantoin. 200 ml size, vegan and not tested on animals.

What does an exfoliating toner do?

A classic toner completes cleansing. An exfoliating toner goes further: thanks to its acids, it helps remove dead cells on the surface and unclog pores. The aim: smoother skin texture, visibly refined pores, a clearer and brighter complexion. It also prepares the skin for the serum that follows.

AHA and BHA: the role of each acid

The toner’s AHAs (lactic, glycolic, citric, tartaric and malic acids, with sugar cane, vine leaf, apple, citrus and bilberry extracts) work on the surface: they help loosen dead cells, for softer skin and a more radiant complexion.

BHA, salicylic acid, is oil-soluble: it penetrates the pores, where sebum builds up, and helps reduce the look of blackheads and blemishes.

What the formula contains

• AHA 5%: gentle surface exfoliation, for radiance and smoother skin texture.
• BHA 2% (salicylic acid): to unclog pores and limit blackheads.
• Niacinamide and witch hazel water: to refine skin texture and visibly tighten pores.
• Green tea extract: to balance the skin without drying it out.
• Glycerin, panthenol and allantoin: for skin comfort during exfoliation.

Which skin type is it for?

The AHA BHA toner suits combination to oily skin, visible pores, blackheads, a dull complexion and uneven skin texture. Gentler than the exfoliating serum, it is the ideal way into exfoliation with acids.

Dry skin: once or twice a week, followed by a moisturiser. Sensitive skin: a patch test on a small area first, a single application a week at the start, and never on the eye area. If in doubt, or with rosacea or eczema, a dermatologist’s advice is still the best reflex.

How to use the AHA BHA toner?

1. In the evening, cleanse the face and dry it well.
2. Soak a cotton pad with toner and sweep it over the face without rubbing, avoiding the eye area and lips. The toner can also be applied with clean hands.
3. Let it dry for a few moments, then apply serum and cream.
4. The next morning, SPF 50 sun protection is essential.

How often? Two to three evenings a week to start, then gradually more often if your skin tolerates it. If it turns red, feels hot, peels or feels tight, space out the applications or take a break of one to two weeks.

Toner or AHA BHA serum: which one to choose?

For beginners or for skin that does not tolerate acids well, the toner (AHA 5% + BHA 2%) is the right choice. For skin that is already used to acids, with marked texture or very visible pores, the AHA BHA serum (AHA 10% + BHA 2%) is more concentrated. The two can complement each other, but not on the same evening: it is better to alternate them.

AHA vs BHA in brief

• AHA: water-soluble, they work on the surface, for radiance and softness. They also suit dull or dry skin.
• BHA: oil-soluble, it works inside the pores, for blackheads and excess sebum. It is mainly for combination to oily skin.

Each acid in detail, percentages and mistakes to avoid: our guide AHA vs BHA: what is the difference and how to exfoliate.

Which products from the range to pair it with?

• Sérum Niacinamide Pores Resserrés: right after the toner, for pores and shine.
• Sérum Hydratation Intense à l’Acide Hyaluronique: after the toner, to hydrate.
• Sérum Rétinol Régénérant: not on the same evening as the toner. It is better to alternate.
• Sérum Éclaircissant à la Vitamine C: in the morning, while the toner stays an evening treatment.

The toner opens two routines: the Routine Pores Resserrés & Anti-Acné (with the AHA BHA serum and the niacinamide serum) and the Routine Anti-Taches & Éclat (with vitamin C, retinol and the dark spot cream).

Sun, hammam and precautions

Exfoliating acids make skin more sensitive to the sun, throughout the period of use and in the days that follow. Under the Moroccan sun, SPF 50 every morning is essential, reapplied when exposed. No exfoliating toner on the evening of a hammam, a scrub or facial hair removal: it is better to wait at least 48 hours. During pregnancy or breastfeeding, ask your doctor before using acids.