Exfoliation does not have to mean scrubbing, but an acid is still an active ingredient. A gentle approach depends on the complete formula, how often you use it, and how your skin responds.

Our AHA Facial Toner contains glycolic acid and is intended to be introduced gradually. I’m Olena, and I formulated it for people who prefer consistency over an aggressive peel-style routine.

What AHA does

Alpha hydroxy acids help loosen the connections between old surface cells so they can shed more evenly.

With gradual use, skin may feel smoother and softer over time. Glycolic acid has a relatively small molecular size compared with other common AHAs, which is one reason it should be introduced slowly rather than described as automatically “gentle.”

It does not scrub the skin, but that does not mean it cannot irritate. More is not better.

How to use it

Start once a week. If your skin tolerates it well and the product directions allow, increase to twice a week.

After cleansing, apply a small amount to clean, dry skin. You can use a cotton pad, as shown in the visual, or clean fingertips if that is how you normally apply the product. Do not rub aggressively.

Let it absorb, then follow with moisturizer.

On non-AHA evenings, you can use a hydrosol if it suits your routine. The hydrosol is an optional alternative step — it does not need to be used simply because AHA is not being used that night.

Avoid combining the toner with retinoids, another exfoliating acid, or a scrub in the same routine unless you already know that combination is appropriate for your skin.

Evening use is the simplest option. Protect your skin from unnecessary sun exposure and follow the product label and local UV conditions.

Where it fits in a routine

If you already use our cleansers, hydrosols, and face creams, the AHA toner can replace the hydrosol on one or two evenings a week:

Most evenings:
cleanse → optional hydrosol on damp skin → cream.

One or two evenings a week:
cleanse → AHA toner on dry skin → let it absorb → cream.

Do not apply the AHA toner and hydrosol simply to create more steps. Choose one toner step for that routine.

The AHA Facial Toner is currently $13.99 CAD, and only a small amount is needed per use.

For a simple evening routine, follow the toner with a moisturizer such as our Snail Night Face Cream.

If cleansing is the part of your routine you want to simplify first, read our guide to a Gentle Double Cleanse.