Acid Toners featuring Pixi, Tarte and January Labs

Acid toners are something that have been a regular part of my skincare routine for around 4 years now and, thanks to Caroline Hirons, most people use them regularly. I know that the word acid scares some people, but it shouldn't! That Samantha acid peel scene from Sex & The City has a lot to answer for! I have dry and sensitive skin and I can use acids so I thought that I would share three that I have in my collection with you today.

The glycolic option: Pixi Glow Tonic. Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid is an effective exfoliator that reveals bright, soft and smooth skin. Glow Tonic contains 5% glycolic acid as well as aloe vera, which makes it perfect to use on even the most sensitive skin as the aloe vera is both soothing and hydrating. I find that using this daily helps to keep congestion at bay, keeps my skin feeling soft and looking more even. I swipe it on my skin by using a cotton wool pad and follow with a hydrating mist. I've never experience any redness when using Glow Tonic and I have pretty sensitive skin so I hope that will reassure fellow sensitive-skinned ladies reading this!

The lactic option: January Labs Daily Brightening Tonic. Another AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid), is lactic acid, which is derived from sour milk - hence the sometimes off-putting whiff of the products. Lactic acid is suited to very sensitive skin as it is gentler, yet it is still effective at removing dead skin cells. I find that if my skin is going through an especially sensitive phase due to a flare up in my illness or another outside factor, I can still using a lactic acid daily whereas I would have to decrease how often I use glycolic acid. This product also contains glycerin (to lock in moisture), aloe vera (to soothe the skin) and witch hazel (to prevent spots) and is an all round winner for those with extremely sensitive skin.

The salicylic and lactic mix: Tarte Knockout Tingling Treatment. This product contains a combination of lactic acid (AHA) and salicylic acid (BHA), which amounts to 10% acid in the formula. Salicylic acid can penetrate pores more deeply than any AHA so it is brilliant for acne-prone skin. That said, this combination of acids is actually suited to all skin types as lactic acid makes it less harsh than a mainly salicylic acid product. I personally couldn't use it nightly but from using it around twice a week over the course of 6 weeks, I did notice that my skin was blemish-free and almost looked younger (?!) and although I experienced tingling initially, it settled down after a few uses. This is a really effective product but I personally won't be repurchasing due to the questionable behaviour of Tarte, which I am sure most of you are aware of, but if you aren't, read Mili's post here and prepare to be shocked! I personally won't be giving Tarte any more of my money.

Have you tried any of these products? Do you like to use acids in your routine? I'd love to hear!

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Thanks for reading! 

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All products are bought by me, unless otherwise stated. This bottle of Pixi Glow Tonic was sent to me but I bought it myself at least 9 times before! Opinion is always my own.