An exfoliating toner with 7% glycolic acid that dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells, so skin feels smoother and dull complexions get their radiance back. The formula is buffered to pH ~3.6 and contains aloe vera, ginseng root and Tasmanian pepperberry to soften the irritation acids can cause. Twist off the pointed cap, pour a few drops onto a cotton pad and sweep across clean, dry skin in the evening. Wear sunscreen the following day, and avoid using it on broken, flaking or irritated skin.
- ✨ Glycolic Acid 7%
- 👍 Smoother complexion
- 🔄 Evening routine
Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner, smoother texture and more radiance
What the toner does for your skin:
- Gently dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells for a smoother skin surface
- Brings radiance back to dull, tired skin
- Evens out skin texture so pores look smaller
- Aloe vera and Tasmanian pepperberry soften the irritation acids can cause
- Buffered to pH ~3.6, a balance between results and tolerance
- No added fragrance, alcohol, oils or silicones
Glycolic Acid 7%
The smallest AHA molecule, which dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells on the skin's surface.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera leaf water that calms and hydrates immediately after exfoliation.
Ginsengrot
Ginseng root extract that delivers radiance and revives tired-looking skin.
Tasmanian Pepperberry
Tasmanian pepperberry extract, included to soften the irritation acids can cause.
Rosenvatten
Damask rose flower water that balances and softens the skin.
Cornflower Water
Cornflower flower water that calms and refreshes the skin.
There's no clinical study on this particular toner, so we don't quote percentages we can't back up. These are the formula's own specifications:
- 7% glycolic acid, the smallest of the AHAs
- pH ~3.6, within the manufacturer's 3.5 to 3.9 range
- 5 plant extracts alongside the acid, to soften irritation
- 0 added fragrance, alcohol, oil or silicone

Every ingredient has a purpose
The formula is built on 7% glycolic acid, buffered to pH ~3.6 and surrounded by aloe vera and Tasmanian pepperberry, which are there specifically to keep exfoliation tolerable.
Glycolic acid is the smallest of the AHAs and therefore penetrates the skin's outermost layer most easily, where it dissolves the bonds holding dead skin cells in place. Here it sits at 7%, buffered to pH ~3.6.
Benefits
- Smoother skin texture
- More radiance
- Less visible pores
Aloe vera leaf water is one of the first ingredients in the formula, included so skin feels calm and hydrated straight after exfoliation.
Benefits
- Calms after exfoliation
- Hydrates instantly
- Eases tightness
Ginseng root extract is rich in antioxidants and used to revive skin that looks tired and lacklustre.
Benefits
- Delivers radiance
- Revives tired skin
- Antioxidant-rich extract
Tasmanian pepperberry extract is used in skincare precisely to soften the stinging and redness acids can cause, making exfoliation more tolerable.
Benefits
- Softens stinging
- Calms redness
- More tolerable acid
Damask rose flower water balances the skin and softens it, and gives the formula its light feel.
Benefits
- Balances the skin
- Softens
- Light, fresh feel
Cornflower flower water has a calming, refreshing action and is traditionally used on skin that irritates easily.
Benefits
- Calms the skin
- Refreshes
- Mild and gentle
FAQs
Everything you need to know before starting your routine with this exfoliating toner from Korean Essence.
Twist off the pointed cap and pour a few drops directly onto a cotton pad. Sweep across clean, dry skin in the evening and don't rinse off. Avoid the eye area and lips, and skip it on evenings when your skin feels sore or irritated. Follow with serum and moisturiser as usual.
Many people find their skin feels smoother after just one to two weeks of regular use. Texture and radiance change more slowly, so give the formula four to six weeks before you judge it. The skin's own renewal cycle takes about a month, and it rarely moves faster than that.
The manufacturer advises against use on sensitive, flaking or broken skin. If your skin is easily reactive, test on a small area first — along the jawline, for instance — and start with two evenings a week. Only build up once your skin feels comfortable. If it stings for more than a moment, rinse off and wait.
Yes. Glycolic acid is an AHA and makes skin more sensitive to UV, both while you're using it and for a period afterwards. Wear sunscreen every morning, cover up and limit your time in the sun. It's also why the toner is used in the evening rather than the morning.
It contains 7% glycolic acid in free-acid form, buffered to pH ~3.6 — low enough for the acid to be active but no lower than necessary. Alongside the acid sit five plant ingredients: aloe vera, ginseng root, Tasmanian pepperberry, rose water and cornflower water, all there to soften irritation. The formula has no added fragrance, alcohol, oil or silicone.
Keep it away from other strong actives in the same routine. The manufacturer advises against using it alongside other direct acids, retinoids, pure or ethylated vitamin C and peptides at the same time. Alternate instead: acid one evening, retinol another. Hydrating serums, moisturiser and sunscreen are all fine.
Yes. The formula is water-based and completely free of oils and silicones, which many people with oily and combination skin prefer. It works on dry skin too, but build up more slowly and layer a richer moisturiser over the top afterwards.
Somewhere cool and dry, out of direct sunlight, with the pointed cap screwed on properly after each use. Avoid hot, humid places, like a closed cabinet next to the shower.