Burn factor: 4/5
What it does: "This tingling treatment offers a unique combination of alpha hydroxy acids derived from fruits — citric acid and malic acid — combined with salicylic acid, lactic acid and niacinamide," Mitan says. "This looks like a powerful combination to renew and exfoliate the skin cells."
TotalBeauty's take: This product is literally named after its tingle: sure enough, I felt a light burning sensation when I applied this product after my morning Clarisonic session. The good news: By the next day, my skin tone looked brighter than it had looked in ages.
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Burn factor: 2/5
What it does: This product gets its power from willow bark, an organic source of salicylic acid that gives skin a natural glow, according to Mitan. It's also formulated with azelaic acid precursor, an exfoliating agent that's gentler than salicylic acid and known to reduce inflammation in conditions like acne.
TotalBeauty's take: This gentle, slightly foamy toner is a good value; ounce for ounce, it's one of least expensive new glow tonics. It also uses high-quality ingredients, minus synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthlatates, silicones and other no-nos for fans of natural beauty products.
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Burn factor: 3/5
What it does: Of the new batch of glow tonics, this product is one of Mitan's favorites. "It contains a potent formula — the combination of the exfoliator with the amino acids and aloe vera will lower irritation of the skin while producing powerful results," she says.
TotalBeauty's take: An under-$10 toner with such a high concentration of glycolic acid is pretty extraordinary in the beauty world. If you're new to skin acids, try a less powerful product before working up to this one; it has an accessible price tag, but it's not for noobs.
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Burn factor: 2/5
What it does: "This product contains 8 percent glycolic acid to chemically exfoliate and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, so it is a bit stronger than other toners in this list," says Mitan. "I like that it combines chamomile and aloe vera to calm the skin's natural barrier."
TotalBeauty's take: The product's glycolic acid concentration sounded like a wallop, so I was pleasantly surprised by how non-drying and non-tingly it felt. I'd have no problem incorporating this into my daily anti-aging routine once or twice daily to minimize lines.
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Burn factor: 1/5
What it does: "I really like the probiotic approach in this product and how it includes lactococcus ferent lysate," says Mitan. "Our microbiome (which is all the teeny, tiny microorganisms cleaning out skin) will become healthier using probiotics." Mushroom and beet extracts help nourish and hydrate the skin, she explains, while blueberry extract and turmeric fight oxidation.
TotalBeauty's take: The liquid-gel consistency of this product is a genius feature; not only does it feel lovely on skin, you can pat it on with your hands so you don't need to waste any product by applying it with cotton. The probiotic-packed, gentle formula makes this product a good bet for those with rosacea or acne.
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