Beautycounter's Triple Acid AHA Toner Review
Do you want to experience brighter, smoother skin in a swipe?
The Beautycounter Triple Acid AHA Toner is here!!! Made with a powerful blend of AHAs, beta hydroxy acid, kombucha, and niacinamide, so this hardworking toner exfoliates skin to reveal a glowing complexion. Plus, it’s pore refining, helping to improve and minimize the appearance of pores. GIVE ME ALL OF IT STAT!
While I had a well-founded make-up routine for years, because prior to Beautycounter all I ever did was to try to cover up my skin because I had so many acne scars, hyperpigmentation and after turning 40, sun and age spots were starting to show up. To be honest, if I skip a step within my regimen, it’s usually the toner. GASP! I know! I think it’s important to know WHY we do want to use a toner, first and foremost. What are the benefits?
I never really knew just how impactful a toner can be within your regimen. Prior to Beautycounter, I mentioned that I typically skipped toners in general because of how sensitive my skin was. This all changed when I aligned with Beautycounter and formed a solid skincare routine.
The Triple Acid Toner, I was super skeptical about, I honestly don’t know why, but I felt it was going to be super irritating to my skin. That could not be further from the truth. I was SHOCKED when I first began using it and just how incredible my skin felt and looked. If you follow me on Instagram or my YouTube channel, you will see me talk about the AHA Toner a lot lately. This is all with good reason, because I am really blown away by the effectiveness of this product!
I like to use this in conjunction with the Overnight Resurfacing Peel and All Bright vitamin C Serum. What I’m starting to find is if I continue to take care of the canvas of my skin, then I can choose to go without any makeup at all! When I do choose to even out my skin a bit more, my top choice is Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer with SPF. If I’m looking for a bit more coverage and if I’m going out for a night on the town, I might opt for Twin Skin Foundation.
WHAT DOES A TONER REALLY DO?
When Using a Toner, The Benefits Are:
Removes impurities - Toner removes oil and traces of dirt, bacteria, and makeup. It also removes the dust, pollution, and impurities that can still be lingering after washing with a cleanser.
Improves efficacy of other products - Toners exfoliate, help balance the pH level of the skin, and even help other skincare products penetrate deeper into the skin. That $100 serum you are applying daily - this helps it assimilate into your skin better and actually do what it’s meant to do 100%
Brightening: Improves skin brightness, leaving skin soft, smooth, and glowing
Pore-refining: Helps minimize and improve the appearance of pores
Resurfacing: Resurfaces dull, tired skin with 8% AHA and 5% phytic acid
Create a softer and smoother face overall
I experienced less acne breakouts than before (by helping the skin to turnover faster and by acting as an exfoliant - we break out when dirt and bacteria get trapped, so the peel helps exfoliate the skin gently)
Overall brighter and healthier appearance to skin (you can see this from my before and after photo!)
Improve dull skin
Improved overall skin tone and texture
The Triple Acid AHA is a great anti-aging product as it helps smooth the skin and temporarily tighten it, making it look more firm and restoring its youthful appearance. What it does is gently exfoliates skin and reveals a glowing complexion. It’s pore-refining, too, helping to improve and minimize the appearance of pores after just one use.
Niacinamide + Salicylic Acid (Beta Hydroxy Acid) Blend: Helps improve the appearance of dark spots and brighten skin
AHA Complex: Blend of glycolic and lactic acids exfoliates dead skin to stimulate cell turnover
Phytic Acid: Exfoliates to aid in cell turnover to help skin breathe for a natural glow
Kombucha: Fermented black tea, which helps smooth skin and improve skin radiance
You can find the full list of ingredients on the product page here.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY SKINCARE PRODUCTS ARE SAFE?
You can read more about Beautycounter’s “Never List” and/or use EWG Skin Deep Website that is super helpful to help you evaluate your current products’ safety. EWG rates each ingredient from 1 (low concern) to 10 (high concern). Not only does every product and ingredient receive a rating, but there’s also an explanation to tell you what concerns come with the rating. You can read more about EWG’s rating system and product standards here.
With Beautycounter products, it’s important to note, all products are subject to stringent safety testing. Each batch is tested for heavy metals to ensure it meets our strict safety measures. We’re highly selective when it comes to pigments; out of the 65 cosmetic colorants allowed in the US, Beautycounter prohibits the vast majority–only using 18 colorants in our color cosmetics.
If you have sensitive skin like I do, I always recommend a patch test first. I didn’t do this and was fine, but if you are extra cautious, you could totally do that! You want to use the Overnight Peel at night before you go to bed.
Step 1: Start by washing and pat dry your face. I like to double cleanse at night, so I highly encourage you to try it! You want to be sure that your face is super clean. The benefit of double cleansing is that the first cleanser will break down any makeup, remove dirt and excess oils from the day and clean your skin. The second cleanser will address your particular skin type or concern and should have ingredients to hydrate, smooth or exfoliate and treat acne. I like to use this cleansing oil which is amazing for removing makeup, and then second with the clear pore cleanser which is amazing at removing impurities from your pores.
Step 2: Once your skin is dry, add five to six pumps, I typically use six, of the AHA Toner to a cotton pad, and apply it to your face and neck (and chest if you like). It's best applied by saturating a cotton ball or cotton round with the formula and gently blotting the skin. It may tingle a bit when you first apply it, and some people notice a little redness when they first apply it, this is due to the acids that are working on your skin.
Step 3: Apply your serum, over the top.
Step 4: Use your favorite moisturizer whether it’s am or pm. SUPER EASY, right?!
NOTE: Your skin might tingle a little initially, it shouldn’t burn. You should notice upon using 1-2 time per week and then slowly adding in more days, that your skin feels softer and smoother, even after the very first use.
I started using the Triple Acid Toner in replace of the Countertime Essence, you don’t want to use two toners typically because it can be a lot for your skin. Remember, the toner helps rid the skin of any residual impurities and leaves the skin refreshed and perfectly prepped for your subsequent skincare routine. Any creams, serums, or treatments applied post-toning might penetrate deeper and reap its full potential.
The Toner is considered a “PREP” step, so using one toner does the trick. I have now graduated to using the AHA Toner to every single day of the week, and it works for ME. What I typically ask my clean beauty clients to do, is start with 1-2 applications your first week and then slowly gradually increase over time. The AHA Toner is to be used with its BFF’s which is the vitamin C Serum, which I talk about in this post and the All Bright Brightening Facial Oil, which 2-4 drop can be added to any moisturizer for the ultimate brightening package!
IS IT VEGAN?
Yes, the Triple Acid AHA Toner is vegan and cruelty-free.
DOES THE TRIPLE ACID AHA TONER REALLY WORK?
I’ve already shared my thoughts above, and I’ve had a few clients so far try it, and they have loved it. One client recently shared with me:
I love the new vitamin c toner. It instantly tightens and brightens. Like the face mask but in an instant! 🟡 And this is helping my acne kid who had a horrible flare up. Once a day, as a treatment.
Just in case you’re not sure, here’s what you can expect within 4 weeks of using the Overnight Resurfacing Peel every other night.
After four weeks of use*
93% said skin looks radiant and luminous
90% said skin feels supple and smooth
93% said skin looks renewed
*Based on a 30-subject consumer perception study, using the product once daily for four weeks.
Plus, the AHA Toner is clinically proven to**
Improve the appearance of pores
Improve skin brightness
**Based on a 30-subject consumer perception study after four weeks of use, once daily over clean, dry face.
Angie’s TIP!
For oily skin, opt for a toner that offers antibacterial and exfoliating properties meant to help absorb excess oil, remove dead skin cells, and prevent future breakouts. The AHA is perfect for this!
WHO SHOULD BE USING A TONER?
Absolutely everyone from oily skins to dry skins and everyone in between, there is no one who shouldn’t use toner! It hydrates dry skin, helps remove the oil that blocks pores in oily skin, calms sensitive skin, protects mature skin, and helps even out skin tone in combination skins.
IS THERE ANYONE WHO SHOULDN’T USE THE AHA TONER?
As I mentioned before, my skin is sensitive, and I’ve had a lot of clients similar to mine be completely ok with using the Triple Acid AHA Toner. I would caution against using the AHA Toner if you have sunburn or cuts on your skin, or if you’ve recently done a peel or physical exfoliation, like the AHA Reflect Effect Smoothing Facial Mask.
It’s safe to assume, if you are currently seeing a dermatologist and being treated for a skin condition, you should check with your dermatologist first.
DO I NEED TO USE SUNSCREEN AFTER USING THE AHA TONER?
Vitamin C and chemical exfoliants in general do tend to increase sun sensitivity, you shouldn’t notice a huge difference with the AHA Toner, but I HIGHLY recommend using sunblock with using this toner specifically, with the AHA and BHA ingredients within. In general, I advise everyone to wear SPF year round, especially on your face. Beautycounter has some amazing sunscreen options here.
OTHER PRODUCTS WITHIN THE ALL BRIGHT LINE
All Bright Vitamin C Serum
The All Bright Vitamin C Serum is another powerhouse for lightening and brightening. It has ultra-potent 10% blend of two forms of vitamin C, turmeric, and camu camu that helps to instantly brighten skin and help even skin tone. The antioxidant-rich formula also helps defend skin from the damaging effects of environmental stressors, revealing a more youthful-looking complexion. You can read more here.
Featured Ingredients:
10% Vitamin C Blend:
5% Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C): Antioxidant that reduces the appearance of dark spots and boosts skin brightening. Helps support skin’s natural production of collagen to reveal more youthful-looking skin.
5% Bis-Glyceryl Ascorbate (Vitamin C): Moisturizes skin while providing antioxidant benefits known to protect skin from damaging environmental stressors. Helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract: Antioxidant defense helps to improve skin radiance by evening skin tone and helping improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Myrciaria Dubia (Camu Camu) Fruit Extract: This powerful antioxidant helps reduce the appearance of dark spots, while brightening, to visually improve signs of skin fatigue.
All Bright Brightening Facial Oil
This is a deeply nourishing brightness booster designed to awaken and replenish your skin. There is a blend of oil which consists of omega-righ marula which is amazing for intense hydration, antioxidant vitamin C for a brighter, even skin tone, which creates a lightweight, quick absorbing formula creating an overall silky-smooth feeling. This has a beautiful citrus scent to it as well. I add 3-4 drops to my am and pm moisturizer, which creates this beautiful nourished feel and overall brighter skin tone result!
Featured Ingredients:
Vitamin C (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate): Helps visibly brighten skin
Avocado Oil: Rich in vitamins B, D, and E for intense hydration
Black Currant Oil: Rich in omegas to help aid in healthy skin barrier function
Check out the All Bright Brightening vitamin C Facial Oil Here >>
More Tips
If you’re purchasing Beautycounter, be sure to select Angie Bloom as your consultant at checkout. I follow up after every order in case you have any questions about how to use products!
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TRIPLE ACID AHA VIDEO POST:
