Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner Review
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When I started using tretinoin, I completely cut chemical exfoliants out of my skincare routine. But, since I’m currently taking a break from retinoids, I thought I would give exfoliating toners another shot! Starting with this BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner by Anua.
I’m no stranger to Anua, having tested out quite a few of their products, so I felt like I was in safe hands with this toner.
My skin can be pretty sensitive so I always approach exfoliating toners cautiously. Yes, they’re great for improving texture, reducing congestion and preventing breakouts… but they can also cause breakouts and irritation if not used correctly.
That’s why the idea of this ‘gentle exfoliating toner’ was so appealing to me – I’d never heard a BHA toner described in this way!
Let’s see whether the Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner lives up to its ‘gentle’ claims, and if it’s worth adding into your skincare routine.
What is the Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner?
Anua’s BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner is a lightweight toner that contains 2% Salicylic Acid (the exfoliating part) and a blend of skin-identical ingredients (the gentle part) to both refine and hydrate the skin.
Key ingredients
The key active ingredients in this formula are:
- Salicylic Acid 2% – This is the BHA component of the toner. It helps unclog pores and control excess sebum. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Tea Tree Extract – Has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
- Willow Bark Extract – Soothes the skin and reduces inflammation. Also great for treating acne.
- Centella Asiatica – Another anti-inflammatory ingredient. It reduces redness and helps reinforce the skin barrier.
- Ceramide NP – Calms irritation and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier.
- Hyaluronic Acid – Helps the skin retain water, keeping it plump and hydrated.
Packaging
This toner comes in a plastic green bottle (I don’t think the product inside is actually green!), with a pump dispenser on top. I LOVE this. Honestly, I think all toners should come with a pump, it makes applying the product way less messy.
Texture and finish
Like most exfoliating toners, this Anua one is very lightweight and watery. You can use your hands, or a reusable cotton round, to swipe this across your face and it dries down super quickly.
The finish is slightly tacky, but not sticky by any means. In fact, I think this tackiness makes quite a good base for the other skincare products I apply on top. It seems to layer quite nicely and I don’t get any pilling or patchiness when wearing makeup.
Scent
This BHA toner does have a faint scent to it but I can’t figure out exactly what it is – maybe a hint of tea tree? It smells almost like alcohol to me, though I know this formula is alcohol-free so that can’t be it!
It’s not off-putting to me, and it does dissipate pretty quickly, but it’s just something to be aware of if scent is a big thing for you!
Why you’ll love it (and why you might not)
pros
- Handy and hygienic pump dispenser so you get just the right amount of product
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin
- Super lightweight, watery texture
- Alcohol-free and fragrance-free
cons
- Slight tacky finish
Where can you buy it?
You can order this toner from your favourite Asian beauty marketplaces like YesStyle and StyleKorean. It’s about $20 for 150ml.
If you’re in the UK, you can also grab this from Skin Cupid for around the same price.
Final Verdict: Is the Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner worth it?
This BHA 2% toner from Anua is the perfect starting point for newbies… and for those, like me, who are trying to get back into chemical exfoliants.
It’s really gentle, so it’s great for skin that’s usually quite sensitive – my skin doesn’t feel at all sore or stripped after using it. But it’s also super effective! When I’m cleansing or applying moisturiser, my face feels noticeably smoother than it did before I started using it.
This toner, in conjunction with the Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum, has helped improve my skin tone and texture so much. I honestly didn’t think I’d like it as much as I do, since my skin can be quite fussy with chemical exfoliants.
The main reason it’s so great is because it contains all the ingredients you’d want in a gentle, hydrating toner, like Cica, Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides. But, on top of that, you’ve also got spot-fighting ingredients such as Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree and Willow Bark Extract which make it such a great match for acne-prone skin.
With most exfoliating toners, I can only really use them once a week to avoid sensitivity. However, I’ve been using this Anua toner every two to three days, and my skin has been dealing with it so well. There must be some truth to those ‘gentle’ claims!
FAQ
Can I use the Anua BHA 2% Toner every day?
Though this is a gentle toner, it’s best to take a gradual approach. Start with every two to three days then, once your skin is more used it, you can dial it up a notch and work towards every day use.
That said, I still would only use this a maximum of once per day.
Is the Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner similar to the Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner?
While these toners might look similar, they have different functions.
The Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner is designed to smooth the skin and unclog pores. It’s best suited to oily and acne-prone skin which suffers from blackheads and breakouts.
The Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner is meant to hydrate and calm the skin. It’s suited to dry, sensitive skin that needs a bit of barrier support.
How does the Anua BHA 2% Toner compare to the Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner?
As someone who has tried both toners, I personally find the Anua one to be more gentle (despite them containing the same concentration of Salicylic Acid). My skin just seems to cope with the Anua formula a bit better – maybe due to the inclusion of other hydrating ingredients.
If you’re a chemical exfoliant beginner, or your skin is quite reactive, I’d suggest trying the Anua one first.
Do you like the sound of the Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner? Would you consider adding it to your skincare routine? Let me know in the comments!
