🇦🇪United Arab Emirates

The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner for oily acne-prone skin

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes

The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner

Average

  • SuperiorOily Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • ExcellentSafety

Works for oily acne-prone skin; other toners fit it better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Offers moderate exfoliation for your oily skin, as Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate aids in smoothing skin texture and supporting skin barrier function. Glycerin and Panthenol provide humectant action, hydrating your skin without exacerbating oiliness.
  • The formula is well-suited for your acne, blemishes, and breakouts, with ingredients that hydrate and support your skin barrier.
  • The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing components.

How to apply

  • Could be used as part of your PM routine. Start using your exfoliating toner once a week and slowly increase frequency if your skin tolerates it well.
  • Apply your exfoliating toner after cleansing and before your moisturizer or other treatments.
  • Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliating toner into your skin with your hands. Avoid any harsh rubbing .
  • Apply the exfoliating toner on clean and completely dry skin to ensure the best results .
  • Avoid the sensitive eye area and always use daily SPF while using exfoliating active products.

People Say

★4.4Overall rating based on 2.0k+ reviews

Based on a very large amount of data, users consistently describe this toner as an exceptionally gentle and hydrating exfoliant that provides a "glass skin" finish, making it a favorite for those with sensitive or dry skin who cannot tolerate stronger acids. While many report smoother texture and increased radiance, a significant portion of users note a distinct fermented scent and a minority experienced breakouts or found the finish slightly tacky.

Highlights

  • Gentle & non-irritating Mostly Mentioned
    • “suitable for sensitive skin”
    • “no stinging or burning”
    • “gentlest exfoliant I've used”
  • Hydrating & plumping Mostly Mentioned
    • “feels like a light moisturizer”
    • “leaves skin plump”
    • “very hydrating for dry skin”
    • “milky and soothing”
  • Glow & radiance Often Mentioned
    • “gives instant glass skin”
    • “dewy finish”
    • “skin looks brighter”
    • “healthy glow”
  • Improves texture Often Mentioned
    • “skin feels softer”
    • “smoothed out roughness”
    • “reduced texture irregularities”
    • “face feels baby soft”
  • Unpleasant scent Often Mentioned
    • “smells like yeast”
    • “sourdough starter scent”
    • “funky fermented smell”
    • “smells like beer/bread”
  • Sticky or greasy Sometimes Noted
    • “leaves a tacky film”
    • “feels slightly greasy”
    • “takes time to absorb”
    • “heavy for oily skin”
  • Caused breakouts Rarely Noted
    • “caused fungal acne”
    • “broke me out in tiny bumps”
    • “clogged my pores”
    • “whiteheads appeared”
  • Lack of results Rarely Noted
    • “didn't notice any exfoliation”
    • “no difference in dark spots”
    • “too gentle to be effective”
    • “just glorified water”

Sources: lovi.care, theordinary.com, sephora.com, ulta.com, reddit.com, and more

Questions and answers

How well does The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner work for oily acne-prone skin?

The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner works moderately well for oily acne-prone skin, offering gentle exfoliation and hydration without making your face greasy or causing irritation. To truly shine on this skin type, an exfoliating toner needs potent exfoliating and brightening ingredients that effectively manage oil, target dullness, and boost radiance.

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

Which ingredients make this toner a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?

Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, glycerin, and panthenol make this toner a good fit by smoothing texture, supporting the skin barrier, and hydrating without adding oil. Oily acne-prone skin typically needs products with potent exfoliating and brightening ingredients that manage oil production and enhance radiance without causing irritation.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

What does Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate do for oily acne-prone skin?

Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate helps balance oily, acne-prone skin by providing gentle antioxidant and soothing benefits that keep pores clear and skin calm. This type of ingredient may also improve daily skin texture and moisture balance without feeling heavy. Oily, acne-prone skin typically needs lightweight formulas with soothing ingredients and gentle exfoliants to stay clear and smooth.

Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022

What does Hyaluronic Acid do for oily acne-prone skin?

Hyaluronic acid helps calm oily acne-prone skin by reducing sebum production and lipid synthesis in sebaceous glands. It also supports skin barrier function and improves hydration while helping deliver treatments without causing irritation.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2017Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022

Where does this toner go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?

This exfoliating toner goes in your morning routine right after cleansing and before your moisturizer and SPF. For oily acne-prone skin, a product of this type needs gentle smoothing ingredients like Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate along with hydrating components like glycerin and panthenol to keep your skin balanced without adding extra oil.

Can I use this toner with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this exfoliating toner with retinol by applying the toner first after cleansing and letting it dry completely before putting on your retinol. This product offers moderate smoothing while hydrating without making your skin oily, but an oily acne-prone skin type often needs stronger pore-clearing acids or targeted blemish fighters for best results.

How often should I use this toner?

Start by using this exfoliating toner once a week to see how your oily acne-prone skin responds. If your skin tolerates it well and you see good results, you can carefully use it more often. An average fit for your skin, this product needs gentle exfoliating ingredients and lightweight hydrators like glycerin and panthenol to smooth texture without adding oil.

Can this toner clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

This toner is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for oily acne-prone skin, as it has an excellent safety profile and soothing ingredients. However, because it is an average fit, this skin needs a product that provides stronger oil control and targeted blemish-fighting ingredients.

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

Is this toner fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • Topical dexpanthenol acts as a moisturizer, improves stratum corneum hydration, accelerates wound healing and epidermal regeneration, reduces erythema, and improves symptoms of skin irritation compared to vehicle or no pretreatment.

    American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002

  • A new topical panthenol-containing emollient significantly improved transepidermal water loss reduction, stratum corneum hydration, and intercellular lipid lamellae length compared with control in healthy subjects without negatively impacting bacterial viability.

    The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

  • A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

  • A panthenol-enriched mask significantly decreased erythema and hyperpigmentation, increased sebum and stratum corneum moisture, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to a saline dressing in 60 subjects undergoing facial laser treatment.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025

  • A combination serum containing galactomyces ferment filtrate, dexpanthenol, and Centella asiatica effectively treated post-acne hyperpigmentation in subjects with colored skin by significantly increasing lightness scores in Fitzpatrick skin type V and reducing the melanin index in Fitzpatrick skin type IV compared to placebo.

    Skinmed, 2021

  • Topical moisturizers improved skin barrier function and surface moisture, while a postbiotic moisturizer with yeast extract uniquely supported microbiome balance and modulated biomarkers of skin barrier, structure, and inflammation in participants and ex vivo explants exposed to environmental aggressors.

    Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023

  • A maintenance therapy with a cosmeceutical formulation containing hydroxyphenoxy propionic acid, ellagic acid, yeast extract, and salicylic acid over 20 weeks significantly improved even skin tone, spot intensity, spot size, and overall hyperpigmentation in 33 healthy subjects with moderate facial dyspigmentation.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2015

  • A methanol yeast extract increases proliferation and migration while decreasing entrance into senescence and apoptosis phases in 3T3 fibroblast cells.

    Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2014

  • Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011

  • Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction.

    Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022

  • Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days.

    BMC Oral Health, 2019

  • The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020

  • Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001

  • Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012

  • Topical gel containing chitosan, 0.2% chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol did not improve postoperative comfort regarding swelling and pain, but improved the wound's aesthetic appearance following impacted lower third molar extraction compared to no gel.

    Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2016

  • A topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin, and dexpanthenol significantly reduced postoperative pain, trismus, swelling, and analgesic consumption, while improving wound healing after third molar surgery compared to a placebo.

    Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020

  • An overnight patch containing Allium cepa extract and allantoin safely promotes scar healing after dermatologic surgery, resulting in significantly greater reductions in observer- and patient-assessed POSAS scores compared to no treatment.

    Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2018

  • Moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese decreased adverse reactions and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with comparable efficacy to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in 20 subjects.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019

  • Topical dexpanthenol formulated in lipophilic vehicles improved stratum corneum hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in humans.

    Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2000

  • Hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol, and isotonic saline nasal sprays all significantly improved dry nose symptoms over four weeks in 240 patients, with hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol providing superior nasal moisturisation compared to the other two.

    Auris, Nasus, Larynx, 2020

Ingredients

Water, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Hyaluronic Acid, Allantoin, Panthenol, Betaine, Sodium Pca, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

How does it fit your skin?

Scan your face, then any product.

QR code: get the Lovi app
Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play

How does it fit your skin?

Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.

QR code: get the Lovi app
Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play