Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner for skin with dark spots
Bha Beta Hydroxy Acid
Extract Tree
Willow Bark Extract
Centella Asiatica ExtractHigh
- HighNormal Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- HighSafety
A great choice for skin with dark spots; a few toners fit it even better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dark spots: hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and uneven skin tone. 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 pigmentation and pores, as salicylic acid and willow bark extract gently renew your normal skin. Multiple forms of hyaluronic acid provide humectant action, supporting hydration and skin barrier function.
- Melaleuca alternifolia tree extract and various centella asiatica extracts offer additional soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits, complementing the exfoliating action for your skin.
- The product is safe for your normal skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.
How to apply
- Use your exfoliating toner in your PM routine. Start once a week and slowly increase if your skin likes it.
- Apply after your cleanser, before your moisturizer. This step helps target your pigmentation goals effectively.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliating toner into your skin. Avoid rubbing to keep your face happy.
- Apply the exfoliating toner on clean and completely dry skin. This ensures the best comfort for normal skin.
- Always avoid the eye area and use SPF daily while using this exfoliating toner.
People Say
★4.7Overall rating based on 300+ reviewsThis toner is widely praised as a gentle yet effective exfoliant suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin, often described as a milder alternative to harsher BHA products. Users consistently report smoother skin texture, reduced blackheads, and minimized pores without the dryness typically associated with salicylic acid, thanks to the addition of hydrating ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
Highlights
Gentle and non-irritating Mostly Mentioned
- “didn't sensitize my skin”
- “no irritation unlike other BHAs”
- “gentle enough for sensitive skin”
- “doesn't strip the barrier”
Improves skin texture Often Mentioned
- “skin feels so smooth”
- “dissolved all the texture”
- “wipes away closed comedones”
- “face feels noticeably smoother”
Effective pore care Sometimes Noted
- “minimized blackheads”
- “pores look smaller”
- “clears clogged pores”
- “improved sebaceous filaments”
Hydrating formula Sometimes Noted
- “super hydrating for a BHA”
- “doesn't feel stripping”
- “leaves a luminous finish”
- “moisturizing unlike others”
Lightweight absorption Sometimes Noted
- “absorbs instantly”
- “lightweight and watery”
- “layers nicely under makeup”
- “non-greasy feel”
Tacky finish Sometimes Noted
- “leaves a tacky finish”
- “slightly sticky feeling”
- “best applied before other steps to hide tackiness”
- “feels sticky until dry”
Potential breakouts Rarely Noted
- “broke me out”
- “caused tiny bumps”
- “skin reacted badly”
- “unsure if purging or reaction”
Too gentle Rarely Noted
- “didn't work for me”
- “effect not as drastic”
- “too mild for my oily skin”
- “prefer stronger BHAs”
Unpleasant scent Rarely Noted
- “smells like burning rubber”
- “distinctive tea tree scent”
- “pungent chemical smell”
- “scent is off-putting”
Sources: lovi.care, iherb.com, stylekorean.com, skinsort.com, yesstyle.com, ulta.com, and more
Questions and answers
What makes ANUA BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner a great fit for skin with dark spots?
This toner is a great fit because salicylic acid and willow bark extract gently renew your skin to help fade dark spots and clear pores. At the same time, multiple forms of hyaluronic acid keep your skin hydrated while centella asiatica extract soothes it.
Which ingredients make this toner a good fit for skin with dark spots?
Salicylic acid and willow bark extract make this toner a great fit by providing gentle exfoliation to help fade dark spots and renew normal skin. Centella asiatica extract and melaleuca alternifolia tree extract add soothing and calming benefits while hyaluronic acid keeps your skin hydrated.
Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2010
What does Bha do for skin with dark spots?
BHA helps improve dark spots left behind by breakouts and keeps skin smooth and clear. It removes dead surface skin cells and works well on different skin tones, though mild irritation may occasionally happen.
What does Salicylic Acid do for skin with dark spots?
Salicylic acid helps fade dark spots and uneven skin tone left behind after breakouts. It gently clears away surface buildup, which may improve the look of dark marks and support a smoother, more even complexion over time.
Where does this toner go in a skincare routine for skin with dark spots?
This exfoliating toner fits into your routine once a week to gently renew your skin, and you can carefully use it more often if you tolerate it well and see good results.
Can I use this toner with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this exfoliating toner in the same routine as retinol, but it is best to apply the toner first and wait for it to absorb before applying your retinol to help prevent potential irritation.
How often should I use this toner?
Start by using this exfoliating toner once a week in your evening routine, and if your skin tolerates it well and you see good results, you can carefully use it more often. This gradual approach helps your skin adjust safely while salicylic acid and willow bark extract gently renew your skin.
Can this toner clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for skin with dark spots?
This toner is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for your skin with dark spots because it features ingredients that gently renew the surface while keeping skin calm. Reviewers rarely report breakouts, and the safe formula minimizes the risk of irritation.
Is this toner fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
A topical serum containing 0.5% salicin applied twice daily reduced visible signs of skin aging, including wrinkles and tactile roughness, in 30 female subjects over 12 weeks compared to baseline.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2010Bioactive lipid nanocarriers co-loaded with willow bark or ivy leaf extracts and UV-filters provided pronounced UVA photoprotection up to an SPF-equivalent value of 13 and a maximum in vivo skin hydration effect of 97% when prepared with pomegranate oil.
Nanomaterials, 2022Cosmetic formulations containing 5% Centella asiatica extract showed the best efficacy in improving skin moisture and decreasing transepidermal water loss, while also exhibiting antiinflammatory properties in 25 volunteers compared to baseline measurements.
Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components.
Molecules, 2023A botanical face cleanser with hops and willow bark extract continuously reduced skin sebum levels without reactive seborrhea after treatment in 21 healthy volunteers compared to a sodium laureth sulfate cleanser, with neither cleanser causing skin irritation.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen achieved a higher cure rate (39%) than salicylic acid (24%) and a wait-and-see approach (16%) for cutaneous warts at 13 weeks in primary care patients.
CMAJ, 2010A moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2-decanediol, L-carnitine, and salicylic acid significantly reduced noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a vehicle control in Thai patients during a 12-week maintenance phase.
BioMed Research International, 2020Treatment with 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel resulted in a regression and markedly improvement rate of 51.01% compared to 43.10% for Adapaline gel in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, showing no significant difference in efficacy.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024A novel emulsion containing niacinamide, lens esculenta seed extract, and white willow bark extract effectively improved acne, blackheads, and conspicuous facial pores in 30 subjects with oily skin.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024Topical treatment with 2% Salix alba bark extract cream improved dark circles, skin microcirculation, and elasticity in 29 subjects over 8 weeks.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2023Topical salicin significantly regulates the gene expression profiles of human equivalent full-thickness skin to reflect a more youthful profile by increasing genes for youthful skin and decreasing genes for aged skin.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2011Topical application of 0.05% w/w ECa 233 gel reduced erythema index by 0.03 U and improved early crusting and general wound appearance compared to placebo in thirty individuals undergoing facial laser resurfacing.
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2020A 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, 2017Moisturizer 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
Ingredients
Water, Dipropylene Glycol, 2-Hexanediol, Salicylic Acid, C12-14 Pareth-12, Octyldodeceth-16, Melaleuca Alternifolia Tree Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Willow Bark Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Disodium Edta, Tocopherol, Ceramide Np, Butylene Glycol, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, 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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.