Acwell 5.5 Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner for skin with dark spots
Licorice Extract
Rheum Palmatum Root Extract
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Psidium Guajava Leaf ExtractHigh
- SuperiorNormal Skin Fit
- SuperiorEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
A great choice for skin with dark spots; a few cleansing 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
- Excellent suitability for your normal skin is provided by licorice root water and glycerin, which offer humectant action and support skin hydration while Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract brightens and provides antioxidant effects for your pigmentation concerns.
- The cleansing efficacy is notable due to Peg-6 Caprylic Capric Glycerides and Poloxamer 184, which effectively remove impurities and excess oil, further complementing your normal skin type.
- The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation for your normal skin due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing botanical extracts.
How to apply
- Could be used as part of your AM and PM routine. Start using your cleansing toner 3 times a week and work up to daily use if your skin tolerates it.
- Apply your cleansing toner after cleansing, and before your moisturizer or SPF.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the cleansing toner into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the cleansing toner on clean and dry skin for the best results .
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use.
People Say
★4.6Overall rating based on 3.3k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, this toner is widely praised as a "holy grail" cleansing step that effectively removes lingering impurities while balancing the skin's pH without stripping moisture. Users with dull or sensitive skin frequently report a noticeable brightening effect and improved texture, though a small minority experience breakouts or dislike the herbal scent.
Highlights
Deep cleansing ability Mostly Mentioned
- “removes dirt left after washing”
- “cotton pad comes off brown”
- “great for removing makeup residue”
- “cleans pores effectively”
Brightens and evens tone Often Mentioned
- “fades dark spots and acne scars”
- “gives a nice subtle glow”
- “skin looks more even and radiant”
- “helps with hyperpigmentation”
Hydrating and non-stripping Often Mentioned
- “skin feels plump and moisturized”
- “doesn't leave face tight”
- “absorbs quickly without drying”
- “leaves skin feeling soft”
Gentle for sensitive skin Sometimes Noted
- “soothing for sensitive skin”
- “mild and calming”
- “no stinging or redness”
Scent preference Sometimes Noted
- “strong herbal licorice smell”
- “scent is too potent”
- “smells like medicine”
- “dislike the citrus/bergamot fragrance”
Caused breakouts Rarely Noted
- “gave me small bumps”
- “caused cystic acne flare-ups”
- “broke me out immediately”
- “skin reacted poorly”
Packaging issues Rarely Noted
- “cap broke easily”
- “bottle leaks when traveling”
- “hard to control amount poured”
- “plastic feels cheap”
Sticky residue Rarely Noted
- “leaves a tacky film”
- “feels slightly sticky after application”
- “residue sits on skin”
- “felt a bit heavy”
Sources: lovi.care, iherb.com, sokoglam.com, oliveyoung.com, stylekorean.com, reddit.com, and more
Questions and answers
What makes Acwell Licorice Toner a great fit for skin with dark spots?
Acwell 5.5 Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner is a great fit because licorice extract helps brighten dark spots and provides antioxidants, while licorice root water and glycerin keep your skin hydrated. It also gently cleans away dirt and oil without irritating normal skin.
Which ingredients make this toner a good fit for skin with dark spots?
Licorice extract and licorice root water make this toner a great fit for skin with dark spots because they help brighten your skin and provide antioxidant effects for your pigmentation concerns. They are supported by gentle plant extracts that keep your skin safe and calm without causing irritation.
What does Licorice Extract do for skin with dark spots?
Licorice extract helps fade dark spots and even out skin tone by slowing down the melanin production that causes discoloration. It is also very safe and gentle, making it unlikely to irritate even sensitive skin while brightening your complexion.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2025Pigment Cell Research, 1998
What does Licorice Root Water do for skin with dark spots?
Licorice root water helps fade dark spots and uneven skin tone by calming the skin and supporting a more even complexion. It is generally well tolerated and unlikely to cause irritation, making it a gentle option for brightening dark areas.
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2011
Where does this toner go in a skincare routine for skin with dark spots?
This cleansing toner goes in your evening routine after removing makeup and cleansing, as part of your steps to help brighten dark spots. It is very gentle on normal skin, helping to refresh and clear away excess oil without causing irritation.
Can I use this toner with retinol, and in what order?
Yes, you can use this toner with retinol by applying the toner first to clean skin and following it with your retinol treatment. This helps prep the skin while delivering brightening benefits, and it is unlikely to cause irritation since the formula includes soothing botanical extracts and lacks harsh ingredients.
How often should I use this toner?
You can use this cleansing toner in your evening routine for skin with dark spots. It is a great fit because licorice root extract helps brighten dark spots while gentle cleansers remove impurities without causing irritation.
Can this toner clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for skin with dark spots?
This toner is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts, as reviews report a very low risk and the formula avoids harsh ingredients while including soothing botanical extracts. It helps clear away impurities and excess oil gently without disrupting your skin.
Is this toner fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
Licochalcone A activated Nrf2 signaling, elevated cytoprotective enzymes, increased the reduced-to-oxidized glutathione ratio, and decreased reactive oxygen species in human fibroblasts and neutrophils, while a LicA-rich licorice extract lowered UVA-induced oxidative processes in vivo.
Experimental Dermatology, 2015Topical low-dose green tea extract reduces UVB-induced p53 expression and apoptosis in human skin keratinocytes compared to placebo.
Experimental Dermatology, 2009A 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, 2017Combining 755 nm alexandrite laser with topical licorice gel significantly reduces terminal hair counts compared to alexandrite laser with placebo in women with idiopathic hirsutism.
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015Bioactive glycyrrhizic acid and oxymatrine ionic liquid self-assembled nanomicelles significantly promoted the transdermal permeation, subcutaneous retention, and anti-photoaging efficacy of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in cellular and animal models compared to unformulated peptide.
Advanced Science, 2025Topical application of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Sophora japonica flavonoid-rich fractions individually and in combination significantly increased the wound healing rate and reduced oxidative stress compared to wound and Nolaver-treated groups.
Molecules, 2023Topical application of the rhubarb charcoal-crosslinked chitosan/silk fibroin sponge scaffold effectively mitigated hepatic lipid accumulation, decreased inflammation, and attenuated oxidative stress in db/db mice via the AMPK signalling pathway.
Lipids in Health and Disease, 2024Topical green tea extract significantly improved clinical symptoms, tear breakup times, and meibomian gland health compared to standard treatment in patients with dry eye and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2017An anti-acne hydrogel containing Aloe barbadensis, Garcinia mangostana, and Camellia sinensis extracts showed superior antiacne and antiblotch activities compared to 1% clindamycin gel in sixty subjects with mild-moderate acne.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019Topical application of green tea extract encapsulated chitosan microparticles improved skin elasticity, melanin index, and facial wrinkles compared to a placebo in female volunteers without causing skin irritation.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022A toner with 6% guava extract significantly reduced skin oiliness on the forehead and nose compared to the base toner in 21 volunteers over 28 days.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019Pre-incubation with guava crude extract significantly decreased apoptotic and dead cells and markers of oxidative damage while improving antioxidant enzyme activity in human dermal fibroblasts subjected to AAPH-mediated oxidative stress, compared to cells subjected to stress without prior pre-incubation.
Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 2018
Ingredients
Water, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Licorice Root Water Root, Peg-6 Caprylic Capric Glycerides, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Poloxamer 184, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Rheum Palmatum Root Extract, Psidium Guajava Leaf Extract, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Seed Extract, Poncirus Trifoliata Fruit Extract, Bergamot Oil Fruit, Sodium Citrate, Disodium Edta, Citric Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Cimicifuga Dahurica Root Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Propylene Glycol, 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?
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