# Estée Lauder Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Toning Lotion/Refiner for dry skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for dry skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: Low · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Excellent.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/estee-lauder/perfectly-clean-multi-action-toning-lotion-refiner/for/dry-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United States.

Brand: [Estée Lauder](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/estee-lauder)
Category: [Toners](https://lovi.care/skincare/best/toners)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A weak match for dry skin; the toners alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers excellent exfoliation due to lactobionic acid and phytic acid, which chemically exfoliate the skin, but the presence of alcohol denat makes it moderately unsuitable for your dry skin by potentially causing further dryness.
- While the product contains hydrating ingredients like glycerin and biosaccharide 1 gum, they are not in sufficient concentrations to fully counteract the drying effects of alcohol denat and specialized hydrating ingredients are lacking for your dry or flaky skin.
- The product is safe for your dry skin as it lacks prohibited or harsh ingredients and includes soothing components.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/estee-lauder/perfectly-clean-multi-action-toning-lotion-refiner/for/oily-skin): High
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/estee-lauder/perfectly-clean-multi-action-toning-lotion-refiner/for/dry-skin): Low (this page)
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/estee-lauder/perfectly-clean-multi-action-toning-lotion-refiner/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/estee-lauder/perfectly-clean-multi-action-toning-lotion-refiner/for/sensitive-skin): High
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/estee-lauder/perfectly-clean-multi-action-toning-lotion-refiner/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/estee-lauder/perfectly-clean-multi-action-toning-lotion-refiner/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/estee-lauder/perfectly-clean-multi-action-toning-lotion-refiner/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/estee-lauder/perfectly-clean-multi-action-toning-lotion-refiner/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Low
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/estee-lauder/perfectly-clean-multi-action-toning-lotion-refiner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High

## Key ingredients

Sodium Hyaluronate, Lactobionic Acid, Witch Hazel, Glycerin, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract

## What the research says

- Lactobionic acid produced better skin performance with a lack of skin irritation and barrier impairment compared to glycolic acid in 77 healthy volunteers. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20367666/))
- An emulsion containing 10% lactobionic acid significantly reduces human skin surface pH without causing skin irritation or barrier impairment. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30859734/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623507/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31311529/))
- Combining a 20% lactobionic acid peel with aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion increases skin hydration, improves elasticity, and decreases transepidermal water loss in 20 Caucasian females compared to lactobionic acid peel alone. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30661294/))
- Carboxytherapy alone and combined with lactobionic acid, ferulic acid, and ascorbic acid significantly reduced vascular dark circles and combined pigmentation in the tear trough and lower eyelid of 39 Caucasian participants. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39193094/))
- Lactobionic acid improved skin barrier function most compared to other AHAs and BHAs when tested on an ex vivo porcine skin model, confirming significant barrier-protective effects and enabling toxicity evaluation of cosmetic ingredients. ([International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33440780/))
- A Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract increased LOXL1 expression twofold, decreased elafin synthesis, restored functional elastic fibers, reduced nonfunctional elastin aggregates, decreased wrinkles, and improved skin firmness. ([Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30052192/))
- Hamamelis bark proanthocyanidins strongly increased the proliferation of cultured human keratinocytes and reduced transepidermal water loss and erythema formation in SLS-irritated skin, whereas the polysaccharide fraction had no effect. ([Phytochemistry, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11684194/))
- Witch hazel bark extract and hamamelitannin showed pronounced anti-inflammatory activity, supported keratinocyte migration in a wound healing assay, and inhibited Staphylococcus aureus growth, whereas their skin microbiota metabolite ellagic acid stimulated inflammatory mediator release. ([Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40819781/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions of Bambusa vulgaris leaves accelerate cutaneous wound healing and inhibit carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. ([Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27297505/))

## Why other toners fit dry skin better

- Gluconolactone treatment significantly increased facial skin hydration in 16 healthy women, with no significant differences between 10% and 30% solutions. ([Skin Research and Technology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33769633/))
- Cosmetic 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, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27168678/))
- Co-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, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/))

## What reviewers say

Users generally praise this product as a refreshing, dual-action toner that gently exfoliates and balances the skin without stripping moisture, leaving the complexion smooth and radiant. While effective for most skin types, including dry and combination skin, some users with sensitive skin caution that the alcohol content and fragrance may cause stinging or irritation.

- Liked: Refreshing feel (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle exfoliation (often mentioned)
- Liked: Non-drying formula (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Pleasant scent (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price point (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Alcohol content (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Skin irritation (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Strong fragrance (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your exfoliating toner as part of your PM routine once a week to start. If your skin is happy, you can slowly use it more often.
- Apply this exfoliating toner right after your cleanser and before your moisturizer. This keeps your skin care steps in the right order.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliating toner into your skin with your hands. Let it soak in for a minute before the next step.
- Put the exfoliating toner on clean and dry skin to help it work best. Avoid rubbing so your face stays calm and happy.
- Always do a patch test before your first use and avoid the sensitive eye area.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/020cca37b222f917c1e8d86638215d98.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is Estée Lauder Perfectly Clean Toning Lotion a weak match for dry skin?

This toner is a weak match because it contains alcohol denat, which may cause further dryness on dry skin. While it includes some hydrating ingredients, they are not present in sufficient amounts to counteract that drying effect. Dry skin needs products formulated with rich moisturizing agents and beneficial extracts, like glycerin and shea butter, to ensure adequate hydration and comfort.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30859734/)

### Which ingredients make this toner a poor fit for dry skin?

Alcohol denat makes this toner a weak match for your dry skin by potentially causing further dryness, as it lacks sufficient hydrating ingredients to fully counteract the drying effects. An exfoliating toner for dry skin needs plenty of moisturizing agents, soothing extracts, and gentle hydrating ingredients like glycerin and shea butter to provide essential moisture and comfort.

### What does Hyaluronic Acid do for dry skin?

Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into dry skin, giving an immediate and lasting boost in hydration that helps smooth out fine lines and soften rough patches. It is very gentle and unlikely to cause irritation while improving overall skin smoothness and plumpness.
Sources: [Dermatology and Therapy, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34176098/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/)

### What does Lactobionic Acid do for dry skin?

Lactobionic acid helps keep dry skin feeling soft and comfortable by drawing in moisture and keeping the protective barrier strong without causing irritation. It is unlikely to sting, and regular use supports lasting hydration.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30859734/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20367666/)

### Where does this toner go in a skincare routine for dry skin?

This exfoliating toner is a weak match for dry skin because alcohol denat may cause further dryness. A dry skincare routine needs hydrating ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to keep skin soft and smooth.

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

Using this exfoliating toner with retinol may easily leave dry skin irritated and flaky due to alcohol denat and strong exfoliating acids. To use them together safely, apply the toner first on alternate nights when you are not using retinol, and always follow up with a rich moisturizer.

### How often should I use this toner?

This toner is a weak match for dry skin because alcohol denat may cause further dryness. A product of this type needs soothing ingredients, gentle exfoliants, and rich hydrators like ceramides and natural oils to keep dry skin soft and smooth.

### Can this toner clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry skin?

This exfoliating toner is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on dry skin since it lacks heavy oils and pore-clogging ingredients. However, it may not provide enough moisture for flaky skin, so a product of this type needs richer hydrating ingredients and skin-softening oils to keep dry skin comfortable.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20367666/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30859734/)

### Is this toner fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It contains fragrance (parfum) and drying alcohol (alcohol denat).

## Alternatives for dry skin

- [Inkey List PHA Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-inkey-list/pha-toner/for/dry-skin) — High fit — $18.00 at Amazon
- [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Boosting Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-tone-brightening-boosting-toner/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — $20.00 at Amazon

## Routine for dry skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — $19.99 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/pyunkang-yul/calming-deep-moisture-toner/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — $16.99 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-enrich-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — $22.00 at Amazon
- SPF: [d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/d-alba/piedmont-waterfull-mild-sunscreen/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — $15.99 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — $21.70 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — $19.99 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — $39.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-enrich-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — $22.00 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — $21.70 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — $19.99 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/mediheal/vita-essential-mask/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — $22.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — $39.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-enrich-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — $22.00 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.com: $27.20 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CAUJJM8?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 3 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Alcohol Denat, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Hypnea Musciformis Extract Algae Extract, Gellidiela Acerosa Extract Algae Extract, Witch Hazel, Silybum Marianum Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Pisum Sativum Extract, Gentiana Lutea Root Extract, Algae Extract, Rice Bran Extract, Yeast Extract, Sucrose, Trehalose, Lactobionic Acid, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sorbitol, Caffeine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Biosaccharide 1 Gum, Ppg-26-Buteth-26, Sodium Hyaluronate, Zinc Pca, Pentylene Glycol, Ppg-5-Ceteth-20, Sodium Hydroxide, Glucosamine Hcl, Parfum, Phytic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/estee-lauder/perfectly-clean-multi-action-toning-lotion-refiner/for/dry-skin (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/estee-lauder/perfectly-clean-multi-action-toning-lotion-refiner/for/dry-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/estee-lauder/perfectly-clean-multi-action-toning-lotion-refiner/for/dry-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/estee-lauder/perfectly-clean-multi-action-toning-lotion-refiner/for/dry-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/estee-lauder/perfectly-clean-multi-action-toning-lotion-refiner/for/dry-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/estee-lauder/perfectly-clean-multi-action-toning-lotion-refiner/for/dry-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/estee-lauder/perfectly-clean-multi-action-toning-lotion-refiner/for/dry-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/estee-lauder/perfectly-clean-multi-action-toning-lotion-refiner/for/dry-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/estee-lauder/perfectly-clean-multi-action-toning-lotion-refiner/for/dry-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/estee-lauder/perfectly-clean-multi-action-toning-lotion-refiner/for/dry-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/estee-lauder/perfectly-clean-multi-action-toning-lotion-refiner/for/dry-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/estee-lauder/perfectly-clean-multi-action-toning-lotion-refiner/for/dry-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/estee-lauder/perfectly-clean-multi-action-toning-lotion-refiner/for/dry-skin