Estée Lauder Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Toning Lotion/Refiner for oily acne-prone skin
Sodium Hyaluronate
Lactobionic Acid
Witch Hazel
Glycerin
Bambusa Vulgaris ExtractHigh
- HighOily Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- HighSafety
A great choice for oily acne-prone skin; a few toners fit it even better.
- Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2019
- The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020
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
- Highly suitable for your oily skin, this formula leverages witch hazel and zinc PCA for seboregulation, while lactobionic acid and phytic acid offer effective chemical exfoliation to address acne, blemishes, and breakouts. Alcohol denat. also contributes to the astringent effect, helping to manage oiliness and shine.
- The presence of algae extracts and yeast extract provides additional benefits for skin texture and hydration, complementing the primary exfoliating and oil-controlling actions.
- The product is safe for your skin, with no identified risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh or prohibited ingredients.
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 500+ reviewsUsers 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.
Highlights
Refreshing feel Mostly Mentioned
- “leaves skin glowing fresh”
- “very refreshing after cleansing”
- “removes any remaining impurities”
- “feels light and refreshing”
Gentle exfoliation Often Mentioned
- “gently exfoliates the skin”
- “leaves skin smooth”
- “removes dull skin cells”
- “softens skin texture”
Non-drying formula Sometimes Noted
- “works without drying”
- “doesn't strip my skin”
- “hydrating and comfortable”
- “no tightness after use”
Pleasant scent Sometimes Noted
- “gentle smell”
- “fresh scent”
- “smell is very pleasant”
- “mild and isn't overwhelming”
High price point Sometimes Noted
- “a bit expensive”
- “pricey for a toner”
- “wish it was cheaper”
- “luxury price tag”
Alcohol content Rarely Noted
- “contains alcohol denat”
- “smells like alcohol”
- “can be drying due to alcohol”
- “avoid if avoiding alcohol”
Skin irritation Rarely Noted
- “caused stinging”
- “burning sensation”
- “redness after application”
- “irritated my sensitive skin”
Strong fragrance Rarely Noted
- “scent is too strong”
- “overwhelming fragrance”
- “perfume is too much”
- “prefer fragrance-free”
Sources: lovi.care, boots.com, myer.com.au, lookfantastic.com, escentual.com, perfumesclub.co.uk, and more
Questions and answers
What makes Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Toning Lotion/Refiner a great fit for oily acne-prone skin?
This toner is a great fit because it uses witch hazel, zinc PCA, and alcohol denat. to manage oil and shine, while lactobionic acid and phytic acid gently exfoliate to help clear breakouts. It has a very safe profile and is unlikely to irritate oily skin.
Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2019Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
Which ingredients make this toner a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?
Witch hazel and zinc PCA help manage oil and shine, while lactobionic acid and phytic acid gently clear breakouts without causing irritation. Alcohol denat. also adds a helpful tightening effect for oily skin.
Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2019Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
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
What does Lactobionic Acid do for oily acne-prone skin?
Lactobionic acid helps calm and smooth oily, acne-prone skin while gently exfoliating without irritation or breaking down the skin barrier. Because it is very gentle and deeply hydrating, it works best when paired with ingredients that control excess oil and clear pores.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2010
Where does this toner go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?
This exfoliating toner fits into your evening routine after cleansing as a cleansing toner, or in your weekly routine after a cleansing mask. Start using it just once a week, and if your skin handles it well, you can carefully use it more often. It is unlikely to cause irritation and helps manage oiliness and breakouts.
Can I use this toner with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this toner with retinol by applying the toner first and waiting a few minutes before putting on your retinol. Because this formula gently exfoliates and controls oil without harsh irritation, it is unlikely to cause trouble when paired with a retinoid.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2019
How often should I use this toner?
Start using this exfoliating toner once a week, and if your oily skin handles it well and shows good results, you may carefully use it more often. The product is generally safe for your skin with a low risk of irritation when used as recommended.
Can this toner clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?
This toner is a great fit for your oily, acne-prone skin because it uses witch hazel and zinc PCA to control oil, along with gentle exfoliants to clear blemishes without causing irritation. It is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts, and skin irritation is rarely reported.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020
Is this toner fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
It contains fragrance (parfum) and drying alcohol (alcohol denat).
What the research says
Chemical peels using 35% glycolic acid, 20% salicylic-10% mandelic acid, and phytic acid reduce acne scores by 70.55%, 74.14%, and 69.7% respectively, and significantly decline the postacne hyperpigmentation index in Asian patients with mild to moderate acne.
Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2019Topical nicotinamide plus an antibacterial adhesive agent and zinc-pyrrolidone carboxylic acid combined with adapalene significantly reduced noninflammatory acne lesions by the second week of therapy compared to placebo with adapalene in patients with moderate acne vulgaris.
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020Topical 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, 2023An emulsion containing 10% lactobionic acid significantly reduces human skin surface pH without causing skin irritation or barrier impairment.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019Lactobionic 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, 2010Topical 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, 2011Topical 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, 2022Treatment 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, 2019Combining 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, 2019Carboxytherapy 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, 2024Lactobionic 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, 2021A 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, 2018Hamamelis 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, 2001Witch 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, 2025A 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, 2017The 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, 2020Ten 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, 2001Ethyl 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
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
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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