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Augustinus Bader The Exfoliating Toner for dry sensitive skin

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

Augustinus Bader The Exfoliating Toner

Average

  • AverageDry Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

Works for dry sensitive skin; other toners fit it better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. 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 suitability for your dry skin due to the humectant action of glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, which provide hydration but lack sufficient emollient and occlusive ingredients to fully address dryness.
  • The gluconolactone and salicylic acid offer excellent exfoliation for skin renewal and smoothing, which is generally beneficial but may not be the primary focus for your dry or flaky skin concerns.
  • The product is safe for your dry and sensitive skin, as it contains no harsh ingredients and includes soothing components like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate.

How to apply

  • Use this exfoliating toner only in your PM routine, starting 1×/week since your skin is sensitive. Carefully build up frequency only if your skin feels comfortable.
  • Apply the exfoliating toner after using your cleanser and before your final moisturizer. This ensures it works effectively on clean skin.
  • Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliating toner into your skin using your hands. Avoid rubbing to prevent any irritation.
  • Apply the exfoliating toner on completely dry skin to ensure better tolerance for your sensitive type. Let it absorb fully before moving to the next step.
  • Do a patch test before your first use and avoid the delicate eye area. Keep this product separate from other strong acids or retinoids to protect your skin barrier.

People Say

★4.2Overall rating based on 200+ reviews

This 3-in-1 toner is frequently described as a gentle yet effective treatment for achieving smoother, more radiant skin, often referred to as 'glass skin.' While many users with mature or dull complexions report a visible glow and refined pores, a portion of users with sensitive skin experienced irritation, and some found the results subtle for the high price.

Highlights

  • Smoother texture Mostly Mentioned
    • “Made my skin incredibly soft and supple”
    • “texture is noticeably smoother”
    • “sweeps away dead surface cells”
  • Expensive product Mostly Mentioned
    • “Not worth the price tag”
    • “nice but overpriced”
    • “can't justify the cost for a toner”
  • Boosts radiance Often Mentioned
    • “Noticeable glow in the morning”
    • “dull skin is left glowing”
    • “gives a healthy radiance”
  • Gentle exfoliation Sometimes Noted
    • “No issues with sensitivity”
    • “gentle enough for daily use”
    • “doesn't dry the skin out”
  • Refines pores Sometimes Noted
    • “Really refines your pores”
    • “clogged pores feel clarified”
    • “gets rid of blackheads”
  • Caused irritation Sometimes Noted
    • “Face turned very red and itchy”
    • “broke me out bad”
    • “caused severe reactions”
  • Subtle results Rarely Noted
    • “Noticed no difference”
    • “results were meh”
    • “didn't do much for my skin”

Sources: lovi.care, bloomingdales.com, bluemercury.com, spacenk.com, sephora.my, cultbeauty.co.uk, and more

Questions and answers

How well does Augustinus Bader The Exfoliating Toner work for dry sensitive skin?

Augustinus Bader The Exfoliating Toner works moderately well for dry sensitive skin, providing basic hydration and gentle smoothing through ingredients like glycerin and salicylic acid, though it lacks enough richness to fully address dry skin. A product of this type needs rich moisturizing agents and softening ingredients to boost moisture retention and strengthen the skin barrier without causing irritation.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Which ingredients make this toner a good fit for dry sensitive skin?

Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate make this toner a good fit for dry sensitive skin by drawing in moisture to keep your skin hydrated. However, this skin type needs extra rich moisturizing ingredients and protective sealants to fully lock in hydration and prevent dryness.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

What does Tfc8 do for dry sensitive skin?

Tfc8 helps hydrate dry, sensitive skin by supporting natural renewal, making it feel softer and smoother. It is unlikely to cause irritation when used in a daily routine.

What does Salicylic Acid do for dry sensitive skin?

Salicylic acid is generally a poor fit for dry, sensitive skin because it is designed to clear out pores by removing excess oil, which can easily leave dry skin irritated. A product of this type needs gentle exfoliating helpers paired with rich, soothing moisturizers and barrier-repairing ingredients to keep dry skin calm and comfortable.

Where does it go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?

This exfoliating toner goes in the evening routine after cleansing and a soothing toner, starting at once a week to see how your skin tolerates it. While it hydrates with glycerin and sodium hyaluronate and smooths with salicylic acid and gluconolactone, dry skin of this type needs rich softening and sealing ingredients like plant oils and butters to fully lock in moisture.

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

You can use this toner with retinol by applying the toner first, waiting for it to dry completely, and then following with your retinol. Because this type of product contains exfoliating acids, using it with retinol may increase the likelihood of dryness or irritation on sensitive skin, so you may want to start slowly. Dry sensitive skin needs rich, nourishing products with extra oils and butters to lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier when using strong treatments.

How often should I use it?

Start using this exfoliating toner once a week, and if your skin tolerates it well and you see good results, you can carefully use it more often. Because your skin is dry, a product of this type needs extra softening and sealing ingredients to keep your skin smooth and comfortable.

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

This toner is unlikely to clog pores, but the exfoliating acids may cause mild irritation or peeling on dry sensitive skin. A product for this skin needs rich hydrating ingredients to lock in moisture and keep it soft.

Is it fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • 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

  • Combining 10% gluconolactone chemical peeling with oxybrasion or microneedle mesotherapy increased skin hydration and decreased sebum, pH, and TEWL in twenty-one Caucasian women, with no significant differences between the two methods.

    Skin Research and Technology, 2023

  • Cryotherapy 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, 2010

  • A 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, 2020

  • Treatment 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, 2024

  • Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene showed no hindrance compared to adapalene monotherapy and provided benefits in reducing complications in 25 subjects with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019

  • Gluconolactone and tartaric acid significantly lower transepidermal water loss and erythema after sodium lauryl sulphate challenge compared to vehicle, untreated control, and glycolic acid in healthy subjects.

    The British Journal of Dermatology, 1997

  • Gluconolactone 14% solution significantly improved mild to moderate acne by reducing inflamed and non-inflamed lesions similarly to 5% benzoyl peroxide, but with fewer side-effects in 150 patients.

    The Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 1992

  • Isosaponarin isolated from wasabi leaf increased type I collagen production in human fibroblasts by up-regulating TbetaR-II and P4H expression.

    Journal of Natural Medicines, 2010

  • 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

Why other toners fit dry sensitive skin better

  • 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

  • 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

Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Gluconolactone, Lactobacillus Wasabia Japonica Extract Root Ferment, Phytic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Salicylic Acid, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Papain, Citric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Maltodextrin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Algin, Alanyl Glutamine, Arginine, Oligopeptide-177, Phenylalanine, Sisymbrium Irio Seed Oil, Sodium Chloride

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

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