Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner for oily acne-prone skin

Pha Polyhydroxy Acid
Bha Beta Hydroxy Acid
Watermelon Extract
Sodium Hyaluronate
Licorice Root Extract
Superior
- SuperiorOily Skin Fit
- SuperiorEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
One of the best toners for oily acne-prone skin.
- The Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 1992
- Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
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
- Excellent suitability for your oily skin is provided by gluconolactone and betaine salicylate, which offer effective chemical exfoliation and pore decongestion to address your acne, blemishes, and breakouts. Watermelon extract and glycerin work synergistically to hydrate and balance your skin, preventing over-drying.
- The inclusion of willow bark extract and tea tree extract further supports your goal of managing oiliness and shiny skin by providing additional pore-refining and clarifying benefits.
- This formula is safe for your skin, featuring soothing watermelon fruit extract and glycerin with no 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
★4.8Overall rating based on 4.0k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, this toner is highly regarded for its hydrating and gently exfoliating properties, resulting in smoother skin and a radiant glow. It is particularly effective at minimizing pores for oily and combination skin types.
Highlights
Hydrates skin Mostly Mentioned
- “extremely hydrating”
- “skin felt bouncy”
- “floods skin with moisture”
Glow and radiance Often Mentioned
- “glass skin look”
- “instant glow”
- “luminous finish”
Pleasant scent Often Mentioned
- “smells delicious”
- “refreshing watermelon scent”
- “like a jolly rancher”
Good texture Sometimes Noted
- “satisfyingly thick”
- “absorbs quickly”
- “not sticky”
Refines pores Sometimes Noted
- “pores look tighter”
- “helped with congestion”
- “smoother texture”
Expensive price Sometimes Noted
- “pricey for the size”
- “not budget friendly”
- “expensive”
Causes breakouts Rarely Noted
- “caused painful pimples”
- “bad breakout”
- “skin purging”
Packaging issues Rarely Noted
- “hard to get product out”
- “heavy glass bottle”
- “travel size is difficult”
Sticky finish Rarely Noted
- “leaves a sticky film”
- “feels tacky”
- “didn't absorb well”
Strong fragrance Rarely Noted
- “smell is too strong”
- “synthetic scent”
- “sickly sweet”
Sources: lovi.care, cultbeauty.co.uk, sephora.my, skinsort.com, ipsy.com, glowrecipe.com, and more
Questions and answers
What makes Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Toner one of the best fits for oily acne-prone skin?
This toner is one of the best fits because gluconolactone and betaine salicylate gently clear out pores and manage blemishes without being overly harsh. Watermelon extract and glycerin help balance and hydrate your skin so it stays comfortable, while willow bark and tea tree extracts help keep shiny oiliness under control.
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 1992Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
Which ingredients make this toner a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?
This toner is a great fit for your oily, acne-prone skin because gluconolactone and betaine salicylate help clear pores and manage breakouts without harsh effects. Willow bark extract and tea tree extract further help control shiny skin, while watermelon extract and glycerin keep your skin balanced and hydrated.
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 1992Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
What does Polyhydroxy Acid do for oily acne-prone skin?
Polyhydroxy Acid helps clear mild to moderate acne by reducing both inflamed and non-inflamed spots similarly to stronger treatments while keeping your skin calm and comfortable. It is unlikely to cause irritation or damage your skin barrier, making it a well-tolerated choice for oily and acne-prone skin.
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 1992Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2010
What does Bha do for oily acne-prone skin?
BHA helps clear up breakouts and keeps oily skin balanced by reducing excess oil and calming redness. It works deep inside pores to clear away dirt and oil while keeping skin smooth and comfortable.
BioMed Research International, 2020Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
Where does this toner go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?
This toner goes in your evening routine as a cleansing step right after your cleanser, starting once a week and using it more often only if your skin handles it well. It helps clear pores and manage oiliness without over-drying, thanks to exfoliating acids paired with hydrating ingredients.
Can I use this toner with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this toner with retinol by applying the toner first in your routine, but you may want to use them on alternate nights or space them out to prevent over-drying your skin. This formula uses gentle acids and hydrating ingredients that are safe for your skin, though combining strong actives can sometimes cause irritation.
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 1992Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
How often should I use this toner?
Start using this exfoliating toner once a week, and if your skin feels comfortable and you see good results, you may carefully use it more often. This gradual approach helps prevent irritation while managing oiliness and breakouts.
Can this toner clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?
This toner is unlikely to clog pores and has a very safe profile for your skin, though some shoppers do occasionally report mild breakouts. Its PHA and BHA help clear out pores and manage blemishes without causing irritation.
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 1992Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
Is this toner fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (parfum).
What the research says
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, 1992A 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 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, 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, 2024Coniferyl alcohol derived from seed watermelon promoted linoleic acid-stimulated lipogenesis by approximately 2.2-fold at 300 µM and increased total lipid content in SZ95 sebocytes compared to controls.
Molecules, 2025Topical 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 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, 2015Licochalcone 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, 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, 2025
Ingredients
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract Cactus Extract, Watermelon Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Water, Gluconolactone, Sodium Polyglutamate, Betaine Salicylate, Willow Bark Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Tree Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Lactobacillus Watermelon Extract Fruit Ferment, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Brassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract, Ipomoea Batatas Root Extract, Sorbitan Oleate, Levulinic Acid, Sodium Levulinate, Parfum
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
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