# Hero Cosmetics Pore Release Blackhead Clearing Solution for dry sensitive skin

**Lovi Fit: Caution fit for dry sensitive skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: Caution · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/hero-cosmetics/pore-release-blackhead-clearing-solution/for/dry-sensitive-skin

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

Brand: [Hero Cosmetics](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/hero-cosmetics)
Category: [Exfoliants](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/best/exfoliators)

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

A poor match for dry sensitive skin; the products alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate exfoliation for dry or flaky skin due to the presence of salicylic acid and glycolic acid, which can be drying for dry skin, even with glycerin included for humectant action.
- The combination of gluconolactone and salicylic acid provides excellent exfoliation for treating acne and smoothing texture, but may be too harsh for your dry and sensitive skin.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/hero-cosmetics/pore-release-blackhead-clearing-solution/for/oily-skin): High
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/hero-cosmetics/pore-release-blackhead-clearing-solution/for/dry-skin): Caution
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/hero-cosmetics/pore-release-blackhead-clearing-solution/for/combination-skin): Superior
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/hero-cosmetics/pore-release-blackhead-clearing-solution/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/hero-cosmetics/pore-release-blackhead-clearing-solution/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/hero-cosmetics/pore-release-blackhead-clearing-solution/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/hero-cosmetics/pore-release-blackhead-clearing-solution/for/mature-skin): Low
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/hero-cosmetics/pore-release-blackhead-clearing-solution/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution (this page)
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/hero-cosmetics/pore-release-blackhead-clearing-solution/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High

## Key ingredients

Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Gluconolactone, Lotus Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

## 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1303072/))
- Twice daily application of a multitargeted dermocosmetic cream provided comparable efficacy to benzoyl peroxide 5% gel in reducing inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesions in 150 Caucasian subjects with mild-to-moderate acne over 56 days, while demonstrating superior skin tolerability. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/))
- The use of a salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic significantly reduces the needed quantity of benzoyl peroxide without impacting efficacy in mild to moderate acne, and as maintenance post-benzoyl peroxide allows a significant reduction of acne relapse compared to vehicle. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20837684/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590107/))
- Repeated short-contact 70% glycolic acid peels provided superior results in atrophic acne scars compared to daily low-strength glycolic acid cream or placebo in 58 women over 24 weeks. ([International Journal of Dermatology, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11095203/))
- Serial glycolic acid peels combined with a modified Kligman formula significantly reduced facial PIH severity in Indian patients compared to the modified Kligman formula alone. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28114204/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30858720/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9470910/))
- A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provided antiaging benefits comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimen while demonstrating enhanced mildness and better tolerance in subjects. ([Cutis, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15002657/))
- Topical green tea and green tea plus lotus multiple emulsions reduced casual sebum secretions compared to placebo in healthy adults, with the combined treatment producing significantly greater reductions than green tea alone over a 60-day period. ([Hippokratia, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23935347/))
- Combined topical application of lotus and green tea improved facial skin surface parameters including roughness, scaliness, smoothness, and wrinkling in healthy Asian men compared to single treatments and placebo. ([Rejuvenation Research, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23267660/))
- Cosmetics containing lotus-derived callus extract showed a significant skin-whitening effect in 21 volunteers. ([Plants, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38068559/))
- A cream combining propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera reduced erythema scars, acne severity index, and total lesion count better than erythromycin cream in sixty patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris compared to placebo. ([Clinical Pharmacology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/))
- Topical aloe vera gel significantly accelerated split-thickness skin graft donor-site healing compared to placebo in 12 patients, but showed no significant difference in pain relief. ([Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29649056/))
- Topical application of Aloe vera cream reduced postoperative pain at rest and during defecation, accelerated wound healing at two weeks, and decreased analgesic requirements in patients after open hemorrhoidectomy compared to placebo. ([Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20569031/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, users with oily and combination skin frequently praise this toner for effectively reducing blackheads and minimizing pore appearance without stripping moisture. The majority describe it as a gentle and hydrating alternative to harsh exfoliants, though a small subset of users experienced purging or found it ineffective for stubborn deep-set congestion.

- Liked: Gentle, non-drying (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Effective pore clearing (often mentioned)
- Liked: Pleasant texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Quality packaging (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Caused breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Ineffective for some (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging usability (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Price vs. value (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your exfoliant PM once a week to help with dryness. Start ⏳3 times a week only if your sensitive skin tolerates it well.
- Apply the exfoliant after cleansing and toning, but always before your favorite moisturizer .
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin and avoid any rubbing. Let it absorb ⏱ for a minute before layering.
- Since your skin is reactive and sensitive, apply the exfoliant on completely dry skin for better tolerance.
- Always do a patch test before your first use and avoid the delicate eye area .
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/028e5e793422a3b665c02ff502cf5a68.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why does Lovi advise caution with Hero Cosmetics Pore Release for dry sensitive skin?

Lovi advises caution because the combination of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and gluconolactone provides strong exfoliation that may be too harsh and drying for your dry and sensitive skin. An exfoliant treatment for this skin type needs effective moisturizing ingredients that provide excellent hydration and texture improvement without irritation, along with barrier-supporting components like ceramides and nourishing vitamins.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/)

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

Salicylic acid and glycolic acid make this exfoliant a poor fit because they can be drying and too harsh for dry, sensitive skin. A product of this type needs effective moisturizing and nourishing ingredients that provide excellent hydration and texture improvement without any risk of irritation, along with components that support the skin barrier.

### 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.

### What does Glycolic Acid do for dry sensitive skin?

Glycolic acid can be too harsh for dry sensitive skin and may cause irritation, so this skin type needs gentle calming ingredients and deeply nourishing moisturizers to keep the skin barrier safe and smooth.
Sources: [Acta Dermato-venereologica, 1995](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8651024/), [The British Journal of Dermatology, 1997](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9470910/)

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

This exfoliant treatment fits in the evening routine once a week because acids can be drying and harsh for your dry and sensitive skin. To care for this skin type, a product of this type needs soothing ingredients and extra moisture to keep skin calm and soft.

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

Using this exfoliating treatment with retinol is likely to be too harsh and drying for dry sensitive skin. To safely include both, apply retinol on separate nights from this treatment, and always follow with a soothing moisturizer to keep skin calm and comfortable.

### How often should I use this exfoliant?

You should use this exfoliant just once a week on your dry and sensitive skin because acids can easily be too harsh and drying. A product of this type for dry sensitive skin needs gentle smoothing ingredients and soothing agents to keep skin calm and comfortable.

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

This exfoliant is unlikely to clog pores, but it may cause breakouts or skin irritation on dry sensitive skin because the acids can be too harsh and drying. Products used on this skin need gentle soothing ingredients and hydrating components that keep the skin soft and calm while clearing pores.
Sources: [The Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 1992](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1303072/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for dry sensitive skin

- [SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/skinceuticals/c-e-ferulic/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — £143.35 at Amazon
- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — £36.96 at Amazon
- [Augustinus Bader The Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/augustinus-bader/the-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — £248.00 at Amazon

## Routine for dry sensitive skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — £8.29 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/clarins/soothing-toning-lotion/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — £17.91 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [Real Barrier Mild Sun Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/real-barrier/mild-sun-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — £19.01 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — £13.58 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — £8.29 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/clarins/soothing-toning-lotion/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — £17.91 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — £59.74 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/elizabeth-arden/advanced-ceramide-lift-and-firm-night-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — £38.50 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — £13.58 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — £8.29 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Fancl Facial Washing Powder](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/fancl/facial-washing-powder/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — £22.24 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/mediheal/vita-essential-mask/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — £17.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — £59.74 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/elizabeth-arden/advanced-ceramide-lift-and-firm-night-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — £38.50 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in United Kingdom has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Water, Butylene Glycol, Gluconolactone, Arginine, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Nelumbo Nucifera Water Root, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sodium Levulinate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Maltodextrin, Sodium Anisate, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid
## 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/hero-cosmetics/pore-release-blackhead-clearing-solution/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/hero-cosmetics/pore-release-blackhead-clearing-solution/for/dry-sensitive-skin (this page)
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/hero-cosmetics/pore-release-blackhead-clearing-solution/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/hero-cosmetics/pore-release-blackhead-clearing-solution/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/hero-cosmetics/pore-release-blackhead-clearing-solution/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/hero-cosmetics/pore-release-blackhead-clearing-solution/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/hero-cosmetics/pore-release-blackhead-clearing-solution/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/hero-cosmetics/pore-release-blackhead-clearing-solution/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/hero-cosmetics/pore-release-blackhead-clearing-solution/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/hero-cosmetics/pore-release-blackhead-clearing-solution/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/hero-cosmetics/pore-release-blackhead-clearing-solution/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/hero-cosmetics/pore-release-blackhead-clearing-solution/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/hero-cosmetics/pore-release-blackhead-clearing-solution/for/dry-sensitive-skin