PHA Toner | The INKEY List

Saturate a cotton pad with PHA exfoliant and sweep over face and neck. No rinse needed.

Follow with

Treatments → moisturizer.

Finish with SPF in your AM routine.

INKEY List Tip

If you’re new to exfoliation, go slow to avoid irritation.

Heads up

PHA Toner can be used daily, but start 1–2x per week and build up. Avoid layering with other exfoliating acids (AHAs/ BHAs), Retinol or Vitamin C. When adding new products to your skincare routine, we always recommend patch testing. Learn more here.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place (15–25°C). Keep out of direct sunlight. Avoid eyes. For external use only. Keep out of reach of children.

• 3% Polyhydroxy Acid (Gluconolactone): Gently exfoliates and smooths skin texture without irritation.
• 3% Niacinamide : Helps reduce shine and improve uneven tone.
• Aloe barbadensis leaf juice : Naturally calming and soothing.

Water (Aqua / Eau), Propanediol, Gluconolactone, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ppg-26-Buteth-26, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I USE PHA TONER? Start with 2-3 times per week, then increase to daily if skin tolerates well. PHA is gentler than AHA/BHA, making daily use possible for most skin types.

DOES IT CAUSE SUN SENSITIVITY? No—but daily SPF is always recommended.

CAN I USE WITH OTHER ACTIVES? Don’t layer with exfoliating acids (AHAs, BHAs) or Retinol in the same routine. Alternate: Vitamin C in the AM, Retinol or acids in the PM

CAN I USE PHA TONER WITH NIACINAMIDE? Yes! Our PHA Toner already contains 3% niacinamide, so they work synergistically. Avoid additional niacinamide products to prevent over-application.

CAN I LAYER PHA TONER WITH RETINOL OR VITAMIN C? Use vitamin C in AM, PHA toner in PM, OR alternate nights with retinol. Never layer acids with retinol in the same routine.

IS IT GOOD FOR DRY SKIN? Yes—PHA is a humectant and helps retain moisture.

IS PHA TONER GOOD FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN? Yes! PHA gently unclogs pores while the niacinamide controls oil production. It's ideal for sensitive, acne-prone skin that can't tolerate stronger acids.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PHA AND GLYCOLIC ACID? PHA has larger molecules that work more slowly and gently, making it perfect for sensitive skin. Glycolic acid penetrates deeper but can cause irritation.

WHAT IS THE % of PHA and NIACINAMIDE? 3% in each

WHAT IS THE pH LEVEL? 3.62

WILL PHA TONER CAUSE PURGING? Minimal purging possible due to gentle exfoliation, but much less likely than with AHA/BHA. Any initial breakouts should resolve within 2-4 weeks.

HOW LONG FOR RESULTS? Up to 6 weeks. Consistency is key - don’t overuse, more isn’t better.

IS IT VEGAN? Yes - certified by The Vegan Society.

SAFE FOR PREGNANCY & BREASTFEEDING? Yes - it’s pregnancy-safe.

CAN I USE WITH PRESCRIPTION PRODUCTS? Check with your doctor first.

Skincare has become complicated. Too many ingredients, too many opinions, and too many products promising everything.

At The INKEY List, we believe you don't need more skincare, you need clarity you can trust. That's why we take the science and make it simple. We help people understand their skin, find the right ingredients, and build routines that deliver real results. Through innovative, science-backed formulas, we make effective skincare accessible to everyone. Because we care about great skincare for everyone.

Clear guidance. Proven ingredients. Real results. 

Because at The INKEY List, We Give A Care.

This product is;

Fragrance-free

Gluten-free

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding safe