Toner formulation for acne, redness, and dark spots: Expected results timeframe

Question

Please review the ingredients for a toner formulation designed to reduce acne, brighten skin, and reduce dark/red marks from acne. The formulation includes: 1. Chamomile Water (Anthemis Nobilis) 16%, 2. Witch Hazel (Alcohol Free, Paraben Free) Plus Allantoin 50%, 3. Glycerin 5%, 4. Azelaic Acid (Liquid Azelaic™) 10%, 5. Complex Salicylic Acid (Powder, Water-Soluble) 5%, 6. L-Carnitine (Carnitine) 3%, 7. Aloe Vera Extract (อัตราสกัด 10:1 FullAssay™) 3%, 8. 1,2-Hexanediol (Super-Purified, Odorless) 3%, 9. Glycoprotein 2.5%, 10. PiteraEx™ (Saccharomyces Lysate Extract) 1%, 11. Mild Preserved Eco™ (Preservative-Free) 1%, 12. Madecassoside-80 (Centella Asiatica Extract) 0.5%. Can this formulation provide clear results within 1 month?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

The toner formulation you inquired about contains several interesting ingredients aimed at addressing acne, redness, and skin brightening.

Key ingredients with significant roles include:

Azelaic Acid (10%): An effective ingredient for treating acne, reducing inflammation and redness, and helping to fade dark spots from acne.
Complex Salicylic Acid (5%): Salicylic Acid is a BHA that helps exfoliate the skin, clear pores, and reduce blockages that contribute to acne.
Witch Hazel + Allantoin (50%): Witch Hazel has astringent properties that help tighten pores and control oil, while Allantoin soothes the skin, reduces irritation, and aids in skin healing.
Chamomile Water, Aloe Vera Extract, Madecassoside: These ingredients have soothing, anti-inflammatory properties and help reduce redness.

Considering the ingredients and their concentrations, particularly 10% Azelaic Acid and 5% Salicylic Acid, which are relatively high concentrations for a toner, this formulation has good potential for managing acne and redness.

Regarding whether it can provide clear results within 1 month:

Acne and Redness: You may start to see improvements in inflammatory acne, acne-related redness, and skin oiliness within 1 month, as ingredients like Azelaic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Witch Hazel, and the soothing components begin to work.
Dark Spots from Acne: Fading post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) typically takes longer. Generally, seeing clear results in reducing dark spots with various ingredients may require at least 2-3 months or more, depending on the darkness of the spots and individual skin response.

Conclusion: This formulation contains good and effective ingredients at concentrations that should help manage acne and redness reasonably well, and you may see some positive changes within 1 month. However, expecting very clear results for all concerns, including dark spots which often take longer, within just 1 month might be slightly ambitious. Consistent and regular use is key to seeing the best results.