If there is one thing I have learned from taking care of my skin the past five years, it is this: daily use of an acid toner is a habit worth developing. What began with a splurge on the iconic Biologique Recherche P50 1970 quickly resulted in a sizeable collection of liquid exfoliators. The latest to join my glow-boosting addiction? Say hello to the recently launched Resurfacing Treatment Toner, part of the renew collection courtesy of boscia.
Boscia, the Japanese inspired (read: minimalistic yet effective) line is probably best known for its charcoal infused treatments and blotting papers. Expanding on its anti-aging repertoire, the renew line includes two products to date: the acid toner and a Peptide Trio Eye Cream. First things first: the visuals. Pale yellow containers with recently tweaked design of the brand’s logo are looking very chic sinkside.
Resurfacing Treatment Toner
If you’ve used acid toners before, you no doubt will relate to the often less than enjoyable experience. Some formulas tingle; others tingle *and* don’t smell very appealing. I experienced neither after my first application of boscia’s Resurfacing Treatment Toner, a very pleasant surprise. After literally sticking my nose into a cotton round, I detected not even a hint of a scent. There was also no redness or tingling nor did it feel the slightest bit sticky. Wizardry?
What’s in it?
The sceptic in me immediately checked the ingredients. Afterall, how can something that feels so uneventful to use, make my skin look and feel better in only three days? There are fifteen ingredients on deck: Glycolic Acid is second, Salicylic Acid is fifth, Apple Cider Vinegar is sixth. I’m unsure of the AHA to BHA ratio, but I do know that this new toner is fueled by a 20% concentration of acids. Formulated to work for all skin types, the acid blend is infused with the brand’s proprietary blend of Jojoba and Willow Bark Extracts to soothe and prevent irritation.
How to use & what to expect
Are you wondering why acid toners are all the rage? For one thing, they deliver surface chemical exfoliation with a single swipe of a cotton round. Gentle enough to be used every day, this action promotes cellular turnover and results in a smoother and more radiant complexion. The beauty of an AHA/BHA blend is that alpha hydroxies work on the surface of the skin, while beta hydroxy acids penetrate more deeply within the pore, which prevents congestion and blackheads.
After cleansing, saturate a cotton pad with the Resurfacing Treatment Toner and swipe across dry skin. Then, go in with your serum and moisturizer. I also splashed it into the palm of my hand and pressed it into the skin, which worked out well. I figured I use my Caudalie Glycolic Essence and Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid this way — shouldn’t be an issue, right? Personally, I found this new toner very easy to incorporate into both my morning and evening routines. If you’re not yet persuaded, the attractive $28 price may convince you.
Peptide Trio Eye Cream
I haven’t been looking for a new eye treatment so it’s notable that the new Peptide Trio Eye Cream ($40) has become my current go-to literally overnight. This no-fuss formula is packed with impressive key players to target a wide range of most common concerns from the loss of firmness to signs of fatigue under the eyes. What’s in it? A tri-peptide blend to smooth and firm, antioxidant-rich Gingko Biloba and Green Tea Extracts to protect against free radical damage, nourishing Shea Butter and Squalane, energizing Ginseng Root, and ceramides.
The texture probably ranks as my favorite aspect of this new eye cream. It’s textbook definition of creamy: rich and dense but not heavy. Perfectly spreadable. The formula glides on the skin and delivers a nourishing dose of moisture on contact. It absorbs in just seconds. I have also layered it beneath my undereye brightener (the Tom Ford pen I cannot and will not be without), preventing any unfortunate creasing. Love the lightweight feeling of the jar, which makes for ideal travel-friendly packaging. But. There is one. It’s minor. Here goes: make Peptide Trio Eye Cream available in a pump bottle and achieve perfection.
Available at Sephora.com.
