We may not be getting younger, but our pores don’t need to know that.
I have a long and complicated history with Ole Henriksen. It all started with a throwaway blurb in Us Weekly—back when I never missed an issue and Gwyneth Paltrow still felt vaguely relatable—singing the praises of The Truth Serum. That was, what, two decades ago? I was instantly sold.
Fast forward to now, and my interest in the brand has… faded. Once acquired by LVMH, Ole Henriksen didn’t seem interested in aging with me. Instead, the product pipeline pivoted to chasing dewy twenty-somethings on TikTok, leaving my congested forty-something skin feeling ghosted. The reformulated Truth Serum? Unrecognizable. And I still mourn the loss of the Invigorating Night Transformation Gel that carried me through my thirties with a glow. As for the Banana Bright line? Sorry—not my circus, not my eye cream.
But I never stop trying new things, especially when pores remain my forever nemesis. Which brings me to the new Detox Drops—a BHA toner I picked up at Sephora.es shortly after landing in Madrid. Here’s how it’s going.
What Is Ole Henriksen Detox Drops?
Think of Detox Drops as your post-cleanse, pre-serum solution. It’s a liquid exfoliating toner that targets congestion, blemishes, and inflammation—essentially, anyone dealing with persistent imperfections that won’t take the hint. If you’re googling ‘best Salicylic Acid toner’, you’re reading the right post.
Ingredient Breakdown
This formula is refreshingly no-nonsense. At its core is 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA), a classic oil-soluble exfoliant that dives deep into pores to unclog gunk and keep future breakouts at bay. But Ole didn’t stop there:
- Danish Purple Willow Ferment: A botanical rich in natural Salicylic Acid and Vitamin C, this adds a gentle antioxidant boost.
- Cucumber Extract: Calming, soothing, and ideal for reducing irritation.
- Juniper Berry Extract: Helps minimize redness and improve clarity.
Together, they make for a focused, results-driven formula—one of the most streamlined INCI lists I’ve seen from the brand in years.
How to Use It
Detox Drops play nicely with most skin types, but oily, combo, and acne-prone complexions will get the most mileage here. You can use it up to twice daily, though I’d recommend easing in and being mindful of how it interacts with other actives in your routine—especially Vitamin C serums or retinoids. I find that both do really well if I apply this Salicylic Acid toner first.
As with any toner, you have options: cotton round or palm press. I go old-school with a saturated pad, swiping and patting across my face to get the best of the exfoliating action. It’s a tiny ritual that makes a visible difference.
So… Does It Work?
Short answer: yes—with the right expectations. This is not a prescription-grade miracle in a bottle. But as a solid supporting step, it absolutely helps keep pores clearer and skin smoother. I’ve been pairing it with a gentle cleanser and a BHA serum, and already my skin feels more refined and less prone to midday congestion.
As always, consistency is key. Use it regularly for a couple of weeks, and you’ll likely start to see improvement. If nothing else, your pores won’t feel so neglected.
Pricing & Availability
$33 (120ml) at ulta.com in the U.S.
I bought mine for 32€ at Sephora Spain
