Facial Treatment Clear Lotion Toner
Facial Treatment Clear Lotion Toner
Product Description
Product overview
A luxurious Japanese exfoliating toner formulated with PITERA™ and a gentle blend of AHAs and BHA to remove residual impurities, refine pores, and prep skin for maximum absorption of your following skincare steps. This cult-favorite toner delivers the legendary SK-II glow.
PITERA™ Technology
Proprietary bio-ingredient derived from sake fermentation, rich in vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids.
Texture & feel
SENSORYPITERA™ Technology
Proprietary bio-ingredient derived from sake fermentation, rich in vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids.
Gentle Exfoliation
Multi-acid complex (Lactic, Citric, Malic, Salicylic) gently removes dead skin cells without irritation.
Pore Refinement
Helps minimize the appearance of pores by clearing impurities and excess sebum.
Crystal Clear Skin
Prepares skin for better absorption of subsequent products, enhancing overall skincare efficacy.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains Salicylic Acid (BHA). Consult your doctor before use during pregnancy. Generally considered safe for breastfeeding.
Contains Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate which may worsen fungal acne. Not recommended for those with Malassezia sensitivity.
Gentle, alcohol-free formula suitable for most sensitive skin types. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Low comedogenic rating (1/5). Unlikely to clog pores or cause traditional acne breakouts.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGalactomyces Ferment Filtrate (PITERA™)Proven
SK-II's signature ingredient derived from yeast fermentation during sake production. Contains over 50 micro-nutrients including vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids that work synergistically to improve skin texture and radiance.
- P&G Study: Demonstrated antioxidant effects and increased hyaluronan production in epidermal cells.
- 2014 Research: Showed potential benefits for skin pigmentation improvement.
- 2015 Study: Found to activate aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) important for epidermal barrier health.
AHA Complex (Lactic, Citric, Malic Acid)Proven
A gentle blend of alpha-hydroxy acids that work together to exfoliate dead skin cells, improve texture, and enhance radiance without causing irritation.
- Lactic Acid: Gentle exfoliant that also provides hydrating benefits.
- Citric Acid: Antioxidant properties, helps adjust pH for optimal efficacy.
- Malic Acid: Enhances exfoliation while being less irritating than glycolic acid.
Salicylic Acid (BHA) Low %Proven
Oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates into pores to dissolve sebum buildup and prevent clogging. Also provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Function: Exfoliates inside pores, anti-inflammatory, helps with acne prevention.
- Concentration: Low percentage for gentle daily exfoliation.
Sodium HyaluronateProven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid with smaller molecular size for better penetration. Can hold up to 1000x its weight in water, providing deep hydration.
- Hydration: Attracts and retains moisture in the skin.
- Plumping: Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines.
16 ingredients
Water, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (PITERA™), Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, PEG-150, Cellulose Gum, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Benzoate, Methylparaben.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse after cleansing and before the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence for best results. Apply morning and evening.
How to use
HOW TO USEPrep Your Cotton Pad
Shake the bottle several times to saturate a cotton pad with the Clear Lotion.
Cleanse T-Zone First
Start with your T-Zone (forehead, nose, chin), paying extra attention to the sides of your nose.
Sweep Across Face
Gently wipe from your chin towards your cheeks in an upward and outward motion.
Don't Forget Your Neck
Use the other side of the cotton pad to wipe your neck from bottom to top with an upward motion.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want to refine skin texture and minimize pores
- Your skin looks dull and needs brightening
- You use the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
- You prefer gentle, daily exfoliation
- You have normal to oily or combination skin
- You want a luxurious J-beauty toner experience
Consider alternatives if:
- You have active fungal acne (Malassezia)
- You are pregnant or trying to conceive
- You have a known sensitivity to fermented ingredients
- You're on a strict budget (there are affordable dupes)
- You prefer stronger acid exfoliation
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight formula absorbs instantly. AHAs and BHA help control sebum and minimize pores without adding shine.
Balances well across different face zones. Controls oily T-zone while hydrating drier areas.
Perfect match for maintaining healthy skin. Enhances natural radiance and keeps pores clear.
Provides hydration but may need a richer moisturizer on top. Lactic acid offers gentle exfoliation with hydrating benefits.
Alcohol-free and fragrance-free. Gentle acid concentrations, but patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Good for regular acne (non-comedogenic, contains BHA). NOT suitable for fungal acne due to Galactomyces content.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Immediate Freshness
Skin feels cleaner and fresher after each use. Some may experience minor purging as skin adjusts to the gentle exfoliation.
85% noticed cleaner skinTexture Improvement
Skin texture begins to smooth out. Pores appear less visible and skin feels softer to the touch.
78% noticed refined textureVisible Radiance
Noticeable brightening effect. Skin tone appears more even and complexion looks healthier and more radiant.
72% noticed brighter skinLong-Term Benefits
Continued improvement in overall skin clarity. Better absorption of other skincare products. The signature SK-II glow becomes evident.
68% achieved lasting glowRatings by platform
2K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Effectively refines skin texture and minimizes pores
- Gentle enough for daily use, morning and night
- Alcohol-free, fragrance-free, colorant-free
- Preps skin for better absorption of other products
- Noticeable brightening effect with continued use
- Luxurious, lightweight watery texture
- Elegant glass bottle packaging
Criticized
- Premium price point ($80 for 5.4 oz)
- Bottle only lasts 2-3 months with daily use
- Not suitable for fungal acne sufferers
- Contains salicylic acid (not pregnancy-safe)
- Results may not justify price for some users
- Best results require full SK-II regimen
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESContains 10% Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate. Lacks the AHA/BHA exfoliating acids but provides similar hydration and brightening. No salicylic acid makes it pregnancy-safe.
Uses Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate (similar yeast family). Contains Bifida Ferment Lysate for additional skin benefits. Higher ferment concentration than SK-II Clear Lotion.
Contains Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate with rose extracts. More affordable entry point to ferment-based toners. Slightly different texture and feel.
95% Galactomyces concentration with added Niacinamide. More viscous essence texture. Better for those wanting higher ferment concentration without AHAs.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Room temperature is fine.
Heavy frosted glass bottle with twist-off cap. Elegant and protective design.
Yes - 5.4 oz exceeds TSA limits but glass bottle is sturdy. Consider decanting for travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQPregnancy: Caution advised. Contains Salicylic Acid (BHA), which is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in higher concentrations. Consult your healthcare provider before use.Breastfeeding: Generally considered safe for breastfeeding as the low concentration of salicylic acid is unlikely to penetrate into breast milk in significant amounts. The Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate is safe for both pregnancy and breastfeeding.
No, this product is not recommended for those with fungal acne. It contains Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (PITERA™), a yeast-derived ingredient that has been linked to worsening Malassezia folliculitis in some individuals. While research is limited, anecdotal reports suggest that fermented ingredients, particularly Galactomyces, may trigger or aggravate fungal acne. If you have a history of fungal acne, consider alternatives like the COSRX Propolis Toner or other ferment-free options.
Retinol: Use caution. The Clear Lotion contains AHAs and BHA which can increase sensitivity when combined with retinol. Consider alternating nights or using the Clear Lotion in the AM and retinol at PM.Vitamin C: Generally compatible. Apply vitamin C serum after the Clear Lotion for best results.AHA/BHA: The Clear Lotion already contains gentle exfoliating acids, so additional acid exfoliants may cause over-exfoliation. Avoid layering strong acid products on the same day.
This toner worksexcellently for oily, combination, and normal skin types due to its lightweight, fast-absorbing texture and pore-refining properties. It'sgood for dry and sensitive skin with proper moisturizing follow-up.Not recommended for those with fungal acne or severe sensitivity to fermented ingredients. Sephora indicates it's suitable for: Normal Oily Combination Dry Sensitive
Immediate: Skin feels cleaner and fresher after first use.1-2 weeks: Initial adjustment period; some may experience mild purging.3-4 weeks: Noticeable improvement in skin texture and pore appearance.6-8 weeks: Visible brightening effect and enhanced radiance.2+ months: Cumulative benefits including improved overall skin clarity and the signature SK-II glow. Results may vary; best results occur when paired with the full SK-II regimen.
The Clear Lotion is designed to be thesecond step in your routine, immediately after cleansing. The proper order is: 1) Cleanser → 2) SK-II Clear Lotion → 3) SK-II Facial Treatment Essence → 4) Serums → 5) Moisturizer → 6) Sunscreen (AM). Apply with a cotton pad, wiping gently across the face. Use morning and evening for best results.
No, this product is non-comedogenic with a low comedogenic rating of 1/5. It's actually designed to help clear and minimize pores through its AHA/BHA exfoliation. The formula is free of heavy oils, silicones, and pore-clogging ingredients. It's unlikely to cause traditional acne breakouts. However, if you have fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis), the Galactomyces content may worsen that specific condition.
The official Period After Opening (PAO) is12 months. With twice-daily use on a cotton pad, expect the 5.4 oz / 160ml bottle to last approximately2-3 months. To maximize shelf life: store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, ensure the cap is tightly closed after each use, and avoid contaminating the opening with dirty hands or cotton pads.
Verdict: SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion is a premium exfoliating toner that delivers on its promises of refined texture, minimized pores, and enhanced radiance. The combination of PITERA™ with gentle AHAs and BHA makes it an excellent prep step for your skincare routine. While the price point is steep at $80 for 5.4 oz, long-time users swear by its effectiveness. Best suited for those already invested in the SK-II ecosystem or those seeking a luxurious J-beauty experience. For budget-conscious consumers, the COSRX and Missha alternatives offer similar benefits at a fraction of the cost. Not recommended for those with fungal acne or during pregnancy due to the Galactomyces and Salicylic Acid content.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Humectant
|
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 3 |
Polysorbate 20
Surfactant, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|







