Glutathione Niacinamide Facial Toner
Glutathione Niacinamide Facial Toner
Product Description
Product overview
A deeply hydrating and brightening toner powered by LIPO GLUTA NIAC CEN™ 15.2% complex. Featuring 2% Niacinamide, 0.1% Glutathione, and 13.1% Centella Asiatica Extract to revitalize dull skin, improve elasticity, and soothe irritation with a lightweight, essence-like texture that absorbs quickly.
Brightening Complex
LIPO GLUTA NIAC CEN™ 15.2% combines Glutathione + Niacinamide + Centella for enhanced radiance and even skin tone.
Texture & feel
SENSORYBrightening Complex
LIPO GLUTA NIAC CEN™ 15.2% combines Glutathione + Niacinamide + Centella for enhanced radiance and even skin tone.
Centella 3X Complex
Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, and Asiatic Acid work synergistically to calm, soothe, and repair the skin barrier.
Deep Hydration
Hyaluronic Acid, Beta-Glucan, and Hydroxyethyl Urea provide multi-layer moisture that plumps and softens skin.
Sensitive Skin Friendly
Passed clinical skin irritation tests. Free from artificial fragrance, mineral oil, parabens, and silicones.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains Saccharomyces Ferment (yeast ferment) which may feed Malassezia. Squalane source is unspecified. Patch test recommended for FA-prone skin.
Water-based formula with minimal oils. Rated 1/5 for pore-clogging potential. Safe for acne-prone skin.
Can be used with retinol products. Niacinamide and Centella help buffer potential irritation from retinoids.
Safe to use with Vitamin C serums. Apply this toner first, wait 1-2 minutes, then apply Vitamin C.
Can be used with chemical exfoliants. Apply acids first on bare skin, then follow with this toner for soothing hydration.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSCentella Asiatica Extract 13.1%Proven
A legendary wound-healing plant with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Stimulates hyaluronic acid synthesis, hydrates skin, and increases antioxidant levels for overall skin health.
- Clinical Evidence: Shown to accelerate wound healing and reduce inflammation
- Key Benefits: Calms redness, strengthens skin barrier, promotes collagen synthesis
- Source: Natural plant extract from tiger grass
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) 2% (20,000ppm)Proven
A multitasking powerhouse that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil production, and improves signs of aging. Well-tolerated by most skin types.
- Clinical Evidence: 5%+ concentration shown to fade hyperpigmentation and improve skin texture
- Key Benefits: Brightening, pore minimizing, sebum regulation, anti-aging
- Mechanism: Stimulates ceramide production and inhibits melanin transfer
Glutathione 0.1% (1,000ppm)Promising
A powerful antioxidant naturally found in nearly all cells. Protects skin from UV-B damage and oxidative stress. Research on topical brightening benefits is still developing.
- Clinical Evidence: Proven antioxidant protection; brightening results vary in studies
- Key Benefits: Free radical defense, potential melanin inhibition, anti-aging
- Note: Works synergistically with Niacinamide for enhanced effects
Sodium Hyaluronate N/AProven
The salt form of Hyaluronic Acid that penetrates deeper into skin layers. Acts as a moisture magnet, holding up to 1000x its weight in water for plump, hydrated skin.
- Clinical Evidence: Well-established humectant for all skin types
- Key Benefits: Deep hydration, plumping, improved skin elasticity
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract N/ATraditional
Rich in vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants. Traditional K-beauty ingredient known for brightening and softening skin while providing gentle nourishment.
- Key Benefits: Brightening, moisturizing, skin-softening
- Traditional Use: Centuries of use in Asian skincare for luminous skin
37 ingredients
Water, Centella Asiatica Extract (13.1%), Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Niacinamide (20,000ppm), Hydroxyethyl Urea, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Panthenol, Glutathione (1,000ppm), Nelumbo Nucifera Extract, Artemisia Annua Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Beta-Glucan, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Adenosine, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glyceryl Stearate, Cholesterol, Xanthan Gum, Propanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse morning and evening after cleansing. Can be layered 2-3 times for extra hydration (7-skin method friendly).
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Face
Start with freshly cleansed, slightly damp skin for better absorption of the toner.
Dispense Product
Pour an appropriate amount onto a cotton pad or directly into your palms.
Apply to Face
If using cotton pad, gently wipe from inner to outer along skin texture. If using hands, pat gently onto face and neck.
Pat for Absorption
Gently pat skin to help absorption. Wait 30 seconds before applying next skincare step.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dull, tired-looking skin that needs brightening
- You want to fade dark spots and even out skin tone
- You have sensitive skin and need fragrance-free options
- You want a lightweight, hydrating toner for layering
- You're looking for K-beauty with clinically tested ingredients
- You prefer gentle formulas suitable for daily AM/PM use
- You want to prep skin for better serum/moisturizer absorption
Consider alternatives if:
- You have active fungal acne (contains fermented ingredients)
- You need high-concentration actives for stubborn hyperpigmentation
- You prefer thick, creamy toner textures
- You want immediate dramatic brightening results
- You're looking for an exfoliating toner (no AHA/BHA)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight, watery formula absorbs instantly without adding shine. Niacinamide helps regulate sebum production.
Provides hydration boost but may need layering (7-skin method) or heavier moisturizer on top for very dry skin.
Balances well across different face zones. Hydrates dry areas without overwhelming oily T-zone.
Passed clinical skin irritation test. Fragrance-free with soothing Centella. EWG Green Grade certified.
Low comedogenic rating (1/5). Tea Tree extract provides mild anti-acne benefits. Avoid if you have fungal acne.
Results timeline
WEEK 8+Immediate Hydration Boost
Skin feels softer, more supple, and better hydrated. Improved absorption of subsequent skincare products.
85% noticed smoother skinImproved Skin Texture
Skin appears more refined and radiant. Minor redness and irritation begin to calm down.
70% noticed brighter complexionVisible Brightening
Dark spots start to fade. More even skin tone emerges. Skin looks fresher and more luminous.
65% noticed reduced dark spotsLong-Term Benefits
Continued improvement in overall skin clarity and radiance. Strengthened skin barrier with consistent use.
60% reported lasting glowRatings by platform
950+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that doesn't feel sticky
- Fragrance-free formula suitable for sensitive skin
- Clinically tested and EWG Green Grade certified
- Excellent value for the amount of product (160ml)
- Noticeable brightening and hydration over time
- Can be layered multiple times without pilling
- Gentle enough for twice-daily use
- Soothes irritated and redness-prone skin
Criticized
- Not suitable for fungal acne (contains fermented ingredient)
- Niacinamide concentration (2%) lower than some serums
- Brightening results take 4-6 weeks to appear
- Bottle dispenser design could be improved
- May feel too light for extremely dry skin types
- Glutathione benefits still being researched
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESHigher niacinamide concentration (10% vs 2%) in serum form. No Centella or Glutathione. Better for oily/acne-prone skin targeting sebum control.
Korean rice-based toner with 77.78% rice extract + niacinamide. Creamier texture, better for dry skin. No Glutathione but similar brightening goals.
Fermented essence focusing on galactomyces (95%) for brightening. Lighter texture, different active approach. Not FA-safe either.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Plastic bottle with dispensing cap. Consider transferring to spray bottle for easier application.
Yes - 160ml exceeds TSA carry-on limit (100ml). Decant into smaller container for flights.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this toner is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It does not contain any ingredients of concern such as retinoids (retinol, retinal), salicylic acid at high concentrations, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. All key ingredients including Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica, and Glutathione have good safety profiles for expectant and nursing mothers. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
This toner is NOT recommended for fungal acne-prone skin. It contains Saccharomyces Ferment, a yeast ferment that can potentially feed Malassezia fungus. Additionally, the Squalane source is not specified (olive-derived squalane may contain fatty acid impurities). If you're prone to fungal acne, consider alternatives like I'm From Rice Toner or The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum which are FA-safe.
Yes, this toner is compatible with most actives. With Retinol: Use this toner first, then apply retinol - the Centella helps buffer potential irritation. With Vitamin C: Apply toner first, wait 1-2 minutes, then apply Vitamin C serum. With AHA/BHA: Apply chemical exfoliants first on bare skin, then use this toner for soothing hydration. The gentle 2% niacinamide concentration plays well with other actives without causing conflicts.
This toner works well for most skin types, particularly: Oily and combination skin (lightweight, non-greasy), Sensitive skin (fragrance-free, clinically tested), Dull or uneven skin tone (brightening ingredients), Normal skin seeking hydration boost. It's rated "Good" for dry skin but may need layering or a heavier moisturizer on top. Avoid if you have active fungal acne.
Results timeline varies: Week 1: Immediate hydration and softer skin texture. Week 2-3: Improved skin smoothness and reduced irritation. Week 4-6: Visible brightening and fading of dark spots begins. Week 8+: Continued improvement in overall radiance and skin clarity. For best results, use consistently twice daily (AM and PM) and pair with sunscreen during the day to prevent new dark spots.
Apply this toner as Step 2 in your routine, immediately after cleansing and before essences, serums, or moisturizers. The order is: Cleanser → This Toner → Essence (optional) → Serum → Moisturizer → Sunscreen (AM only). You can layer this toner 2-3 times using the Korean 7-skin method for extra hydration if needed.
This toner has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5, meaning it's unlikely to clog pores. The water-based formula contains minimal oils (only Squalane and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride in small amounts). It's suitable for acne-prone skin, though those with fungal acne should avoid due to the fermented ingredient. Always patch test if you're prone to breakouts from new products.
The toner has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. With the 160ml bottle size and twice-daily use, most users will finish the product within 2-3 months. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain efficacy. If you notice any changes in color, smell, or texture before the 12-month mark, discontinue use.
Verdict: The APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Facial Toner is an excellent K-beauty choice for those seeking gentle brightening and hydration. Its standout features include the EWG Green Grade certification, clinical testing for sensitive skin, and the unique LIPO GLUTA NIAC CEN™ complex combining Glutathione, Niacinamide, and Centella Asiatica. While the 2% niacinamide is gentler than dedicated serums, it's perfect for daily use without irritation. The main drawback is the Saccharomyces Ferment making it unsuitable for fungal acne-prone skin. For the price point and generous 160ml size, this toner offers solid value for brightening and prepping skin. Best suited for those with sensitive, dull, or combination skin looking for a reliable, fragrance-free hydrating toner.
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
|
|
|
| 1 |
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing, Soothing, Tonic
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Dipropylene Glycol
Fragrance, Solvent, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|







