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Hell Pore Clean Up AHA Fruit Toner

Hell Pore Clean Up AHA Fruit Toner

Product Description

Product overview

Made in South Korea K-BEAUTY

A powerful AHA/BHA exfoliating toner packed with fruit extracts, lactic acid, glycolic acid, and niacinamide. Deeply purifies clogged pores, sweeps away dead skin cells, and visibly brightens uneven skin tone for a smoother, clearer complexion.

AHA + BHA Exfoliation Niacinamide 2.5% Paraben-Free Sulfate-Free Silicone-Free 4.5% Natural Oils Panthenol + Adenosine
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
200ml / 6.76 fl oz
Type
Exfoliating Toner
pH Level
~3.5 – 4.0
Skin Concern
Pores & Texture
Best Used
PM (or AM with SPF)
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Triple Acid Exfoliation

Lactic acid (~5.6%), glycolic acid (~1.8%), and salicylic acid work together to dissolve dead skin cells and unclog pores at the surface and deep within.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Watery Liquid
Scent
Fruity / Citrus
Absorption
30 seconds
Finish
Fresh / Clean

Triple Acid Exfoliation

Lactic acid (~5.6%), glycolic acid (~1.8%), and salicylic acid work together to dissolve dead skin cells and unclog pores at the surface and deep within.

Brightening Niacinamide

Contains approximately 2.5% niacinamide (vitamin B3) to even skin tone, reduce dark spots, and strengthen the skin barrier over time.

Fruit Extract Complex

A blend of fig, citrus unshiu peel, jujuba, broccoli, carrot, tomato, rice, and celery extracts delivers antioxidants and vitamins for nourished skin.

Hydrating Oil Blend (4.5%)

Sunflower, olive, argan, jojoba, and grape seed oils replenish moisture and prevent the drying effect commonly associated with acid toners.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Contains salicylic acid (BHA), which is generally advised against during pregnancy. Consult your dermatologist or OB-GYN before use.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

Not fungal acne safe. Contains multiple oils (olive, sunflower, argan, jojoba, grape seed) and PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil that may feed malassezia yeast.

Low Comedogenic Risk

Rated 1/5 on the comedogenic scale. Most oils in this formula (jojoba, sunflower, grape seed) have a comedogenic index of 0–2.

Contains Alcohol & Fragrance

Ethanol (alcohol) is listed in the top 5 ingredients and can be drying. Added fragrance may irritate very sensitive or reactive skin types.

Paraben, Sulfate & Silicone Free

Free from parabens, sulfates, silicones, and mineral oil. No common allergens flagged in the formula.

Sunscreen Required

AHA and BHA increase sun sensitivity. Always apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ when using this toner, especially during the day.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Lactic Acid ~5.6%Proven

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from milk that gently exfoliates the skin surface, promotes cell turnover, and also acts as a humectant to attract moisture into the upper skin layers.

  • Exfoliation: Dissolves bonds between dead skin cells for smoother, brighter skin
  • Humectant: Unlike glycolic acid, lactic acid also draws moisture into the skin
  • Collagen: Long-term use can stimulate collagen production and reduce fine lines
May cause slight tingling on first use. Introduce gradually 2-3 times per week and always use sunscreen.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) ~2.5%Proven

A multi-tasking powerhouse ingredient that brightens skin tone, reduces pore appearance, strengthens the skin barrier, and helps regulate sebum production.

  • Brightening: Inhibits melanin transfer to reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation
  • Oil control: Helps regulate sebum production at concentrations above 2%
  • Barrier: Boosts ceramide synthesis for a stronger, more resilient skin barrier
Well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin. Pairs well with AHA/BHA.

Glycolic Acid ~1.8%Proven

The smallest AHA molecule, allowing it to penetrate deeply into the skin. Works alongside lactic acid to enhance exfoliation and promote a more even complexion.

  • Penetration: Smallest molecular size among AHAs for deeper exfoliation
  • Anti-aging: Stimulates collagen production with long-term use
  • Texture: Smooths rough skin texture and helps reduce pore congestion
Increases sun sensitivity significantly. Daily sunscreen use is essential when using glycolic acid products.

Salicylic Acid (BHA) <0.5%Proven

An oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates into pores to dissolve sebum plugs and blackheads from within. Also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

  • Pore cleansing: Oil-soluble, so it can penetrate into pores unlike water-soluble AHAs
  • Anti-inflammatory: Structurally similar to aspirin, helps calm redness and irritation
  • Acne: Recognized by the FDA as an OTC acne treatment at 0.5–2% concentrations
Not recommended during pregnancy. Avoid if you have an aspirin allergy.

Sodium Hyaluronate TraceProven

A low molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, providing deep hydration to counterbalance the drying effects of exfoliating acids.

  • Hydration: Penetrates deeper than regular hyaluronic acid due to smaller molecular size
  • Plumping: Temporarily plumps fine lines by attracting and holding moisture

Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) TraceProven

A soothing and moisturizing agent that helps calm irritation from acids, supports skin barrier repair, and improves skin elasticity.

  • Soothing: Reduces redness and calms irritation caused by chemical exfoliation
  • Repair: Promotes wound healing and strengthens the skin barrier

37 ingredients

Water, Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Alcohol, Niacinamide, Sodium Citrate, Glycolic Acid, Citric Acid, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Trideceth-10, Panthenol, Fragrance, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit Extract, Adenosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Salicylic Acid, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Zizyphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit/Leaf/Stem, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Apium Graveolens (Celery) Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Brassica Oleracea Capitata (Cabbage) Leaf Extract, Sea Cucumber Extract, Brassica Rapa (Turnip) Leaf Extract

FREE FROM: Parabens, Sulfates, Silicones, Mineral Oil, Artificial Colors, Phthalates, Formaldehyde, SLS/SLES
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Oil Cleanser
2
Water Cleanser
3
This Toner
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen

Use after cleansing, before serums. Wait 3–5 minutes for the acids to work before applying the next step. Best used in the PM routine. If using AM, always follow with SPF 30+.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Cleanse Your Face

Wash your face thoroughly with your cleanser. Pat skin until slightly damp — do not apply to dry or broken skin.

2

Saturate a Cotton Pad

Pour a generous amount of toner onto a cotton pad until it is fully saturated. Avoid using hands directly, as the wiping action helps remove dead skin.

3

Gently Wipe Across Face

Starting from the center of your face, gently swipe outward along the skin texture. Avoid the eye and lip areas. Do not scrub or press hard.

4

Wait 3–5 Minutes

Allow the AHA/BHA to absorb and work on the skin. A mild tingling sensation is normal. If burning occurs, rinse off immediately.

5

Continue Your Routine

Follow with your serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). Start with 2–3 times per week and gradually increase to daily use as skin builds tolerance.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have enlarged pores, blackheads, or whiteheads
  • Your skin looks dull and needs a brightening boost
  • You want an affordable AHA/BHA exfoliating toner
  • You have oily or combination skin prone to congestion
  • You want to smooth uneven skin texture
  • You enjoy K-beauty products with fun, quirky packaging

Consider alternatives if:

  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding (contains salicylic acid)
  • You have fungal acne / malassezia (contains oils and esters)
  • Your skin is extremely sensitive or easily reactive to acids
  • You have rosacea or a severely compromised skin barrier
  • You are sensitive to alcohol or added fragrance in skincare
  • You need a fragrance-free or alcohol-free exfoliant
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

AHA/BHA combo dissolves excess sebum and deeply cleanses pores. The watery formula absorbs fast without adding oiliness.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Exfoliates congested areas while the oil blend and hyaluronic acid prevent dry patches from feeling stripped.

Dry Skin
Moderate

Lactic acid provides some humectant benefits, but the alcohol content may be drying. Use 2–3 times per week max and follow with a rich moisturizer.

Sensitive Skin
Moderate

The ~7% combined acid concentration and alcohol may cause stinging. Patch test first and start with once-weekly use.

Acne-Prone Skin
Good

BHA unclogs pores and niacinamide controls oil. However, not suitable if your acne is fungal in nature due to the oil content.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 3+
Week 1–2

Smoother Skin Texture

Dead skin cells are removed with each use, revealing a smoother surface. Skin may feel slightly tingly during the adjustment phase. Some users report mild purging.

70% noticed smoother texture
Week 3–4

Cleaner Pores & Less Congestion

Blackheads and whiteheads start to decrease noticeably. Pores appear less clogged and skin looks clearer. The purging phase should be subsiding.

65% reported fewer blackheads
Month 2–3

Brighter, More Even Tone

Niacinamide and AHAs work together to fade dark spots and post-acne marks. Skin tone becomes more even and radiant. Pores appear visibly smaller.

60% saw improved skin tone
Month 3+

Sustained Clarity & Glow

With consistent use, skin maintains a clear, glowing appearance. Fine lines may appear softened thanks to ongoing collagen stimulation from glycolic and lactic acids.

55% reported lasting improvements
09

Ratings by platform

9K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.4
Rating
7,800+
Reviews
Main complaint: Strong scent and tingling sensation for sensitive skin users
iHerb
4.3
Rating
1,200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Can cause burning if applied to freshly shaved or broken skin
YesStyle
4.2
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Contains alcohol that can be drying for dry skin types
Stylevana
4.3
Rating
300+
Reviews
Main complaint: Initial purging phase can be discouraging for first-time acid users
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Excellent value — 200ml bottle lasts several months at an affordable price point
  • Noticeably smoother and brighter skin after just a few uses
  • Effective at reducing blackheads, whiteheads, and pore congestion
  • Triple acid formula (AHA + BHA) offers comprehensive exfoliation
  • Contains niacinamide, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid for added skincare benefits
  • Pleasant fruity/citrus scent that fades quickly
  • Fun, quirky K-beauty packaging

Criticized

  • Contains alcohol (ethanol) high in the ingredient list — can be drying
  • Added fragrance may irritate sensitive or reactive skin
  • Not fungal acne safe due to oils and esters in the formula
  • Can sting or burn, especially on compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
  • Not suitable during pregnancy due to salicylic acid content
  • Initial purging period may discourage new users
  • Scent can smell slightly acidic or chemical to some people
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
82% Match
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
$13.00
Similar Price

Contains both AHA and BHA but at very low concentrations. Gentler formula without alcohol or fragrance, making it better for sensitive skin. Less potent exfoliation overall.

75% Match
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
$9.90
Budget Pick

Higher glycolic acid concentration (7%) for stronger exfoliation, but no BHA, niacinamide, or oil blend. No fragrance. More direct, single-acid approach at a lower price point.

85% Match
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
$14.00
Similar Price

Contains all three acid types (AHA, BHA, PHA) plus niacinamide and tea tree. Gentler overall, alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and fungal acne safe — a better choice for sensitive skin.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Key Actives AHA + BHA + PHA + Tea Tree
Size 150ml
Niacinamide Yes
Alcohol-Free Yes
Fragrance-Free Yes
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Price per ml $0.09/ml
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
Key Actives Glycolic Acid 7%
Size 240ml
Niacinamide No
Alcohol-Free Yes
Fragrance-Free Yes
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Price per ml $0.04/ml
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Key Actives AHA + BHA (very low %)
Size 150ml
Niacinamide No
Alcohol-Free Yes
Fragrance-Free Yes
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Price per ml $0.09/ml
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Close cap tightly after each use. Keep out of reach of children.

Packaging

Opaque plastic bottle with screw cap (200ml). Sturdy packaging with QR code for authenticity verification.

Travel Friendly

No — 200ml exceeds the 100ml carry-on limit. Decant into a smaller travel container.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

This toner is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It contains salicylic acid (BHA), which most dermatologists advise avoiding during pregnancy due to potential risks. The lactic acid and glycolic acid concentrations (~5.6% and ~1.8%) are also worth discussing with your healthcare provider before use. Always consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist for personalized guidance.

No, this toner is not fungal acne safe. It contains several oils (olive, sunflower, argan, jojoba, grape seed) and PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil that can feed malassezia yeast. If you have fungal acne, consider alternatives like the Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner or The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, which are fungal acne safe.

Use caution when combining with other active ingredients. Avoid layering this toner with retinol, other AHA/BHA products, or vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) in the same routine to prevent over-exfoliation and irritation. Instead, alternate on different nights — for example, use this toner on Monday/Wednesday/Friday and retinol on Tuesday/Thursday. If using vitamin C, apply it in the morning and this toner at night.

This toner is best suited for oily, combination, and normal skin types. It excels at controlling sebum, unclogging pores, and smoothing texture. It can work for dry skin when used sparingly (2–3 times per week) followed by a rich moisturizer. Those with very sensitive skin or rosacea should patch test first or consider a gentler alternative due to the alcohol and fragrance content.

Most users notice smoother skin texture within 1–2 weeks. Visible pore improvement and reduced congestion typically appear around weeks 3–4. Significant brightening and dark spot fading take 2–3 months of consistent use. Some users experience a brief purging phase in the first 1–2 weeks as the acids accelerate cell turnover — this is normal and should subside.

Apply this toner immediately after cleansing, before any serums, essences, or moisturizers. Use a saturated cotton pad and wipe gently across your face, avoiding eyes and lips. Wait 3–5 minutes for the acids to absorb before applying your next product. In a double-cleanse routine: oil cleanser → water cleanser → this toner → serum → moisturizer → sunscreen (AM only).

This toner has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5. The oils in the formula (jojoba, sunflower, grape seed) are generally non-comedogenic (0–1 on the comedogenic scale). Olive oil rates slightly higher at 2. However, the exfoliating acids actually help prevent clogged pores, so for most users this toner improves pore congestion rather than causing breakouts.

The shelf life after opening (PAO) is 12 months. The 200ml bottle typically lasts 3–5 months with daily use, or up to 6–8 months if used 2–3 times per week. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and keep the cap tightly closed to maintain the efficacy of the active acids.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.2 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: The Elizavecca Hell Pore Clean Up AHA Fruit Toner delivers impressive exfoliation at a budget-friendly price. With clinically meaningful concentrations of lactic acid (~5.6%), glycolic acid (~1.8%), and niacinamide (~2.5%), it effectively tackles pore congestion, dullness, and uneven texture. The fruit extract complex and hydrating oil blend (4.5%) help offset the drying effects of the acids. However, the presence of alcohol and fragrance, combined with the fact that it is neither fungal acne safe nor pregnancy safe, keeps it from a perfect score.Best for oily and combination skin types seeking an affordable, effective AHA/BHA toner with visible results within weeks.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 6 ingredient(s):
Lactic Acid Niacinamide Oryza Sativa Extract Citric Acid Glycolic Acid Adenosine
brightening Brightening from 6 ingredient(s):
Lactic Acid Niacinamide Glycerin Citric Acid Glycolic Acid Salicylic Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 9 ingredient(s):
Niacinamide Glycerin Oryza Sativa Extract Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil Sodium Hyaluronate Citric Acid Glycolic Acid Panthenol Adenosine
ache Ache-fighting from 3 ingredient(s):
Niacinamide Glycolic Acid Salicylic Acid
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
4
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
2 2
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
38% 8% 52%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 36 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
0 Unknown
Lactic Acid
brightening Brightening
anti-aging Anti-Aging
0 Unknown
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Hydrating
1 A
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
brightening Brightening
ache Ache-fighting
anti-aging Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
0 Unknown
Alcohol
Antimicrobial, Astringent, Masking, Solvent
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS