High Roller Ingrown Tonic
High Roller Ingrown Tonic
Product Description
A targeted roll-on exfoliating serum that eliminates ingrown hairs and razor bumps while soothing and softening irritated skin. Formulated with AHAs, BHAs, and skin-calming ingredients for the face, underarms, bikini area, and legs. Hygienic rollerball applicator delivers mess-free, instant cooling relief.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Rollerball Applicator
Hygienic, mess-free application with cooling metal ball that soothes on contact. No fingers needed.
Dual Acid Formula
Combines glycolic acid (AHA) and salicylic acid (BHA) to exfoliate surface and penetrate pores.
Soothing Botanicals
Centella asiatica, green tea, and allantoin calm irritation and redness post-shave or wax.
Brightening Benefits
Niacinamide and vitamin K help fade dark spots and discoloration from past ingrowns.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains salicylic acid (BHA). Low concentrations (under 2%) are generally considered safe for limited topical use, but consult your healthcare provider before using during pregnancy.
Not safe. Contains Polysorbate 20, which can feed Malassezia yeast and potentially worsen fungal acne conditions.
Water-based, lightweight formula with a comedogenic rating of 1/5. Unlikely to clog pores for most skin types.
Contains AHAs which increase sun sensitivity. Always use sunscreen during the day and limit sun exposure while using this product.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π§ͺ Glycolic Acid Proven
The gold-standard AHA derived from sugarcane. Exfoliates by breaking down bonds between dead skin cells, revealing smoother skin and helping trapped hairs emerge.
- Mechanism: Dissolves the "glue" holding dead cells, accelerating cellular turnover
- Proven benefits: Improves texture, reduces hyperpigmentation, boosts collagen
- Clinical backing: Extensively studied AHA with decades of research
π― Salicylic Acid Proven
Oil-soluble BHA that penetrates pores to dissolve buildup and clear congestion. Also has anti-inflammatory properties similar to aspirin.
- Mechanism: Penetrates into pores to dissolve sebum and debris
- Proven benefits: Unclogs follicles, reduces inflammation, prevents future breakouts
- FDA recognized: 0.5-2% concentrations approved for OTC acne treatment
β‘ Zinc PCA Proven
A synergistic combination of zinc and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. Unique to High Roller among ingrown treatments, helping control sebum and bacteria.
- Mechanism: Reduces sebum production and inhibits acne-causing bacteria
- Proven benefits: Oil control, antibacterial, soothes irritation
- Differentiator: Not found in most competitor ingrown treatments
π‘ Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Proven
Multi-functional skincare powerhouse that brightens, strengthens the skin barrier, and reduces inflammation.
- Mechanism: Inhibits melanin transfer, strengthens lipid barrier
- Proven benefits: Fades dark spots, reduces redness, improves texture
- Synergy: Works well with acids to reduce potential irritation
πΏ Centella Asiatica Extract Proven
Traditional healing herb known as "tiger grass." Renowned for wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties.
- Mechanism: Stimulates collagen synthesis, reduces inflammation
- Proven benefits: Accelerates healing, calms irritation, strengthens skin
- Traditional use: Used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries
π Willow Bark Extract Promising
Natural source of salicin, a precursor to salicylic acid. Provides gentle exfoliation with added anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
- Mechanism: Contains natural salicylates with astringent properties
- Benefits: Gentle exfoliation, toning, antiseptic action
- Note: Effects may be gentler than synthetic salicylic acid
18 ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Zinc PCA, Niacinamide, Allantoin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycerin, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Phytonadione, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply to clean, dry skin. Wait 24 hours after shaving or waxing for best results. Do not wash off.
π How to Use
Cleanse & Dry
Start with clean, completely dry skin. For best results, wait 24 hours after hair removal to avoid irritation.
Roll On
Roll the metal ball directly onto affected areas: bikini line, underarms, neck, legs, or anywhere you experience ingrowns.
Let Dry
Allow product to fully absorb and dry before applying other products or clothing. Do not rinse off.
Frequency
Start with 2-3x per week. Can increase to 1-2x daily as tolerated. For dark spots, apply once daily for up to 2 months.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You struggle with ingrown hairs after shaving or waxing
- You have razor bumps on bikini line, underarms, or neck
- You want to fade dark spots from past ingrowns
- You prefer hygienic, mess-free application
- You have normal, oily, or combination skin
- You want a fragrance-free formula
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You are pregnant (consult doctor first)
- You have extremely sensitive or compromised skin
- You cannot use AHA/BHA products
- You need immediate post-shave application (wait 24hrs)
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Lightweight liquid absorbs instantly. Zinc PCA helps control excess sebum. Won't add shine or greasiness.
Balances well on different body zones. Targets problem areas without over-drying surrounding skin.
Well-tolerated formula with soothing ingredients. Maintains skin balance while treating ingrowns effectively.
Contains glycerin for hydration. May need additional moisturizer. Start slowly to avoid over-exfoliation.
Fragrance-free with calming centella and allantoin. Patch test first. Start with 1-2x weekly application.
Low comedogenic rating, salicylic acid helps clear pores. Not suitable for fungal acne due to polysorbate content.
π Results Timeline
Cooling Relief
Metal rollerball delivers instant cooling sensation that soothes discomfort from razor burn and irritation.
95% noticed immediate soothingReduced Bumps & Irritation
Existing ingrown bumps begin to soften and reduce. Redness and inflammation visibly decrease. Skin feels smoother.
85% saw improvement in bumpsClearer, Smoother Skin
Consistent use prevents new ingrowns from forming. Texture significantly improved. Dark spots begin to fade.
90% reported fewer new ingrownsFaded Discoloration
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from old ingrowns visibly fades. Even skin tone restored to affected areas.
80% noticed faded dark spotsβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Hygienic rollerball applicator - mess-free and easy to use
- Instant cooling sensation that soothes irritation
- Works on multiple body areas (bikini, underarms, face, legs)
- Fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive areas
- Fades dark spots from past ingrowns over time
- Lightweight formula absorbs quickly without residue
- Allure Best of Beauty Award winner
- Unique Zinc PCA ingredient for oil control
β Criticized
- Small bottle size (1.7 oz) for $26 price point
- Must wait 24 hours after hair removal to use
- Not fungal acne safe (contains polysorbate 20)
- Results take 2-8 weeks for visible improvement
- May cause mild tingling on very sensitive skin
- Increases sun sensitivity - must use SPF
- Pregnancy caution due to salicylic acid content
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Classic ingrown solution with alcohol base. More affordable per oz but contains drying alcohol. Better for larger body areas. May sting more on sensitive skin.
Pre-soaked pads with glycolic and salicylic acids plus witch hazel. Different format (pads vs roller). Contains aloe for soothing. Compostable pads. 28 count.
K-beauty option with AHA/BHA/PHA triple acid formula plus niacinamide. Similar roller applicator. More affordable but may be less potent for stubborn ingrowns.
High concentration glycolic acid toner. Much more affordable but not specifically formulated for ingrowns. Lacks BHA and soothing ingredients. May be too harsh for sensitive areas.
π Comparison with Competitors
Topicals High Roller (This Product)
$26.00First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads
$20.00Tend Skin Solution
$20.00Fur Ingrown Concentrate
$32.00π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Room temperature is ideal.
Opaque bottle with stainless steel rollerball applicator for hygienic, targeted application
Yes, under 100mL/3.4oz TSA limit. Compact size fits easily in toiletry bag.
β Frequently Asked Questions
High Roller contains salicylic acid (BHA), which requires caution during pregnancy. While low-concentration topical salicylic acid (under 2%) is generally considered safe for limited use, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider or OB/GYN before using any AHA/BHA products during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
No, High Roller is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains Polysorbate 20, which can feed Malassezia yeast and potentially worsen fungal acne conditions. If you have malassezia folliculitis, look for products without polysorbates, fatty acids, and esters.
Since High Roller already contains AHA (glycolic acid) and BHA (salicylic acid), layering with additional AHAs, BHAs, or retinol may cause over-exfoliation and irritation. If you want to use other actives, apply them at different times of day or on alternate days. Vitamin C serums can generally be used in the morning while using High Roller at night.
High Roller works best for normal, oily, and combination skin types. The lightweight formula and Zinc PCA make it particularly effective for those with oilier skin. It can work for dry and sensitive skin but may require less frequent application (start with 1-2x weekly) and additional moisturizer.
You'll feel immediate cooling and soothing effects. Visible reduction in bumps and irritation typically occurs within 1-2 weeks. For dark spot fading, expect to see improvement over 4-8 weeks of consistent use. Prevention of new ingrowns is usually noticeable after 2-4 weeks of regular application.
Apply High Roller to clean, completely dry skin after cleansing. Wait for it to fully absorb before applying moisturizer or other products. Use it as a targeted treatment step before your regular body moisturizer. In the morning, always follow with sunscreen as AHAs increase sun sensitivity.
High Roller has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5. The water-based, lightweight formula is unlikely to clog pores for most skin types. The salicylic acid actually helps unclog pores and prevent buildup. However, everyone's skin is different, so patch test if you're prone to breakouts.
High Roller should be used within 12 months of opening (PAO 12M). The product is preservative-protected with phenoxyethanol and sodium benzoate. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain efficacy throughout the shelf life.
Verdict: Topicals High Roller is an excellent, award-winning ingrown hair treatment that combines proven AHA/BHA exfoliants with unique ingredients like Zinc PCA and skin-soothing botanicals. The hygienic rollerball applicator sets it apart from competitors, making mess-free application a breeze. While the price per ounce is higher than some alternatives, the thoughtful formulation delivers on its promises for most skin types. The main limitations are its unsuitability for fungal acne sufferers and the need for pregnancy caution. For anyone dealing with persistent ingrowns, razor bumps, or post-hair-removal discoloration, High Roller is a smart investment that lives up to its reputation as Sephora's fastest-growing skincare brand.
Product Overview
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
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 Β«promisesΒ» 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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 5 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 5 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 7 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 4 ingredient(s):
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
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.
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent, Skin Conditioning, Soothing, Tonic
|
Irritation
|
|
| 4 |
Glycolic Acid
Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Exfoliant, Exfoliating, Buffering
|
Brightening
Ache-fighting
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Dark Spots
Texture
Pores
|
|
| 0 |
Potassium Hydroxide
Buffering
|
|
|
| 4 |
Phenoxyethanol
Fragrance, Preservative
|
|