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Miraculous Refining Toner

Miraculous Refining Toner

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

Avoskin Miraculous Refining Toner is a cult-favorite Indonesian exfoliating toner that combines 5% AHA (Glycolic Acid), 1% BHA (Salicylic Acid), and 2% PHA (Gluconolactone) with 2% Niacinamide, 2% Tea Tree, Witch Hazel, and Aloe Vera. This triple-acid formula sloughs away dead skin cells, unclogs pores, fades dark spots, and smooths uneven texture — all while soothing botanicals keep skin calm and hydrated, making it gentle enough for acne-prone and sensitive skin.

By Avoskin 5% AHA + 1% BHA + 2% PHA Vegan Formula BPOM Certified Fungal Acne Safe Reef-Friendly 87% Recommend on Female Daily 2% Tea Tree Extract
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
Yes
Comedogenic
1/5
Type
Exfoliating Toner
Size
100ml / 20ml
pH Level
3.5 – 4.0 (Low)
Actives
AHA/BHA/PHA
Best Time
PM (Night)
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Triple-Acid Exfoliation

5% Glycolic Acid (AHA), 1% Salicylic Acid (BHA), and 2% Gluconolactone (PHA) work on surface, pores, and sensitive layers simultaneously.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Watery liquid
Scent
Light herbal
Absorption
Under 30 seconds
Finish
Natural, non-sticky

Triple-Acid Exfoliation

5% Glycolic Acid (AHA), 1% Salicylic Acid (BHA), and 2% Gluconolactone (PHA) work on surface, pores, and sensitive layers simultaneously.

Brightens & Fades Dark Spots

2% Niacinamide + Glycolic Acid inhibit melanin transfer and boost cell turnover for more even, luminous skin over 4–8 weeks.

2% Tea Tree + Witch Hazel

Plant-powered antibacterial and astringent duo calms active breakouts, reduces redness, and visibly tightens pores.

Hydrates While It Exfoliates

Polyglutamic Acid, Aloe Vera Juice, and multi-humectant base prevent the tight, dry feel typical of acid toners.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Contains 1% Salicylic Acid (BHA). While topical doses under 2% are generally considered low-risk, most dermatologists advise avoiding BHAs during pregnancy. Consult your OB/GYN before use.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

No ferments, fatty acids, esters, or problematic oils. Safe for those prone to pityrosporum folliculitis or bumpy "fungal" breakouts.

Non-Comedogenic (Rating 1/5)

Water-based, oil-free formula. Nothing in the INCI list is known to clog pores — in fact, the BHA actively unclogs them.

Vegan & Cruelty-Free Formula

100% plant-derived and synthetic ingredients — no animal-based components. Brand is not yet Leaping Bunny certified.

Increases Sun Sensitivity

AHAs thin the stratum corneum and can make skin up to 50% more UV-sensitive. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is non-negotiable.

Avoid Layering With Retinol/Vitamin C

Do not combine same night with retinoids or L-Ascorbic Acid. Alternate days or use acids PM and actives AM to prevent irritation.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Glycolic Acid (AHA) 5%Proven

The smallest-molecule alpha hydroxy acid, derived from sugar cane. It penetrates the stratum corneum quickly, dissolving the "glue" between dead skin cells to reveal brighter, smoother skin underneath.

  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2018): 5–10% glycolic acid daily showed significant improvement in skin texture, radiance, and fine lines after 12 weeks.
  • Mechanism: Increases epidermal cell turnover from ~28 days to ~14 days with regular use.
  • Bonus: Stimulates collagen synthesis at the papillary dermis over time.
Most potent AHA — expect mild tingling on first applications. Always patch test and start at 2–3× weekly.

Salicylic Acid (BHA) 1%Proven

An oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid that dives into pores to dissolve sebum, dead skin, and blackhead plugs — the gold-standard ingredient for acne-prone skin.

  • FDA OTC Monograph: Recognized acne treatment at 0.5–2% concentrations.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Structurally related to aspirin; calms red, inflamed breakouts.
  • Pore-clearing: Lipophilic nature lets it penetrate oil-filled pores where water-based actives cannot reach.

Gluconolactone (PHA) 2%Proven

A next-generation polyhydroxy acid with a larger molecular size than AHAs — gentler on the barrier while still exfoliating and acting as a humectant and antioxidant.

  • Clinical research: Suitable for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin where glycolic acid is too harsh.
  • Dual action: Exfoliates + attracts water to the skin, unlike AHAs which can be drying.
  • Antioxidant: Chelates metal ions that trigger free-radical damage.
The "buffer" that makes this triple-acid blend tolerable even for sensitive skin types.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) 2%Proven

A multi-tasker that regulates sebum, minimizes pore appearance, strengthens the skin barrier, and reduces hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanosome transfer.

  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2006): 2% niacinamide visibly reduced sebum excretion and pore size.
  • Safe to pair with acids: The old "niacinamide cancels Vitamin C" myth has been debunked in peer-reviewed formulation studies.

Tea Tree Leaf Extract 2%Proven

Melaleuca Alternifolia extract contains terpinen-4-ol, a potent natural antimicrobial that targets acne-causing Cutibacterium acnes bacteria.

  • Medical Journal of Australia: 5% tea tree showed comparable efficacy to 5% benzoyl peroxide for mild-to-moderate acne, with fewer side effects.
  • Reformulated 2022: Avoskin increased tea tree to 2% in the updated formula for stronger blemish control.

Witch Hazel Leaf Extract ~1%Promising

Hamamelis Virginiana is a natural astringent rich in tannins that temporarily tightens pores, reduces excess oil, and soothes inflammation.

  • Benefit: Anti-inflammatory polyphenols calm redness and post-acne irritation.
  • Alcohol-free version: Avoskin uses the leaf extract (not the drying alcohol-distilled type).

Polyglutamic Acid <1%Promising

A next-gen humectant that holds up to 4× more moisture than hyaluronic acid. Forms an invisible film on the skin surface that locks in hydration — crucial when pairing with acids.

  • Source: Fermented from natto (soybeans).
  • Dual benefit: Reduces trans-epidermal water loss while also inhibiting hyaluronidase, the enzyme that breaks down natural HA in your skin.

22 ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Gluconolactone, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Niacinamide, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Salicylic Acid, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Amylopectin, Dextrin, Xanthan Gum, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Polyglutamic Acid.

FREE FROM: Parabens, Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Denatured Alcohol, Mineral Oil, Silicones, Synthetic Fragrance, Artificial Colorants, Phthalates, Formaldehyde Releasers (minimal), Animal-derived ingredients.
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
Hydrating Toner
3
This Toner
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
SPF (AM only)

Best used PM only. Wait 5–10 minutes after cleansing for skin pH to normalize before applying.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Cleanse Thoroughly

Wash face with a gentle, low-pH cleanser. Pat dry — skin should be fully clean but not wet.

2

Apply to Cotton Pad

Dispense 3–5 drops onto a soft cotton pad. Avoid over-saturating to prevent waste.

3

Sweep Across Face

Wipe outward from the center of the face using upward strokes. Avoid the eye area, lips, and open wounds.

4

Do Not Rinse

Let it absorb fully for 60–90 seconds. Mild tingling is normal on the first applications.

5

Start Slow

Week 1: 2–3× per week at night. Week 2+: gradually increase to every other night. Daily use only after full tolerance is built.

6

Follow With Moisturizer & SPF

Seal with a barrier-supporting moisturizer. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning without exception.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin
  • You struggle with blackheads, whiteheads, or clogged pores
  • Your skin texture feels rough or bumpy
  • You want to fade post-acne dark spots (PIH)
  • You live in a humid or polluted climate
  • You're new to chemical exfoliation and want a gentle-but-effective intro
  • You prefer multi-benefit K-beauty-style formulas

Consider alternatives if:

  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You have very dry, dehydrated, or compromised-barrier skin
  • You have active eczema, rosacea, or open wounds
  • You already use strong retinoids nightly
  • You are extremely sensitive to acids (try a PHA-only toner first)
  • You can't commit to daily sunscreen
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Water-based, oil-free, and BHA-rich — directly addresses excess sebum and shine without stripping the barrier.

Dry Skin
Moderate

The 5% AHA can feel stripping. Use sparingly (1–2× weekly) and always follow with a rich, occlusive moisturizer.

Combination
Excellent

Triple-acid blend balances oily T-zone while PHA + polyglutamic acid protect drier cheeks from over-exfoliation.

Sensitive
Good

Witch hazel, chamomile, and aloe cushion the acids. Patch test first — tingling on initial use is normal but should subside.

Acne-Prone
Excellent

Non-comedogenic, fungal-acne safe, with 1% BHA + 2% tea tree targeting both bacterial and inflammatory acne.

Mature Skin
Good

Glycolic acid is the gold standard for fine-line reduction and collagen stimulation. Pair with a peptide moisturizer.

08

Results timeline

3+ MONTHS
After 1st Use

Immediate Smoothness

Skin feels noticeably softer and looks slightly brighter. Mild tingling (5–30 seconds) is common and not a sign of damage.

94% noticed
1–2 Weeks

Texture & Clarity

Bumpy texture ("bruntusan") begins to smooth. Some users experience a "purge" as clogged pores surface — this is normal and resolves within 2–4 weeks.

78% noticed
3–4 Weeks

Visible Brightening

Overall complexion looks more radiant. Post-inflammatory dark spots from old breakouts begin to fade.

82% noticed
6–8 Weeks

Refined Pores & Tone

Pore appearance is visibly reduced. Skin tone looks more uniform. Active breakouts occur less frequently.

71% noticed
3+ Months

Long-Term Transformation

Cumulative collagen benefits from glycolic acid. Smoother, clearer, more even skin — many users re-purchase at this stage.

87% repurchase intent
09

Ratings by platform

18K+ REVIEWS
Female Daily
4.2
Rating
3,711+
Reviews
Main complaint: Initial tingling/stinging sensation can be strong for beginners.
Avoskin Official
4.8
Rating
2,500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Can cause purging for first 2–3 weeks of use.
Sociolla
4.5
Rating
1,800+
Reviews
Main complaint: Glass bottle can be fragile; dropper can leak if not tightened.
Shopee & Tokopedia
4.7
Rating
10,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: Not suitable for dry skin types without a thick moisturizer.
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Highly effective triple-acid formula at a budget price
  • Visibly smoother texture within 1–2 weeks
  • Safely fades post-acne dark spots (PIH)
  • Fungal-acne and non-comedogenic safe
  • Vegan, reef-friendly, BPOM-certified
  • 2% Tea Tree calms active breakouts fast
  • Lightweight texture absorbs quickly

Criticized

  • Tingling/stinging can be intense for beginners
  • Contains Propylene Glycol (some sensitivities)
  • Not suitable for pregnancy or very dry skin
  • Can trigger purging in the first 2–4 weeks
  • Glass dropper packaging is fragile for travel
  • Not cruelty-free certified
  • Global availability is limited outside Indonesia
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
88% Match
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
$18.00
Closest Match

Nearly identical triple-acid concept with added tea tree water and Centella. Slightly gentler (lower glycolic %) but uses similar botanical soothers. K-beauty positioning vs. Indonesian.

72% Match
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
$15.00
Budget Pick

More watery and milder — contains AHA and BHA but at lower concentrations. Better for absolute beginners. Lacks the niacinamide + tea tree combo of Avoskin.

68% Match
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
$9.50
Cheapest Option

Higher glycolic % (7% vs 5%) but single-acid formula — no BHA, PHA, or tea tree. Significantly less hydrating and less balanced for acne-prone skin.

81% Match
Glow Tonic
$15.00
Cult Classic

Same 5% glycolic concentration with ginseng and aloe. Missing BHA and PHA for pore-clearing. Contains fragrance, which Avoskin avoids.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Active Acids 2% BHA only
Niacinamide No
Tea Tree No (Green Tea instead)
Size 118ml
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Country USA
Vegan Yes
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Active Acids AHA + BHA + PHA (undisclosed %)
Niacinamide Yes (low %)
Tea Tree Tea Tree Water (high)
Size 150ml
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Country South Korea
Vegan Not confirmed
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Active Acids AHA + BHA (low %)
Niacinamide No
Tea Tree Willow Bark (natural BHA source)
Size 150ml
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Country South Korea
Vegan Yes
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening. Unopened shelf life is approximately 3 years from manufacturing date.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate. Keep tightly closed.

Packaging

Dark glass bottle with dropper dispenser (100ml) or plastic bottle (20ml travel size) — glass protects the actives from UV degradation.

Travel Friendly

Yes — 20ml travel size available and TSA-compliant. 100ml main bottle is also under airline cabin limits.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Caution is advised. While the 1% Salicylic Acid concentration is considered relatively low-risk (doses under 2% topical BHA are generally regarded as low concern), most obstetricians and dermatologists recommend avoiding all BHAs during pregnancy and breastfeeding out of caution. We suggest switching to PHA-only or azelaic acid-based exfoliants during this period, and always consulting your OB/GYN before any active skincare.

Yes. The formula does not contain any ingredients known to feed Malassezia yeast — no ferments, no fatty acids with chain lengths C11–C24, no esters, and no polysorbates. It is considered safe for people prone to fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis). In fact, the 2% tea tree extract has mild antifungal properties that may help.

This product already contains AHA, BHA, and PHA — do not layer with additional exfoliating acids. Avoid same-night use with retinol (high irritation risk) or L-Ascorbic Acid (pH conflict). Best practice: use this toner PM on alternating nights with retinol, and apply Vitamin C in the AM. Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and ceramides all pair safely.

Best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin that struggles with clogged pores, rough texture, dark spots, or mild-to-moderate breakouts. Sensitive skin can use it cautiously (start 1× weekly). Very dry, dehydrated, or compromised-barrier skin should avoid it or choose a PHA-only alternative.

Immediate smoothness after the first application. Visible texture improvement within 1–2 weeks. Dark spot fading and pore refinement become clear at 4–8 weeks. Full transformation (clearer, more even, smoother skin) typically at 2–3 months of consistent use. Some users experience a short "purge" during weeks 1–3 as clogged pores surface.

Apply after cleansing (and after your hydrating toner if you use one), before serums and moisturizer. Only at night. Wait 60–90 seconds after application before layering the next product. Always follow with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ in the morning to protect newly exfoliated skin.

No — it has a comedogenic rating of 1/5. The water-based formula is free of oils, butters, and known pore-clogging ingredients. In fact, the 1% BHA (salicylic acid) actively dissolves sebum and unclogs pores, making it a go-to for blackhead-prone skin.

12 months after opening (PAO 12M), as indicated on the packaging. Most users with 2–3× weekly use will finish the 100ml bottle in 3–4 months, so this is rarely an issue. Store upright in a cool, dark place to protect acid stability.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.4 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: Avoskin Miraculous Refining Toner delivers genuine multi-acid performance at roughly a third of the price of Western competitors like Paula's Choice — a rare combination of efficacy and affordability. The thoughtful pairing of 5% AHA + 1% BHA + 2% PHA with niacinamide, tea tree, and polyglutamic acid makes it one of the most well-balanced exfoliating toners on the Southeast Asian market. Ideal for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin looking to tackle texture, pores, and post-acne dark spots in a single step. Points deducted for initial tingling intensity, propylene glycol content, and unsuitability for pregnancy. Otherwise, a strongly recommended cult pick that earns its reputation.

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 3 ingredient(s):
Glycolic Acid Gluconolactone Niacinamide
brightening Brightening from 4 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Glycolic Acid Niacinamide Salicylic Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Glycolic Acid Niacinamide Polyglutamic Acid
ache Ache-fighting from 3 ingredient(s):
Glycolic Acid Niacinamide 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
2 1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1 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
42% 14% 42%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 21 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
4 B
Glycolic Acid
Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Exfoliant, Exfoliating, Buffering
brightening Brightening
ache Ache-fighting
anti-aging Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Dark Spots
Texture
Pores
1 A
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
Hydrating
3 B
Propylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Skin-Conditioningagent - Miscellaneous
Hydrating
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS