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Press And Glow Tonic

Press And Glow Tonic

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A next-generation daily exfoliating PHA tonic that gently removes dead skin cells to reveal smoother, more radiant skin in just 2 weeks. Clinically proven to be gentle enough for twice-daily use, even on sensitive skin.

Sensitive Skin Friendly Retinol Compatible No Added Fragrance Vegan B Corp Certified Refill Available Cruelty-Free
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
Yes
Comedogenic
0/5
Size
200ml
Key Active
5.5% PHA
Acid Type
Gluconolactone
pH Level
3.5-4.0
Skin Concern
Texture & Glow
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Gentle Daily Exfoliation

PHAs have a larger molecule size than AHAs, providing surface-level exfoliation without irritation or sun sensitivity.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Watery Liquid
Scent
Fragrance-Free
Absorption
Instant
Finish
Dewy Glow

Gentle Daily Exfoliation

PHAs have a larger molecule size than AHAs, providing surface-level exfoliation without irritation or sun sensitivity.

Moisture Magnet

Gluconolactone acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin while exfoliating for hydrated, never-tight results.

Retinol Companion

Specifically designed to enhance vitamin A absorption and results without over-sensitizing the skin barrier.

Botanical Boosters

Prickly pear extract activates natural cell renewal, while acai and aloe vera calm and protect.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Safe to use. Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Medik8 confirms no ingredients to avoid during pregnancy.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

Safe. Formula contains no ferments, fatty acids, esters, or polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast. Glycerin and gluconolactone are both FA-safe.

Sensitive & Rosacea Skin

Clinically tested: 96% of sensitive skins agreed it was gentle with no stinging sensations in consumer trials.

Sun Sensitivity

Unlike AHAs/BHAs, PHAs don't increase photosensitivity. However, always wear SPF as part of your routine.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Gluconolactone (PHA) 5.5%Proven

A polyhydroxy acid that gently exfoliates the skin surface while acting as a moisture magnet. Larger molecular size means gentler penetration compared to AHAs.

  • Mechanism: Converts to gluconic acid to dissolve dead cell bonds on the skin surface
  • Study: 2004 research found gluconolactone prevents UV damage without increasing sun sensitivity
  • Benefit: Exfoliates, hydrates, and provides antioxidant protection simultaneously
Unlike glycolic acid, PHAs are gentle enough for twice-daily use and won't disrupt the skin barrier.

Prickly Pear ExtractPromising

Hydrolyzed Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract acts as a natural enzyme activator to boost the skin's natural exfoliation process.

  • Function: Accelerates cell renewal rate naturally
  • Benefit: Improves visible clarity, luminosity, and smoothness
  • Bonus: May help reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Acai ExtractAntioxidant

Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract provides potent antioxidant protection against environmental stressors and free radical damage.

  • Function: Calms inflammation and protects against oxidative stress
  • Benefit: Shields skin from premature aging caused by environmental factors

Aloe VeraSoothing

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice soothes and calms while enhancing the skin's moisture retention abilities.

  • Function: Reduces irritation and promotes natural healing
  • Benefit: Prevents free radical damage while deeply hydrating

13 ingredients

Aqua (Water), Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Citrate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate.

FREE FROM: Fragrance, Parabens, Sulfates, Silicones, Harsh Alcohols, Essential Oils, Artificial Colors, AHAs, BHAs, Retinol, Mineral Oil
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
Press & Glow
3
Serum
4
Moisturizer
5
SPF (AM)
6
Retinal (PM)

AM: Use after cleansing, before vitamin C serum and SPF. PM: Use after cleansing, before retinal/retinol products.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Activate the Pump

Twist the top half of the pump anti-clockwise until it clicks to unlock. This prevents leakage during storage.

2

Dispense onto Pad

Hold a reusable cotton pad firmly over the pump and push down 3-4 times to saturate the pad.

3

Sweep Over Skin

Gently sweep the pad over your cleansed face and neck, avoiding the delicate eye area.

4

Continue Routine

Follow with your serum, moisturizer, and SPF (AM) or retinal treatment (PM). No wait time needed.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have sensitive skin that can't tolerate AHAs or BHAs
  • You use retinol/retinal and want a compatible daily exfoliant
  • You want gentle, everyday exfoliation without irritation
  • You're looking to improve skin texture and radiance
  • You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe exfoliant
  • You have rosacea-prone skin and want subtle exfoliation

Consider alternatives if:

  • You need strong exfoliation for stubborn texture or acne
  • You prefer a more intense weekly peel approach
  • You're looking for oil-control or pore-clearing (try Press & Clear BHA instead)
  • You want visible peeling or dramatic results quickly
  • Budget is a primary concern (more affordable options exist)
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Sensitive Skin
Excellent

Specifically designed for sensitive skin. 96% of sensitive skins reported no stinging in clinical trials.

Dry Skin
Excellent

PHAs act as humectants, hydrating while exfoliating. Perfect for dry skin that can't handle drying acids.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Balances well across different face zones without over-drying or adding excess moisture.

Oily Skin
Good

Provides gentle exfoliation, but oily skin may prefer BHA-based Press & Clear for better pore control.

Acne-Prone Skin
Good

Non-comedogenic and fungal acne safe. For active breakouts, pair with targeted treatments or use Press & Clear.

08

Results timeline

WEEK 8+
Week 1

Immediate Glow

Skin feels smoother and looks more radiant immediately after use. Surface texture begins to improve.

90% noticed smoother skin
Week 2

Visible Radiance

Clinically proven glowing skin. Dead skin cell buildup is significantly reduced, revealing brighter complexion.

94% reported more radiant skin
Week 4

Refined Texture

More even skin tone and improved clarity. Better absorption of vitamin A and C products noticed.

97% agreed skin looked smoother
Week 8+

Long-Term Benefits

Continued improvement in overall skin health. Creates ideal canvas for makeup and other treatments.

98% agreed it works well with vitamin A
09

Ratings by platform

1K+ REVIEWS
Sephora UK
5.0
Rating
50+
Reviews
Main feedback: Some users needed time to adjust usage frequency
Space NK
4.8
Rating
1,334+
Reviews
Main feedback: Premium price point compared to drugstore options
Cult Beauty
4.9
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main feedback: Results too subtle for those wanting dramatic exfoliation
Amazon
4.5
Rating
100+
Reviews
Main feedback: Pump mechanism can be tricky to unlock initially
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Extremely gentle - no stinging or irritation
  • Perfect for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin
  • Works beautifully with retinol/retinal products
  • Sustainable refill option available
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
  • Hydrates while exfoliating
  • Clean, minimal ingredient list (only 13 ingredients)
  • Recyclable packaging

Criticized

  • Premium price point
  • Too gentle for those wanting strong exfoliation
  • Pump mechanism can be confusing at first
  • Not ideal for oily/acne-prone skin needing oil control
  • Results are gradual rather than dramatic
  • 200ml bottle exceeds travel size limit
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner
$12.99
Budget Pick

Same key active (3% Gluconolactone) plus 3% Niacinamide. Slightly lower PHA concentration but excellent value at 1/3 of the price. 100ml size.

70% Match
Glow Tonic
$29.00
Similar Price

Uses 5% Glycolic Acid (AHA) instead of PHA. More exfoliating but may cause irritation. Contains aloe and ginseng. 250ml size. Not as gentle for sensitive skin.

65% Match
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
$35.00
Similar Price

Uses Salicylic Acid (BHA) for deeper pore penetration. Better for oily/acne-prone skin. Not pregnancy-safe. 118ml size.

60% Match
Clarifying Toner
$15.00
Budget Pick

Very low concentration (0.1%) AHA/BHA for pH-prep. More of a prep toner than active exfoliant. Spray bottle format. 150ml size.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner
Key Active 3% Gluconolactone + 3% Niacinamide
Size 100ml
Price per ml $0.13
Sensitive Skin Good
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Glow Tonic
Key Active 5% Glycolic Acid (AHA)
Size 250ml
Price per ml $0.12
Sensitive Skin Moderate
Pregnancy Safe No (AHA)
BHA 9 Treatment
Key Active 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Size 118ml
Price per ml $0.30
Sensitive Skin Moderate
Pregnancy Safe No (BHA)
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Lock pump clockwise after each use to prevent leakage.

Packaging

Recyclable pump bottle with sustainable refill option available. Pump can be reused with refill bottles.

Travel Friendly

200ml exceeds carry-on limit. 30ml travel size available separately. Pump locks securely for transport.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes, Press & Glow is considered safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding. Medik8 states it does not contain any ingredients they would recommend avoiding during pregnancy. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. However, always consult your healthcare provider before introducing new products during pregnancy.

Yes, Press & Glow is fungal acne safe. The formula contains no ferments, fatty acids, esters, or polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast. Both gluconolactone (the PHA) and glycerin have been confirmed safe for fungal acne-prone skin according to skincare science research.

Yes to retinol and vitamin C! Press & Glow was specifically designed to work with retinoids. Use it before your retinal/retinol in your PM routine, and before vitamin C in your AM routine. However, Medik8 recommends using only one direct acid toner in any single routine - so avoid layering with other AHA/BHA toners at the same time. You can alternate (e.g., Press & Glow AM, BHA toner PM).

Press & Glow is excellent for sensitive, dry, combination, and rosacea-prone skin. It's particularly ideal for retinoid users and anyone who finds AHA/BHA toners too harsh. While suitable for all skin types, those with oily or acne-prone skin seeking oil control may prefer the BHA-based Press & Clear instead.

You'll notice immediate smoothness after the first use. Clinically proven visible radiance appears in just 2 weeks with consistent twice-daily use. By week 4, 97% of users reported smoother-looking skin in clinical trials. Full texture refinement and optimal results typically develop over 8+ weeks of regular use.

Use Press & Glow immediately after cleansing, before serums and moisturizers. AM routine: Cleanser → Press & Glow → Vitamin C Serum → Moisturizer → SPF. PM routine: Cleanser → Press & Glow → Treatment Serum/Retinal → Moisturizer. No wait time is needed between steps.

No, Press & Glow has a comedogenic rating of 0/5 and will not clog pores. The lightweight, watery formula contains no oils or pore-clogging ingredients. It's suitable for acne-prone skin and actually helps improve skin texture by gently removing dead skin cells that can contribute to congestion.

Press & Glow has a 12-month Period After Opening (PAO). When used twice daily as directed, the 200ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months. Store in a cool, dry place and lock the pump after each use to maintain product integrity. Sustainable refills are available to replenish your bottle.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.5 / 5 ★★★★★

Verdict: Medik8 Press & Glow is an exceptional choice for anyone seeking gentle, effective daily exfoliation without irritation. Its clinically-proven PHA formula is perfect for sensitive skin, retinoid users, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. While the premium price point and subtle results may not suit everyone, the thoughtful formulation, sustainable refill option, and excellent safety profile make it a standout in the exfoliating toner category. If you've struggled with harsh acid toners in the past, this is the gentle solution your skin has been waiting for.

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 1 ingredient(s):
Gluconolactone
brightening Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Glycerin
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Glycerin
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!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
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
46% 30% 23%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 13 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 Unknown
Gluconolactone
Solvent, Fragrance, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
anti-aging Anti-Aging
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
0 Unknown
Hydrolyzed Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract
Abrasive, Skin Protecting
1 Unknown
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Hair Conditioning
Irritation
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS