Super Matcha Pore Tightening Toner
Super Matcha Pore Tightening Toner
Product Description
Super Matcha Pore Tightening Toner
A bi-phase liquid-powder toner powered by 83% matcha water, naturally-derived BHA, and a patented Sebum Controller Powderβ’ that purifies, tightens the look of pores, and keeps excess shine in check β all in one refreshing K-Beauty step.
π Quick Info
The fast facts at a glance before you add to cart.
β Why People Love It
The features that make this matcha toner a pore-care favorite.
83% Matcha Water
An exceptionally high concentration of antioxidant-rich green tea water soothes, supplies polyphenols, and helps visibly refine the look of enlarged pores.
Gentle Natural BHA
Salicin from willow bark offers mild, daily-friendly exfoliation that loosens build-up, blackheads, and whiteheads without the harsh sting of strong acids.
Sebum Controller Powderβ’
A patented silica-based powder absorbs excess oil and helps balance shine, so skin looks fresher and more matte through the day.
Soothing Cica Complex
Centella asiatica, madecassoside, and tea tree water calm the skin and offset the active ingredients, supporting a comfortable barrier.
π‘οΈ Safety & Suitability
Researched flags so you know exactly what you're applying.
No retinoids, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. However, it contains naturally-derived BHA (willow bark salicin) and added fragrance, so check with your OB-GYN or dermatologist before use during pregnancy.
Contains polyglyceryl-10 laurate, polyglyceryl-10 myristate, and glyceryl caprylate β esters that may feed malassezia. Not recommended if you're treating fungal acne.
A predominantly water-based, oil-free formula. Very unlikely to clog pores for most people.
Includes parfum and hexyl cinnamal (an EU-listed allergen) for a light matcha scent. Reactive or very sensitive skin should patch test first.
Formulated without animal-derived ingredients and free of reef-harming UV filters.
The BHA and sebum-absorbing powder can feel slightly stripping on dehydrated skin. Always follow with a hydrating serum and moisturizer.
π§ͺ Key Ingredients Explained
A science-backed look at what's actually doing the work in this formula.
π΅ Camellia Sinensis (Matcha) Leaf Extract & Water 83% Proven
The hero ingredient. Green tea water is packed with polyphenols and catechins that neutralize free radicals, calm inflammation, and have been shown to help reduce sebum production over time.
- Source: Polyphenols and L-theanine in green tea help soothe skin and reduce irritation.
- Source: Studies show topical tea extract can boost skin elasticity and hydration while lowering oil output.
π± Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract ~5% BHA Promising
A natural source of salicin, often called salicylic acid's gentle cousin. It provides a mild exfoliating, anti-inflammatory effect that helps clear blackheads and refine pore appearance without harsh peeling.
- Source: Salicin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity and mildly exfoliates the skin.
π Niacinamide ~2% Proven
Multitasking vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, helps regulate oil, minimizes the look of pores, and gradually evens out tone and dark spots. Gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types.
- Source: Converts to NAD in skin to support repair, collagen, and barrier strength.
- Source: Around 2% supports the barrier; 4β6% is better for oil control and acne.
πΏ Centella Asiatica Extract β Proven
The famous "cica" herb, rich in antioxidants and amino acids. It soothes, hydrates, and helps protect the skin while balancing out the more active exfoliating ingredients.
- Source: Centella compounds soothe, hydrate, and protect the skin barrier.
π‘οΈ Madecassoside & Asiaticoside β Proven
Two active compounds isolated from centella. They deliver antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing benefits, making the formula calmer and more barrier-friendly.
- Source: Madecassoside paired with vitamin C reduced signs of aging and improved hydration in one study.
- Source: Asiaticoside increases antioxidant activity during the wound-healing process.
β¨ Silica (Sebum Controller Powderβ’) β Proven
A porous mineral powder that absorbs excess oil and adds a smooth, mattified finish. This is the layer that "settles" at the bottom of the bottle and gives the toner its shake-to-activate format.
- Source: Silica's porous structure absorbs excess oil and acts as a mattifier and texture enhancer.
π Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water β Promising
Distilled tea tree water adds antibacterial and anti-inflammatory support, a natural fit for blemish-prone, congested skin.
- Source: Tea tree is rich in terpinen with antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
π§ Glycerin & Propanediol β Proven
A pair of reliable humectants that draw moisture into the skin, offsetting any potential dryness from the exfoliating actives and leaving skin soft and comfortable.
- Source: A 2016 study found glycerin more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
π Adenosine ~0.1β0.6% Proven
A cell-signaling compound that boosts collagen production, improves firmness, and helps smooth the look of fine lines β a quiet anti-aging bonus in a pore-focused toner.
- Source: Adenosine increases collagen production and helps improve firmness and tissue repair.
𧫠1,2-Hexanediol & Butylene Glycol β Proven
Multifunctional conditioning agents that hydrate, help solvents disperse evenly, and boost the formula's preservation so it stays fresh and stable.
- Source: 1,2-Hexanediol acts as a humectant, emollient, solvent, and preservative booster.
π Citric Acid & Sodium Citrate β Proven
A pH-balancing duo that keeps the toner at a skin-friendly slightly acidic level, helping preserve your acid mantle and the stability of the actives.
- Source: Citric acid is usually used in small amounts as a pH adjuster to keep formulas skin-compatible.
π‘ Dioscorea Villosa (Wild Yam) Root Extract β Promising
A soothing, skin-conditioning botanical containing diosgenin, a plant steroid with anti-inflammatory properties and emerging evidence for supporting skin renewal.
- Source: Diosgenin in wild yam shows anti-inflammatory activity and may encourage cell turnover.
π§ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use right after cleansing as your first treatment step, morning and evening.
Shake Well
The toner separates into a liquid layer and a powder layer. Shake firmly until the Sebum Controller Powderβ’ fully blends in β it "gets stronger the more you shake."
Apply to a Cotton Pad
Pour an appropriate amount onto a cotton pad after cleansing, morning and night.
Sweep Across Skin
Gently wipe along the natural texture of your skin, focusing on the nose, chin, and any areas with visible pores or excess oil.
Optional Pore Compress
For intensive care, soak a cotton pad and leave it on enlarged-pore areas for a few minutes before continuing your routine.
Lock It In
Follow with a hydrating serum and moisturizer. In the morning, always finish with sunscreen since the BHA can increase sun sensitivity.
π₯ Best for These Skin Types
How the formula performs across different skin profiles.
The sebum-absorbing powder and matcha water are tailor-made for shine control and a fresher, more matte finish.
Targets oil and congestion in the T-zone while the cica complex keeps drier areas calm and comfortable.
Natural BHA, tea tree, and niacinamide help clear pores β but note it is not fungal-acne safe.
Soothing centella helps, but added fragrance and BHA mean a patch test is strongly recommended.
Can feel slightly stripping. Use less frequently and always layer hydration on top.
π What to Expect & When
A realistic timeline based on consistent twice-daily use.
Fresh & Mattified
Skin feels clean, cool, and balanced; surface looks less shiny right away.
88% noticedSmoother Texture
Build-up loosens and skin feels softer, with less midday oiliness.
72% noticedRefined Pores
Pores around the nose and cheeks start to look tighter and less congested.
61% noticedClearer & More Even
A more balanced, brighter complexion with fewer blackheads and breakouts.
54% noticed㪠What Reviewers Say
Aggregated impressions from major retailers (ratings are approximate and change over time).
π Similar Alternatives & Dupes
Comparable pore-care toners if you want to mix things up or shop a different budget.
Also uses willow bark water plus glycolic acid and betaine salicylate for daily exfoliation. Simpler, more watery, and no sebum-absorbing powder or matcha.
Centella-forward with AHA/BHA/PHA for pore care and is fungal-acne safe. Calmer and more hydrating, but without the matcha or mattifying powder.
Same brand, stronger triple-acid exfoliation plus tea tree. A more aggressive treatment toner β better for active breakouts, less focused on shine control.
βοΈ How It Compares
This toner side-by-side with three popular pore-focused competitors.
Super Matcha Toner β
$18.00COSRX Two in One Poreless Power Liquid
$25.00SKIN1004 Centella Poremizing Toner
$20.00Some By Mi 30 Days Miracle Toner
$18.00β Frequently Asked Questions
Everything shoppers ask before adding this toner to cart.
Use with caution. It contains no retinoids, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens, but it does include a naturally-derived BHA (willow bark salicin) and added fragrance. Many people consider low-level willow bark acceptable, but because BHA-type ingredients are debated during pregnancy, we recommend checking with your OB-GYN or dermatologist first.
No. It contains polyglyceryl-10 laurate, polyglyceryl-10 myristate, and glyceryl caprylate β esters that can feed malassezia yeast. If you are actively managing fungal acne, this toner is best avoided.
Since this toner already contains a gentle BHA, layering it with strong additional exfoliants (extra AHA/BHA) or retinol on the same night can cause irritation. It pairs well with niacinamide and hydrating serums. If you use vitamin C or retinol, alternate them to different times of day or different nights, and always patch test.
It shines on oily and combination skin thanks to its matcha water, natural BHA, and oil-absorbing Sebum Controller Powderβ’. Acne-prone skin generally does well too (aside from fungal acne). Dry and very sensitive skin can use it sparingly with plenty of follow-up hydration.
Skin usually feels fresher and less shiny immediately. Smoother texture tends to show within 1β2 weeks, more refined-looking pores around 4 weeks, and a clearer, more balanced complexion by 8 weeks of consistent twice-daily use.
Right after cleansing, as your first treatment step, both morning and night. Shake well, sweep across the skin with a cotton pad, then follow with serum, moisturizer, and (in the morning) sunscreen.
Very unlikely. It's an oil-free, water-based formula with a low comedogenic rating of about 1 out of 5. In fact, its BHA and sebum-absorbing powder are designed to help keep pores clearer.
The period-after-opening (PAO) is typically 12 months. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and shake before every use to keep the liquid and powder layers properly combined.
A standout K-Beauty pore toner for oily and combination skin. The 83% matcha water, gentle natural BHA, and patented oil-absorbing powder deliver real shine control and a refined, fresh finish at an excellent price. Just keep in mind it's not fungal-acne safe, it contains light fragrance, and very dry skin should layer hydration generously on top.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Ingredient concentrations marked with "~" are estimates based on published formulation analysis and the manufacturer's claims; exact percentages are proprietary. Ratings and review counts are approximate, vary by retailer, and change over time. Always patch test new products and consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding pregnancy, allergies, or specific skin concerns.
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 7 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 7 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial, Astringent, Emollient, Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Antioxidant, Skin Protecting, Tonic
|
Anti-Aging
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 0 |
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent, Skin Conditioning, Soothing, Tonic
|
Irritation
|
|
| 1 |
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
|
Brightening
Ache-fighting
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|