APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Facial Toner Review

APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Facial Toner
5.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
3Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Facial Toner Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Facial Toner has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Facial Toner has an anti-wrinkle rating of 3.0 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Soothing: APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Facial Toner contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Facial Toner

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Facial Toner:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Facial Toner is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈4.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈3.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Facial Toner has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 3.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Asiaticoside (est. ≈0.3%), 
 derived from the plant Centella asiatica, an ingredient with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 27 participants (Lee et al.). This study demonstrated that a cream containing 0.1% asiaticoside reduced the average wrinkle depth by 8% after 12 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without asiaticoside).
 
Among others, APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Facial Toner also contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Centella Asiatica Extract, Artemia Extract, Beta-Glucan, Madecassic Acid, and Asiatic Acid. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Facial Toner is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Centella Asiatica Extract (est. ≈13.5%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Facial Toner is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Centella Asiatica Extract (est. ≈13.5%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Pros & Cons of APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Facial Toner

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Facial Toner to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
  • Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, specifically Centella Asiatica Extract

Cons: 

  • We couldn't find any

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
13.5
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Urea
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Arbutin
Function:
Origin:
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Artemia Extract
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Yeast Ferment Extract
Function:
Origin:
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Beta-Glucan
Function:
Origin:
Vitex Trifolia Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Madecassic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Asiaticoside
Function:
Origin:
Asiatic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Trideceth-10
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Styrene
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
12.6
4
3
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 12.6 10
10.0
4
3
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
3
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 12.6 10
10
All humectants
12.6
4
3
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
3 /10 0.1 0.3 3
n/a
- 13.5 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
3
Asiaticoside
3
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
3 /10
when present at, %
0.1
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
13.5
Artemia Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Beta-Glucan
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Madecassic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Asiatic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
13.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 15.6 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
15.6
Centella Asiatica Extract
13.5
Asiaticoside
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Arbutin
0.3
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
0.3
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract
0.3
Beta-Glucan
0.3
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
13.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 16.7 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
16.7
13.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Centella Asiatica Extract
Est. %13.5
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica ExtractAn extract from the leaves of the Gotu kola. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. It increases the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Glycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Hydroxyethyl Urea
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl UreaHydroxyethyl urea is a synthetic derivative of regular urea (read about it here). This ingredient, similarly to urea, is humectant moisturizing and helps to retain more water to the skin’s surface, leaving it more moisturized. There aren't any studies that analyze the effects of this ingredient in great detail.
Allantoin
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Panthenol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Arbutin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ArbutinOne of the few potent anti-pigment compounds found naturally in bearberry or cranberry leaves. When applied to the skin, this ingredient converts into hydroquinone, with tyrosinase inhibiting effects.
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower ExtractAn extract with antioxidant flavonoids that is obtained from the flowers of the water lily.
Artemia Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Artemia ExtractAn extract from brine shrimp that has claimed protective effects. More studies are required to explore its functions and effects on the skin.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) ExtractAn abrasive rice extract rich in various emollient fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamin E.
Yeast Ferment Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yeast Ferment Extract
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit ExtractAn under-researched extract obtained from the eggplant fruit. Eggplant contains plant pigments called anthocyanins and phenolic compounds, such as chlorogenic acid, which are excellent antioxidants.
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf ExtractA fragrant tea tree leaf extract with antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antioxidant flavonoids and terpenoids.
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Collagen

A humectant, film-forming, and emollient mixture of various proteins and peptides that were created by cutting the huge molecules of normal collagen into smaller pieces for better absorption. It also has some antioxidant properties.

Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Beta-Glucan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Beta-GlucanA special polysaccharide obtained from cereals, mushrooms, yeast, bacteria, and some species of seaweed. It is a promising anti-wrinkle, wound healing, antioxidant, and moisturizing ingredient.
Vitex Trifolia Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vitex Trifolia Fruit Extract
Madecassic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Madecassic AcidAn isolated bioactive compound from Gotu Kola. It increases collagen and hyaluronic acid production in the skin and helps to treat wounds, scars, and burns.
Asiaticoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Asiaticoside

A Gotu Kola or Centella Asiatica derivative with confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Asiatic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Asiatic AcidA compound isolated from Gotu Kola, a promising anti-wrinkle medicinal plant from Southeast Asia. It is claimed to increase the production of collagen and help with the wound healing process.
Trideceth-10
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trideceth-10
Propanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Hydroxyacetophenone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyacetophenoneAn antioxidant compound that can be found in many plants, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It can boost the preservative action of other conservants.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateA licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
Styrene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Styrene
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Sodium Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium CitrateA salt of citric acid that has a salty and tart flavor and is used as a fragrance. It is mildly basic, meaning that its addition to a skincare product can adjust the pH upward.