Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner

Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner
2.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
4.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers

Review

Does Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner:

  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.6 out of 10.
  • Soothing: Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Basic moisturizer for oily skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.0 out of 10 and a moderate humectancy of 4.3 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%).

This product, when used alone as a moisturizer, can provide light humectant hydration in a fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients. This could work for people with oily skin who need a basic level of hydration.

Since it contains a moderate amount of humectants, it can also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer.

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

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient does not generate 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 Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract (est. ≈1.0%), Sodium Hyaluronate (est. ≈0.3%), Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

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, Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract (est. ≈6.0%).

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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.15
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:
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Water
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Betaine Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Water
Function:
Origin:
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Water
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Amber Powder
Function:
Origin:
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Pelargonium Graveolens Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citronellol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
4.3
4
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
2.0
2.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 4.3 10
4.3
4
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 2.0 20
1.0
2.0
Moisturizing rating
2.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
0.3
All humectants 4.3 10
4.3
All humectants
4.3
4
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2
All occlusives 2.0 20
1.0
All occlusives
2.0
2.0
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 3.4 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.4
Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract
1
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
0.3
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
0.3
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
0.3
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract
0.3
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract
0.3
Corallina Officinalis Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 6.9 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
6.9
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
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.
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark ExtractA potent, soothing extract from the bark of the white willow. It has potent anti-inflammatory effects due to its salicin content. Tannins from the willow bark extract have astringent effects and can aid in the skin’s healing process.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Water
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Water
Squalane
Est. %2
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.
Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer
Betaine Salicylate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Betaine Salicylate
Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Microcitrus Australasica Fruit ExtractAn antioxidant and exfoliating extract from caviar lime, a citrus fruit that looks like caviar. The fruits are rich in citric acid (an AHA) and also contain antioxidant vitamin C, phenolic compounds, and a lime-scented essential oil.
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Water
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower WaterA fragrant water infused with lavender essential oil. It has astringent and wound healing properties, as well as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects.
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.

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melia Azadirachta Leaf ExtractAn antimicrobial and antioxidant extract derived from Neem leaves – an Indian traditional medicine. Neem leaves have been found to possess antibacterial and antifungal activity. It is also a prospective anti-wrinkle ingredient.
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil
Est. %0.15
Function
Origin
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root ExtractAn extract derived from the thick roots of curcuma (turmeric), a famous yellow spice and a major ingredient in curry powder. It is used in skincare for its proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coccinia Indica Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from the cucumber-like fruits of ivy gourd. It contains a large amount of soothing mucilage as well as some antioxidant carotenoids. It has also been shown that the extract may have some anti-allergy properties.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melia Azadirachta Flower ExtractAn antioxidant extract derived from the flowers of the Indian lilac, also known as Neem. It is often used in traditional medicine in India. The Neem flower extracts contain limonoids, which are currently under research for their anti-pigment activity.
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.
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf ExtractA fragrant extract derived from the flowering basil plant that contains essential oil and antioxidants such as terpenes, flavonoids, and vitamin K.
Amber Powder
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Amber Powder
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Corallina Officinalis ExtractAn extract from red marine alga, Corallina officinalis is used in skincare for its antioxidant properties. It also contains an immense amount of calcium and special, sulfur-containing polysaccharides.
Sodium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Chloride

You’re definitely familiar with sodium chloride, even if you don’t think you are. It’s table salt! Salt works well with some cleansing ingredients (surfactants) to thicken them into gels. It also acts as a stabilizer for water-in-oil emulsions.

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 Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium GluconateA chelating ingredient that ensures that the harmful metal ions in a formula are unreactive. It also protects other ingredients from degrading.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Pelargonium Graveolens Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pelargonium Graveolens OilA fragrant essential oil with a rose-like scent obtained from the leaves of rose geranium. It is sometimes added to a more expensive rose oil in order to produce larger volumes.
Citronellol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citronellol

A fragrant compound found naturally in many essential oils (mainly lemongrass). It can have a lemon or a rose scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citronellol, or at least do a patch test before using it.