Thayers Blemish Clearing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Toner Review

Thayers Blemish Clearing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Toner
2.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Thayers Blemish Clearing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Toner Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Thayers Blemish Clearing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Toner has to offer:
 
  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.8 out of 10.
  • Soothing: Thayers Blemish Clearing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Toner contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Thayers Blemish Clearing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Toner

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Thayers Blemish Clearing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Toner:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizer Suitable for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Thayers Blemish Clearing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Toner is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a moderate humectancy of 5.6 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈4.0%).

This product, when used alone as a moisturizer, can provide light humectant hydration in a fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients. This could work for people with oily skin who need a basic level of hydration.

Tip: Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

A Humectant Add-on for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - since it contains a moderate amount of humectants, such a humectant add-on will 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.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Thayers Blemish Clearing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Toner is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract (est. ≈6.0%) and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈4.0%).

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, Thayers Blemish Clearing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Toner is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract (est. ≈6.0%), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈4.0%) and Salicylic Acid (est. ≈2.0%).

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.

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.

Things to Be Aware Of: Thayers Blemish Clearing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Toner

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Thayers Blemish Clearing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Toner to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using Thayers Blemish Clearing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Toner as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Pros & Cons of Thayers Blemish Clearing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Toner

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Thayers Blemish Clearing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Toner to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides moderate humectant moisturizing suitable for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • 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 like Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract

Cons: 

  • Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - it needs to be paired with occlusives to seal in humectants

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
80
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Borate
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Decyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
5.6
4
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5.6 10
5.6
4
1
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
2.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
1
0.3
0.3
All humectants 5.6 10
5.6
All humectants
5.6
4
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
6
4
1.5
All antioxidants 11.5 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
11.5
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract
6
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
4
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
1.5
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
6
4
2
1.5
All soothing 13.5 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
13.5
6
4
2
1.5
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %80
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.
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf/Twig ExtractHamamelis virginiana bark/leaf/twig extract is an extract obtained from the leaves, twigs, and bark of Witch Hazel branches. The extract has antioxidant, astringent and soothing effects on your skin. Read about a very similar extract here: Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractDerived from Aloe vera leaves, this moisturizing humectant, soothing, and antioxidant extract is commonly used in products targeting eczema, sunburn, or dermatitis. It soothes the skin and reduces the signs of inflammation and sensitivity.
Sodium Borate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Sodium Borate
Salicylic Acid
Est. %2
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.
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf OilA fragrant and antioxidant essential tea tree oil praised for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Tea tree oil helps to treat acne, inflamed skin, and small wounds. It might, however, cause allergies and skin irritations.
Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil
Glycerin
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Decyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Decyl GlucosideA surfactant that can function as both a cleansing agent and emulsifier. As a cleansing agent, it is very mild on the skin. As an emulsifier, decyl glucoside will produce oil-in-water emulsions. It is naturally derived from vegetable oils and starch.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cocamidopropyl BetaineA mildly cleansing ingredient derived from coconut. It also produces the foam that tells us our soap is actually working to remove dirt and oils.
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.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
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.