Introducing a toner or essence into your routine may feel like an extra step, but the skin-boosting results can be rewarding. For me, I prefer an exfoliating toner because it is easy to use and I almost always see visible changes in my skin. Kiehl’s Ferulic Brew Rejuvenating Facial Essence ($32) falls into that category, and my skin drinks it up.
What It Is
I call this liquid, skin-perfecting treatment an exfoliating toner, but some may call it an essence. Others may call it an antioxidant treatment. To me, it’s all of the above. Its big claim is that it can “visibly boost glow, smooth skin’s texture and reduce fine lines in just seven days.” This is based on expert grading in a four-week consumer test on 60 participants.
Though the brand doesn’t make any officially claims to reduce the appearance of pores specifically, that is another benefit I’ve experienced. This would make sense as another perk due to the addition of lactic acid, which dissolves dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. When you clear dead skin cells (some of which are probably clogging pores), the pores may appear refined.
Needless to say, I’m a big fan of this quick-to-absorb treatment. In the winter, it restores a healthy glow to my dry, lackluster skin. Throughout the warmer months when I’m spending more time outdoors, the antioxidant benefits of ferulic acid boosts the protective properties of my sunscreen. It’s a winning combination. It’s also gentle enough for sensitive skin types, too.
Key Ingredients
Three key ingredients deserve special recognition in this formula, which is brewed for 120 hours. First, powerhouse antioxidant ferulic acid is the star. It’s naturally derived from plants and helps shield the skin from environmental aggressors and the damage they generate (think free radicals). Lactic acid gets the award for best supporting actor, as it provides the exfoliating benefit. But, because lactic acid is one of the gentler alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), this treatment has been deemed safe for sensitive skin. And last but not least is moisturizing squalane, which is derived from olives and nourishes the skin barrier. According to Kiehl’s, 99 percent of the ingredients in this product are naturally derived.
How to Use It
If you’ve used a liquid toner or essence before, this is exactly the same idea. If you haven’t, here’s the best way to apply it. After washing your face, shake the bottle a bit to mix up all the ingredients. Pour about five drops into your hand and rub your hands together. Then press the liquid into your skin. You can also apply the product to a cotton pad and then press it into your skin, but the cotton pad will absorb some of the product.
You can use it morning and night, or add it into your routine where it makes the most sense. For me, I like this one best in the morning under my sunscreen because the antioxidant benefits of ferulic acid are a match made in heaven for SPF. At night, you can layer your active serum and/or night cream on top. It also increases the penetrability of any skin-care products I apply afterward.
Price/Where to Buy
$32, kiehls.com
