Glow Goals AHA Resurfacing Toner

AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) are water-soluble acids that work on the surface of your skin to gently dissolve the bonds holding dead skin cells together. This encourages your skin to shed those old cells and reveal the fresh, bright skin underneath. Think of it as helping your skin do what it naturally does, but more effectively. The result is smoother texture, brighter tone, and more even skin.

Yes! This formula uses a gentle, fruit-derived AHA (lime caviar) that's much milder than traditional AHAs like glycolic acid. It also contains soothing ingredients like kawakawa and evening primrose oil to minimize irritation. That said, everyone's skin is different, so start slowly (once a week) and patch test if you're concerned. If you have very reactive skin, you might want to consult with a dermatologist first.

Most AHA toners use synthetic glycolic or lactic acid at higher concentrations, which can be harsh and irritating. This formula uses natural lime caviar AHA, which is gentler and less likely to cause sensitivity. It's perfect for beginners, sensitive skin, or anyone who wants the benefits of chemical exfoliation without the harsh effects. Plus, it includes nourishing and soothing ingredients to protect your skin barrier.

We recommend starting with 2-3 times per week. While this is a gentle formula, daily use of any exfoliating acid can lead to over-exfoliation, which can damage your skin barrier and cause sensitivity, redness, and irritation. Let your skin adjust, and pay attention to how it responds. If your skin tolerates it well after a few weeks, you could gradually increase to every other day, but most people get great results with 2-3 times per week.

Physical exfoliants use particles to manually scrub away dead skin, which can be harsh and cause micro-tears in your skin. Chemical exfoliants (like AHAs) dissolve the bonds between dead cells, allowing them to shed naturally without any scrubbing. It's much gentler and more effective, plus it can work on a deeper level to improve texture and brightness. This AHA toner gives you all the benefits without the harsh scrubbing.

It's best not to layer multiple strong actives in the same routine. If you're using retinol, use it on different nights than this AHA toner to avoid over-exfoliation and irritation. Vitamin C can be used in the morning while you use this at night, but pay attention to how your skin responds. When introducing any new active, go slow and listen to your skin.

This gentle formula is designed to exfoliate without visible peeling. You're shedding dead skin cells at a microscopic level, so you won't see flaking or peeling like you might with stronger chemical peels. Your skin should just look brighter and smoother over time. If you do experience peeling, reduce frequency or take a break, your skin might be getting over-exfoliated.

Yes! AHAs can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so daily SPF is non-negotiable when using this product. Apply SPF 30 or higher every morning, even on days you don't use the toner. Sun protection is essential for preventing damage and getting the best results from your exfoliating routine.

Leave it on! This is a leave-on treatment that needs time to work. After applying with a cotton pad, let it absorb completely, then follow with your serums and moisturizer. Don't rinse it off.

With 2-3 times weekly use, one bottle should last about 2-3 months, depending on how much you use per application. A little goes a long way, you don't need to soak the cotton pad, just damp enough to sweep across your skin.

AHAs are generally considered safe for topical use during pregnancy and breastfeeding at low concentrations. However, we always recommend checking with your healthcare provider before introducing new active ingredients to your routine.

100%. Like all Goodness products, Glow Goals AHA Resurfacing Toner is completely vegan and cruelty-free. No animal testing, ever. Proudly made in New Zealand to the highest clean beauty standards. We're proud to meet New Zealand's high standards for clean, vegan skincare. As with any product, patch test first and use as directed.