Clinique for Men Exfoliating Tonic with Salicylic Acid | for Normal to Dry Skin Types | Unclogs Pores + Preps for Shaving, 6.7 Fl Oz Review
Our verdict
Clinique's Exfoliating Tonic for Men uses salicylic acid to help unclog pores and prep skin for shaving, in an unscented, dermatologist-tested formula for combination to dry skin, and its 4.6 star average suggests it holds up well for the audience it targets.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Combination to dry skin looking for a fragrance-free exfoliating toner that also works as a pre-shave step.
Skip if
You have oily or very sensitive, reactive skin that may not tolerate salicylic acid well, or you want a hydrating rather than exfoliating toner.
- Priced 14% below the category median ($19.20 across 452 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 105 owner ratings
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Popularity0.3/5
105 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other women's everyday face care: moisturizers, face mists, facial kits, rollers, cleansing brushes and steamers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
This tonic from Clinique's men's line uses salicylic acid to help de-flake skin, unclog pores and prep the face for shaving, targeting normal to dry and combination skin. It is fragrance-free, paraben-free and phthalate-free, and dermatologist tested, which appeals to anyone who wants a straightforward, no-frills exfoliating step without added scent.
At $16.50 for 6.7 fluid ounces, it is one of the more affordable options in this lineup, and a 4.6 star average from 105 reviews suggests it does its job well for the skin types and use case it is built around.
Because it is marketed as a pre-shave step, it is worth noting that its benefit goes beyond typical toning, helping reduce the kind of buildup on skin that can contribute to razor irritation.
Pros
- Salicylic acid included for exfoliation
- Fragrance-free, paraben-free and phthalate-free formula
- Dermatologist tested
- Doubles as a pre-shave step
- Affordable price for the size
Cons
- Smaller review count of 105 compared to some other toners
- Formulated for normal to dry and combination skin, not ideal for oily skin
- Salicylic acid may be too much for very sensitive skin
- Marketed specifically toward men, though the formula itself is usable by anyone
Performance notes
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that helps exfoliate and may support clearer looking pores, which is useful before shaving since it can help reduce the buildup that contributes to razor irritation. The unscented, dermatologist-tested formulation suits anyone avoiding added fragrance in their routine.
What buyers say
A 4.6 star average from 105 reviews is a solid, positive score for a lower-priced tonic, suggesting it reliably does what it sets out to do for its target skin types.
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Frequently asked questions
Does this tonic have a scent?
No, it is fragrance-free, which fits its straightforward, no-frills approach to exfoliation.
Can women use this toner too?
Yes, the formula itself is not gender-specific, even though it is marketed as part of Clinique's men's line and often used as a pre-shave step.
What skin type is it best for?
It is formulated for normal to dry and combination skin, so those with oily or very sensitive skin may want to look at a different formula.