Farmacy 2% Salicylic Acid Toner for Face - Deep Sweep BHA Liquid Exfoliant + Pore Cleaner - Controls Oil, Gently Exfoliates + Refines Pores - Skin Care for Combo, Oily + Blemish-Prone Skin - (120ml) Review
Our verdict
Farmacy's 2% Salicylic Acid Toner is a BHA based liquid built for combination and oily, blemish prone skin, and its 4.6 star average across more than 2,100 ratings shows it has built real trust over time. It works well as a daily or near daily step for anyone managing oil and clogged pores.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Combination or oily, blemish prone skin that wants a beta hydroxy acid toner to help manage oil and support clearer looking pores.
Skip if
Your skin is dry or easily irritated by acids, since 2 percent salicylic acid can be too active for a purely hydrating routine.
- Priced 77% above the category median ($19.20 across 452 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 2,100 owner ratings
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Popularity4.4/5
2,100 owner reviews, more 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 toner is built around 2 percent salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid known for being oil soluble, which lets it work down into pores rather than just sitting on the surface. It is positioned for combination and oily, blemish prone skin, and the brand markets it to control oil, gently exfoliate and refine the look of pores. The liquid formula carries an echinacea scent rather than added artificial fragrance, and it is vegan and free of formaldehyde, GMO ingredients, parabens and phthalates.
At 4 fluid ounces, the bottle is sized for regular use with a cotton pad after cleansing. Because salicylic acid is an active exfoliating ingredient, easing it into a routine a few times a week before daily use is a reasonable way to gauge tolerance, especially for skin that is not used to BHAs.
With more than 2,100 ratings averaging 4.6 stars, this toner has a well established track record. Current reported purchase volume is quite low, which suggests it may see more of its business from repeat, established customers than from a wave of brand new buyers right now.
Pros
- 2 percent salicylic acid targets oil and the look of clogged pores
- Vegan formula free of formaldehyde, GMO ingredients, parabens and phthalates
- No added artificial fragrance, just a natural echinacea scent
- 4.6 star average across more than 2,100 ratings
- Well suited to combination and oily, blemish prone skin
Cons
- 2 percent salicylic acid may be too active for dry or sensitive skin
- Priced higher than many drugstore BHA toners
- Very low recent purchase volume compared to its large existing review base
Performance notes
Salicylic acid is an oil soluble beta hydroxy acid, which means it can get down into pores clogged with oil and dead skin, and it may help with the look of congestion, blackheads and excess shine over time. Because it is an active exfoliant rather than a purely soothing ingredient, starting with a few applications a week is a sensible way to build tolerance before daily use.
What buyers say
A 4.6 star average across more than 2,100 ratings reflects a long history of satisfied buyers for this specific formula. That said, the currently reported monthly purchase count is very low, which points to a smaller, steadier customer base right now rather than a fast growing one.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I use this toner every day?
Many people work up to daily use, but because it contains 2 percent salicylic acid, starting with a few applications a week is a reasonable way to see how your skin responds. If you notice dryness or irritation, cutting back to every other day is a simple adjustment.
Is this toner good for sensitive skin?
It is vegan and free of added artificial fragrance, formaldehyde, parabens and phthalates, which helps, but 2 percent salicylic acid is still an active exfoliating ingredient. Sensitive or dry skin types may want to patch test and ease in slowly rather than starting with daily use.
Will this toner help with oily skin and clogged pores?
That is exactly what it is formulated for. The salicylic acid is oil soluble, so it is designed to work into pores and support a clearer, less congested looking complexion for combination and oily, blemish prone skin.