FRANKLY AHA 8.05% Toner | Pore-Refining Exfoliator with Glycolic Acid, 17 Amino Acids, Hyaluronic Acid | Smooths Texture, Hydrates, Targets Flakiness | Korean Skin Care 3.38 fl oz Review
Our verdict
Frankly's AHA toner uses an 8.05 percent glycolic acid concentration alongside 17 types of amino acids and hyaluronic acid, aiming to refine pores and smooth texture while limiting some of the dryness a straight acid can cause. At 4.4 stars from 177 reviewers, it has a solidly positive track record.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Oily, combination or acne prone skin that wants a moderate to strong glycolic acid toner with added hydration.
Skip if
You have dry or highly sensitive skin, since an 8 percent AHA is a meaningful strength to introduce.
- Priced 12% below the category median ($19.20 across 452 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.4/5
4.4 average across 177 owner ratings
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Popularity1.3/5
177 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
At just over 8 percent, the glycolic acid concentration in this toner sits in moderate to strong at home territory, meant to target the look of dullness, flaky patches and clogged pores through surface exfoliation. It is paired with 17 types of amino acids and hyaluronic acid, both included to help the skin hold onto moisture and offset some of the drying tendency glycolic acid can have on its own.
The formula carries a long list of exclusions, it is alcohol free, oil free, paraben free, sulfate free and formaldehyde free, and it is also fragrance free, vegan and marketed as cruelty free and dermatologist tested. It comes in a 3.38 fluid ounce bottle and is positioned for acne prone, combination and oily skin.
At 4.4 stars from 177 reviews, feedback has been solidly positive, though recent purchase activity, at 8 logged buyers, is on the quieter side.
Pros
- 8.05 percent glycolic acid is a meaningful exfoliating strength
- 17 amino acids plus hyaluronic acid help offset dryness from the acid
- Long free from list, including alcohol, paraben, sulfate and formaldehyde free
- Vegan and marketed as cruelty free and dermatologist tested
- 4.4 stars from 177 reviews shows solid buyer satisfaction
Cons
- The acid strength may be too much for dry or very sensitive skin
- 3.38 fluid ounces is a smaller bottle size
- Review count is still modest for the category
- Recent purchase volume looks quiet at just 8 logged buyers
Performance notes
At just over 8 percent, this glycolic acid concentration sits in moderate to strong at home territory, intended to target the look of dullness, flakiness and clogged pores through surface exfoliation. The 17 amino acids and hyaluronic acid are included specifically to help the skin retain moisture, working against the drying tendency glycolic acid can have when used alone.
What buyers say
At 4.4 stars from 177 reviews, this toner has a consistently positive track record, though its review count and recent purchase volume are still on the smaller side.
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Frequently asked questions
How strong is an 8.05 percent glycolic acid toner?
That falls in moderate to strong at home territory, stronger than many gentle daily toners but not as intense as a professional peel. Most people start a few times a week rather than nightly and watch how their skin responds.
Is this toner suitable for sensitive skin?
It is formulated for acne prone, combination and oily skin rather than sensitive skin specifically, and the acid strength here means dry or reactive skin types should approach it carefully or patch test first.
Does it need a moisturizer afterward?
The formula includes hyaluronic acid to help offset dryness from the glycolic acid, but following up with a moisturizer is still a sensible step, especially for anyone new to this strength of acid.