Calming Facial Toner

Face Reality Age Adaptive Clearing Serum is a multi-level treatment serum built for adult skin that still breaks out but is also starting to show early signs of aging. Rather than forcing you to choose between clearing and anti-aging, this serum works on three distinct levels: inside the pore, at the skin's surface, and progressively over time to support long-term skin renewal.

Powered by β-ret Technology™, a combination of Adapinoid® (oleyl adapalenate) and salicylic acid, this formula delivers next-generation retinoid benefits that are compatible with acne-prone skin, something traditional retinoids often are not. In a 12-week clinical study, 97% of participants saw clearer skin, while 94% showed clinical improvement in fine lines and wrinkles after just 8 weeks.

Keeps Pores Clear from the Inside Out: Salicylic acid within β-ret Technology™ is oil-soluble, so it's drawn into the pore where it loosens and clears the buildup of oil and dead skin cells that lead to breakouts.

Smooths and Refines Surface Texture: Mandelic acid and lactic acid work together to gently dissolve the bonds holding dull, dead cells at the surface, revealing smoother-looking skin that stays tolerable for sensitized and acne-prone types.

Supports Cellular Renewal Over Time: The next-generation retinoid in β-ret Technology™ (Adapinoid®) progressively supports the skin's natural renewal cycle, helping visibly reduce early signs of aging without the harsh side effects of conventional retinoids.

Targets Post-Breakout Discoloration and Redness: Mandelic acid actively addresses post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, while potassium azeloyl diglycinate, a derivative of azelaic acid, helps calm redness and reduce excess oiliness.

Balances Oil and Supports the Skin Barrier: Succinic acid offers antimicrobial and antioxidant protection while helping balance oil production, and xylitol acts as a prebiotic to support a healthy skin microbiome and provide hydrating benefits

If you're dealing with adult acne and early signs of aging at the same time, this serum was designed specifically for that overlap. It's ideal for skin that still gets clogged pores and breakouts but is also showing fine lines, uneven texture, or post-breakout dark marks.

This is a strong fit if you've wanted to add a retinoid to your routine but have avoided it because traditional retinol or retinoids tend to irritate acne-prone skin. The next-generation retinoid in this formula is acne-safe and designed to work progressively, not aggressively.

It's also well-suited for oily or combination skin types that struggle with excess sebum, rough texture, and lingering hyperpigmentation from past breakouts

Prepare: After cleansing, saturate a toner pad with Face Reality Calming Facial Toner.

Apply: Gently sweep the pad across the face and neck, avoiding the eye area.

Follow up: Layer your serum and moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration.

Frequency: Use morning and evening. If using in the AM, always finish with SPF.

Key ingredients:

• β-Ret Technology™ (Adapinoid® / Oleyl Adapalenate + Salicylic Acid): A next-generation retinoid-and-salicylic-acid pairing that refines the skin's surface, keeps pores clear, and helps address early signs of aging without compromising tolerability.

• Mandelic Acid: A gentle, larger-molecule AHA that exfoliates at a slower rate than other acids, making it especially effective at targeting acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) while remaining tolerable for sensitized skin.

• Lactic Acid: A mild exfoliating AHA that smooths texture while also helping to increase the skin's natural levels of glycosaminoglycans, supporting hydration and barrier health.

• Succinic Acid: A naturally derived acid with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that helps balance excess oil production and reduce the likelihood of future breakouts.

• Potassium Azelaoyl Diglycinate: A gentler derivative of azelaic acid that helps calm visible redness and regulate oiliness without the irritation sometimes associated with traditional azelaic acid.

• Xylitol: A prebiotic sugar alcohol that helps support a balanced skin microbiome while also delivering lightweight, long-lasting hydration.

Full ingredients:

Active Ingredient: Salicylic Acid 2%

Inactive Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Propanediol, Mandelic Acid, Lactic Acid, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Dicaprylyl Ether, Glyceryl Oleate Citrate, PropylheptylCaprylate, Sodium Hydroxide, Succinic Acid, Oleyl Adapalenate, Xylitol, Caprylic Acid, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Lecithin, Pullulan, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Alcohol Denat., Ethylhexylglycerin

Available for in-studio pickup only. No shipping.

Can I use Face Reality Age Adaptive Clearing Serum if my skin is sensitive? The formula was designed with sensitized skin in mind. Mandelic acid is one of the gentlest AHAs available, and lactic acid provides exfoliation without the harshness of stronger acids. That said, if your skin is highly reactive, start with every-other-night use and build frequency as your skin adjusts.

Do I need to wear sunscreen while using Face Reality Age Adaptive Clearing Serum? Yes, daily sunscreen is essential. This serum contains AHAs (mandelic and lactic acid) and a retinoid, both of which increase your skin's sensitivity to UV exposure. Applying a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning will protect your results and prevent further hyperpigmentation.

Book a consult and I'll build your routine around it.