Have you been to the Skin Library?
It’s an UK-based online shop that curates the best Korean skincare has to offer to help you glow and go. Before you ask, yes, they ship worldwide.
I can’t deny it. Skin Library had me at the name. I spend hours in libraries looking for my next read and now I can do my skincare shopping in one, too? Sign me up!
(Just to be clear, Skin Library doesn’t sell books. But the name still gets me excited. 🙂 )
The first Korean skincare product I’ve checked out from the Skin Library is Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner. Here’s all you need to know about it:
Key Ingredients In Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
AHA + BHA + PHA To Exfoliate Skin
You’ll find three types of acids in skincare: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) and Polyhydroxy Acid (PHAs). Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner uses them all.
Let’s start with what they have in common. They all dissolve the glue that holds skin cells together, so they can slough off and reveal the brighter and smoother skin underneath.
But each family of acids has its own specific superpower:
- AHAs: They hydrate skin by drawing water from the environment into the skin. This toner uses citric acid, one of the gentlest members of this family.
- BHA: A.k.a. salicylic acid, it gets inside the pores, removing all the gunk that’s clogging them up and giving you pimples.
- PHA: They have antioxidant properties that help fight free radicals. This toner uses Lactobionic Acid.
The catch? Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner contains only a few drops of each acid. That’s why it takes 30 days to see some significant results.
If you have sensitive skin that doesn’t tolerate high concentrations of acids well, this could be a good option for you to try.
Related: AHAs VS BHA: What’s The Difference And Which One Should You Use?
Niacinamide To… Well, Everything
A form of Vitamin B3, niacinamide is one of my fave ingredients. Why? It does everything you ask it to do:
- It hydrates skin: it’s more effective than petrolatum at preventing water loss
- It soothes skin: it alleviates the symptoms of rosacea and irritations
- It lightens skin: it reduces dark spots, blotchiness (redness) and sallowness (yellowing)
- It helps treat wrinkles: preliminary research shows it can boost the production of skin-firming collagen
- It treats acne: its effects are similar to those of 1% clindamycin gel
It doesn’t matter what your skin type is or what problems it has, it’s always a good idea to add some niacinamide to your skincare routine.
Related: The Complete Guide To Niacinamide In Skincare: What It Is, What It Does & How To Use It
Tea Tree Oil To Treat Acne
Derived from the Australian plant melaleuca alternifolia, Tea Tree Oil is a natural acne remedy.
Tea Tree Oil is an antimicrobial agent that kills P.Acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. Plus, it reduces inflammation. Guess what acne is? An inflammatory disease.
The catch? All the studies I’ve found used 5% Tea Tree. Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner uses considerably less.
Does that mean it’s useless? Not necessarily. But it does mean it works more slowly. Again, there’s a reason why it’s called “30 Days Miracle Toner” and not “3 Days Miracle Toner.”
Related: Is Tea Tree Oil An Effective Treatment For Acne?
Let’s Put It To The Test: Personal Use & Opinion
Don’t let the name fool you. Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner has such a small amount of exfoliating acids, it won’t sting or burn your skin, like Glossier Solution does. Phew!
But that means it doesn’t work as quickly. For the Koreans, it’s a good trade-off. While we Westerners layer all kinds of acids like there’s no tomorrow (and then wonder why our skin is so dry all of a sudden), the Koreans prefer a gentler approach that minimises irritation – even if it means it takes longer to see results.
Which approach is better? It depends on what your skin can take. If it’s resistant, you can up your acid load without issues. Sensitive? Take the gentler Korean route.
Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner has a lightweight, watery texture that sinks in immediately. I apply it with a cotton pad straight after cleansing.
After the first application, my skin already felt more hydrated. A week later, I started noticing an improvement in its texture. It felt smoother and looked a little brighter, too. Fast forward a couple of weeks and other people were complimenting me on it, too.
I don’t have any acne, so I can’t vouch for how well the tea tree oil works for that. But if I did, I’d probably keep my sulfur mask at hand to give this toner a helping hand.
One more thing: this toner contains a few drops of peppermint oil, which can be irritating for sensitive skin. If you know your skin doesn’t like it, this isn’t for you.
Available at: $16.00/ÂŁ17.00 at Skin Library, Soko Glam and Yes Style
Have you tried Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner? Share your experience in the comments below.
Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Seed Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Swiflet Nest Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Fructan, Allantoin, Adenosine, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Xylitol, Salicylic Acid, Lactobionic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Benzyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Raspberry Ketone, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil
