Description
The ANUA BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner is a lightweight leave-on exfoliating toner formulated with 2% salicylic acid (BHA) to help unclog pores and remove dead skin cells, while simultaneously supporting the skin barrier with hydrating and soothing ingredients like ceramides, panthenol and hyaluronic acid. The result is smoother, clearer skin texture without the harshness of traditional exfoliants.
It’s designed especially for users who are acne-prone, have congested pores, or want a clear-skin finish, while still maintaining hydration and comfort — which makes it well aligned with skin recovery routines.
Size: 150ML
Skin Type
Oily and combination skin — The BHA works well in T-zones where excess sebum and pore build-up occurs.
Acne-prone or blemish-inclined skin — Because salicylic acid penetrates into pores, it’s effective for break-outs and congestion.
Normal skin that wants texture-refinement and pore clarity — good for periodic use to polish skin.
Sensitive skin with some congestion (if barrier is stable) — Because the formula includes soothing/hydrating ingredients (panthenol, ceramides) which help mitigate irritation.
Key Benefits
Refines skin texture & unclogs pores: The 2% salicylic acid BHA in a leave-on toner form helps dissolve dead skin cell build-up and remove excess oil from within the pore, reducing the appearance of large pores and smoothing skin surface.
Supports skin barrier & hydration: Unlike many harsher exfoliants, this formula includes six types of ceramides, hyaluronic acid derivatives and panthenol to maintain skin hydration and help prevent barrier disruption.
Calms redness & supports redness-prone skin: With tea tree leaf extract and willow bark extract (natural sources of salicylates) plus other soothing botanicals, it helps manage inflammation linked to break-outs and irritated pores.
Gentle enough for more frequent use: While still giving effective exfoliation, users report it’s gentler than many other 2% BHAs, making it suitable for more regular use if skin tolerates it.
Helps maintain clearer complexion with less aggressive steps: Because your skin barrier is under stress (dry/flaky) and you occasionally have cystic acne, this toner offers a more moderate exfoliation option that supports rather than further strips the barrier.
Key Ingredients
Salicylic Acid (2%) – the core BHA exfoliant; oil-soluble, penetrates into pores to help clear out sebum and dead skin cells.
Ceramide NP (plus other ceramides) – skin-identical lipids that help strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture, mitigating potential dryness from exfoliation.
Hyaluronic acid derivatives / Sodium Hyaluronate – multi-weight humectants that attract water and help maintain hydration for better skin resilience.
Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5) – soothes and conditions skin, helping with comfort and barrier recovery.
Tea Tree Leaf Extract (Melaleuca Alternifolia) & Willow Bark Extract (Salix Alba) – natural extracts with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, supporting acne-prone/irritated skin.
Ingredients List
Water, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Salicylic Acid, C12-14 Pareth-12, Octyldodeceth-16, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Disodium Edta, Tocopherol, Ceramide NP, Butylene Glycol, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Hyaluro -nate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin
Disclaimer: We do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date product information. However, formulations may change without notice. For the most current ingredient list, usage instructions, and warnings, please refer to the product packaging prior to use.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Safe
Likely Safe
While the product contain 2% BHA which is Salicylic Acid, it's prudent to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating such products into your skincare routine during pregnancy.
How to use
After cleansing, use the toner either via cotton pad or with your hands — dispense a moderate amount and gently sweep across the face (avoiding the eye/-lip area).
Initial frequency: For barrier-weakened skin (your case), begin with once every 2-3 days (or even every 3-4 days) to monitor tolerance. The brand suggests starting every 2-3 days.
Follow with barrier-support: Immediately after using this toner, apply a hydrating serum/essence and then a ceramide-rich moisturiser to reinforce your skin barrier. Because your skin is flaky/dry and prone to cystic acne, this step is important.
Sun protection: On mornings you use this toner (or any exfoliant), ensure you apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) — exfoliated skin can be more sensitive to UV.
Avoid layering too many actives: On the day you use this toner, avoid using other strong actives (e.g., retinoids, high-dose acids) to minimise barrier stress.
Observe skin response: If you experience irritation, stinging, redness, excessive flaking, scale back use frequency or pause until barrier recovers.