For many, using a product with acid as a main ingredient can be intimidating — especially with the lack of knowledge about how to use the powerful component properly. After intense research, BYOMA is hopeful to remove apprehensions about acids with the launch of its acid-based toner that promises to respect the skin barrier function.
We spoke to Marc Elrick, the founder of BYOMA and CEO of Future Beauty Labs, to learn more about the affordable vegan and cruelty-free toner that serves as the brand’s first venture into acids. The overall goal is to deeply clean pores and gently remove excess oil and impurities, resulting in softer, smoother skin and a more radiant complexion.
“Our Brightening Toner is dermatologist-tested and combines two gentle alpha hydroxy acids with best-in-class humectants,” Elrick said. “It also features our new Barrier Lipid Complex to deliver noticeable brightening benefits.” The formula, which respects your skin barrier without stripping it, was created as a safe, skin-compatible solution for people who face issues with hyperpigmentation and uneven tone and texture.
The formula
BYOMA’s Brightening Toner blends mandelic and lactic acids, birch extract, and urea for a barrier lipid complex that gently exfoliates the skin, improves texture, and brightens dark spots. The brand prides itself on creating an acid-based toner that does all that without compromising the skin’s barrier function.
“This formula is so unique [compared] to other toners,” Elrick said. “We researched what exfoliating acids are the most skin compatible and found two: lactic and mandelic acids. When we speak to skin compatibility, we mean that it can work for even sensitive skin types without sensitizing skin or causing irritation.”
The team thought ahead by negating any possible irritation with hydrating ingredients, including urea and birch extract. Elrick described urea as hydrophilic, meaning it can effectively hold onto water molecules to keep the skin plump and moist. Birch extract works to reduce inflammation while purifying and hydrating the skin with 17 amino acids, minerals, enzymes, proteins, antioxidants, and vitamins.
The Barrier Lipid Complex has optimum levels of ceramides and sphingolipids to support skin barrier function effectively, which Elrick said feeds the skin with what it produces naturally. The formulation allows your skin to take what it needs and address different concerns for multiple skin types while improving tone and texture.
Adding acid to your skincare routine
According to Elrick, acids help with skin exfoliation. This means incorporating acids into your routine will promote clearer, brighter skin by removing dead skin cells. For those who still have apprehensions about adding acid to their skincare routine, it’s important to introduce them slowly.
“With any active ingredient, it’s best to start slow and build up your skin’s tolerance,” Elrick cautioned. “If you’re new to acids or have extra sensitive skin, we recommend trying them out one to two times per week … The benefits of incorporating an acid-based toner into your routine [includes] deeply cleaning pores, gently exfoliating the skin, balancing your skin’s pH levels post-cleanse, and prepping the skin for the next steps.”
What’s next for BYOMA
BYOMA, which celebrated its first anniversary in January, plans to launch more incredibly innovative products in the upcoming months. Elrick explained that the loyal community of BYOMA can also expect its continued commitment to education with new and exciting initiatives.
To learn more about the brand and its upcoming releases, visit BYOMA.com. The Brightening Toner can be found in Target stores and online at Target.com.
