Obagi Medical - CLENZIderm M.D. Pore Therapy Exfoliating BHA Toner (148 ml)

An exfoliating toner for those primarily dealing with clogged pores, blackheads, and skin that gets shiny quickly.

Why it works

Impurities start in the pore: sebum and dead skin cells stick together to form a plug. Salicylic acid, here at 2%, is oil-soluble. This allows it to reach deep into the pore, where regular acids struggle to penetrate, and loosen that plug. Chamomile extract provides a soothing effect. This is therefore not a toner that simply balances your skin like the C-Balancing or Nu-Derm Toner, but a treatment step.

The texture is thin as water and feels cool and tingling. It absorbs quickly and you do not rinse it off. To be honest: it contains alcohol and fragrance. That provides a fresh sensation, but makes it less suitable for dry skin.

For whom

For normal to oily and combination skin: blackheads on the nose and chin, visible pores, recurring breakouts. Not for dry or sensitive skin.

How to use it

Shake the bottle. After cleansing, press the pump two to three times with a cotton pad on top and apply a thin layer over the area where you get impurities. Let it dry, do not rinse. Start once a day, preferably in the evening, and only increase frequency if your skin tolerates it well. If it starts to feel tight or flake, go back to every other day. Use sun protection during the day.

A note from me

The biggest pitfall: people use this like a regular toner, morning and evening, on top of a peel and a retinoid. That will lead to skin that is both oily and dry. Start once a day and give it a few weeks.

Another honest point: pores don't actually get smaller; no product can do that. However, they become much less visible when they are no longer clogged. And do not use it on the same evening as the Peel Pads.

Not sure if your skin can handle this? Feel free to send me a message, and we can check it together.