Skip to main content
Shop Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner: AHA + BHA
Toner
Beauty of Joseon

Green Plum Refreshing Toner: AHA + BHA

~$18· 150ml
Uneven textureVisible poresAcne

What it's good for

Key actives from our research database. Click any to read the full evidence dossier.

  • Glycolic AcidStrong evidenceFull dossier ↗

    Exfoliates the surface of your skin to smooth rough texture and fade dullness. The strongest of the AHAs, so start slow.

    Good for: Exfoliating

  • Salicylic AcidStrong evidenceFull dossier ↗

    Goes into your pores and dissolves the oil and dead skin clogging them. Best for blackheads, whiteheads, and oily, acne-prone skin.

    Good for: Anti-acne, Exfoliating

New to this? Patch test on your inner arm for 24 to 48 hours before applying to your face. If you have sensitive skin or rosacea, start 2 to 3 times per week and build up slowly.

Evidence behind the ingredients

Real citations from our research database, one per tracked active in this product. Click any ingredient name to read its full evidence dossier.

Glycolic AcidStrong evidence6 citations

Exfoliates the surface of your skin to smooth rough texture and fade dullness. The strongest of the AHAs, so start slow.

Liu H et al., Topical agents for acne (covers AHA / fruit-acid arm), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2020;5:CD011368 — conclusion: clinical benefit is unclear

2020Meta-analysis (mixed)PMID:32356369View source ↗

Sarkar R et al., Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy and Tolerability of Glycolic Acid, Salicylic-Mandelic Acid, and Phytic Acid Combination Peels in Melasma, Dermatologic Surgery 2016;42(3):384-391 — 35% glycolic acid and salicylic-mandelic peels equally effective and safe for melasma in Indian skin

2016Positive (efficacy)PMID:26859648View source ↗

Kubiak M et al., Evaluation of 70% glycolic peels versus 15% trichloroacetic peels for the treatment of photodamaged facial skin in aging women, Dermatologic Surgery 2014;40(8):883-891 — both peels improved photodamaged skin; glycolic acid showed faster hydration recovery

2014Positive (efficacy)PMID:25068547View source ↗
Salicylic AcidStrong evidence9 citations

Goes into your pores and dissolves the oil and dead skin clogging them. Best for blackheads, whiteheads, and oily, acne-prone skin.

Liu Y et al., Clinical Efficacy of a Salicylic Acid-Containing Gel on Acne Management and Skin Barrier Function: A 21-Day Prospective Study, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(7):e70353 — salicylic acid gel reduced acne lesions, regulated sebum, improved hydration and barrier function

2025Positive (efficacy)PMID:40682377View source ↗

Ye R et al., 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel vs. adapalene gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: multicenter, randomized, evaluator-blind, parallel-controlled trial, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2024;23(6):2125-2134 — 2% SSA hydrogel was equally effective as adapalene gel for mild-to-moderate acne

2024Positive (efficacy)PMID:38590107View source ↗

Brumley C et al. Allergic contact dermatitis to salicylic acid: A case series of relevant sensitization. Contact Dermatitis. 2024;91(2):133-138. doi:10.1111/cod.14573 — Case series of 489 patch-tested patients (2020-2024): 21 positive reactions to salicylic acid. Documents that ACD to SA is likely underreported; testing at 5% concentration feasible.

2024Safety assessmentPMID:38686774View source ↗

Sources: 10 clinical journals and regulatory databases across the US, EU, Korea, Japan, and China. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for the full list and what each outcome label means.

Full ingredient list

Everything on the package label, not just the tracked actives above.

Fragrance freeDrying alcohol freeSulfates freeParabens free
  • Contains silicones: Diphenyl DimethiconeNo irritancy evidence. CIR rates this safe as used; some shoppers avoid it by preference.
+Show all 26 ingredients

Listed in the order printed on the package. By regulation, ingredients at 1% or higher are listed in descending order by concentration, so the first entry is the largest part of the formula.

  1. Water
  2. Prunus Mume Fruit Water
  3. Dipropylene Glycol
  4. 1,2-Hexanediol
  5. Tromethamine
  6. Glycolic Acid
  7. Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract
  8. Panax Ginseng Root Extract
  9. Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Water
  10. Portulaca Oleracea Extract
  11. Butylene Glycol
  12. Glycerin
  13. Salicylic Acid
  14. Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
  15. Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
  16. Fructose
  17. Tocopherol
  18. Glucose
  19. Sodium PCA
  20. Triethylhexanoin
  21. Diphenyl Dimethicone
  22. C12-14 Pareth-12
  23. Ethylhexylglycerin
  24. Hydrogenated Lecithin
  25. Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
  26. Tetrasodium EDTA

Layering conflicts

Ingredients in this product that can react with common actives. Avoid stacking unless noted.

  • Retinol + glycolic acid is a classic barrier-buster. Use on different nights.

  • Tretinoin + glycolic acid causes significant barrier disruption. Never layer.

  • Adapalenemedium

    Adapalene + glycolic acid can over-exfoliate. Alternate nights.

Similar comparisons

← Back to shop

Not medical advice. GlowPal is educational. Patch-test new products and talk to a qualified healthcare professional before changing your routine, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or have a diagnosed skin condition. See our terms.