Shop Needly Daily Toner Pad with BHA & PHA Deep Hydration Pore Minimizer (60 Pads)
Toner
Needly

Daily Toner Pad with BHA & PHA Deep Hydration Pore Minimizer (60 Pads)

~$16
AcneDark spotsRadianceDryness

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.

GlycerinModerate evidence4 citations

A workhorse hydrator that pulls water into your skin. In nearly every good moisturizer for a reason.

Danby SG et al., Different types of emollient cream exhibit diverse physiological effects on the skin barrier in adults with atopic dermatitis, Clinical and Experimental Dermatology 2022;47(6):1154-1164 — glycerol+urea emollient delivered superior barrier-strengthening and irritant protection

2022Positive — efficacyPMID:35167133View source ↗

Evans NJ et al., Human axillary skin condition is improved following incorporation of glycerol into the stratum corneum from an antiperspirant formulation, Archives of Dermatological Research 2017;309(9):739-748 — 4% glycerol penetrated axillary SC, reduced irritation, improved hydration

2017Positive — efficacyPMID:28889318View source ↗

Fluhr JW et al., Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions, British Journal of Dermatology 2008;159(1):23-34 — improves xerosis and barrier function

2008Positive — efficacyPMID:18510666View source ↗
AllantoinModerate evidence6 citations

A gentle smoother and skin-soother. Reduces flakiness and helps the surface look more even.

Xu Z et al., Efficacy and Safety of Topical Compound Heparin Sodium Allantoin Gel for the Treatment of Rosacea, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(4):e70129 — RCT (n=82, 12 weeks): allantoin gel improved erythema and alleviated itching/burning vs traditional therapy

2025Positive — efficacyPMID:40177799View source ↗

Tan C et al., The combination of allantoin, bisabolol, D-panthenol and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate mitigates UVB-induced PGE2 synthesis by keratinocytes, International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2024;46(5):691-701 — in vitro: allantoin combination reduced UVB-induced PGE2, IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα

2024Mechanism onlyPMID:38433250View source ↗

Saucedo-Acuna RA et al. (Mexico), Characterization and In Vivo Assay of Allantoin-Enriched Pectin Hydrogel for the Treatment of Skin Wounds, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2023;24(8):7377 — allantoin-pectin hydrogel reduced wound healing time by ~71% with complete closure at day 15 in rat model

2023Mechanism onlyPMID:37108540View source ↗
MugwortModerate evidence4 citations

A Korean botanical that calms angry, reactive skin. Especially soothing during flare-ups.

Wang Y et al., A review of the research progress on Artemisia argyi Folium: botany, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and clinical application, Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology 2024;397(10):7473-7500 — comprehensive review of 136 compounds; documented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial topical use in eczema/dermatitis

2024Mechanism onlyPMID:38775853View source ↗

Hirano A et al. (Kyushu University, Furue lab), Antioxidant Artemisia princeps extract enhances the expression of filaggrin and loricrin via the AHR/OVOL1 pathway, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2017;18(9):1948 — Japanese-authored mechanism study explaining how APE upregulates barrier proteins via AHR/OVOL1; no human efficacy trial yet

2017Mechanism onlyPMID:28892018View source ↗

Lee JH et al., Topical Application of Eupatilin Ameliorates Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions in NC/Nga Mice, Annals of Dermatology 2017;29(1):61-68 — Korean-authored study showing topical eupatilin (Artemisia flavonoid) reduced atopic-dermatitis-like lesions and inflammatory markers

2017Positive — efficacyPMID:28223748View source ↗
+3 more ingredients
Centella AsiaticaModerate evidence9 citations

Also called "cica," it calms redness, repairs the skin barrier, and speeds up healing. The go-to for irritated or reactive skin.

Hur N et al., A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Assessing the Effects of Oral Centella asiatica Extract on Skin Aging-Related Parameters in Middle-Aged Korean Women, Nutrients 2026

2026Positive — efficacyPMID:42196964View source ↗

Borowicz KK et al., Geroprotective Potential of Centella asiatica: Modulation of Cellular Aging, Nutrients 2026

2026Mechanism onlyPMID:42280293View source ↗

Su Z et al., The Effectiveness and Safety of a Skin Care Product With Centella asiatica Leaf Extract, Ceramide NP, and Panthenol in Subjects With Sensitive Skin: A Prospective, Observational Study, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(7):e70324 — Sun Yat-Sen U 4-week study; cream provided rapid relief of facial redness and supported barrier function

2025Positive — efficacyPMID:40682399View source ↗
Tea Tree OilModerate evidence4 citations

A natural acne spot-treatment that kills the bacteria behind red, painful pimples. Slower than benzoyl peroxide but with fewer side effects when used at 5%.

Najafi-Taher R et al., A topical gel of tea tree oil nanoemulsion containing adapalene versus adapalene marketed gel in patients with acne vulgaris: a randomized clinical trial, Archives of Dermatological Research 2022;314(7):673-679 — RCT showed tea tree oil + adapalene nanoemulsion gel produced significantly better reduction in total, inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions than standard adapalene

2022Positive — efficacyPMID:34251536View source ↗

Malhi HK, Tu J, Riley TV, Kumarasinghe SP, Hammer KA, Tea tree oil gel for mild to moderate acne; a 12 week uncontrolled, open-label phase II pilot study, Australasian Journal of Dermatology 2017;58(3):205-210

2017Positive — efficacyPMID:27000386View source ↗

Enshaieh S, Jooya A, Siadat AH, Iraji F, The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study, Indian Journal of Dermatology Venereology and Leprology 2007;73(1):22-5

2007Positive — efficacyPMID:17314442View source ↗
PHAModerate evidence7 citations

The mildest exfoliating acid. Refines texture and hydrates at the same time, and it's sensitive-skin friendly.

Peng Y et al., Comparison of Efficacy and Willingness to a 5% Gluconolactone-Based Topical Serum and Intense Pulsed Light in Mild Erythema of Rosacea: A Paired Control Study, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(3):e70025 — 5% gluconolactone serum improved erythema and moisturization over 30 days

2025Positive — efficacyPMID:40111222View source ↗

Gentili G et al., Efficacy and Safety of a New Peeling Formulated with a Pool of PHAs for the Treatment of All Skin Types, Even Sensitive, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2023

2023Positive — efficacyPMID:35796684View source ↗

Kantikosum K et al., The efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris, Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology 2019;12:151-161 — gluconolactone cosmeceutical added benefit on top of adapalene without hindering treatment

2019Positive — efficacyPMID:30858720View source ↗
4 more citations view all on the PHA page ↗

Sources: PubMed · KCI · J-Stage · CNKI · Wanfang · SFD · MFDS · Cochrane · SCCS · CIR. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for what each outcome label means.

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