All services and products featured are independently chosen by editors. Nonetheless, StyleCaster could obtain a fee on orders positioned by way of its retail hyperlinks, and the retailer could obtain sure auditable information for accounting functions.
French skincare model Biologique Recherche has been making its line of the ever-elusive (but extremely praised) P50 lotions for greater than 50 years now. This line of “balancing exfoliators” is simply as well-known for its skin-transforming advantages and unequalled cult following as it’s for its pungent stench. Nonetheless, numerous magnificence editors and skincare aficionados are undoubtedly extra than keen to dismiss the potions’ signature scent—the results of a proprietary mix of vinegar and horseradish with a touch of onion—as a result of followers swear it truly works.
In response to the model, these toners improve the pores and skin as a result of they “velocity up the dermis’s pure exfoliating course of and the reconstruction of the epidermal defend.” In different phrases, it sloughs off useless pores and skin from the floor very like chemical exfoliants and retinoid merchandise, because of its mix of trusted anti-aging elements together with sulfur and lactic acid. However the P50 resolution is totally different than its fellow exfoliators as a result of it’s chock-full of bizarre elements that you just’re used to seeing in your kitchen cupboard, not your skincare: onion extract, horseradish, thyme. Regardless of the formulation’s robust acid mix, the extra elements are mentioned to assist restore your pores and skin’s PH ranges and restrict the quantity of irritation related to stronger exfoliating merchandise.
There are at present seven variations of the lotion, with a spread of strengths obtainable relying in your exfoliation tolerance and private pores and skin issues. The unique—and undeniably most coveted—is the authentic P50 1970 resolution. It incorporates a controversial ingredient referred to as phenol, an antiseptic acid compound typically used as a paint thinner but in addition present in some oral sore throat medicines (therefore the numbing sensation upon software that many customers have reported).
Finest Lotion P50 Dupes at a Look
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 Light Balancing Exfoliator
Followers of the lotion (aptly nicknamed “facial in a bottle”) reward the cultish elixir for its quick supply of seen anti-aging advantages. Some even likened the outcomes to Botox therapies. Whereas it’s uncertain that P50 is a Botox different, it’s pretty evident that most individuals who’ve tried this pungent toner are fairly loyal to it, if not completely obsessed. Sadly, as of January 2025, the unique P50 1970 lotion was discontinued within the U.S. attributable to new FDA elements laws that prohibit phenol from being utilized in beauty skin-care merchandise.
Whereas die-hard followers insist P50 is an irreplaceable skin-care hero of their magnificence cupboards, we’ve discovered a couple of phenol-free dupes that may do the same job with out requiring an limitless black market hunt or an invasive stench.
Hottest
Pixi Glow Tonic
. This acid toner does have a couple of foremost variations from the P50, nevertheless. Initially, its acid base is glycolic acid, not lactic like P50’s. It’s additionally formulated with ginseng, which can assist increase circulation within the pores and skin, supplying you with a rosy glow whereas decreasing puffiness. It additionally incorporates aloe vera to fight the irritation from the acid and different harsher actives to assist hold pH in steadiness and cut back redness as nicely.
Finest for delicate pores and skin
Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner
primarily depends on glycolic acid to advertise skin-cell turnover. The shortage of alcohol and addition of soothing aloe vera makes this an particularly nice alternative for these with delicate pores and skin.
Finest for day by day use
REN Clear Skincare Prepared, Set, Glow Day by day AHA Tonic
Finest for clogged pores
COSRX Niacinamide 2% + BHA 4% Blackhead Exfoliant Toner
has attained its personal cult-level standing for its highly effective pore-unclogging properties. Just like the P50 toner, this formulation additionally incorporates niacinamide and BHA (salicylic acid) to decongest clogged pores and slough off useless pores and skin cells. It’s additionally infused with willow bark extract to assist soothe pores and skin and decrease irritation.
Finest clear choice
Moon Juice Acid Potion
with a mix of comparable actives together with lactic acid and niacinamide however swapped out the phenol and horseradish with anti-inflammatory reishi mushroom, providing a “cleaner” model.
Finest for acne-prone pores and skin
Glossier Answer
Finest for dry pores and skin
SkinCeuticals Equalizing Toner