With the launch of MAYSAMA Green Rooibos Brightening Mask in July 2021, I’m super excited to be following this up with the launch of another addition to our Green Rooibos line so soon. Maysama’s highly anticipated ABP11 Green Rooibos Gentle Resurfacing Toner is a much-needed step in your skincare routine.
Exfoliation is one of the most effective ways to brighten a dull complexion and to help aging skin rejuvenate more effectively. Our skin renews itself every 14-28 days and desquamation is a natural process by which skin cells at the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, are sloughed away and replaced. This process slows considerably as we age and, for acne sufferers, dead skin cells tend to hang around longer and potentially can clog pores, contributing to further breakouts.
Exfoliating toners have become favoured in recent years, formulated with Alpha hydroxy acids [AHA], Beta hydroxy acids [BHA] or a combination of both for their resurfacing action. Poly hydroxy acids [PHA] are the new acid kid on the block, gaining wide popularity within Korean Beauty because of their gentler resurfacing action.
Alpha, beta and poly hydroxy acids all help speed up skin turnover, shedding built up layers of unhealthy dead skin cells, naturally without abrasion. Regular application of these resurfacing acids can help considerably to even out skin tone and reduce brown spots, fine lines and wrinkles and dullness, as well as help to reduce excess oil, clogged pores and corresponding breakouts. What’s more, AHA, BHA and PHAs can stimulate the repair and maintenance of essential components needed for skin health.
What is MAYSAMA ABP11 Green Rooibos Gentle Resurfacing Toner?
Maysama’s ABP11 Green Rooibos Gentle Resurfacing Toner combines AHA, BHA and PHAs with a total of 11% acids, for gentle resurfacing and skin conditioning.
Unlike other resurfacing toners on the market, Maysama’s ABP11 toner is formulated with 5% Lactic acid [AHA], which is the sweet spot for sensitive skin, together with 1% salicylic acid [BHA], to help keep pores clear, and 5% gluconolactone [PHA] for gentle resurfacing and moisturising properties.
And of course, Maysama’s ABP11 toner is fortified with our signature Green Rooibos tea extract for its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-glycation action.
As you would expect from Maysama, this toner has the divine scent of rooibos tea and is a light-weight, essential oil-free formulation, with no added colour or fragrance. Regular use of Maysama’s ABP11 toner will improve skin tone and texture and reveal more radiant skin. With a pH 3.4-4.0, Maysama’s ABP11 toner is formulated for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Why I formulated MAYSAMA ABP11 Green Rooibos Gentle Resurfacing Toner.
As someone with sensitive [rosacea prone] skin, I have tried my fair share of exfoliating toners and serums over recent years, and some have been more beneficial than others.
Alpha hydroxy acids, including glycolic acid and lactic acid, are generally suited to normal and combination skin or for those concerned with the visible signs of ageing. They have strong water binding ability and so can help improve the moisture content of skin. Glycolic acid has a low molecular weight, helping it penetrate deeply into the epidermis, which can lead to skin irritation. Lactic acid, on the other hand, is a larger molecule and so does not penetrate as deeply, making it far less irritating. Lactic acid occurs naturally in our skin and plays an important role in the desquamation process. Many serums and toners contain lactic acid in concentrations up to 10% but 5% lactic acid is the preferred concentration for sensitive skin, giving an effective exfoliation without irritation.
Scouring the internet for a 5% AHA skincare product, options are scant at best. And when I did find a product that looked promising, my optimism was quickly dashed by the inclusion of some not so desirable ingredients in the formulation.
Before I knew better, I dove straight in and bought the ever-trending Pixie by Petra Glow Tonic. Just one swipe and my rosacea prone skin was glowing but not in a good way! Formulated with 5% glycolic acid, as well as butylene glycol, hexylene glycol (glycols can cause skin irritation for people with very sensitive skin) and added fragrance, this is not a formulation that would pass my discerning eye today. Don’t get me wrong, Pixie Glow Tonic is a great product, just not for my skin type.
If you don’t have sensitive skin and glycolic acid is your AHA jam, then you might want to check out the hugely popular Paula’s Choice Resist Anti-Aging 5% AHA Exfoliant or Beauty Pie Dr Glycolic Pore Purifying Glow Toner and the super budget-friendly The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution.
Continuing my search, the popular US brand, Kate Somerville, combines glycolic, malic and lactic acid for a 10% AHA mix, in their Liquid Exfolikate Triple Acid Resurfacing Treatment., but whilst reducing the amount of glycolic acid would certainly reduce potential skin sensitivity and irritation, this combo would still be not be ideal for my skin.
For the more sensitive skin types, 5% lactic acid is the absolute goal. Let’s leave the glycolic to the glow-getters and us slow-getters will be the proverbial tortoise that wins the radiance race.
Starting with a splurge, Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment is a skincare classic, formulated with 10% lactic acid and paired with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid. Having tried the more affordable The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA serum, which also contains 10% lactic acid, I know that 10% lactic acid is still more than my skin can tolerate.
I thought I had found the perfect Lactic acid toner with Ren Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic, but was hugely disappointed. As a skincare brand, which allegedly formulates for sensitive skin, this formulation includes five essential oils, including orange flower oil, grapefruit, mandarin and tangerine peel oil, together with the essential oil limonene and added fragrance! That’s a whole lot of potential skin-sensitivity right there! If you don’t know the wrap on fragrance in skincare, you might want to dip into my previous blog; What You Should know about Fragrance in Skincare and Skin Sensitization. According to the Laboratory of Toxicology, Milan, allergy to fragrance compounds is the most frequent cause of suspected Allergic Contact Dermatitis.
Ever optimistic, I turned to beauty brand Biossance with their promising Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum. Would this turn up trumps for the perfect 5% Lactic acid product? Oh no! What’s that lavender oil and linalool doing at the end of that ingredients list? Essential oils again, no thank you!
You know I love a mask, so Dermalogica Age Smart Multivitamin Power Recovery Mask formulated with 5% lactic acid caught my attention, until I clocked butylene glycol second on the ingredient list. A known skin irritant and environmental toxin, I’m leaving that one firmly on the Space NK shelf!
So, where can I find a 5% Lactic Acid Toner or skincare product which isn’t loaded with essential oils, skin irritants or allergens, ideally one which is vegan and cruelty free? Well, the answer is right here….
Enter Maysama ABP11 Green Rooibos Gentle Resurfacing Toner.
Formula
Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Gluconolactone, Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Ascorbic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract, Saccharomyces/ Xylinum /Black Tea Ferment, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Undaria Pinnatifidia Leaf/Stem Extract, Sodium Polyacrylate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Sodium Phytate, Citric Acid, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate.
Gentle Resurfacing Action
Yes, the emphasis is on gentle!! So that’s why I have formulated Maysama ABP11 Green Rooibos Gentle Resurfacing Toner with just 5% Lactic acid [AHA], 1% salicylic acid [BHA] and 5% gluconolactone [PHA], making a total of 11% or ABP11 as we now understand in the industry.
What else does MAYSAMA ABP11 Gentle Resurfacing Toner do for my Skin?
Aside from its exfoliating action, Maysama ABP11 Gentle Resurfacing Toner is formulated to hydrate, moisturise, soothe and brighten your skin.
Our Green Rooibos Extract acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, helping to calm skin as well as potent antioxidant, and anti-glycation agent.
Kombucha is a beautiful probiotic, anti-aging ingredient inspired by Korean beauty, packed with antioxidants, as well a brightening agent. And Wakame, Undaria pinnatifida, is a type of seaweed, rich in polyphenols for antioxidant protection, hydration and soothing, thanks to a compound known as fucoidan.
Is MAYSAMA ABP11 Green Rooibos Gentle Resurfacing Toner for me?
This gentle resurfacing toner is for you if you are addressing dullness, uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, congestion, dryness or even fine lines.
Maysama formulates for all skin types but always with sensitive skin in mind. The resurfacing acids in our gentle resurfacing toner are suitable for sensitive skin, although I would always recommend a patch test first.
Usage and Recommended Protocol?
Based on the recommended use, this generous 125ml bottle should last you from 6 to 9 months.
Simply apply to cotton pad and swipe over clean skin on face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Mild tingling is to be expected because the formulation is acidic, but if you experience anything more than this, please stop using it. Do not use this product on irritated skin and please discontinue use if irritation occurs.
Please also be advised that Maysama ABP11 Green Rooibos Gentle Resurfacing Toner may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so I strongly recommend adequate sunscreen protection while using this product.
Can this Gentle Resurfacing Toner be used with other Products?
As this product contains gentle resurfacing acids, your skin sensitivity will increase. I therefore do not recommend using other active ingredients at the same time. Instead, I would recommend alternating your retinoids/Vitamin C serum on alternative days to your gentle resurfacing toner.
Other credentials
MAYSAMA is committed to formulating efficacious skincare with an eco-conscious strategy.
Our green rooibos extract comes from sustainable farming and undergoes a patented extraction process, which increases its antioxidant potential 70-fold, making it a unique phytopharmaceutical ingredient.
Maysama ABP11 Gentle Resurfacing Toner is Registered with The Vegan Society and approved as cruelty free under the Leaping Bunny programme.
My chosen packaging for Maysama ABP11 Gentle Resurfacing Toner is a glass frosted bottle, silk screen printed, which is infinitely recyclable, with a wooden lid.
Maysama donate 1% of their profits annually to the Environmental Working Group based in Cape Town, South Africa in support of their programme of action research which supports the wild rooibos farming community.
I hope that Maysama’s values resonate with your own and I hope that you love Maysama ABP11 Green Rooibos Gentle Resurfacing Toner as much as I do.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to drop them in the comments below and if you would like to leave a product review, please go to MAYSAMA ABP11+ Green Rooibos Gentle Resurfacing Toner - Maysama and scroll to the bottom of the page to leave your review.
Maysama rewards customer loyalty and awards 10 points for every product review, so don’t forget to create an account if you haven’t already done so.
So, with the advent of Maysama ABP11 Toner, Maysama now has three skincare friends. If you would like to find out more about our Green Rooibos Skincare range, visit Maysama SHOP
Thank you so much!
Bev xx