A facial toner is the umbrella term for a liquid applied directly to the skin after cleansing, which refreshes and tones without stripping your skin of natural moisture. By contrast, Clinique's iconic Clarifying Lotion™ is a twice-daily liquid exfoliator, or exfoliating toner, available in five uniquely tailored formulas for all skin types. Applied with a cotton ball, this clarifying lotion helps sweep away dead cells that can contribute to dull skin, breakouts and clogged pores. Using Clarifying Lotion™ helps speed up the skin's renewal process, so skin looks fresher and more vibrant.

Exfoliation is the natural process of shedding dead skin cells from the surface of skin. Without exfoliation, dead skin cells may accumulate on the skin’s surface, which can lead to a dull look. Using an exfoliator can help speed up the cell renewal process by sloughing off dead surface cells, leaving skin smooth and glowing. There are two types of exfoliation: chemical exfoliation, or liquid exfoliation, and physical exfoliation. Our most powerful liquid exfoliator, the Clarifying Do-Over Peel contains a 7-acid blend of AHAs, BHA and PHA to reveal millions of fresh cells for skin that looks radiant and renewed. Physical exfoliants, like 7 Day Scrub Cream, contain tiny silica particles to manually exfoliate and scrub the skin.

Looking for a [toner for dry skin]? Though they are classed as liquid exfoliators, we have five different Clarifying Lotion™ formulas tailored to specific skin types, including dry and very dry skin. Clarifying Lotion™ 1 is a great exfoliating toner for dry skin, and can work as a [hydrating toner], as it gently sweeps away pollution, grime and dulling flakes and helps prep skin for moisturiser and other hydration treatments. For drier skin, twice-daily exfoliation helps remove surface flakes which can be a barrier to moisture absorption.