I have an oily t-zone, combination skin, and was searching for a toner that would help my scars, blackheads, as well as getting my skin extra clean. I don't break out too much on my forehead, mostly my chin, and more recently it's been my nose. I stumbled along Mario Badescu, and could not be happier with this toner. I've gone through one full bottle of the 8oz, and I purchased it in November of 2011, and now it's the middle of December, 2012. I'd say that's good longevity for everyday, morning and night use. However, one -important- hint: Do not use a cotton ball to put the product on and then wipe your face, nix the cotton ball altogether and put a small dot of the liquid on your fingers- it's tricky to get it the first time to only come out a bead at a time, but just lean the 'squirter' on to your fingers and tip just a little ways. (It's water consistency, and will not be blue on your face.) Then take your *clean* hands and wipe your face with it. I guarantee you, this works, and I wished I had done it this way since I got the product; I used up almost half the bottle in probably only two months using the cotton ball method in the beginning. I use the Glycolic Acid Toner by washing my face night/day (I use a sulfur soap) and then pat dry. With my clean hands, I gently wipe the toner pretty much everywhere, adding more to my fingers and wiping down any areas I feel need it. Let dry. My face turns red using this, but that's just simple blood circulation and the 'harshness' of pushing/rubbing on my skin.(I'm beginning to diagnose myself as sensitive.) I also used to only use it in the night, but after I felt like my skin kinda needed it in the morning. I've noticed my skin "craving" this more in the winter- I feel like it's a good way to exfoliate the dead winter dryness. However, it SAVED my skin when I went from the Utah climate to Houston in the summer- I was breaking out, and couldn't leave little zits everywhere, so after I popped them, I used this- it dries it up, and burns anything that's open a little, but it helps with scars and probably disinfects some. I wouldn't say that it helps greatly with blackheads, but I'm guessing if you have 'first stage' blackheads it'll probably help: mine are about at the stage 'embedded in my skin for eternity.' :D I do think it helps with scars, it just takes time. It speeds the regular process up, I'd say, though. The first time you use this, you'll probably notice tingling, but after regular use this goes away. This gives my skin a great glow, and it does not break me out, (oily, combo, redness, zits on chin and nose, blackheads on nose.) Does not dry out my skin, even in the winter. I'm 16, for more info. I purchased just recently the 16 oz size, and I've noticed in a year: The ingredients are the same, but it seems like this 'fresher batch' made more immediate improvement- maybe it would be a better idea to by the smaller size? Like the ingredients become expired? (No expiration date that I've found.) And also, the only thing on the label that's changed is it says not to use on breakout-erupted skin. I wouldn't say my acne is severe, more slightly moderate. I have no problem with this toner. I love it! Bottom line: Buy if you want fresh, clean skin, to reduce acne scarring, help early blackheads, with a nice clean glow and mild exfoliation.
