The leaves contain hardly any tannins (0.04%) or catechins and contain a medium amount of gallic acid (compared to the bark and twigs). It contains the terpenoids chamazulene and bisabolol both of which show great anti-inflammatory action in animal studies. Exactly what it sounds: nice smelling stuff put into cosmetic products so that the end product also smells nice. Centella Asiatica - or gotu kola as normal people call it - has been used in folk medicine for hundreds of years. It’s used to treat several skin diseases that are connected to inflammation including atopic dermatitis, rosacea or eczema. It is also used as a sensory additive and thickening agent. A common glycol that improves the freeze-thaw stability of products. Another thing Houttuynia cordata extract contains are polysaccharides, i.e. 20 is a weak emulsifier, rather called solubilizer used commonly in toners while 60 and 80 are more common in serums and creams. As for the skin benefits of Zanthoxylum Piperitum, it might have antioxidant effects (with active components called hyperoside and quercitrin), but more importantly, it is an antibacterial and natural preservative agent. It is aromatic and spiny. It is a natural and sustainable helper ingredient that can improve the absorption of the formula and it also reduces oiliness on the skin. When it comes to Tea Tree, the essential oil is the one that steals the show with its well-documented antimicrobial and anti-acne effects. With Hazel - loaded with active components (hamamelitannin, catechins, gallic acid) that have astringent, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant or anti-bacterial properties. Though chamomile is usually a goodie for the skin, it's also not uncommon to have an allergic reaction to it. Zanthoxylum Piperitum commonly known as Japanese Pepper is a deciduous shrub. The extract is not very well defined, and it probably contains the active components of the oil in much-reduced concentrations. Of course, it cannot make a miracle but it might have some effect via regulating microcirculation and normalizing the metabolism in the cells of connective tissues. One of the biological activities of the centellosides is to be able to stimulate GAGs (glycosaminoglycans - polysaccharides that are part of the liquidy stuff between our skin cells), and especially hyaluronic acid synthesis in our skin. So all in all, we think "Hamamelis Virginiana Extract" on the ingredient list is nothing to worry about. This Benton Aloe BHA Skin toner is my go-to toner whenever I feel like my skin is feeling rough on the nose and when I need a little exfoliation. Also alcohol-free extracts and distillates exist; actually, the majority seem to be alcohol-free nowadays. It is usually used as a helper ingredient to adjust the pH of the formula. Once inside the skin, it hydrates, but not from the outside - putting pure water on the skin (hello long baths!) The good ones contain 50-90% catechins (and often make the product brown and give it a distinctive smell), Green tea is proven to be a great antioxidant, UV protectant, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic and antimicrobial, Because of these awesome properties green tea is a great choice for anti-aging and also for skin diseases including rosacea, acne and atopic dermatitis, It’s the most researched AHA with the most proven skin benefits, It gently lifts off dead skin cells to reveal newer, fresher, smoother skin, It can help skin’s own collagen production that results in firmer, younger skin, It can fade brown spots caused by sun damage or PIH, Choose a product where you know the concentration and pH value because these two greatly influence effectiveness, Don’t forget to use your sunscreen (in any case but especially so next to an AHA product), Slight stinging or burning with a stronger AHA product is normal, If your skin is very sensitive, rosacea prone choose rather a BHA or PHA product, It’s the second most researched AHA after glycolic acid, It also has amazing skin hydrating properties, In higher concentration (10% and up) it improves skin firmness, thickness and wrinkles, Mandelic acid is an AHA that comes from bitter almond, It can gently lift off dead surface skin cells and make the skin more smooth and even, It’s promising against acne and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, It’s light sensitive, so choose a product with opaque packaging.