<https://www.acne.org/forums/topic/130376-oil-fighting-toner/#comment-1>
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"I couldn't find the specific product you mentioned (Are you sure that's what it's called?), but pretty much anything labeled \"astringent\" is going to be too irritating for the skin because every astringent I've ever seen contained high concentrations of skin irritants like drying alcohols.  All the Clean and Clear astringents I did find not only contained SD alcohol 40 (a drying type of alcohol), but also menthol and menthyl lactate to give the skin a cooling/tingly feeling so that consumers think the product is working.  However, a cooling/tingly sensation on the skin, while it might feel refreshing, is a sign of irritation.  Alcohol definately does a good job at removing surface oil, but only temporarily and with the risk of future skin problems due to the damage caused by irritation.  This irritation also causes the skin around the pores to swell, making them appear smaller, but again the effect is temporary and not worth the risks.  Salicylic acid has gotten a bad reputation for being a harsh and in many cases ineffective ingredient, when in all actuality the problems salicylic acid users experience has more to due with the \"inactive\" ingredients.   In all actuality well-formulated salicylic acid products are gentler than alpha hydroxy acid products because salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties due to its relationship with aspirin.  Also, unlike alpha hydroxy acids, salicylic acid is lipid soluble and can exfoliate within the pore, making it the preferential choice for acne sufferers.  Unfortunately, most salicylic acid products have too high of a pH (over 4) to allow for exfoliation, contain high concentrations of skin irritants, or both.  The only pH-correct and gentle salicylic acid products I know of are:  Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Face Lotion Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging Anti-Blemish Daily Moisturizer Paula's Choice 1% or 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid products* Serious Skin Care Clarifying Treatment  *Paula's Choice makes by far the best salicylic acid products which are also the cheapest per ounce, but they must be ordered online.  Well-formulated salicylic acid products can be used in conjunction with benzoyl peroxide, and in my opinion deliver better results for inflammatory acne sufferers than using one medication alone because the salicylic acid exfoliates and helps fight clogged pores, while the benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria which are a factor in the inflammation of pimples.  Dermatologists of course have mixed views on the matter, but it is my belief that most dermatologists recommending the avoidance of salicylic acid products while using benzoyl peroxide is because the majority of salicylic acid products contain skin irritants.  As was the case with your astringent, I couldn't find the specific moisturizer you mentioned, but none of Clean and Clear's moisturizers that I did see were worth buying.  Like the astringents, they contained menthyl lactate and/or menthol, and the ones with sun protection were not broad-spectrum (meaning they did not provide adequate protection against UVA rays, which are arguably more harmful than UVB rays).  Also, I highly doubt that the pH of the moisturizers was low enough to for the salicylic acid to act as an exfoliant, but just in case it was, you should only use one exfoliant at a time.  Using two salicylic acid products together regularly is too irritating for your skin.  Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid make the skin more sun-sensitive, so it is especially improtant that you wear a broad spectrum SPF 15 or higher sunscreen.  A broad-spectum sunscreen can be identified by the active ingredients it contains-  if it doesn't contain titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone, mexoryl sx, or tinosorb, it is not broad-spectrum and should not be used.  Many Acne.org users do not think wearing sunscreen regularly is important because they avoid the sun or it's cloudy out.  However, UVA and UVB rays penetrate cloud cover, and UVA rays penetrate glass and light clothing.  Daily unprotected exposure, even if it doesn't cause a noticeable change in the color of your skin, is cumulative and adds up over time.  It has been theorized that sun damage plays a factor in acne, not only because sun damage impairs the skin's ability to function normally and increases the risk of clogged pores, but because of the destruction of collagen sun damage causes.  Unfortunately nothing you apply topically will make much difference in how oily or not your skin is because oil production is primarily controlled by hormones, so only certain oral medications are truly effective  in reducing oil production.  The oil can only be removed/absorbed.  To absorb excess oil you can wear a sheer powder, like Janes Staying Powder in Colorless, or you can use oil-blotting sheets like those from Biore throughout the day. \n"
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