Many people see the “toner” as a redundant part of a skincare routine – something dreamt up by beauty companies that we don’t in fact need. But actually, I’m here to tell you there is a point to toner, especially if your skin is of the dull, blemish-prone kind. Acting as a “chemical exfoliator”, any toner worth its salt should dissolve and lift away dirt and dead skin cells for an in-depth cleanse – yet many are so full of alcohol they leave the skin parched in the process.
Not so with Alpha H Liquid Gold, a hardworking lotion (which describes itself as a toner, exfoliator and moisturiser in one and can be used on its own) that has become a bathroom cabinet staple and provokes nods of approval among journalists and bloggers.
It contains glycolic acid – hence the slight tingle felt after applying it – which not only shifts dead skin (by dissolving the bonds holding dead skin cells together) but also triggers fibroblast activity in the skin to boost production of collagen and hyaluronic acid – which keep skin plumped and hydrated – and also contains liquorice extract to tackle hyperpigmentation.
A specially commissioned illustration for the 15th anniversary of
Liquid Gold by Kelly Smith of Birdy and Me
The Alpha H brand itself is unique – products are stripped of all the glossy marketing campaigns and excess chemicals and fragrance. With an unusually high percentage of natural actives, they aren’t designed to have a pleasant fragrance or a luxurious texture.
Instead they work hard for their money and are results driven – not least Liquid Gold, which has garnered such a loyal army of beauty fans, its 15th birthday caused the brand to hold celebrations worldwide, which included London’s black taxis being transformed into Liquid Gold cabs.
I’ve heard Liquid Gold described by industry insiders as the next best thing to going under the knife. It might not work miracles for everyone, but for those on the look out for a super-charged, multi-tasking lotion which works hard for its money, you could do a lot worse.
by Viola Levy
Alpha H Liquid Gold is currently available with a free Alpha H Triple Action Cleanser for £33.50 here or here