I’m all for trying new toners. They are multitaskers that deliver beyond skin brightening. Of course, I’m talking about well-formulated ones - not the kind I used as a teenager to merely check I wasn't falling into bed with traces of makeup on. Those astringents stripped my skin of more than just grime. Onto something much more ‘modern’... Gallinée, which is a trademarked brand, produces a natural skincare range that focuses on the microbiome. Its face vinegar is considered a holy grail for those with oily or combination skin. But what about those with other skin types?
A Gallinée Face Vinegar was included in a beauty advent calendar I purchased last year. The brand was ‘new to me’, but the toner filled me with intrigue. ‘Face vinegar’? It sounded weird. A bit of research quickly revealed that this skincare product has attracted a cult following. Definitely worth trying on my mature skin, then!
Previously, I’ve quite happily used skin tonics from Revolution Beauty. I’ve bought them in multi-packs, allowing me to switch between formulas to cater for my skin’s ever-changing needs. I’ve also used, with no complaints, the alcohol-free toner from PLouise. Would face vinegar truly be any different? The formula is double-patented and, to me, that says something about the brand’s faith in the product.
About Gallinée Face Vinegar
Manufactured in France, this toner is aimed at those who want to soothe and purify the skin while supporting its delicate microbiome. It refines pores without stripping the skin of the essential oils it needs to stay healthy. It promises to deliver a natural glow while brightening the skin.
Sold in a 200ml bottle or 50ml spray, the products retail at £25 and £8 respectively.
The toner does not contain oils and it is fragrance free. Its main active ingredient is hibiscus-infused apple cider vinegar. Overall, the product is more than 95% natural. So it's kind to the planet as well as the skin.
This toner is available directly from the brand online or from retailers such as Holland & Barrett.
Trying face vinegar
I know what you want to know… Does it smell of vinegar? The answer is: Yes, a bit.
I first used Gallinée Face Vinegar at night, after cleansing. I quickly realised that it delivers similar benefits to glycolic acid but without the harshness. It left my skin feeling not just ‘refined’ but beautifully conditioned and smooth. If your skin has ever felt a tad tight after cleansing, this is a product that delivers instant hydration. Call it a lightbulb moment, but it occurred to me it would be great for use in the mornings too - before I settle into my makeup routine. It lays the foundation for the smoothest of bases.
I’ve enjoyed using this product, not just for its brightening abilities, but because of how it makes my skin look and feel. It gives me a radiant glow while minimising pores and leaving the skin feeling ultra-soft and smooth.
The only time I’d give it a miss is maybe if I was feeling a bit queasy. Vinegar, even in its faintest guise, could tip me over the edge, if you know what I mean. Other than that, it’s a solid staple that I will definitely repurchase. I quite like the idea of the spray, and the price for that is more than reasonable.
Overall, this toner has been a great ‘find’. For a product I’d never previously heard of, it’s opened my eyes to a world of possibilities in the form of science-driven natural skincare.
I enjoy using Gallinée Face Vinegar - and I love the results.
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