SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion - Hydrating Face Toner with AHAs to Exfoliate & Visibly Improve Texture -

★ 4.6 · 321 ratings

$80

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The Quick Take

What it is

SK-II's cult-favorite exfoliating toner pairs AHAs with the brand's signature fermented PITERA to sweep away dead skin and prep your complexion for the rest of your routine. It's the Japanese skincare staple that works across all skin types.

Why It Made The Cut

What earns it a place in this cart

Customers consistently return to it, which tells you everything about its staying power.

The exfoliating toner that actually feels luxe.

Our Take

A refined, no-nonsense exfoliator that delivers visible results without the drama.

SK-II's Clear Lotion is a two-step exfoliator wrapped in a silky ritual: AHAs dissolve dead skin while PITERA—a proprietary fermented blend containing over 50 micro-nutrients—nourishes as it works.

At $80 for 5.4 oz, the price reflects SK-II's heritage status and the proprietary fermentation process—not a bargain pick, but a considered investment in a proven formula.

Who it is forBest for anyone looking to refine texture and even tone without stripping, and especially for those who want an exfoliating step that layers seamlessly into a multi-step routine (essences, serums, moisturizers all work beautifully after).

How We Judged It

What to check before you buy

Exfoliating Power

AHA + Salicylic & Lactic Acid formulation

The acid blend targets both surface (AHA) and pore-level (salicylic) buildup in one step. Unlike harsher physical exfoliants, it's calibrated for twice-daily use without irritation—you're conditioning as you clarify.

The PITERA Advantage

Proprietary fermented bio-ingredient with over 50 micro-nutrients

This is SK-II's secret weapon: instead of stripping skin, the fermentation byproduct nourishes while acids work. Think of it as exfoliation with a cushion built in—it's why even sensitive-leaning skin types can tolerate it.

Texture & Ritual

5.4 oz hydrating toner applied via cotton pad, twice daily

The silky texture and deliberate application method (T-zone first, upward sweep) turn this into a moment, not a chore. It preps skin to absorb everything that follows and leaves a refined, non-tight finish.

Good To Know

Straight from the listing

Silky, Smooth, Radiant & Renewed - This gentle face toner conditions the skin surface for a silky finish and preps it for the rest of your skincare regimen. Works best for normal, dry, combination and oily…
A Trio of Skin-Smoothing Ingredients - Our hydrating toner is formulated with PITERA™ and AHA to exfoliate and remove residual impurities and dead skin surface cells.
AHA - Also known as Alpha Hydroxy Acid, this is a key ingredient in the formulation of this pore refining toner, helping to improve the appearance of dullness and uneven skin tone by removing dead surface skin.
How to Use - Soak a cotton pad with the hydrating facial toner. Gently wipe the entire face, starting with your T-Zone then sweeping from your chin towards your cheeks in an upward and outward motion. Use…

Manufacturer copy, trimmed. Check the listing for current dimensions and stock.

Context

Where this sits

This is the toner that bridges East Asian skincare wisdom (fermentation, multi-step routines) with Western exfoliation science, and it's been refined over decades to feel gentle enough for daily use.