Press & Clear

Salicylic, slowed down

Salicylic acid, fourth in the formula, at genuine working strength, arrives wrapped in cyclodextrin, a sugar cage that releases the acid gradually rather than all at once. The oil-soluble acid follows sebum into the pore lining and keeps it clear; the encapsulation is why a daily-use tonic can carry real BHA without the sting curve.

The mark eraser

Blemishes leave souvenirs. Alpha-arbutin, the stronger, enzymatically made form of nature’s gentled hydroquinone, slows the pigment production behind post-blemish marks, so the tonic works on the aftermath as well as the eruption.

The calm and the C

Aloe soothes where acids work, and Kakadu plum, the Australian native holding the highest natural vitamin C concentration recorded, brings antioxidant support in its polyphenol matrix. Fragrance-free throughout.

The press

Same technique as its sibling: pressed in with hands, no cotton pad, nothing wasted.

Breakout-prone, oily and congested skin wanting a daily leave-on BHA, and anyone whose blemishes fade slowly into brown marks, where the arbutin earns its place. From teenage skin to adult hormonal breakouts.

Worth knowing

A leave-on salicylic product: introduce once daily, keep SPF non-negotiable, and skip it on nights stronger acids or retinoids are working. Avoid with an aspirin (salicylate) allergy, and with a sulfite sensitivity (contains sodium metabisulfite). Take advice before use during pregnancy. Persistent or cystic breakouts belong with our clinicians, not a stronger shelf.

After cleansing, once daily to start (morning or evening), building to twice if skin approves: dispense onto palms and press over face, avoiding the eye area. Follow with serum and moisturiser.

High SPF every morning for the life of the routine.

Use alongside

The clarifying twin of Press & Glow, Glow for radiance, Clear for breakouts; choose the tonic that matches the skin in the mirror, not both. It holds the daily-BHA chair alongside ZO’s Oil Control Pads and pairs downstream with Clarity or Stop Spot for targeted work, but never stack leave-on acids in one routine. On retinoid nights, it rests.