R.I.P. to Biologique Recherche’s P50 1970 Toner – The Cut

Things you buy through our links may earn Vox Media a commissionIf you’re an avid user of Biologique Recherche’s P50 1970 toner, then you might want to stock up on it: As of January 2025, the last shipment was sent into the U.S. and once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. The toner is a cult classic beloved by celebrities like Bella Hadid and Nicole Richie, beauty editors, and more. The exfoliating lotion may have a horrible smell (many compare it to hot-dog water), but it’s one of the toners on the market known for its efficacy. It exfoliates the skin treating dark marks, acne, and any irritation, with consistent use.It works so well because of its potent list of ingredients: vinegar, niacinamide, salicylic acid, sulfur, phenol, and more. Phenol, an antiseptic and chemical compound used in skin care to exfoliate, remove blemishes, and treat skin infections, is the ingredient being flagged in the product. According to the CDC, “all forms of phenol cause irritation, and acute toxic effects of phenol most often occur by skin contact. Even diluted solutions (1 percent to 2 percent) may cause severe burns if contact is prolonged.” Yikes! The benefits include treating sun spots, reducing wrinkles, and improving acne and uneven skin tone. There is less than 1 percent of phenol in the P50 1970 formula, and the chemical has always been regulated by the FDA. However, new FDA ingredients regulations prohibit the chemical from being used in cosmetic skin-care products. So there goes our beloved exfoliating lotion.Upon notice of the discontinuation, a Reddit user wrote, “I recently discovered this product and fell in love with it. It transformed my skin. Someone at work asked if I had gotten Botox.” A user upset about the news commented, “The Phenol is what makes it so good.” While P50 1970 is being discontinued in the U.S., there are still other non-phenol versions available, including the regular P50, P50W for sensitive and reactive skin, and P50 PIGM 400 for brightening and pigmentation, popular among darker skin tones. In an Instagram post about the discontinuation, a Europe-based skin expert and facialist, Ionica Dumont, said, “We never had [P50 1970] in Europe and as a BR skin expert, I have healed so many clients with cystic acne with the regular P50 and it works wonders!” Usually products that are banned in the U.S. are available in Europe or elsewhere, but this phenol-infused product not even being available there does raise eyebrows.The toner is still in stock until … it’s not. Stock up before it’s gone. Now, excuse us while we grieve the loss of a skin-care-routine legend to regimens across the country. We’ve reached out to Biologique Recherche for comments.By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us.Things you buy through our links may earn Vox Media a commission

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