Purcell's brightening toner built around glutathione — the body's own master antioxidant, naturally produced from three amino acids: glycine, cysteine and glutamic acid.

Topically, glutathione works on two levels: it neutralizes free radicals that trigger oxidative stress-induced pigmentation, and it shifts the skin's melanin production pathway from dark eumelanin toward lighter phaeomelanin. The supporting cast includes a stable vitamin C derivative, niacinamide, polyglutamic acid, Sphingomonas ferment, gluconolactone PHA, and cysteine and glycine (the two amino acids the body uses to make glutathione naturally). Fragrance-free, but does have natural Ascorbic Acid scent. pH 5.5. 2% irritancy tested.

• L-Glutathione — Melanin-Pathway Brightening — glutathione is the most abundant antioxidant in human cells, responsible for cellular detoxification and protection; in skincare its brightening mechanism works differently from niacinamide or vitamin C — it acts on the melanin synthesis switch itself, reducing tyrosinase activity and shifting eumelanin (dark brown-black pigment) production toward phaeomelanin (yellow-red pigment), resulting in a lighter, more even skin tone over time; the "L" prefix indicates the biologically active L-isomer (the form the body recognizes); it also contains cysteine and glycine — the precursor amino acids the skin's own cells use to synthesize glutathione, supporting the body's natural production alongside the topical dose
• 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid — Stable, Deep-Penetrating Vitamin C — regular L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) oxidizes rapidly and is difficult to stabilize; 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid is a vitamin C derivative with an ethyl group attached at the 3-position that prevents oxidation; it is oil-soluble (unlike L-ascorbic acid) allowing deeper skin penetration before the enzyme activity in skin converts it to active L-ascorbic acid inside the cell; it brightens, stimulates collagen production and protects against UV-induced oxidative damage — a more effective delivery form than standard vitamin C serums
• Sphingomonas Ferment Extract — Rare Microbial Ferment — Sphingomonas is a bacterium found in glacier water and other extreme environments that naturally produces hyaluronic acid, sphingolipids and gellan gum; the ferment extract delivers these compounds in a highly bioavailable fermented form; sphingolipids are a component of the skin's natural barrier lipids, supporting ceramide function; this is one of the more unusual and premium ferment ingredients in K-beauty, rarely found in toners at this price point
• Polyglutamic Acid + Sodium Hyaluronate + Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer — three-layer hydration stack; polyglutamic acid (PGA) is a fermented amino acid polymer that holds up to 4x more moisture than hyaluronic acid by forming a film that prevents TEWL; sodium hyaluronate provides standard surface hydration; sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer (cross-linked HA) holds moisture in a more sustained, slow-release format; together they create layered, long-lasting hydration without heaviness
• Gluconolactone (PHA) + Niacinamide + Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate — gentle actives layer; gluconolactone PHA exfoliates at the skin surface without deep penetration, safe for sensitive skin; niacinamide brightens, strengthens barrier and controls sebum; dipotassium glycyrrhizate (licorice root salt) is one of the most potent natural anti-inflammatory compounds, reducing redness and calming post-exfoliation sensitivity; together they make the toner suitable for daily AM and PM use even on reactive skin

Apply a moderate amount to the palm or a cotton pad and gently pat onto the face. Use after cleansing as the first active step in the routine. Suitable for sensitive, dehydrated and dull skin. Can be used morning and evening. Fragrance-free. pH 5.5.

Korean skincare at Olive Kollection since 2018 — free shipping on orders over $40.