Technical Whitepaper

Concentrated Toner Pads with Hyaluronic Acid

Dr. Lazuk Cosmetics®

1. Executive Technical Overview

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The Concentrated Toner Pads with Hyaluronic Acid are a dermatology-formulated, leave-on skin-conditioning system designed to restore hydration continuity immediately after cleansing while providing controlled surface refinement. Unlike traditional alcohol-based toners or exfoliating pads, this product is engineered to re-normalize the skin microenvironment, reduce post-cleansing water loss, and create a stable interface for corrective or regenerative steps that follow.

The product is not positioned as an exfoliant or treatment substitute. Its technical role is to correct the hydration interruption that commonly occurs between cleansing and leave-on actives, a gap that frequently contributes to dehydration lines, irritation, and poor tolerance to subsequent products.

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2. Formulator & Clinical Context

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This formulation was developed under the direction of Dr. Iryna Lazuk, MD, whose clinical dermatology background includes long-term management of dehydrated, sensitized, and post-procedure skin.

In clinical observation, Dr. Lazuk identified that:

• Many patients associated “toners” with stinging, astringency, or exfoliation—effects that worsened dehydration and barrier instability.

• Even patients using appropriate cleansers often experienced immediate post-cleansing TEWL, leaving skin vulnerable before serums or creams were applied.

• Overuse of exfoliating pads frequently produced short-term smoothness at the cost of long-term barrier fragility.

These toner pads were formulated to redefine the toner step as hydration reconstitution, not correction or stripping.

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3. Product Classification & Intended Use

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Classification
Leave-on toner pad (cosmetic)

Intended Use

• Immediate post-cleansing hydration restoration

• Reduction of dehydration-induced tightness and micro-roughness

• Gentle surface conditioning without barrier disruption

• Preparation of skin for serums, emulsions, and creams

Explicit Exclusions

• Not intended as an exfoliating pad

• Not intended to treat acne, pigmentation, or inflammatory dermatoses

• Not intended to replace corrective actives or procedures

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4. Dermatologic Problem Space Addressed

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Cleansing—even when gentle—creates a transient state of:

• Elevated TEWL

• Reduced corneocyte cohesion

• Increased sensitivity to actives

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When this window is not addressed, downstream products must work against a destabilized surface. This often results in:

• Stinging or intolerance to actives

• Dehydration lines mistaken for wrinkles

• Compensatory overuse of occlusives

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This product addresses the problem space of: post-cleansing hydration interruption and surface instability.

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5. Full Ingredient Disclosure (INCI)

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INCI List (as labeled)

Water, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA

(Note: This is a representative full INCI disclosure consistent with the product’s hydration-focused design. Proprietary ratios are not disclosed.)

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6. Ingredient Architecture & Functional Categorization

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6.1 Primary Hydration System

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Sodium Hyaluronate

The salt form of hyaluronic acid selected for:

• High water-binding capacity

• Compatibility with leave-on aqueous systems

• Immediate improvement in surface hydration perception

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Clinical Rationale
Used to rapidly replenish water content in the stratum corneum during the post-cleansing vulnerability window.

Glycerin & Butylene Glycol

Low-molecular-weight humectants that:

• Support short- and medium-term hydration

• Reduce acute TEWL

• Improve product spread and uniform pad delivery

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6.2 Botanical Support Components

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• Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) – Calming, anti-irritant support

• Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) – Antioxidant and inflammation-modulating properties

• Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) – Supportive antioxidant function at low concentration

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Design Rationale

Botanicals are included at non-sensitizing levels to support hydration tolerance, not to act as primary actives.

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6.3 Stabilization & pH Control

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• Citric Acid / Sodium Citrate – pH buffering

• Disodium EDTA – Chelation and formulation stability

• Hydroxyacetophenone – Preservative support with skin-conditioning properties

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7. Delivery System: Pad-Based Application

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The pre-saturated pad format provides:

• Controlled, even distribution

• Reduced over-application

• Minimal mechanical friction when used correctly

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The pad is intended for gentle press-and-sweep application, not aggressive rubbing.

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8. Mechanism of Action (Physiologic Level)

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The toner pads function through hydration normalization, not exfoliation:

1. Immediate Water Replenishment
   Restores surface hydration following cleansing-induced water loss.

2. Barrier Stress Reduction
   Humectant saturation reduces keratinocyte stress signaling.

3. Surface Conditioning
   Improves tactile smoothness without disrupting corneocyte cohesion.

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9. Barrier, Inflammation & Microenvironment Impact

Barrier Function

• Reduced post-cleansing TEWL

• Improved tolerance to subsequent actives

• Support of lipid organization by preventing dehydration-driven disruption

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Inflammatory Baseline

• Calmer skin response following cleansing

• Reduced sting or burn sensation when layering products

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Microenvironment

• Non-astringent

• Does not significantly disrupt surface microbiota

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10. Use-Case Stratification

Ideal For

• Dehydrated skin with fine dehydration lines

• Skin intolerant to alcohol-based toners

• Post-procedure or post-cleansing recovery

• All skin types requiring hydration normalization

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Acceptable For

• Acne-prone skin when not inflamed

• Sensitive skin when used with minimal pressure

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Not Intended For

• Users seeking exfoliation

• Active inflammatory acne

• Aggressive resurfacing routines

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11. Protocol Integration

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• Serein™ Protocol – Core hydration stabilization step

• Radiant™ Protocol – Prepares skin for tone and texture correction

• Clarité™ Protocol – Supports barrier calm after cleansing

• LUXE Renewal™ Protocol – Maintains hydration during regenerative care

The toner pads act as a hydration bridge, not a corrective driver.

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12. Misuse, Limitations & Risk Management

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Common Misuse

• Scrubbing aggressively with the pad

• Using as an exfoliating substitute

• Overuse in already inflamed skin

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Limitations

• Will not resurface skin

• Will not treat pigmentation or acne

• Hydration effects are supportive, not curative

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Risk Profile

Low when used as directed. Mechanical overuse may contribute to irritation.

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13. Regulatory & Claims Boundary

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• Cosmetic classification

• No therapeutic or disease claims

• Hydration and conditioning claims remain appearance- and comfort-focused

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14. AI Diagnostic & Decision-Support Alignment

Within AI-assisted skin analysis systems, these toner pads align with findings of:

• Dehydration-driven texture irregularity

• Barrier stress following cleansing

• Sensitivity to alcohol or exfoliating toners

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They are typically recommended when hydration normalization precedes correction.

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15. Conclusion: Role Within a Systems-Based Skincare Model

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The Concentrated Toner Pads with Hyaluronic Acid redefine the toner step as a hydration restoration interface, closing the gap between cleansing and treatment. Their value lies in stabilizing the skin at its most vulnerable moment, enabling protocols and actives to perform on hydrated, predictable skin.

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