Face Vinegar? Yep, it's a thing.

I love a new product press release when it’s something I’ve never heard of before – because that’s rare after 15 years plus doing this job –  but Face Vinegar?! Doesn’t sound that appealing does it?

However, don’t judge a book by its cover, or in this case, the name. For a start, this isn’t really a vinegar, it’s essentially a toner. You use it after cleansing, and before moisturising.

Gallinee Face Vinegar contains Actibiome, a prebiotic from French algae that works to calm stressed skin and prevent it from further irritations alongside postbiotics that allow the skin’s beneficial bacteria to flourish.

The second active is the Hibiscus Vinegar – extracted from the Hibiscus flower that’s native to Central America, the vinegar improves skin in three distinct ways:

1. Purification. Rich in acetic acid that has astringent properties to gently dislodge dirt and unhealthy bacteria, it also contains tannins that have been found to regulate sebum.

2. Protection.  Full of antioxidants that stop free radicals attacking and degrading skin cells, oxidative stress is reduced so skin remains protected from external ageing factors.

3. Proliferation.  A recognised AHA (alpha hydroxyacid), the gentle exfoliating action stimulates cell renewal for a smoother, refined finish. It also helps minimise the appearance of blemish scarring.

This product has an AHA in it, so be careful in the sun after use – always use an SPF.

Without a healthy balance of bacteria, the skin’s microbiome is at risk of irritation, inflammation and ageing – we all need bacteria on our bodies. Using products that contain prebiotics and postbiotics ensures the beneficial bacteria remain intact and skin stays protected from free radicals and oxidative stress.

In addition pH levels become consistent and the microbiome receives the support system it needs to function at its optimum, and you have happier skin all round.

The idea of the Face Vinegar is that it acts as a pivot between what you remove from the skin surface when you cleanse and what you replenish it with afterwards. When sebum and dead skin cells block pores, they inhibit bacteria which can prompt spots, acne, dry skin and dullness. It can also mean other ingredients applied topically have a difficult time entering the stratum corneum (outer layer of the skin) impacting everything from how radiant skin appears, to how protected it is from free radicals.

The good news is that it doesn’t smell like vinegar, it has no alcohol in it, and it’s soothing, and pleasant to use.

Gallinée Face Vinegar is available on gallinee.com 200ml, £23.