Fresh Start™ Lime Pearl + Prickly Pear 5% PHA Resurfacing Toner

Gentle daily exfoliation for smoother texture, refined-looking pores and renewed radiance

A water-light exfoliating toner designed to lift dull surface buildup and reveal softer, brighter and more even-looking skin. Fresh Start™ pairs 5% Prickly Pear-derived PHAs with naturally occurring AHAs from Australian Lime Pearl to refine texture without the intensity commonly associated with stronger exfoliating acids.

Aloe vera, glycerin and moisture-supporting botanical extracts help maintain hydration and comfort while the formula works. Gentle enough for sensitive skin when introduced gradually, it leaves the complexion refreshed, smooth and better prepared for the next steps in your routine.

Benefits

• Gently removes accumulated dead surface cells
• Visibly smooths rough or uneven texture
• Helps dull skin appear brighter and more radiant
• Refines the appearance of enlarged or congested-looking pores
• Supports a more even-looking complexion
• Helps skincare applied afterward spread and absorb more evenly
• Hydrates and soothes with aloe vera and glycerin
• Offers a gentler alternative to stronger exfoliating acids
• Suitable for normal, dry, combination and sensitive skin
• Water-light texture suitable for regular evening use

Best For

Fresh Start™ is particularly well suited to:

• Dull or tired-looking skin
• Rough or uneven texture
• Enlarged or congested-looking pores
• Dryness and dehydration
• Sensitive skin seeking gentle exfoliation
• Exfoliation beginners
• Skin that does not tolerate stronger AHAs or BHAs
• Anyone seeking a leave-on toner rather than a physical scrub

Why It Is Different

Fresh Start™ combines gentle surface exfoliation with moisture-supporting ingredients, helping minimize the dry or tight feeling that can accompany stronger acid treatments.

Its PHA and botanical AHA blend works gradually to improve visible texture and brightness while aloe, glycerin, beet root and hydrolyzed corn starch support hydration.

• 5% Prickly Pear PHAs: Provide gentle surface exfoliation to help smooth rough texture while supporting moisture balance.
• Australian Lime Pearl Extract: A botanical source of naturally occurring AHAs that helps improve the appearance of dullness, uneven tone and texture.
• Aloe Vera: Hydrates and soothes the skin for a more comfortable exfoliation experience.
• Glycerin: Attracts water to help maintain softness and hydration.
• Beet Root and Hydrolyzed Corn Starch: Help support moisture retention and a supple post-exfoliation feel.

How to Use

Use in the evening after cleansing.

Saturate a cotton round and sweep it gently across the face and neck, avoiding the eye area and lips. Alternatively, dispense a few drops into clean hands and press them directly into the skin.

Do not rinse. Allow the formula to absorb before applying serum and moisturizer.

Begin with two to three applications per week. Gradually increase to once daily only if your skin remains comfortable.

Do not apply to broken, irritated or visibly compromised skin. Patch test before first use and discontinue use if persistent irritation occurs.

Always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning while using exfoliating products.

Loshen & Crem’s Recommendation

Fresh Start™ is an excellent first exfoliating toner for clients who want smoother, brighter skin but find stronger acids intimidating or uncomfortable.

We prefer applying it with clean hands rather than a cotton round when the skin is dry or sensitive. This reduces unnecessary friction and allows you to use less product.

Pair it with a gentle cleanser such as Harmony, followed by Jelly Drops® and Restore Barrier Repair Cream. Avoid using Fresh Start™ on the same evening as Superfruit AHA Mask, another exfoliating acid, a facial scrub or traditional retinol.

If your skin begins to feel tight, unusually shiny, warm or increasingly sensitive, reduce the frequency. More exfoliation does not mean faster progress—barrier comfort is the better guide.

Complete the Three Ships Gentle Resurfacing Routine

1. Cleanse: Harmony Cucumber + Kombucha Microbiome Milky Cleanser
2. Exfoliate: Fresh Start™ Lime Pearl + Prickly Pear 5% PHA Resurfacing Toner
3. Hydrate: Jelly Drops® Kakadu Plum + Mushroom Hyaluronic Acid Serum
4. Moisturize: Restore Ceramides + Gotu Kola Barrier Repair Cream
5. Protect: Finish with broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning

PHAs, AHAs and the Appearance of Pores

Polyhydroxy acids, or PHAs, have a larger molecular structure than many traditional AHAs. They work primarily at the skin’s surface and generally penetrate more gradually, which can make them a more comfortable exfoliating option for dry or sensitive skin.

Fresh Start™ combines Prickly Pear-derived PHAs with Lime Pearl, a botanical source of naturally occurring AHAs. Together, they help loosen accumulated surface cells that can contribute to dullness, rough texture and uneven-looking tone.

Exfoliating toner cannot permanently shrink pores or make them disappear. By clearing surface buildup and smoothing the surrounding skin, however, Fresh Start™ can help pores look cleaner and less pronounced.

Ingredients

• Prickly Pear Fruit Extract: Provides gentle PHA exfoliation while helping support moisture balance.
• Australian Lime Pearl Extract: A botanical source of AHAs that helps brighten dull skin and refine uneven texture.
• Aloe Vera Leaf Juice: Hydrates and soothes the skin during exfoliation.
• Glycerin: Draws moisture into the skin to support softness and comfort.
• Beet Root Extract: Helps support hydration and a supple skin feel.
• Lactobacillus Ferment: Supports formula conditioning and overall skin comfort.

Full Ingredient List:

Aqua/Water/Eau, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear) Fruit Extract, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Anisate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Phytate, Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract, Alcohol.

Ingredient lists may change. Always refer to the product packaging for the most current ingredient list, particularly if you have allergies or sensitivities. Contact info@loshen.ca if you need help reviewing the formula before purchasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fresh Start™ a toner or an exfoliating treatment?

It functions as both. Fresh Start™ has the lightweight consistency and post-cleansing placement of a toner while using PHAs and botanical AHAs to provide gentle leave-on exfoliation.

What is a PHA?

PHA stands for polyhydroxy acid. PHAs have a larger molecular structure than many AHAs, so they tend to work more gradually at the skin’s surface. This can make them better tolerated by dry or sensitive skin.

Is Fresh Start™ suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, it was formulated as a gentler exfoliating option and includes aloe vera and humectants to support comfort. Sensitive skin should begin with one or two applications per week and increase only if well tolerated.

Can I use it every day?

The formula is designed for regular use, but daily exfoliation is not necessary for everyone. Begin two to three evenings per week and adjust according to your skin’s response.

Will Fresh Start™ shrink my pores?

No product can permanently change the natural size of a pore. Fresh Start™ removes surface buildup and smooths the surrounding skin, which can make pores appear cleaner and more refined.

Does this toner contain alcohol?

Yes. Alcohol appears as the final ingredient in the current INCI list. The concentration is not disclosed. Clients who know their skin reacts poorly to alcohol should patch test carefully or choose another exfoliating option.

Should it tingle?

A mild, brief tingling sensation can occur with exfoliating acids. Burning, persistent stinging, swelling or prolonged redness is not a desired response. Rinse the skin and discontinue use if significant discomfort occurs.

Can I use Fresh Start™ with retinol?

Avoid using it in the same routine as traditional retinol, retinal or another strong exfoliating treatment when first introducing the product. Alternate evenings to reduce the risk of over-exfoliation.

Can I use it with SkinHero™ Bakuchiol Serum?

Many skin types can tolerate the combination, but sensitive skin may prefer to alternate them. Introduce one product at a time before deciding whether to layer both.

Can I use Fresh Start™ with the Superfruit AHA Mask?

Do not use them in the same routine. Alternate between Fresh Start™ and Superfruit on different evenings to avoid excessive exfoliation.

Can I use it after the Refresh Salicylic Acid Cleanser?

Both products contribute exfoliating activity. While some resilient skin types may tolerate them together, we recommend using Harmony or Purify Cleanser with Fresh Start™, particularly for sensitive or dry skin.

Can I use vitamin C after Fresh Start™?

Yes, although sensitive skin may prefer Fresh Start™ in the evening and vitamin C in the morning. If layering causes stinging or redness, separate the products.

Does Fresh Start™ replace cleansing?

No. Apply it after cleansing. Although it may lift small amounts of residual surface buildup, it is not designed to remove makeup, sunscreen or daily impurities.

Does it increase sun sensitivity?

Exfoliating acids can make freshly resurfaced skin more vulnerable to sun exposure. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning and limit unnecessary direct exposure.

What results did participants report?

In Three Ships’ consumer panel, 91% of participants said their skin felt softer and 84% said their skin appeared brighter. The panel included 45 participants.