We are so thrilled to unveil Hydratone, our daily 3-in-1 hydrating, toning, and exfoliating essence.
If you’re new to essences, think of them as the beautiful in-between step in your routine. An essence delivers the refreshing, skin-prepping benefits of a toner while offering the concentrated nourishment you’d expect from a serum. Hydratone fits seamlessly into your skincare ritual, elevating both your results and your experience.
This launch is especially exciting for us because Hydratone fills a meaningful gap in our product lineup—we don't have an essence yet, let alone one that compliments the rest of our products! It also marks an exciting stepping stone in our ongoing commitment to delivering sensitive-skin-friendly formulas designed to support healthy skin at every age.
Hydratone is a multitasking daily essential that hydrates deeply, leaves skin visibly smoother and brighter, and helps refine overall texture. We formulated it to offer an exfoliating and brightening experience for those who typically can’t tolerate exfoliating acids. By pairing supportive, nature-sourced ingredients with low but effective percentages of larger-molecular-weight exfoliating acids, Hydratone delivers results without penetrating too deeply into the skin—helping minimize irritation while maximizing glow.
What Does Hydratone Do?
Hydratone is designed to tone, brighten, gently exfoliate, and deeply hydrate the skin—all in one simple step.
What does “toning” actually mean?
Modern toning is about refinement, not stripping. That tight, dry feeling you might get after exfoliating? Hydratone is designed not to do that, leaving your skin's moisture intact. Hydratone also helps improve the appearance of enlarged pores, smooth uneven texture, and rebalance the skin after cleansing so it’s better prepared to absorb the products that follow.
Key Benefits at a Glance:
- Brightens the look of dull, lacklustre skin
- Gently exfoliates to refine texture and support cell turnover
- Deeply hydrates to keep skin comfortable and plump
- Tones to improve the appearance of pores and uneven skin tone
Gentle Exfoliation, Thoughtfully Formulated
Hydratone’s exfoliating benefits come from gluconolactone (PHA) and mandelic acid (AHA), each formulated at 3%. These exfoliating acids were intentionally chosen for their larger molecular size, meaning they work more slowly and stay closer to the skin’s surface. This allows for effective exfoliation with a significantly lower risk of irritation compared to traditional acids like glycolic acid.
Gluconolactone helps gently loosen dead skin cells while also acting as a humectant to attract moisture into the skin. Mandelic acid refines texture, helps unclog pores, and supports a more even-looking complexion—all while remaining especially suitable for sensitive and deeper skin tones. Together, the 3% + 3% combination strikes the ideal balance: gentle enough for regular use, effective enough to deliver visible results.
Fulvic & Humic Acid: Earth-Derived Hydration
Fulvic and humic acids are naturally occurring organic compounds formed over thousands of years as plants and minerals break down in nutrient-rich soil. In nature, they help plants absorb vital nutrients—and on skin, they work in much the same way.
Fulvic acid has a small molecular size that allows it to efficiently deliver minerals and antioxidants into the skin, helping to hydrate, support the skin barrier, and protect against environmental stressors that can contribute to dullness. Humic acid complements this by soothing and supporting sensitive skin.
At Graydon Skincare, fulvic acid is an ingredient we're especially excited to formulate with. I first discovered it as a supplement while addressing my osteoporosis and bone density challenges, and found it transformative to my health. I then dug deeper and uncovered it had some truly powerful topical skincare benefits. Our fulvic acid contains 70+ trace minerals, acting as a hydrating, protective support system for your skin.
Maple Sap Water: Hydration, the Canadian Way
This isn't a new ingredient to us—we already love using maple sap water and include it in Aloe Milk and Supermoon Serum.
Instead of regular water, Hydratone is formulated with Canadian maple sap water, sourced from a family-owned maple farm in Ontario. Naturally rich in minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids, maple sap water helps hydrate, soothe, and support the skin barrier.
What Sets Hydratone Apart
Unlike many exfoliating toners or essences that can feel harsh or drying, Hydratone was designed to exfoliate and hydrate simultaneously. It’s gentle enough for regular use, thoughtfully balanced for sensitive skin, and feels comfortable and kind to your skin.
Who Is Hydratone Perfect For?
Hydratone is suitable for all skin types, and is especially beneficial for:
- Sensitive or reactive skin
- Dry or dehydrated skin
- Dull or uneven skin tone
- Rough or uneven texture
- Fine lines or hyperpigmentation
By gently encouraging cell turnover while delivering deep hydration, Hydratone supports healthy skin aging, helping skin appear smoother, brighter, and more resilient over time.
Hydratone was made with sensitive skin in mind—because we live it ourselves. Our team includes people with rosacea (like me!), eczema, psoriasis, and general skin sensitivities, and every formula we create reflects those real-world needs.
How to Use Hydratone
Hydratone is designed to fit effortlessly into your daily routine.
After cleansing, apply Hydratone to dry skin using your fingers or a cotton pad. Do not rinse—leaving it on allows the exfoliating and hydrating ingredients time to work. Follow with your serum and moisturizer, and always apply sunscreen during the day.
Routine order:
Cleanser → Hydratone (on dry skin) → Serum → Moisturizer → SPF (AM)
A Quick Packaging Tip
When you first open Hydratone, you’ll notice a small stopper covering the opening. It can be easy to miss. Gently wedge your fingernail under the stopper and pop it out. Be sure not to remove the entire insert, or the product may dispense too quickly.
About the Black Specks
The small black specks in Hydratone are the product’s active ingredients—fulvic and humic acids. Before applying, gently shake or tilt the bottle up and down to evenly distribute them.
Hydratone Pairs Well With…
Hydratone layers beautifully with other Graydon Skincare essentials:
- Aloe Milk cleanser to gently cleanse and hydrate the skin, prepping it so Hydratone can work it's magic
- Moon Boost Serum to provide a double dose of brightening but nourishing benefits
- Skin Stuff to seal in all that goodness and provide the face and eyes with the moisturization it needs to look plump and well-cared for
By prepping the skin, Hydratone helps the products that follow absorb more effectively. P.S. These four products together make a pretty well-rounded skincare routine!
FAQs
Can I use Hydratone daily?
Yes. Hydratone is gentle enough for daily use. If you have very sensitive skin or are new to exfoliation, start a few times a week and gradually increase frequency as your skin adjusts.
Can I use Hydratone during the day?
Yes, with diligent sunscreen use. Exfoliating acids can increase sun sensitivity, so SPF is essential. If you expect prolonged sun exposure, we recommend using Hydratone in the evening.
Can I use Hydratone with retinol or vitamin C?
Hydratone pairs well with other Graydon serums. We don’t recommend using it alongside other exfoliating products in the same routine to avoid over-exfoliation.
What are the black specks in Hydratone?
They are fulvic and humic acid—naturally occurring, mineral-rich compounds that dissolve during application and deliver nutrients to the skin.
Meet the New Step in Your Skincare Ritual 💜
Hydratone is more than just a new product—it’s a new way to care for your skin. Thoughtfully formulated, gentle yet effective, and rooted in the best of nature and science, it brings exfoliation and hydration together in a way that truly supports sensitive skin.
I can’t wait for you to experience the glow, smoothness, and comfort Hydratone brings to your daily ritual.