This is the step most people skip. It's also the reason most routines never fully work.

After you cleanse, your skin's pH is disrupted and your pores are wide open. Without something to restore that balance and close those pores, oil and debris move right back in — undoing what the cleanser just did. Most people go straight from washing to moisturizing and wonder why their skin never quite clears.

Control steps in right here. It removes any remaining residue the cleanser missed, restores your skin's pH balance, and tightens pores before anything else has a chance to get back in. The 2% salicylic acid penetrates deep into pores to dissolve the congestion that causes breakouts before they start.

No alcohol. No stripping. No irritation. Just skin that stays cleaner, longer — with pores that look visibly smaller over time.

This is Step 2 in the Frankie for Acne 3-step system. It prepares your skin so the moisturizing serum in Step 3 absorbs properly and works at full strength.

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Key Ingredients

2% Salicylic Acid — oil-soluble BHA that penetrates deep inside pores to dissolve sebum and clear congestion at the source.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids — from organic bilberry, cranberry, and citrus; reduce pore size and surface discoloration over time.

Zinc PCA — reduces redness and irritation of active blemishes while controlling excess oil production.

Witch Hazel — alcohol-free astringent that tightens pores and removes residual impurities without drying.

Rooibos Tea and Rosemary Extract — antioxidant-rich botanicals that calm inflammation and protect against environmental damage.

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How to Use

Morning and night. Apply to a cotton pad immediately after cleansing with Hope. Sweep gently across the entire face. Let absorb fully — about 30 seconds — before applying Confidence Cream Serum. Do not rinse off.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this an alcohol-based toner?

No. Control is completely alcohol-free. Alcohol-based toners are astringent and drying — they tighten pores temporarily but damage your skin barrier over time. Control achieves the same pore-tightening results through salicylic acid and botanical extracts without any of the drying side effects.

Will it help with blackheads?

Yes. The 2% salicylic acid in Control is one of the most effective ingredients for blackheads — it dissolves the sebum and dead skin cells that form them from inside the pore rather than just clearing the surface. Consistent daily use reduces existing blackheads and prevents new ones from forming.

Can I use this with sensitive skin?

Control is formulated to be gentle enough for daily use on most skin types. If your skin is very sensitive, start by using it once daily and monitor how your skin responds before moving to twice daily.

Is this part of a system?

Yes. Control is Step 2 in the Frankie for Acne 3-Step System. It works between Hope Clarifying Charcoal Face Wash and Confidence Cream Serum to get the most out of every step. Shop the complete system here.