Product Reviews Rated 4.22 out of 5 stars
18 Reviews
Most Helpful Positive Review Holy Grail: have used for 3 years I've been using this 3x a week since Jan 2018. I'm on my 8th or 9th bottle at this point (usually a bottle lasts me 6-9 months). This is a more affordable product than Sunday Riley Good Genes and does the same thing. For context: I'm 39 as of this writing, and have autoimmune disorders that contribute to cystic hormonal acne on my jaw and neck. The tingling is no joke. When I first started using this, it straight up burned, and my skin turned red, but was fine by morning. Once I got used to it (2 weeks of using it 3x a week, so after about the 6th or 7th application), it no longer burned, and was true to the tingling sensation. My face still turns red, though. Some days I don't feel the tingling at all. But if I apply this IMMEDIATELY after washing my face: it burns SO bad. So, uh, don't do that! I use the Peach & Lily Wild Dew Essence after this product, but, again, don't do what I've done occasionally and apply an essence immediately after the Knockout Treatment: it feels like a chemical burn when I do that, and the redness lasts until the next morning. The similarity between the experiences is water, and I think it makes the burn penetrate more deeply—which is not a thing anyone should do. So, if I'm not lazy and give myself appropriate time between skincare steps (like letting things dry and sink into the skin) there is no burning at all. I'm constantly afraid Tarte Knockout Tingling Treatment will be discontinued because this stuff really works, but always gets bad/mixed reviews. The "tingling" will always be more of a "burning" sensation if you haven't used acids in your skincare routine before. So, I'm really worried eventually the bad reviews will get this discontinued. Because it's literally 1/3 the cost of Good Genes and does the same thing with better ingredients, and lasts waaaaay longer. Oh, and the cystic acne is gone. It started to shrink after one treatment, no joke. But with consistent use, the cystic acne was gone after 3 months, and hasn't returned. The medication gel I got from the dermatologist before I used this also worked, it was not pregnancy safe, but TKTT is safe to use during pregnancy.
Most Helpful Critical Review Meh. Here's the thing... I've purchased this product twice over the past couple years. The first time, I had been using a prescription retinoid for a few weeks and this toner gave me contact dermatitis, severe erythema, and a burning sensation that would not stop for hours. That was a super dumb mistake on my part, although stronger acids did not produce such a severe reaction. Regardless, do not use this in conjunction with topical prescriptions.
The second time, after several years of using said prescription, I'm disappointed to report that this toner does very little for my skin. No burning or redness, but the exfoliation is minimal and what acne I do have isn't affected. Some of the ingredients in this cocktail are great: lactic acid, niacinamide, salicylic acid, etc. Other ingredients are terrible and will sensitize your skin, so I'd honestly recommend just choosing a cheaper option without the bells and whistles. On a final note, over the counter products should never cause severe erythema or burning. If you're using this product and getting that reaction, stop immediately and work to repair your skin. Healthier skin may react better, so I'm not claiming this toner is dangerous, but use caution.
TLDR: weak, overpriced toner with potential to f your face if you're not careful thanks to unnecessary plant extracts and vinegar.
Reviewed by 18 customers The MOST underrated acid product! 5
lanew22 from Boston, MA
This is the absolutely most underrated acid exfoliant on the market. Yes, it smells bad. Horrible actually, like vinegar. But that's what you get when you don't add irritating flowery perfumes to a product-they smell like their actives. But nothing whatsoever compares to the softness I feel THE NEXT DAY after using this product. It's so easy to apply and use in conjunction with other products because it's a toner consistency and then I can layer and layer on moisturizer on my dry, sensitive skin.
Better skin overnight 5
Tori from Tampa, FL
I'm obsessed with the knockout line! Previously I used the Rainforest of the Sea collection, but with the pandemic, I've been getting "maskne" and breakouts like I'm a teenager again. I bought the face wash from this line knowing I'd had good experiences with Tarte in the past, and it exceeded my expectations. My skin was brighter and softer after one use, with noticeably clearer skin over night. I purchased this toner later, and I'm so glad I did. It only lightly tingles in my opinion, I've experienced no burning as other reviewers stated. It does have a vinegary odor, but it fades quickly and doesn't bother me a bit. Sometimes I experience light redness, and I usually need moisturizer after using it, but my skin is so much clearer and softer now. If I go to bed with pimples, I wake up with clear or almost clear skin. I also use it on my chest and neck breakouts. I've tried every face scrub, toner, and treatment known to man, and this is my favorite line by far. Buy the trial size if you're on the fence, you won't regret it. I follow this up with the Rainforest of the Sea moisturizer, and use the Amazonian clay foundation with spf to protect my skin from the sun (this toner makes you more susceptible to sun damage). I'm turning 30 this year and after months of battling acne and my worst skin ever, with less than 8 weeks of using this line I finally feel comfortable saying this is my best skin ever.
stellar ingredient list. stellar results. 5
smooth skin from NYC
Please never change this formula. It is very strong, but I prefer it that way. For some people, this may be a once a week treatment. For me however, if I do it everyday, it brings whiteheads and blackheads to the surface so that I can then use a physical exfoliator or microdermabrasion to remove them.
It is a little sticky, and acts as a great substitute for moisturizer on hot and sticky days. Sometimes, I can skip makeup, priming, and moisturizing steps. I use this topped with a mineral sunscreen and then a light dusting of powder to bring the sunscreen to my color.
It does burn, however I feel that they warn you about that when they named it a tingling treatment. I have used it for nearly a year and only feel a burn when my skin is irritated for another reason, like being rubbed raw by a mask.
I'm happy to say that the only smell is the smell of the ingredients. was a product smells like nothing, often that means that it is heavily laced with a masking fragrance so that it becomes "unscented". Acids are supposed to smell sour and the smells appropriately sour.
Please do not change! 5
blazeyface from San Francisco
This stuff is awesome. There is a learning curve with acids, if you're not careful you can burn yourself. I find the best method is to apply to a clean, but DRY face. I towel dry after washing and apply, letting it work for 20 minutes before I apply moisturizer over the top. It smells like vinegar, which is what you want as fragrance can be incredibly irritating. I moisturize with fragrance free Cerave PM.
I definitely switch up my acids depending on my own needs, but this stuff always does the trick-- relieving congestion in my t-zone, minimizing dark spots and scarring, and softening the rougher skin I get along my jawline.
Please never change this formula. If people are unhappy with this product, there is no shortage of other options, but my me this is a holy grail.
One of the best 5
Crystal from VA
This is a great alternative to p50 at a fraction of the cost. Do some research before using this product so you know what you can and cannot mix with this as it is an acid.
EFFECTIVE 4
cheyanne from conroe tx
this has to be the most effective toner on the market. it's burns but boy does it work. i may use it a bit too much but my skin THANKS me every time i use it.
Meh. 2
Lizzie from TN
Here's the thing... I've purchased this product twice over the past couple years. The first time, I had been using a prescription retinoid for a few weeks and this toner gave me contact dermatitis, severe erythema, and a burning sensation that would not stop for hours. That was a super dumb mistake on my part, although stronger acids did not produce such a severe reaction. Regardless, do not use this in conjunction with topical prescriptions.
The second time, after several years of using said prescription, I'm disappointed to report that this toner does very little for my skin. No burning or redness, but the exfoliation is minimal and what acne I do have isn't affected. Some of the ingredients in this cocktail are great: lactic acid, niacinamide, salicylic acid, etc. Other ingredients are terrible and will sensitize your skin, so I'd honestly recommend just choosing a cheaper option without the bells and whistles. On a final note, over the counter products should never cause severe erythema or burning. If you're using this product and getting that reaction, stop immediately and work to repair your skin. Healthier skin may react better, so I'm not claiming this toner is dangerous, but use caution.
TLDR: weak, overpriced toner with potential to f your face if you're not careful thanks to unnecessary plant extracts and vinegar.
Don't give up! 5
michelleee from Texas
When I first used this treatment it burnt so bad that I almost didn't try it again! But after giving it a couple more tries I've grown to love it! Makes my skin feel so soft and smooth after using.
holy grail 5
britt from orem, utah
cannot live without this in my routine.
Tingling Burns 4
Zwei from TX
I tried it in my morning skin routine, wasn't a fan of the burn however by the next morning I felt a difference my face was smoother, and the redness on my cheeks has lessened slightly. I now do this treatment every so often, and it helps keep my skin feeling and looking soft and fresh. I'm curious to try the other products in this line.
Holy Grail: have used for 3 years 5
Starkyshark from Atlanta
I've been using this 3x a week since Jan 2018. I'm on my 8th or 9th bottle at this point (usually a bottle lasts me 6-9 months). This is a more affordable product than Sunday Riley Good Genes and does the same thing. For context: I'm 39 as of this writing, and have autoimmune disorders that contribute to cystic hormonal acne on my jaw and neck. The tingling is no joke. When I first started using this, it straight up burned, and my skin turned red, but was fine by morning. Once I got used to it (2 weeks of using it 3x a week, so after about the 6th or 7th application), it no longer burned, and was true to the tingling sensation. My face still turns red, though. Some days I don't feel the tingling at all. But if I apply this IMMEDIATELY after washing my face: it burns SO bad. So, uh, don't do that! I use the Peach & Lily Wild Dew Essence after this product, but, again, don't do what I've done occasionally and apply an essence immediately after the Knockout Treatment: it feels like a chemical burn when I do that, and the redness lasts until the next morning. The similarity between the experiences is water, and I think it makes the burn penetrate more deeply—which is not a thing anyone should do. So, if I'm not lazy and give myself appropriate time between skincare steps (like letting things dry and sink into the skin) there is no burning at all. I'm constantly afraid Tarte Knockout Tingling Treatment will be discontinued because this stuff really works, but always gets bad/mixed reviews. The "tingling" will always be more of a "burning" sensation if you haven't used acids in your skincare routine before. So, I'm really worried eventually the bad reviews will get this discontinued. Because it's literally 1/3 the cost of Good Genes and does the same thing with better ingredients, and lasts waaaaay longer. Oh, and the cystic acne is gone. It started to shrink after one treatment, no joke. But with consistent use, the cystic acne was gone after 3 months, and hasn't returned. The medication gel I got from the dermatologist before I used this also worked, it was not pregnancy safe, but TKTT is safe to use during pregnancy.
DO NOT BUY 1
Courtney from Seattle
I was soooo disappointed cuz the ingredients are good but something is wrong for the amount of burn this has! It's like Satans tears themselves put into a bottle. I am educated about skincare. I always look at the ingredients. I am very familiar with acids and actives and how they work but this product is just insane. If you're familiar with The Ordinary glycolic rinse off mask, this toner was more intense then that and tarte expects people to leave this on their faces and I'm just shocked they haven't reformulated. The package literally says "like the burn, love the return" the burn is no joke. I rinsed it off within minutes of putting this on and my skin can take a lot. PLEASE TARTE REFORMULATE. The ingredients are there but OMG this is so dangerous to be selling to people.
love love love 5
sarinaty from Charleston Wv
I used this along with the other tarte knockout products and I could see an immediate difference in my skin
Love! 5
Katurgeon from Washington State
Absolutely love this product! If you have super sensitive skin you might want to use it every few days until you get used to it.
STAY AWAY 1
Girl from New York
This burned my face on immediate contact!! 🥴
Amazing 5
Sarah from Vegas
My go to acne product. After trying so many things for acne over the years. This gave the quickest result. The lactic acid and niacinmide my skin loves and really helps my acne. It has salicylic as well but that's not my fav. I started with the mini then got the big size. If you're like me and tried so many things and have chronic acne give this a try.
Dupe Alert 🙏🏼 4
J from OK
This product is an excellent dupe for the Biologique Recherche lotion P50 and a much more doable price. It doesn't have phenol obviously but I've found that it yields amazing results for my skin.
Skin type: oily
Concerns: acne, closed comedones, Post inflammatory erythema
Potent but it works! 5
hamin from toledo
Honestly I am super impressed with this toner, before I started using this I was getting breakouts almost daily and they were so annoying but no cleanser or spot treatment was helping. Once I started using this I would say in about 3 days all my breakouts were significantly reduced and now that I've been using it for months its a rare day I have a breakout which is just incredible. Yes this product has strong acids if you're not used to acids start off maybe a couple times a week to build up a tolerance
