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Updated on June 01, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe toners. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin and sensitive skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients
ph level
5.5

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Benefits

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Water Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Antioxidant Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Water is from the licorice root.

Peg-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides Emulsifying

This ingredient is derived from caprylic and capric acids. It is an emulsifier with emollient properties.

Disliked Full details ->
Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate is created from polyethylene glycol and fatty acids from coconut oil.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Dipropylene Glycol Masking, Solvent

Dipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created stabilizer and solvent. It is a part of the glycol class in the alcohol family.

Disliked Full details ->
1,2-Hexanediol Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

Poloxamer 184 Emulsifying

We don't have a description for Poloxamer 184.

Disliked Full details ->
Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Rheum Palmatum Root Extract Astringent, Skin Conditioning, Tonic

We don't have a description for Rheum Palmatum Root Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Psidium Guajava Leaf Extract Astringent, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Psidium Guajava Leaf Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract Astringent, Masking, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Astringent
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps fight Acne Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon 5 Benefits

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.

Perilla Ocymoides Seed Extract Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon

Perilla Ocymoides Seed Extract is an antioxidant.

Unknown Full details ->
Poncirus Trifoliata Fruit Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Poncirus Trifoliata Fruit Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance IconOil Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon OilOil Icon

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil is the oil from the bergamot orange. This bergamot is native to Italy.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Citrate Buffering, Masking

Sodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.

Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

Disliked Full details ->
Citric Acid Buffering, Masking
AHA IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
AHAAHA Icon 4 Benefits 2 Concerns

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

Disliked Full details ->
Tocopheryl Acetate Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps brighten skin Icon
Vitamin EVitamin E Icon AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon Helps brighten skinHelps brighten skin Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Bleaching, Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Good for Dark Spots Icon
Good for Dark SpotsGood for Dark Spots Icon

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Licorice. It has been found to have several benefits such as skin hydrating, conditioning, and soothing.

Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Cimicifuga Dahurica Root Extract Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon

Cimicifuga Dahurica Root Extract is an antioxidant.

Unknown Full details ->
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract Humectant

We don't have a description for Pueraria Lobata Root Extract.

Propylene Glycol Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
0 / 0 May worsen Eczema Icon
May worsen EczemaMay worsen Eczema Icon

Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Ethylhexylglycerin Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

Propolis Synergy Toner
Propolis Extract Skin Conditioning
Helps fight Acne Icon
Helps fight AcneHelps fight Acne Icon

Propolis Extract is also known as bee glue.

Honey Extract Humectant, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Honey Extract.

Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
1,2-Hexanediol Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Betaine Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon
3 Benefits

Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.

Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Panthenol Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps reduce irritation Icon
Helps reduce irritationHelps reduce irritation Icon

Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It can be found naturally in our skin and hair.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is an ester of lauric acid and Polyglycerin-10.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate isn't fungal acne safe.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Ethylhexylglycerin Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon
Hyaluronic AcidHyaluronic Acid Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer Emulsion Stabilising

This is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.

Disliked Full details ->
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Masking, Skin Conditioning

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Mixed

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Mixed

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

Skin Conditioning
Mixed

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner
7
4
9
7
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
Propolis Synergy Toner
6
4
3
1
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

318 Routines
48% use in am
52% use in pm
96% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
1,556 Routines
52% use in am
48% use in pm
96% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner 27 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Great Value (1) Hydrating (1)
traceyy's avatar

traceyy

2 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

Loved the smell and consistency, but I hated the design of the bottle. The lid made it hard to work with due to the consistency of the toner. My...

Loved the smell and consistency, but I hated the design of the bottle. The lid made it hard to work with due to the consistency of the toner. My skin looked brighter after consistent use, but I ultimately decided not to repurchase due to the lid.

COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner 14 ingredients

3.8 /5
from 22 ratings
Hydrating (6) Broke Me Out (4) Works Well (4)
helldoll's avatar

helldoll

7 months ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

don't get me wrong it feels really nice on the skin but I bought this forgetting that I literally have an allergy to honey and bee products lmao....

don't get me wrong it feels really nice on the skin but I bought this forgetting that I literally have an allergy to honey and bee products lmao. broke out in hives around my chin 10 mins after using it so... probably my fault but oh well

Jay_289's avatar

Jay_289

6 months ago · Oily Skin
Review

It's hydrating and awesome for oily skin. Been using it for a year now and it's gen been my HG ever since day 1. Helped me w my acne smmm. Def...

It's hydrating and awesome for oily skin. Been using it for a year now and it's gen been my HG ever since day 1. Helped me w my acne smmm. Def worth to try it out ^_^