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Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner : AHA + BHA Versus The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Toner

Toner
Toner
Korean Brand South Korea
British Brand United Kingdom

Updated on June 19, 2024

Overview

What they are

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

Cool Features

They both contain AHA

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any 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.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

Free from

Safety & Ethics

Korean Brand

Brand country of origin

Free from

Safety & Ethics

British Brand

Brand country of origin

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Ingredients, at a glance

What's in this product, and how it might affect your skin.

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients, at a glance

What's in this product, and how it might affect your skin.

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Green Plum Refreshing Toner : AHA + BHA
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.

Loved by users
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Prunus Mume Fruit Water Humectant

Prunus Mume Fruit Water is created by distilling parts of the Asian plum. This plum is AKA 'plum blossom'.

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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 by users
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Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

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

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Loved by users
2 Benefits
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Glycolic Acid Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.

Loved by users
AHAAHA Icon7 BenefitsMay worsen RosaceaMay worsen Rosacea Icon
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Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

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

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Mixed reviews
Helps hydrate Dry SkinHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon
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Tromethamine Buffering, Masking

Tromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.

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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.

Mixed reviews
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Salicylic Acid Masking, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
BHA IconPreservative IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Loved by users
BHABHA IconPreservativePreservative Icon4 Benefits3 Concerns
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Hydroxyacetophenone Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Hydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant and helps with skin conditioning.

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AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon
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Octyldodeceth-16 Emulsifying

Octyldodeceth-16 comes from the fatty-alcohol Octyldodecanol.

Not enough ratings
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C12-14 Pareth-12 Emulsifying

C12-14 Pareth-12 is created from a mixture of synthetic C12-14 alcohols that have about 12 moles of ethylene oxide.

Mixed reviews
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Ethylhexylglycerin Skin Conditioning

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

Mixed reviews
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Vigna Radiata Seed Extract Skin Conditioning

Vigna Radiata Seed Extract comes from the mung bean. Mung beans are an edible legume from Asia. It is commonly used in Asian desserts.

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Disodium EDTA

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

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Xanthan Gum Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

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Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract Skin Conditioning

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is extract from the neem plant.

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Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract Skin Conditioning

Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract is from the Neem tree. Neem trees originate from India.

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Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract yet.

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Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract Skin Conditioning

Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract comes from the Holy Basil plant. Holy Basil is native to India.

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Curcuma Longa Root Extract Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance Icon

Curcuma Longa Root Extract is from the spice, turmeric. Besides being a healthy and delicious spice, turmeric also has plenty of skincare benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties.

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FragranceFragrance Icon
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Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract is an extract of the flowers of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae

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Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract yet.

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Corallina Officinalis Extract Skin Conditioning

Corallina Officinalis Extract is from the red seaweed, Corallina Officinalis. This seaweed is found all over the world but is most common in the rocky shores of Great Britain and Ireland.

Mixed reviews
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Glycolic Acid 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.

Loved by users
Learn more
Glycolic Acid Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.

Loved by users
AHAAHA Icon7 BenefitsMay worsen RosaceaMay worsen Rosacea Icon
Learn more
Propanediol Solvent

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

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Hamamelis Virginiana Water Astringent, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
Can worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Hamamelis Virginiana Water is made by distilling parts of the witch hazel plant. You can also call this ingredient "witch hazel water".

Disliked by users
3 Concerns
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Sodium Hydroxide Buffering

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

Mixed reviews
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Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

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

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Mixed reviews
Helps hydrate Dry SkinHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon
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Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Preservative 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
PreservativePreservative Icon
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Alcohol Antimicrobial, Astringent, Masking
Alcohol IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.

Very disliked
AlcoholAlcohol Icon5 Concerns
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PPG-26-Buteth-26 Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for PPG-26-Buteth-26 yet.

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Betaine Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

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.

Loved by users
3 Benefits
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PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Emulsifying
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is derived from castor oil and polyethylene glycol (PEG). It is used as a emollient and emulsifier.

Very disliked
OilOil IconNot safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
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Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract Skin Protecting
Helps reduce irritation Icon

Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract comes from the Boerhavia Diffusa tree, or more commonly known as punarnava, red spiderling, spreading hogweed, or tarvine.

Loved by users
Helps reduce irritationHelps reduce irritation Icon
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Ethylhexylglycerin Skin Conditioning

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

Mixed reviews
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Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.

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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
Loved

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.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Buffering
Loved

Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.

Its main role is to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing newer skin cells to emerge.

Specifically, AHAs work by breaking down the structural "glue" holding the old skin cells in place. Getting rid of the old skin cells allows skin to regenerate newer skin cells in its place. A build up of dead skin cells can lead to tired and dull looking skin.

Due to this, glycolic acid helps with:

Fun fact: Glycolic acid increases skin hydration by playing a role in creating molecules that create hyaluronic acid naturally.

When starting glycolic Acid, it is normal to feel slight stinging.

The pH value and concentration of glycolic acid play a role in the effectiveness of the product. Concentrations between 5-20% glycolic acid have been shown to be effective in clinical studies.

Recent studies have shown Glycolic Acid may protect the skin against UV damage. However, you should always wear SPF, especially when using exfoliants.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Glycolic Acid
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 that works well with 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.

When to use

430 Routines
38% use in am
62% use in pm
77% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
154 Routines
29% use in am
71% use in pm
78% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner : AHA + BHA 24 ingredients

3.8 /5
from 14 ratings
Light (8) Works Well (6) Absorbs Well (4)
rynas's avatar

rynas

9 months ago · Unsure Skin
Review

did well with texture and exfoliation, didn’t do much for acne like it claims and wasn’t irritating at all. scent is a little weird so keep that in...

did well with texture and exfoliation, didn’t do much for acne like it claims and wasn’t irritating at all. scent is a little weird so keep that in mind. all in all ok toner but not anything mind blowing with amazing benefits. i have normal to oily skin and am acne prone

awbambi's avatar

🐾

7 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

♡︎
- 𝗇𝖾𝗐 𝗁𝗈𝗅𝗒 𝗀𝗋𝖺𝗂𝗅 𝗂𝗍𝖾𝗆
- 𝗁𝖾𝗅𝗉𝗌 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗆𝗒 𝗋𝖾𝖽𝗇𝖾𝗌𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖼𝗅𝗈𝗌𝖾𝖽 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝖾𝖽𝗈𝗇𝖾𝗌
- 𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗒 𝗀𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗅𝖾 𝖾𝗑𝖿𝗈𝗅𝗂𝖺𝗇𝗍 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖽𝗈𝖾𝗌𝗇'𝗍 𝖽𝗋𝗒 𝗈𝗎𝗍 𝗆𝗒 𝗌𝗄𝗂𝗇
- 𝗅𝖾𝖺𝗏𝖾𝗌 𝗆𝗒 𝗌𝗄𝗂𝗇...

♡︎
- 𝗇𝖾𝗐 𝗁𝗈𝗅𝗒 𝗀𝗋𝖺𝗂𝗅 𝗂𝗍𝖾𝗆
- 𝗁𝖾𝗅𝗉𝗌 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗆𝗒 𝗋𝖾𝖽𝗇𝖾𝗌𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖼𝗅𝗈𝗌𝖾𝖽 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝖾𝖽𝗈𝗇𝖾𝗌
- 𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗒 𝗀𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗅𝖾 𝖾𝗑𝖿𝗈𝗅𝗂𝖺𝗇𝗍 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖽𝗈𝖾𝗌𝗇'𝗍 𝖽𝗋𝗒 𝗈𝗎𝗍 𝗆𝗒 𝗌𝗄𝗂𝗇
- 𝗅𝖾𝖺𝗏𝖾𝗌 𝗆𝗒 𝗌𝗄𝗂𝗇 𝖻𝖺𝖻𝗒 𝗌𝗈𝖿𝗍 𝗂𝗆𝗆𝖾𝖽𝗂𝖺𝗍𝖾𝗅𝗒 𝖺𝖿𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗎𝗌𝗂𝗇𝗀
- 𝗂𝗌 𝗊𝗎𝗂𝗍𝖾 𝗁𝗒𝖽𝗋𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀
- 𝗐𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝗉𝗎𝗋𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗌𝖾 𝖺𝗀𝖺𝗂𝗇

The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Toner 14 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 1 rating
Great Value (1) Works Well (1)
Daniel.Chin's avatar

Daniel Chin

4 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

Too strong for my face. I use it on my neck only to smooth out rough skin when exfoliating a couple times a week.