COSRX AC Collection Calming Liquid Intensive Versus COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner
Updated on June 26, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe toners. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and BHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive 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
COSRX AC Collection Calming Liquid Intensive 24 ingredients
COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner 16 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
COSRX AC Collection Calming Liquid Intensive 24 ingredients
COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner 16 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Propolis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningEthyl Hexanediol
SolventAsiaticoside
Antioxidant
Asiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Betaine
Humectant
Dimethyl Sulfone
SolventBetaine Salicylate
Antimicrobial
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Lactate
BufferingWater
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Propolis Extract, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethyl Hexanediol, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Panthenol, Betaine, Dimethyl Sulfone, Betaine Salicylate, Zinc PCA, Polysorbate 20, Allantoin, Sodium Lactate, Water, Lactic Acid, Alcohol, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Polysorbate 60
Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract
EmollientHylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Water
AstringentPyrus Malus Fruit Water
MaskingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningEthyl Hexanediol
SolventSodium Lactate
BufferingWater
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Betaine Salicylate
Antimicrobial
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Ethyl Hexanediol is an aliphatic alcohol. It is a solvent.
Solvents are used to keep ingredients together in a product. They can help dissolve ingredients to stable bases or help evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product.
Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolBetaine Salicylate is considered a salicylic acid alternative.
Limited studies exist proving this ingredient to be a complete alternative to salicylic acid. Based on existing research, this ingredient does not penetrate as deeply and is not shown to be as effective.
However, this makes it a great choice for those with sensitive skin or need gentle BHA action.
This ingredient is created using betaine and salicylic acid.
This ingredient is oil-soluble and is most effective at a pH range of 3.8-4.2.
Learn more about Betaine SalicylateAllantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinSodium Lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid, an AHA. It is a humectant and sometimes used to adjust the pH of a product.
This ingredient is part of our skin's NMF, or natural moisturizing factor. Our NMF is essential for the hydration of our top skin layers and plasticity of skin. NMF also influences our skin's natural acid mantle and pH, which protects our skin from harmful bacteria.
High percentages of Sodium Lactate can have an exfoliating effect.
Fun fact: Sodium Lactate is produced from fermented sugar.
Learn more about Sodium LactateWater. 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 WaterGlycolic 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 AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
COSRX AC Collection Calming Liquid Intensive 24 ingredients
COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner 16 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
COSRX AC Collection Calming Liquid Intensive 24 ingredients
COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner 16 ingredients
Gentle but seems to be working. I’ve been using it for around 2 weeks and it seems to be good at drying out and minimising ccs. Super lightweight and absorbs fast. No irritation when applying more than 1 layer.
It’s my every other day toner. Fungal acne safe and visibly reduces the look of large pores just after a few uses. Would probably purchase again
