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

Butylene Glycol

Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

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

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.

Learn more about Butylene Glycol

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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

Panthenol

Skin Conditioning

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 Panthenol

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant, Skin Conditioning

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

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate

Ingredient Ratings

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

Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner

liked

mixed

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Black Tea Deep Infusion Toner

When to use

COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner 9 ingredients

Pyunkang Yul Black Tea Deep Infusion Toner 74 ingredients

602 Routines

53% use in am

47% use in pm

94% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

65 Routines

48% use in am

52% use in pm

95% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner 9 ingredients

3.1 /5

from 9 ratings

Light (3) Expensive (3) Hydrating (2)

Lea Kristin

2 months ago

Review

I’ve been using this COSRX Toner for the past two months, and while it’s currently the only hydrating toner that works for me, I’m not 100% satisfied.
👉🏻 Pros:
✔️ Non-comedogenic
✔️ Fungal acne-safe
✔️ Provides a bit of hydration
👉🏻 Cons:
❌ Contains butylene glycol, which causes small bumps on my skin. I noticed this reaction after using a different product. The percentage in the toner isn’t Show more

COSRX

Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner

tttende

2 years ago

Review

7 / 10
If you have oily skin this is a great toner. It didn't feel moisturizing enough for me, so I just use it on summer days. I won't be repurchasing but just for that exact reason, otherwise it's a great product.
Absorbs somewhat quickly into the skin, leaving a refreshing sensation. Has no smell.
✦ Price: Decent
✦ Lasts 7-10 months

COSRX

Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner

Pyunkang Yul Black Tea Deep Infusion Toner 74 ingredients

5.0 /5

from 2 ratings

Great Value (2) Hydrating (2) Works Well (2)

Totoro

1 year ago

Review

This viscous toner has been excellent for my mature sensitive skin. I use it morning and evening. Its ingredients include glycerin, Niacinamide, several ceramides and a peptide. There is silicone in it but it is number 69 out of 73 ingredients. The elegant bottle/packaging and the price point for its quality make it a great value.

#great value

#hydrating

#works well