Versus

COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner Versus Bonajour Propolis Energy Toner

Toner
Toner
Korean Brand South Korea
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on July 18, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe toners. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, 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

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Benefits

Benefits

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

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

Propolis Extract is also known as bee glue.

This ingredient has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and antioxidant properties.

Studies show propolis helps fight against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This may help with reducing acne and accelerate wound healing.

The flavonoids found in propolis extract are potent antioxidants. Antioxidants may help with reducing the signs of aging.

A study from 2020 found propolis to help reverse skin damage from UV.

Fun facts: This ingredient is created by mixing beeswax, bee saliva, and parts of trees. Bees use propolis as a sealant to close any gaps in their hives.

Since it is an animal-derived product, this ingredient is not considered vegan. For vegan alternatives, check out Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate or Centella Asiatica Extract.

Learn more about Propolis Extract
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

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.

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 
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

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
Skin Conditioning

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.

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

When to use

2,263 Routines
51% use in am
49% use in pm
95% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
11 Routines
36% use in am
64% use in pm
100% use every day

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner 14 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 43 ratings
Hydrating (22) Absorbs Well (18) Great Value (16)
Jay_289's avatar

Jay_289

1 year ago
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 worth to try it out ^_^

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well
sarape's avatar

Sara

11 months ago
Review

Great and inexpensive option for oily/acne-prone skin people (who are not allergic to propolis) if you are looking for an hydrating and soothing toner to start your routine with.

I use it whenever my skin feels irritated (i love how it feels after a day at the beach) or dehydrated. It also helps to soothe a little bit my cystic acne, but I don't think it will help with controlling breakouts Show more

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well

Bonajour Propolis Energy Toner 25 ingredients

3.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Great Value (2) Absorbs Well (1) Doesn't Work (1)
thequeenthinkingofname's avatar
Review

Mildly hydrating, application feels slick with light film due to high concentrations of hyaluronic acid. I personally felt the toner absorbed well but did not leave my skin feeling plump and hydrated but instead kind of evaporated out of my skin when waiting for it to dry before applying vitamin c

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#light scent
evelinadavliakou's avatar

Evelina davliakou

2 months ago
Review

Noticed some calming benefits and it preps the skin well for the next steps but as someone who also craves lots of hydration from my toners this isn’t for me.

#great value
#doesn't work