COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner Versus Balea Beauty Expert Glow Toner
Updated on November 06, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe and reef safe toners. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, niacinamide and Vitamin C
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 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
COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner 16 ingredients
Balea Beauty Expert Glow Toner 22 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner 16 ingredients
Balea Beauty Expert Glow Toner 22 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
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
Water
Skin ConditioningBetaine
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitol
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
BufferingSodium PCA
HumectantFructose
HumectantGlycine
Buffering
Inositol
HumectantLactic Acid
Buffering
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Urea
Buffering
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingPantolactone
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Betaine, Glycerin, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sorbitol, Panthenol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Fructose, Glycine, Inositol, Lactic Acid, Niacinamide, Urea, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Disodium Phosphate, Pantolactone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideSodium 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 WaterPanthenol 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 PanthenolAscorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of Vitamin C. It is created by combining glucose from starch.
When applied to skin, Ascorbyl Glucoside turns into Ascorbic Acid.
Ascorbyl Glucoside is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may damage skin cells.
It can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Ascorbyl GlucosideIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner 16 ingredients
Balea Beauty Expert Glow Toner 22 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
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
