Versus

COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner Versus Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Stay Fresh Toner Essence

Toner
Toner
Korean Brand South Korea
Filipino Brand Philippines

Updated on June 28, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe toners. They have a total of 3 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain niacinamide

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots

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

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

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.

Smoothing

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 Niacinamide
Buffering, Humectant

Sodium 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 Lactate
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.

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

When to use

474 Routines
52% use in am
48% use in pm
89% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
15 Routines
53% use in am
47% use in pm
87% use every day

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner 16 ingredients

3.6 /5
from 7 ratings
Light (6) Great Value (4) Absorbs Well (3)
sophiesmigiel's avatar

sophie

6 months ago
Review

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.

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

Iga Paulina

2 months ago
Review

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

#great value
#light
#no scent

Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Stay Fresh Toner Essence 20 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating
Absorbs Well (1) Expensive (1) Great Value (1)
shinny's avatar

shinny

1 year ago
Review

My first ever toner, and will be my forever (I think). I love this one it didn't break me out, its true to its claim. For combination skin its perfect, it also lightened my skin.

#great value
#expensive
#light
#absorbs well