Versus

COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner Versus Miguhara Ultra Whitening First Essence Origin

Toner
Essence
Korean Brand South Korea
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on July 18, 2023

Overview

What they are

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

Cool Features

They both contain niacinamide

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 and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Ultra Whitening First Essence Origin

Water

Skin Conditioning

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning

Niacinamide

Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Betaine

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Panthenol

Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Glycereth-25 PCA Isostearate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate

Humectant
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Malt Extract

Skin Protecting

Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil

Masking
Fragrance IconOil Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Beta-Glucan

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Phellinus Linteus Extract

Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil

Masking
Oil Icon

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Juniperus Mexicana Oil

Masking
Oil Icon

Coriandrum Sativum Fruit Oil

Masking
Fragrance IconOil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil

Astringent
Oil IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Lactobacillus/Rice Ferment

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Prunus Mume Fruit Extract

Humectant

Adenium Obesum Leaf Cell Extract

Masking

Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract

Emollient

Centella Asiatica Extract

Cleansing
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract

Emollient

Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract

Moisturising

Carum Petroselinum Extract

Skin Conditioning

Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract

Humectant

Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Melaleuca Cajaputi Extract

Tonic
Good for Oily Skin Icon

Cynara Scolymus Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Phyllostachys Nigra Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Brassica Oleracea Gemmifera Extract

Astringent

Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Citrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Yeast Beta-Glucan

Skin Conditioning

Laminaria Japonica Extract

Skin Protecting

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Actinidia Chinensis is the extract from kiwi fruit. It contains antioxidants in the forms of Vitamin C and polyphenols.

Antioxidants help protect your skin against free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin.

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.

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
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 
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
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

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 ->
5 Routines
40% use in am
60% use in pm
100% 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

Miguhara Ultra Whitening First Essence Origin 44 ingredients

Ultra Whitening First Essence Origin hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now