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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

Free from

Safety & Ethics

Korean Brand

Brand country of origin

Free from

Safety & Ethics

Korean Brand

Brand country of origin

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Ingredients, at a glance

What's in this product, and how it might affect your skin.

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients, at a glance

What's in this product, and how it might affect your skin.

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner
Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract Emollient, Skin Conditioning

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

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Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

We don't have a description for Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract yet.

Not enough ratings
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Salix Alba Bark Water Astringent, Skin Conditioning, Soothing

Salix Alba Bark Water is created by distilling parts from the white willow tree. The white willow tree is native to Europe and Central Asia.

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Pyrus Malus Fruit Water Masking

Pyrus Malus Fruit Water is created by distilling parts of the apple.

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Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

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

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Mixed reviews
Helps hydrate Dry SkinHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon
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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

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

Loved by users
NiacinamideNiacinamide Icon9 Benefits
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1,2-Hexanediol Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth.

Mixed reviews
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Ethyl Hexanediol Solvent

Ethyl Hexanediol is an aliphatic alcohol. It is a solvent.

Mixed reviews
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Sodium Lactate 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.

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Water 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.

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Glycolic Acid Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.

Loved by users
AHAAHA Icon7 BenefitsMay worsen RosaceaMay worsen Rosacea Icon
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Allantoin Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Loved by users
4 Benefits
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Panthenol Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Loved by users
3 Benefits
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Adenosine Skin Conditioning
Good for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.

Loved by users
2 Benefits
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Betaine Salicylate Antimicrobial
BHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps fight Acne IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Betaine Salicylate is considered a salicylic acid alternative.

Liked by users
BHABHA Icon3 BenefitsMay worsen RosaceaMay worsen Rosacea Icon
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Ascorbyl Glucoside Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of Vitamin C. It is created by combining glucose from starch.

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Vitamin CVitamin C IconAntioxidantAntioxidant Icon4 Benefits
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Ultra Whitening First Essence Origin
Water 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.

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Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Loved by users
2 Benefits
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1,2-Hexanediol Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth.

Mixed reviews
Learn more
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

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

Loved by users
NiacinamideNiacinamide Icon9 Benefits
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Betaine Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.

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3 Benefits
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Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

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

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Mixed reviews
Helps hydrate Dry SkinHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon
Learn more
Panthenol Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Loved by users
3 Benefits
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Glycereth-25 PCA Isostearate Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glycereth-25 PCA Isostearate isn't fungal acne safe.

Not enough ratings
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
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Xanthan Gum Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

Disliked by users
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Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.

Liked by users
3 Benefits
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Malt Extract Skin Protecting, Tonic

We don't have a description for Malt Extract yet.

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Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance IconOil Icon

Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil is the volatile oil expressed from the peel of the Grapefruit, Citrus paradisi, Rutaceae.

Very disliked
FragranceFragrance IconOilOil Icon
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Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

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

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
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Hyaluronic AcidHyaluronic Acid Icon
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Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Masking, Skin Conditioning

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

Mixed reviews
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Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.

Liked by users
Hyaluronic AcidHyaluronic Acid Icon3 Benefits
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Beta-Glucan Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Beta-Glucan is a polysaccharide. It can be derived from the cell walls of seaweed, oats, yeast, and fungi. It hydrates the skin and helps boost your skin's natural barrier.

Loved by users
3 Benefits
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Phellinus Linteus Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Phellinus Linteus Extract yet.

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Caprylyl Glycol Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

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Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil Masking, Skin Conditioning
Oil Icon

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil is oil from the peel of an orange fruit.

Very disliked
OilOil Icon
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Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate is a type of Hyaluronic Acid.

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Hyaluronic AcidHyaluronic Acid Icon
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Juniperus Mexicana Oil Masking
Oil Icon

Juniperus Mexicana Oil is an oil.

Not enough ratings
OilOil Icon
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Coriandrum Sativum Fruit Oil Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance IconOil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Coriander fruit refers to the seeds of the coriander plant. This plant is also often called cilantro. This ingredient is used to add a fresh and herbal scent to products.

Not enough ratings
FragranceFragrance IconOilOil IconNot safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
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Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil Astringent, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Oil IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil is an oil. It can cause irritation.

Disliked by users
OilOil Icon2 Concerns
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Lactobacillus/Rice Ferment Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is created by fermenting the lactobacillus bacteria with rice.

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Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract Skin Conditioning

Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract is extract from peppermint leaves.

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Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract yet.

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Prunus Mume Fruit Extract Humectant

Prunus Mume extract comes from the Asian plum. This plum is AKA 'plum blossom'. Plum blossom has hydrating and antibacterial properties.

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Adenium Obesum Leaf Cell Extract Masking, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Adenium Obesum Leaf Cell Extract yet.

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Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract Emollient, Skin Conditioning

This extract comes from cucumber. Cucumbers are mostly made up of water (95%), and the other 5% is composed of: vitamin C, caffeic acid, fatty acids, amino acids, and other minerals.

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Centella Asiatica Extract Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Centella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

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2 Benefits
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Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Astringent
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.

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AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon4 Benefits
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Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract Emollient, Skin Conditioning

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

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Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract Moisturising, Skin Conditioning, Soothing

We don't have a description for Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract yet.

Mixed reviews
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Carum Petroselinum Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Carum Petroselinum Extract yet.

Not enough ratings
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Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract Humectant, Skin Conditioning

You might know this ingredient as Kale. Besides being a superfood, kale has many benefits in skincare.

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Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract yet.

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Melaleuca Cajaputi Extract Tonic
Good for Oily Skin Icon

Melaleuca Cajaputi Extract can be good for be good for oily skin.

Not enough ratings
Good for Oily SkinGood for Oily Skin Icon
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Cynara Scolymus Leaf Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Cynara Scolymus Leaf Extract yet.

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Phyllostachys Nigra Leaf Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Phyllostachys Nigra Leaf Extract yet.

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Brassica Oleracea Gemmifera Extract Astringent

We don't have a description for Brassica Oleracea Gemmifera Extract yet.

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Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract yet.

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Citrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Citrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract yet.

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Yeast Beta-Glucan Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Yeast Beta-Glucan yet.

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Laminaria Japonica Extract Skin Protecting

Laminaria Japonica Extract comes from a kelp more commonly known as 'sweet kelp'. It is commonly eaten in Japan, Korea, and China.

Mixed reviews
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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
Liked

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
Mixed

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.

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

Smoothing
Loved

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
Mixed

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth.

This ingredient also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.

Learn more about 1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Loved

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
Loved

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

369 Routines
52% use in am
47% use in pm
88% 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

4.0 /5
from 4 ratings
Light (4) Light Scent (3) Great Value (3)
kristinkoe's avatar

kristinkoe

3 months ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

Gentle and effective

_AJ_'s avatar

AJ Gharial

12 months ago · Oily Skin
Review

Stung face a lot, didn't notice any difference when using it

Miguhara Ultra Whitening First Essence Origin 44 ingredients

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