Versus

Etude House Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner Versus COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

Toner
Exfoliator
Korean Brand South Korea
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on July 10, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 3 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive 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

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

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

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
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, Masking, Skin Conditioning

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

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

Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.

Learn more about Butylene Glycol

When to use

978 Routines
50% use in am
50% use in pm
96% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
1,978 Routines
25% use in am
75% use in pm
57% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Etude House Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner 15 ingredients

4.4 /5
from 25 ratings
Hydrating (14) Absorbs Well (13) Great Value (12)
LeslieG_567's avatar

LeslieG_567

2 years ago
Review

Nice and Soothing Toner
Initially, I didn't expect much from this toner because of how watery and simple it seemed. I was so surprised by how soothing it felt on my skin. I also think it did an amazing job at hydrating my skin and improving my skin barrier. Usually, my skin feels tight and dehydrated after washing my face. But I noticed that after a few days of using this toner, my skin doesn't Show more

AlexaT's avatar

AlexaT

7 months ago
Review

This is amazing for my dehydrated skin (due to FA). This saved my skin because due to FA I have to use a gel moisturizer and they are NOT hydrating enough. The texture is super thin and watery but packs a punch. I can do up to three layers.

I repeat, this saved my dehydrated skin.

#great value
#hydrating
#absorbs well
#no scent

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid 10 ingredients

3.8 /5
from 38 ratings
Absorbs Well (13) Light (12) Works Well (11)
sword's avatar

sword

1 year ago
Review

Gently Exfoliates
I decided to try a leave-on exfoliator rather than an exfoliating cleanser because I noticed I kept getting irritation from exfoliating cleansers. This Cosrx one is really gentle and pleasant. It takes a few minutes for it to absorb into my skin, but afterwards I get very little irritation and my skin texture and pore appearance have definitely improved.

#great value
#light
#no scent
#works well
v22's avatar

v22

6 months ago
Review

My favourite COSRX product. Pores appear smaller after a few hours. Was not expecting sebaceous filaments to disappear. I usually use one pump of liquid and put it directly on my T-zone and leave it to do its magic for about a few hours before applying moisturiser. (Putting moisturiser right after reduces its effectiveness from my personal experience.)

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#no scent