Luv it! Clarifying & Pore Tightening Toner Versus COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner
Updated on February 04, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe toners. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and BHA
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, 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
Luv it! Clarifying & Pore Tightening Toner 14 ingredients
COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner 16 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Luv it! Clarifying & Pore Tightening Toner 14 ingredients
COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner 16 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
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 WaterSalix Alba Bark Water is created by distilling parts from the white willow tree. The white willow tree is native to Europe and Central Asia.
This ingredient has often been described as salicylic acid's cousin. This is due to the salicin it contains. However, studies are limited showing salix alba bark to be an effective salicylic acid alternative.
Salicin does have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has shown to decrease the formation of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and nuclear factor-kappa B. Salicin also has a mildly exfoliating effect on the skin.
As an astringent, salix alba bark water helps tighten the skin by drawing water out. This helps reduce the appearance of large pores.
Learn more about Salix Alba Bark WaterPyrus Malus Fruit Water is created by distilling parts of the apple.
Apples contain a large amount of antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
The sugar in Apples helps keep the skin hydrated. Apples also contain some acids, such as malic acid. These acids may have a mild exfoliating effect.
Apples also contain Vitamins C and B.
Learn more about Pyrus Malus Fruit WaterButylene 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.
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
Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.
Its main role is to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing newer skin cells to emerge.
Specifically, AHAs work by breaking down the structural "glue" holding the old skin cells in place. Getting rid of the old skin cells allows skin to regenerate newer skin cells in its place. A build up of dead skin cells can lead to tired and dull looking skin.
Due to this, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid increases skin hydration by playing a role in creating molecules that create hyaluronic acid naturally.
When starting glycolic Acid, it is normal to feel slight stinging.
The pH value and concentration of glycolic acid play a role in the effectiveness of the product. Concentrations between 5-20% glycolic acid have been shown to be effective in clinical studies.
Recent studies have shown Glycolic Acid may protect the skin against UV damage. However, you should always wear SPF, especially when using exfoliants.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidPanthenol 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 PanthenolAllantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Luv it! Clarifying & Pore Tightening Toner 14 ingredients
COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner 16 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Luv it! Clarifying & Pore Tightening Toner 14 ingredients
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
