Versus

One Thing Propolis + Honey Extract Toner Versus COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner

Toner
Toner
Korean Brand South Korea
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on April 21, 2025

Overview

What they are

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

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, sensitive skin and scar healing

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

Benefits

Benefits

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

Propolis Extract is also known as bee glue.

This ingredient has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and antioxidant properties.

Studies show propolis helps fight against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This may help with reducing acne and accelerate wound healing.

The flavonoids found in propolis extract are potent antioxidants. Antioxidants may help with reducing the signs of aging.

A study from 2020 found propolis to help reverse skin damage from UV.

Fun facts: This ingredient is created by mixing beeswax, bee saliva, and parts of trees. Bees use propolis as a sealant to close any gaps in their hives.

Since it is an animal-derived product, this ingredient is not considered vegan. For vegan alternatives, check out Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate or Centella Asiatica Extract.

Learn more about Propolis Extract
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient comes from honey made by bees. It is hydrating, antibacterial, anti-aging, and skin soothing.

Honey also contains amino acids, peptides, Vitamins A, C, and E.

The humectant property of honey draws moisture from the air to your skin. This makes it great at helping to hydrate the skin.

Honey may help reduce the signs of aging due to its antioxidant properties. Fun fact: darker honey has more antioxidants than light honey. The antibacterial property of honey may make it effective at helping to treat acne by killing acne-causing bacteria.

Many people wonder if honey extract is vegan. It is technically a byproduct from bees. This is because honey is created from the digestive enzymes in a bee's stomach.

Remember to be kind to bees :) They are important for many ecosystems and are endangered.

Learn more about Honey Extract
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

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

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate
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.

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

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

When to use

34 Routines
53% use in am
47% use in pm
94% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
2,263 Routines
51% use in am
49% use in pm
95% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

One Thing Propolis + Honey Extract Toner 6 ingredients

4.5 /5
from 4 ratings
Works Well (2) Great Value (2) Hydrating (2)
raggedrobbin's avatar

raggedrobbin

10 months ago
Review

I haven't tried any of the other more popular propolis toners/essences/serums out there, but I'm here to tell you, as a sensitive skin, eczema and acne prone girlie, that this is bomb. The way it feels on the skin is lovely, it truly feels soothing and hydrating without any stickiness or that sitting on top of the skin feeling. It absorbs well and is just slightly more viscous than a watery toner. Show more

#great value
#hydrating
#absorbs well
#works well
RasberryIce's avatar

RasberryIce

17 days ago
Review

Texture: slightly thick water
Smell: like propolis?
It's a bit sticky after applying but the hydration and glowiness that it gives me the next day is with it.
This toner is perfect for sensitive dry skins and combination skin in winter.
I wouldn't use it in the morning since it's too thick and in summer it's a no, but if you need something calming, hydrating and healing? This is for you.
I Show more

#great value
#expensive
#hydrating
#heavy

COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner 14 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 43 ratings
Hydrating (22) Absorbs Well (18) Great Value (16)
Jay_289's avatar

Jay_289

1 year ago
Review

It's hydrating and awesome for oily skin. Been using it for a year now and it's gen been my HG ever since day 1. Helped me w my acne smmm. Def worth to try it out ^_^

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well
sarape's avatar

Sara

11 months ago
Review

Great and inexpensive option for oily/acne-prone skin people (who are not allergic to propolis) if you are looking for an hydrating and soothing toner to start your routine with.

I use it whenever my skin feels irritated (i love how it feels after a day at the beach) or dehydrated. It also helps to soothe a little bit my cystic acne, but I don't think it will help with controlling breakouts Show more

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well