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Updated on June 19, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 2 ingredients in common

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.

Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
Essence
Korean Brand South Korea

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients
ph level
5.5

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Essence Toner
Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract is from an herb called Huang Qi. The roots of this plant have traditionally used in traditional Chinese medicine.

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. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

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

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane belongs to the siloxanes and silicones classes. It is synthetically created and has a waxy composition.

Disliked Full details ->
Hydroxyethylcellulose Emulsion Stabilising, Stabilising

Hydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure.

Carbomer Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
1 / 0

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Arginine Masking, Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.

Green Plum Refreshing Toner : AHA + BHA
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.

Prunus Mume Fruit Water Humectant

Prunus Mume Fruit Water is created by distilling parts of the Asian plum. This plum is AKA 'plum blossom'.

Unknown Full details ->
Dipropylene Glycol Masking, Solvent

Dipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created stabilizer and solvent. It is a part of the glycol class in the alcohol family.

Disliked Full details ->
Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon
2 Benefits

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

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
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 cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
AHAAHA Icon 7 Benefits 2 Concerns

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

Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

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

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Tromethamine Buffering, Masking

Tromethamine is an aliphatic compound. An aliphatic compound is an organic compound with open-chained carbon atoms. It is synthetically created. Tromethamine is used to balance pH and improve texture.

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. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

Salicylic Acid Masking, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
BHA IconPreservative IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
BHABHA Icon PreservativePreservative Icon 5 Benefits 4 Concerns

Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Hydroxyacetophenone Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon

Hydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant and helps with skin conditioning.

Octyldodeceth-16 Emulsifying

Octyldodeceth-16 comes from the fatty-alcohol Octyldodecanol.

Unknown Full details ->
C12-14 Pareth-12 Emulsifying

C12-14 Pareth-12 is created from a mixture of synthetic C12-14 alcohols that have about 12 moles of ethylene oxide.

Unknown Full details ->
Ethylhexylglycerin Skin Conditioning

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

Vigna Radiata Seed Extract Skin Conditioning

Vigna Radiata Seed Extract comes from the mung bean. Mung beans are an edible legume from Asia. It is commonly used in Asian desserts.

Unknown Full details ->
Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

Disliked Full details ->
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 Full details ->
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract Skin Conditioning

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is extract from the neem plant.

Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract Skin Conditioning

Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract is from the Neem tree. Neem trees originate from India.

Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract.

Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract Skin Conditioning

Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract comes from the Holy Basil plant. Holy Basil is native to India.

Curcuma Longa Root Extract Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon

Curcuma Longa Root Extract is from the spice, turmeric. Besides being a healthy and delicious spice, turmeric also has plenty of skincare benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties.

Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract is an extract of the flowers of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae

Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract.

Corallina Officinalis Extract Skin Conditioning

Corallina Officinalis Extract is from the red seaweed, Corallina Officinalis. This seaweed is found all over the world but is most common in the rocky shores of Great Britain and Ireland.

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, 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. 1,2-Hexanediol 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.

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. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

Essence Toner
1
4
2
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
Green Plum Refreshing Toner : AHA + BHA
14
3
3
4
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

906 Routines
50% use in am
50% use in pm
97% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
233 Routines
40% use in am
60% use in pm
80% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner 7 ingredients

4.3 /5
from 24 ratings
Great Value (6) Hydrating (6) Absorbs Well (5)
itsyogirljeni's avatar

itsyogirljeni

1 year ago · Combination Skin
Review

The best hydrating toner I've ever tried!
Hands down it's the perfect toner for oily-dehydrated acne prone skin.

Virago's avatar

Virago

5 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

I suffer from dry and dehydrated skin that doesn’t tolerate hyaluronic acid in winter, so this toner is my HG during the colder months. Soothing,...

I suffer from dry and dehydrated skin that doesn’t tolerate hyaluronic acid in winter, so this toner is my HG during the colder months. Soothing, hydrating and without pilling. One of my all time favourites for effective and fuss-free skincare.

Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner : AHA + BHA 24 ingredients

3.4 /5
from 5 ratings
Drying (2) Irritating (2) Light (2)
rynas's avatar

rynas

2 months ago · Unsure Skin
Review

did well with texture and exfoliation, didn’t do much for acne like it claims and wasn’t irritating at all. scent is a little weird so keep that in...

did well with texture and exfoliation, didn’t do much for acne like it claims and wasn’t irritating at all. scent is a little weird so keep that in mind. all in all ok toner but not anything mind blowing with amazing benefits. i have normal to oily skin and am acne prone

EllieMae's avatar

EllieMae

4 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

I give this one a 3 on the basis for my own review for my skin type, not for the quality of the product overall.

BHA's are an oil-soluble...

I give this one a 3 on the basis for my own review for my skin type, not for the quality of the product overall.

BHA's are an oil-soluble exfoliation acid, and it will work wonders for people with oily skin types. Because of this, I feel this product is not good for people with dry/sensitive skin types as it contains the combined acid.

For myself with a dry/sensitive skin, it quickly made my skin react with irritation and redness. This exfoliation was too intensive for myself. I washed it off quickly and applied a soothing moisturiser and my skin calmed.

I'm sure this will be a great product for the right skin type, however my dry/sensitive friends, I recommend AHA's only as they're water soluble and less likely to dry your skin out :)