This toner is formulated around Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice to calm irritation and reduce redness.
This smoothing toner is formulated around Glycolic Acid to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingHamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Saccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Chamomilla Recutita Extract
Skin Conditioning
Acer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Pvp
Emulsion StabilisingIsoceteth-20
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
ChelatingPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Acer Saccharum Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Pvp, Isoceteth-20, Disodium EDTA, Propylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Propanediol
Solvent
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
PPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningBetaine
Humectant
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract
Skin Protecting
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Chelating
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Hamamelis Virginiana Water is made by distilling parts of the witch hazel plant. You can also call this ingredient "witch hazel water".
The name 'Hamamelis Virginiana Water' refers to the distillation product used in cosmetics. On the other hand, 'Witch Hazel' refers to the active drug ingredient.
Unless it is specified to be non-alcohol, many types of witch hazel ingredients are distilled in denatured alcohol.
Witch Hazel water is an astringent, anti-inflammatory antioxidant, and antibacterial ingredient.
It contains tannins. Tannins have a drying effect when used on skin by constricting proteins. The constriction also minimizes the appearance of pores.
Both the tannins and fragrance found in witch hazel may be skin-sensitizing.
Witch hazel water gets anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties from its catechin and gallic acid content.
Indigenous groups have used witch hazel to help treat inflammation in North America for centuries.
Learn more about Hamamelis Virginiana WaterPhenoxyethanol is one of the most widely used preservatives in skincare (and for good reason!).
It has a large spectrum of antimicrobial activity and especially effective bacteria, yeast, and mold while only having a weak effect on your skin's natural microbiome.
On a cellular level, it disrupts the cell membranes of microbes by poking holes that make the cell leak. This shuts down the chemical reactions the microbe needs to make energy so it can no longer survive.
Another perk of this ingredient is that it stays functional across a wide pH range (3-10).
You'll often see it paired with boosters like Ethylhexylglycerin; one study showed that a 1:9 ratio of Ethylhexylglycerin to Phenoxyethanol damages bacterial membranes as effectively as doubling the Phenoxyethanol concentration on its own.
Typical use concentrations range from 0.3-1% depending on the formula, and this ingredient is capped at 1% int the EU.
Safety-wise, the fear mongering does not hold up to the evidence. The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety and FDA consider it safe as a preservative at up to 1%, including for children of all ages.
Adverse systemic effects only showed up in animal studies at exposures roughly 200x higher than what people get from cosmetics. And despite its very widespread use, this ingredient is a rare sensitizer and allergic reactions are uncommon.
Learn more about PhenoxyethanolSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
