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Highlights
WHAT IS IT?
A toner/essence product, number of ingredients
FEATURES
Tightens pores, smooths skin, cools skin
BEST FOR
likely for oily or combination skin types with enlarged pores
CHECKS
Free of sulfates, parabens
Who Is It For?
Suitable For Adults (18+) Of All Genders
What Does It Help With?
Enlarged Pores
Skin Texture
Budget
Mid-range
How To Use
Which routine should it be used in?
Morning
Evening
Cleanse
Tone
Eyecare
Serum
Moisturize
Suncare
Instructions:
Use with cotton pad and wipe off face avoiding lip and eye area. Use it right after cleansing your face.
Key Information
Vegan
Cruelty-free
Sensitive-safe
Non-comedogenic
Hypoallergenic
Microbiome-safe
Preservative-free
Eco-friendly
Pregnancy-safe
Oil-free
What COSRX Says
Product Description:
Daily pore tightener, skin cooler! Two in one, skin-smoothing essence-toner that visibly tightens and reduces the look of pores.
About the Brand:
COSRX has revolutionized Korean skincare with its minimalist, problem-solving approach. Known for high-concentration formulas and clean ingredient lists, this brand focuses on effective solutions for various skin concerns. Experience the perfect balance of science and simplicity with COSRX's targeted treatments that deliver visible results.
88% White Willow Bark Water, 0.1% Betaine salicylate
Ingredients Details
12
Hexanediol
1,2-Hexanediol is a multifunctional ingredient widely used in skincare and cosmetic formulations. This clear, colorless liquid is a member of the alkanediol family and serves as both a preservative enhancer and a solvent. Its molecular structure allows it to penetrate the skin barrier effectively, making it an excellent carrier for other active ingredients.
As a preservative booster, 1,2-Hexanediol works synergistically with traditional preservatives, enhancing their efficacy and allowing for lower concentrations of potentially irritating antimicrobial agents. This dual-action compound also exhibits mild antimicrobial properties on its own, contributing to product stability and shelf life.
In addition to its preservative functions, 1,2-Hexanediol acts as a humectant, attracting and retaining moisture in the skin. This property helps to improve overall skin hydration and texture. Its solvent capabilities make it valuable for dissolving and stabilizing various cosmetic ingredients, ensuring uniform product consistency.
1,2-Hexanediol is generally well-tolerated by most skin types and is considered safe for use in concentrations typically found in cosmetic products. Its versatility and effectiveness make it a valuable component in a wide range of skincare formulations, from serums to moisturizers.
Arginine
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in skin health and repair. This versatile ingredient is naturally produced by the body but can also be synthesized for use in skincare formulations. Arginine is known for its ability to enhance collagen production, a key protein responsible for skin elasticity and firmness.
In skincare products, arginine functions as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin and helping to maintain hydration levels. It also acts as an antioxidant, protecting skin cells from free radical damage and environmental stressors. Arginine stimulates the production of nitric oxide, which improves blood circulation and promotes a healthy, radiant complexion.
Research has shown that arginine can accelerate wound healing and support the skin's barrier function. It aids in the synthesis of creatine, an important molecule for cellular energy production. Topical application of arginine-containing products may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture, and enhance overall skin tone.
Arginine is generally well-tolerated and suitable for various skin types. It is often combined with other active ingredients to create comprehensive skincare formulations targeting multiple skin concerns.
Betaine
Betaine, also known as trimethylglycine, is a naturally occurring compound found in various plants and animals. This versatile ingredient has gained significant attention in skincare formulations due to its multifaceted benefits. As a powerful humectant, betaine attracts and retains moisture in the skin, helping to maintain hydration levels and improve overall skin texture.
One of betaine's key attributes is its ability to function as an osmolyte, regulating cellular water balance and protecting against environmental stressors. This property makes it particularly effective in strengthening the skin barrier and enhancing its resilience. Additionally, betaine exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.
In skincare products, betaine is often used in concentrations ranging from 1% to 5%. It is compatible with a wide range of other ingredients and can be incorporated into various formulations, including serums, moisturizers, and cleansers. Betaine's gentle nature makes it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Its stability across different pH levels and temperatures further enhances its versatility in product formulation.
Betaine
Salicylate
Betaine Salicylate is a gentle yet effective beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) derivative that combines salicylic acid with betaine, a natural amino acid compound. This unique formulation offers exfoliating and anti-inflammatory benefits while being less irritating than traditional salicylic acid. Primarily used in skincare products for its ability to penetrate pores and dissolve excess sebum, Betaine Salicylate is particularly beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin types.
The ingredient works by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover and unclogging pores. Its oil-soluble nature allows it to effectively target and reduce blackheads and whiteheads. Additionally, Betaine Salicylate exhibits antimicrobial properties, helping to control acne-causing bacteria.
Typically found in concentrations between 0.5% to 2% in skincare formulations, Betaine Salicylate is often incorporated into cleansers, toners, and leave-on treatments. Its milder nature compared to salicylic acid makes it suitable for daily use and for those with sensitive skin. The ingredient also demonstrates moisturizing properties due to the betaine component, helping to maintain skin hydration while exfoliating.
Butylene
Glycol
Butylene Glycol is a versatile organic compound widely used in skincare and cosmetic formulations. This colorless, viscous liquid functions as a humectant, solvent, and conditioning agent. Its molecular structure allows it to attract and retain moisture, making it an effective hydrating ingredient for various skin types.
In skincare products, Butylene Glycol serves multiple purposes. It acts as a penetration enhancer, facilitating the delivery of other active ingredients deeper into the skin layers. This property improves the overall efficacy of formulations containing beneficial compounds such as antioxidants or peptides. Additionally, it contributes to the smooth texture and spreadability of creams, serums, and lotions.
Butylene Glycol also exhibits antimicrobial properties, helping to preserve product integrity and extend shelf life. Its low molecular weight allows for quick absorption without leaving a greasy residue, making it suitable for both oily and dry skin types. While generally well-tolerated, some individuals with sensitive skin may experience mild irritation.
This ingredient is commonly found in a wide range of skincare products, including moisturizers, toners, and masks, typically at concentrations between 1% and 5%. Its multifunctional nature and compatibility with various formulations make Butylene Glycol a valuable component in modern skincare.
Hydroxypropyl
Cyclodextrin
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin (HPCD) is a modified form of cyclodextrin, a cyclic oligosaccharide derived from starch. This versatile ingredient has gained significant attention in skincare formulations due to its unique molecular structure and beneficial properties. HPCD features a hydrophilic exterior and a lipophilic interior cavity, allowing it to form inclusion complexes with various active ingredients.
In skincare products, HPCD serves multiple purposes. It acts as a stabilizer, enhancing the shelf life and efficacy of formulations by protecting sensitive ingredients from degradation. HPCD also functions as a solubilizer, improving the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble actives. This characteristic enables more efficient delivery of active ingredients to the skin.
Furthermore, HPCD exhibits skin-conditioning properties, helping to maintain skin hydration and improve texture. Its ability to form complexes with fragrance molecules makes it useful in controlling the release of scents in cosmetic products. HPCD is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for use in topical applications. Its non-irritating nature makes it suitable for a wide range of skin types, including sensitive skin. When incorporated into skincare formulations, HPCD can enhance product performance and contribute to improved overall efficacy.
Peg-60
Hydrogenated
Castor
Oil
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a versatile emulsifier and surfactant widely used in skincare and cosmetic formulations. This ingredient is derived from castor oil that has undergone hydrogenation and ethoxylation processes, resulting in a water-soluble compound with enhanced stability and functionality. Its primary role is to help blend oil and water-based components, creating stable emulsions in various products such as cleansers, lotions, and creams.
This ingredient exhibits excellent solubilizing properties, allowing for the incorporation of fragrances, essential oils, and other oil-soluble ingredients into water-based formulations. PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil also functions as a mild surfactant, contributing to the cleansing action in personal care products without excessive degreasing of the skin. Its low irritation potential makes it suitable for use in sensitive skin formulations.
In addition to its emulsifying capabilities, this ingredient can act as a thickener and viscosity modifier, helping to achieve desired product textures. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and is approved by regulatory bodies worldwide. However, as with any ingredient, individuals with specific sensitivities should perform patch tests before widespread use.
Pentylene
Glycol
Pentylene Glycol is a versatile synthetic ingredient widely used in skincare and cosmetic formulations. This clear, colorless liquid acts as a multifunctional component, serving as a humectant, solvent, and preservative enhancer. Its molecular structure allows it to attract and retain moisture, helping to keep the skin hydrated and improving product texture.
As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol draws water from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface, promoting a plump and moisturized appearance. Its solvent properties aid in dissolving and dispersing other ingredients, enhancing product stability and efficacy. Additionally, it exhibits mild antimicrobial activity, contributing to product preservation and extending shelf life.
Pentylene Glycol is generally well-tolerated by most skin types and is often used in concentrations ranging from 1% to 5%. It can be found in various skincare products, including moisturizers, serums, and toners. While it shares some similarities with other glycols, such as Propylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol is often preferred for its lower potential for irritation and its ability to penetrate the skin barrier effectively, potentially enhancing the delivery of other active ingredients.