Do propolis and honey actually have any benefits in skincare products? Also, will this toner be my new cosrx favourite? Let’s investigate in my cosrx propolis toner review.
Yup, I’m still salty about the supposed discontinuation of cosrx’s Galactomyces Toner. HOWEVER. I went on a toner spree (sadly not a toning spree…), and thusly, already reviewed one potential candidate that could replace cosrx’s Galactomyces Toner. I also bought cosrx’s new-ish Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner, because I love their overnight honey mask and thought this toner would give me the same honey goodness. But let’s see – DID IT?!?
Toner – what?
“(A) toner is my first step of bringing back hydration into my skin after cleansing. It calms and hydrates, and prepares skin for the next steps in your skincare routine. Think of your skin like a dry sponge – it can’t absorb moisture as easily as a damp one. So, give it moisture after cleansing and your serum will be able to penetrate much more easily.”
(Quoting myself here: Pampering winter skin with cosrx)
Also: a toner will neutralise the skin’s pH after cleansing, especially if you use a foaming cleanser.
Propolis – what?!
Bees produce propolis by mixing beeswax, saliva and matter from botanical sources (mainly tree resin). They use it not only to seal small gaps in the hive, but also for antiviral and antibacterial reasons – in fact, they keep the nest healthy by using it. That’s why propolis is rather popular in skincare: because it’s antiviral and antibacterial it’s supposed to help especially with outbreaks and acne.
And honey? Bees ingest nectar, process it, and store the substance into honey combs. (Wikipedia) Voilà, honey! In skincare, honey …’is very moisturizing, has soothing and antioxidant abilities as well as significant antibacterial and antifungal magic powers’. (Incipedia)
cosrx Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner review
Daily boosting toner creates synergy with Propolis Light Ampoule.
cosrx
A toner that contains 72.6% of Black bee Propolis extract and 10% Honey extract which will make your skin glowy and smooth.
Ingredients
Propolis extract (72.6%), honey extract (10%), butylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, glycerin, betaine, cassia obtusifolia seed extract, panthenol, polyglyceryl-10 laurate, polyglyceryl-10 myristate, ethylhexylglycerin, sodium hyaluronate, hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, caprylic/capric triglyceride
What it does
This is a moisturising toner that you’re supposed to use after cleansing. It has a lot of humectants (remember, the stuff that retains moisture in your skin), a bit of hyaluronic acid, and lots of propolis and honey, which makes it suitable for you if you grapple with outbreaks (and I suspect are also great when you suffer from maskne).
The cryptic first sentence in cosrx’s own description, btw, means that they want you to use the toner in combination with their propolis ampoule because it ‘boosts’ its effects, thus creating a ‘synergy’ between the two products. I don’t use the Propolis Ampoule right now, but have in the past. It’s decent, but I don’t believe that it’ll do something special when you use it together with the toner. As with all great cosrx products, the Propolis Toner doesn’t include fragrance, essential oils or alcohol. Yay and all that.
Application
My tried and true application method with all toners is chucking a bit into my palm and then patting it gently into my skin. No need to use a cotton pad that soaks up about half of it!
cosrx’s Propolis Toner has a gorgeous consistency – it’s definitely watery, but a bit more viscous. It applies easily, sinks in immediately, and only has a very faint scent (I get a bit of smokiness?!). It’s a joy to use, honestly.
Effect
Well, did it make my skin ‘glowy and smooth’ as cosrx promised? Let me phrase it like that: retinol makes my skin smooth, and Vitamin C and Niacinamide make it glowy. BUT! This toner hydrates very, very well – which is what a toner is supposed to do, and during these times, help with keeping breakouts at bay.
I tested my skin’s hydration levels to compare cosrx’s Propolis Toner with Paula’s Choice Calm Toner (review). In the morning before cleansing, my median hydration levels were around 36,7% (hydration) and 26,5% (oil), which is perfectly fine. I then applied the toner and waited for about 20 minutes until I measured again: my hydration levels were 47,7% and 25,6% of oil. Which is good – but not as great as with Paula’s Choice’s toner.
I’ve to admit that my skin is good right now – but if cosrx’s Propolis Toner is responsible for this, I can’t say.
Worth it?
If you’re looking for a hydrating toner and your skin likes honey/propolis, this is for you! Especially right now, with all the mask wearing and whatnot, propolis and honey are great for their antibacterial and antiviral properties, thus potentially helping with maskne.
I got my 50ml bottle from yesstyle (around 8€/$), but of course, amazon.com and also Ulta carries it for you in the US.
Please note that this post is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods or money for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.
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