The Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner is a slightly acidic toner to rebalance the skin’s pH after cleansing to protect the skin’s moisture barrier. This toner uses 97% naturally derived ingredients and claims to balance, hydrate and cool stressed skin.

Ingredients: Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Betaine, Panthenol, Madecassoside, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, 1,2-hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Polyglycerin-3, Disodium Edta 

There are a number of moisturizing/hydrating/humectant ingredients in this toner; propandiol, glycerin, panthenol, betaine and butylene glycol. Madecassoside has soothing and repairing properties. Betaine is also an anti-irritant. Camellia sinensis leaf (green tea) extract is used as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Directions state to saturate a cotton pad and sweep onto skin after cleansing or apply in the palm of the hand and pat onto skin. Once absorbed, continue with your skincare routine.

I don’t generally use toners in my routine, but read about the importance of pH balanced skin, so gave this toner a try. I have been using the Soon Jung toner for a few weeks, morning and night, applied with Klairs Toner Mate 2-in-1 Cotton Pad.

There is no scent. It has a water-like consistency and applies nicely to the skin. The toner does absorb, but leaves behind a layer, that almost feels protective or a dry-sticky feeling, so that there is tugging on the skin when I run my finger down my cheek. It doesn’t bother me too much; it is not a heavy feeling and I don’t feel it on the skin, but rather to the touch.

After I applied the toner, I followed with The Ordinary’s Marine Hyaluronics, then NIOD SDSM. I didn’t apply moisturizer, as I wanted to see if the Soon Jung Toner provided hydration/moisture without using a cream for the first couple times of use (which it does; my skin feels more hydrated). I have oily skin and using the above routine, my skin didn’t seem to have the greasy shine that it usually does, but more of a dewy-like complexion. With continued use my skin feels more hydrated and my complexion looks better in general. I don’t notice a cooling effect, however.

Redness is one of my biggest skin issues (blackheads and large pores being others). After the first few uses I was surprised that the redness on my cheeks improved by about 80% and didn’t get much redder as the day went on.

I also applied to the backs of my hands and they feel smoother and softer, likely due to the layer left behind, though doesn’t feel as sticky on the hands as on the face.

I would definitely repurchase the Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner.