Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner, Yay Or Nay?

PyunKang Yul Essence Toner Review

I hope I’m not too late in reviewing this cult-fave Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner. It’s been around in everyone’s favourites for quite a while now, and I wanted to see how it works on my skin. This product line is actually quite promising. I’ve also made a review of their cleanser. You can check it out here. I love that cleanser and I’m getting my hopes up for their essence toner.

About Pyunkang Yul

Pyunkang Yul is a big name in the Korean skin care industry. As a matter of fact, Pyunkang Yul is originally a derma clinic (Pyunkang Eastern Medicine Clinic) that practices traditional medicine in treating their patients. They have been around for quite a long time. Their history has consistently proven that natural and traditional treatments can effectively treat lung conditions and atopic dermatitis.

Because of the demand for immediate solutions to everyday skincare problems, Pyunkang Yul has created its very own product line. They are primarily known for their minimalistic list of ingredients incorporated unto their skincare products. So far, their products have received great feedback and positive responses, supporting their claim that minimal ingredients is all you need for a skincare product.

The brand strongly believes that unnecessary ingredients should be eliminated. Preferably, going straight forward in using natural ingredients that are equally effective. As a result, most of their products contain only 7 natural ingredients. The product line focuses mainly on 2 natural ingredients, goldthread root extract and astragalus root extract.

About Yunkang Yul Essence Toner

The best selling product among their line is the Pyungkang Yul Essence Toner. It’s highly acclaimed to have zero percent of water. As advertised, they have replaced water with Astragalus extract to maintain that rich formulation. It contains 91.7 percent of astragalus extract.

People have been raving about this product because of its hydrating benefits. Plus, there’s been a noticeable improvement in consumers’ overall skin complexion. People have claimed that this essence toner has minimized acne’s appearance, even out skin tone, and reduced fine lines.

Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner Product Claims

  • Moisture essence toner which is full of nourishment and rich hydrated.
  • Essence type toner with a viscosity
  • Delivers nutrition and vitality deep into dry skin

Other claims

  • Non-irritating
  • High concentration
  • Fragrance-free formulation
  •  Carefully selected EWG ingredients
  • Passed European certification

Ingredients in Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner

Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract

In traditional medicine, astragalus extract is considered as one of the miracle herbs, capable of various benefits. It contains properties like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral, contributing to its effectiveness in treating health and skin conditions.

In skincare, astragalus extract is used widely for its skin reinforcing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant capabilities. Also, it contains numerous bioactive compounds like saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides.

In fact, one study has proven that after 14 days of using Astragalus extract, there was a considerable improvement in the participant’s skin condition. It helped in reducing signs of aging and minimizes the appearance of blemishes.

Also, it contains hyaluronic acid, responsible for hydration, and it breaks down collagen, giving you that firmer and younger-looking skin. Plus, it can protect the skin against UVA and UVB, reducing the risk of skin cancer and hyperpigmentation. Its regenerating properties speed up the wound healing process, suitable for acne-prone skin.

Butylene Glycol

This organic alcohol is derived from petroleum, which makes it water-soluble. In cosmetics, butylene glycol comes in a liquid form and is found in almost any products which involve the skin, such as cleansers, moisturizers, and masks. It is also an essential component of makeup and hair care products. Butylene glycol is mainly seen in clear gel-based products and on makeup that glides onto your face. Butylene glycol makes other ingredients less likely to stick together, explaining why makeup and self-care products have fluid and even consistency.

Butylene glycol is a humectant because it binds water and pulls in hydration to the skin’s outer layer. It works to condition skin and hair by coating the surface of your cells. Butylene glycol also can help regarding dry skin on your face or frequent breakouts. This ingredient also creates a barrier on the skin, preventing water loss and softening the skin.

Like any other ingredient, butylene glycol doesn’t work the same way for every person. Generally, most people who have dry skin can use products with butylene glycol to reduce their symptoms.

Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane

This silicone is a synthetic skin conditioning agent and a surfactant that belongs to the chemical class of silicones and siloxanes.

Opposing to most other silicones, which usually are oil dispersible, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane is water dispersible—classified as an emollient, foam boosting, hair conditioning, humectant, hydrotrope, skin conditioning, and surfactant. This means that this silicone ingredient can make the skin look smooth, hydrated, emollient, and moisturized. It can also help reduce the tackiness of the product’s consistency. This silicone is often used in light and watery formulas to give the product an extra silky feel.

Arginine

Arginine is a chemical building block called the amino acid, which is obtained from the diet. This is also necessary for the body because arginines are the ones who produce proteins.

In terms of cosmetics, arginine helps to protect the skin from free radicals, increase skin hydration, and boost collagen production. This can protect the skin from free radicals through having antioxidant activity, which works by neutralizing free radicals and control the unstable molecules that contribute to the formation of premature wrinkles and fine lines on the skin.

Arginine can increase skin hydration by acting as a humectant. This can attract and retain moisture in the air nearby through absorption, which can draw water vapors into or beneath your skin, keeping the skin’s surface intact, supple, and hydrated.

Arginine can also increase collagen production, which is why it is also used in anti-aging skincare products. Increasing the amount of collagen in the skin improves skin firmness and decreases signs of aging. In addition to these anti-aging effects, arginine’s ability to increase collagen production also speeds up wound healing.

Other ingredients 

  • Hydroxyethylcellulose
  • Carbomer
  • 1-2 Hexanediol

Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner Texture and Consistency

The consistency, I would say, is both watery and gel-like at the same time. When you put a drop unto your hand, it is runny, but you can observe that there is still a bit of a thick consistency mixed to it. When you rub it between your fingers, you can feel it’s a bit slimy but not gross slimy. Despite the blue coloured packaging, it comes off as a clear liquid-gel-like form, and it’s lightweight too.

Fragrance

It has no scent at all. Perfect for people who are sensitive to smell.

Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner Packaging

It comes in a blue bottle with a flip cap. At first glance, the bottle looks glass-like, but it’s actually plastic. Plus, it has a reducer, so it dispenses the product evenly without spillage—very travel-friendly packaging.

Price and Availability

The price ranges from 12$-15$. Reasonably priced for its performance, I would say. It is available on online Korean Retailers, and I heard it’s even available at Walmart!

How To Apply Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner

You can use your hands or cotton pad, whichever you prefer. After cleansing, apply an appropriate amount to the entire face. Pat gently to help absorb into the skin.

How I Apply Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner

For me, I like to dab a fair amount on a cotton pad and apply it to my face. I let it set it for about a minute or two and lightly tap my face with my ring finger.

My Take on Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner

In my experience, I could really testify how lightweight it is and how It’s easily absorbed into my skin. It is very easy to layer more skincare products right after applying. It also has a little thickness (but not sticky), just like Klairs Preparation toner. The toner has no smell, which I am fine with. Very suitable for those who like mild or unscented products.

My Verdict on Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner

It is not a bad product at all. It didn’t cause any allergic reactions on my skin. But I would honestly say that there are still better products out there, at the same price range, which gives better results on my skin. Not to offend people who find this great, but it is just an okay product for me – nothing bad but nothing great too.

But hey, we all have different skin types so I highly suggest you try it out and see for yourself. It’s a very safe product to try. All skin types can try this out but I think that dry and sensitive skin will reap the most benefits. SHOP NOW

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