Ideal Kbeauty set for sensitive skin? Etude House SoonJung Toner & Cica Balm Vegan Set Review

Monday 6 February 2023

Etude House SoonJung Toner & Cica Balm Vegan Set

Can acne-prone skin be sensitive? Yes, all skin types can come along with so-called sensitive skin or allergies. Etude House SoonJung Toner & Cica Balm Vegan Set is an ideal set for problematic, sensitive skin. Thanks to Jolse, I gave it a try to share with you my opinion on Etude's most loved skincare line. 

Etude House SoonJung Toner & Cica Balm Vegan Set

About Etude House 

Etude House is one of the brands that belong to Amore Pacific. It's a sister brand to Laneige, Hanyul, Hera, Mamonde & more. It was launched in 1985. I believe right now Etude House decided to do a tiny change and it's just Etude. The name was inspired by Chopin's 'Etude'. This brand is most popular because of makeup, but Etude also has amazing skincare products. The brand became popular all around the world because of its cute and creative packaging and products. The current brand's muse is Kazuha from the K-pop band Le Sserafim.  

Etude House SoonJung Toner & Cica Balm Vegan Set  

The Etude House SoonJung Toner & Cica Balm Vegan Set is a limited edition set. It contains Jumbo (350ml) SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner, and a miniature (25ml) of it + 40ml tube of SoonJung 5-Panthensoside Cica Balm.   

Etude House SoonJung Toner & Cica Balm Vegan Set

Etude SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner - Packaging  

The bottle of Etude SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner is huge. The set comes in a paper box with cool illustrations. The artist behind this collab is Jeong Tae Hun (Curvesign). The bottle of Etude SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner is made out of plastic and it's huge. 350ml toner? It's rare! We also get a tiny 25ml tube, but I'm not going to mention it - it's a good thing if you travel a lot.   

Etude SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner - Texture & Scent  

It's a watery toner with no scent - pure perfection for sensitive skin!  

Etude House SoonJung Toner & Cica Balm Vegan Set

Etude SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner - Ingredients  

Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Betaine, Madecassoside, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Polyglycerin-3, Disodium EDTA  

Water hides in cosmetic products under names such as Aqua or Eau. It's a solvent, but it's not your regular drinking water. Water in skin care needs to fit some standards. It should be clean and free from minerals, microorganisms or other substances. Usually, water makes up the majority of the content of the product. Propanediol is also known as natural glycol - an alternative to propylene glycol. Propanediol is a solvent with additional moisturizing properties. It makes the product smooth to the touch. It can even improve the effectiveness of active ingredients. Glycerin or Glycerol is a humectant. Its origin can be natural or synthetic - depending on the product. It protects TEWL (transepidermal water loss) and naturally occurs in the skin. It's one of the NMFs - natural moisturizing factors. It's practical in hair care. Glycerin won't clog your skin or irritate it just the opposite - it protects your skin from irritation. Betaine is an amino acid. In skincare products, we use it for its moisturizing properties. Betaine keeps the water balance of the skin. It makes wrinkles appear less visible, and it soothes irritated skin. In hair care, betaine doesn't only moisturize the hair. It makes hair soft and shiny. Betaine in cosmetics usually comes from sweet beetroots. It naturally occurs in the skin and hair. Madecassoside is a bioactive part of Centella Asiatica. It's an antioxidant and can stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis to promote wound healing. It has soothing effects, and it might have anti-aging properties if we combine it with vitamin C. Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract is an antioxidant - it fights free radicals and fixes the damage. Green tea is a source of many positive skin substances such as catechins (EGCG, EGC, EC, CG), flavonoids, amino acids, vitamin C, and minerals. It works for all skin types. Since it has antibacterial properties, many products for young, acne-prone skin contain this ingredient. It has soothing properties, and it's good to use it along with sunscreen to boost the protection of your skin. Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract is an antioxidant. Scutellaria Baicalensis also known as the Chinese skullcap is one of the fundamental herbs in Chinese traditional medicine. Skullcap Root Extract has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It's a source of flavonoids, alkaloids and other substances. It's great for sensitive skin as well as acne-prone skin. It might help you with pigmentation. 1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic solvent and preservative - it protects products from microorganisms by boosting other preservatives. At the same time, it can moisturize the skin, and it has no unpleasant effects on your epidermis. Butylene Glycol is a common ingredient in products. It's not only a solvent. We use butylene glycol because it helps with the penetration of active ingredients, protects products from drying and moisturizes skin and hair. This ingredient can prevent hair loss and make your hair stronger. Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative with subtle moisturizing and antimicrobial properties. Carbomer is a synthetic thickener. Polyglycerin-3 is a humectant since this ingredient is made out of glycerin molecules. It helps promote active ingredients deeper. Disodium EDTA neutralizes metal ions in the formula to keep products fresh.  

How does Etude SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner work?  

I'm not joking, but the Etude SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner is affordable, has an easy INCI list and had a watery texture. I kinda wish it was in a spray version, but this bottle is ideal to create a so-called toner mask. Even the brand itself recommends using this toner for toner masks. It's a delicate toner that should work for all skin types including sensitive skin. I have nothing bad to say about it, instead, I'll give you some tips if it comes to application. When you use toners like Etude SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner just rub your hands first, put a small amount on your hand then rub once again and tap moisture onto the skin - when you rub your hands you make them a bit warmer. This should make active ingredients get through layers of the skin more easily.   

How to create a toner mask with Etude SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner?  

Step 1: Soak pads in Etude SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner - you can do that in a bowl or just pour toner onto the pads. 
Step 2: Apply pads onto your cheeks - you can find great pads for that on Jolse like COSRX Pure 100% Cotton Rounds or Rovectin Silky & Soft Facial Pads. Korean pads are a bit different from what we know in the US & Europe. 
Step 3: Leave pads for at least 3 minutes.   

How to use Etude SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner in the 7-skin method?  

The 7-skin method is not as popular as a few years ago, but if your skin is dehydrated you might enjoy it. This shouldn't be done every day or twice a day but 1-2 times per week is the maximum and I prefer to do it when my skin feels pretty bad. You can use toner or essence to do it, the main point of the 7-skin method is to hydrate your skin. 
Step 1: Clean your face, but don't use a towel or paper towel to remove water after cleansing from your skin - just gently tap it into your skin. 
Step 2: Rub your hands together to warm them up. Add toner to your hand, and gently tap it into your skin. 
Step 3: Wait a few minutes until your skin gets a bit dry, and repeat this step. Depending on your skin, you might need between 3 to 7 layers of the toner. 
Step 4: Apply serum after toner.  

Etude House SoonJung Toner & Cica Balm Vegan Set

Etude SoonJung 5-Panthensoside Cica Balm - Packaging  

Etude SoonJung 5-Panthensoside Cica Balm comes in a plastic tube. It's very easy to get moisturizer from it.   

Etude SoonJung 5-Panthensoside Cica Balm - Texture & Scent  

This Cica Balm has no scent which is a big plus! I love the gel-like texture of the moisturizer. It's a lightweight texture suitable for even oily skin!  

Etude House SoonJung Toner & Cica Balm Vegan Set

Etude SoonJung 5-Panthensoside Cica Balm - Ingredients  

Water, Propanediol, Panthenol 5.0%, Squalane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Madecassoside, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glyceryl Stearate, Diisostearyl Malate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Stearic Acid, Acrylates/​C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/​Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol  

Water hides in cosmetic products under names such as Aqua or Eau. It's a solvent, but it's not your regular drinking water. Water in skin care needs to fit some standards. It should be clean and free from minerals, microorganisms or other substances. Usually, water makes up the majority of the content of the product. Propanediol is also known as natural glycol - an alternative to propylene glycol. Propanediol is a solvent with additional moisturizing properties. It makes the product smooth to the touch. It can even improve the effectiveness of active ingredients. Propanediol is also known as natural glycol - an alternative to propylene glycol. Propanediol is a solvent with additional moisturizing properties. It makes the product smooth to the touch. It can even improve the effectiveness of active ingredients. Panthenol is a humectant. It prevents skin from TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss). Panthenol (5%) is also known as vitamin B5, and it helps with inflammation. Panthenol can soothe the skin irritated by preservatives, scent ingredients, and chemical sunscreens - it might have a meaning for lipids in our skin and skin barrier. It speeds up the healing process. It's good to use it after sunbathing. In hair care, Panthenol has moisturizing properties. If you have problems detangling your hair or hair growth go for Panthenol. It is good to mix it with niacinamide and zinc oxide. You can see it in products for atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. Squalane is an ingredient very similar to our sebum. Squalane and squalene sound similar, but there's a difference. Squalane has no double bonds while squalene has double bonds. What does it mean? Squalane is a more stable version of squalene. What I love about this ingredient is how well it works with all skin types, and how our skin needs it. Believe me, if your skin is irritated - go for squalane! This ingredient is usually derived from sugarcane or olives. It acts like an emollient and you need it in your life. Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. In the beauty industry, it's an emollient. Many people associate alcohol with something awful for the epidermis, but not every alcohol is nasty. Cetearyl alcohol leaves a moisturizing film on the skin to prevent your skin from transepidermal water loss (TEWL). We use Cetearyl alcohol to create an emulsion. Madecassoside is a bioactive part of Centella Asiatica. It's an antioxidant and can stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis to promote wound healing. It has soothing effects, and it might have anti-aging properties if we combine it with vitamin C. Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract is an antioxidant - it fights free radicals and fixes the damage. Green tea is a source of many positive skin substances such as catechins (EGCG, EGC, EC, CG), flavonoids, amino acids, vitamin C, and minerals. It works for all skin types. Since it has antibacterial properties, many products for young, acne-prone skin contain this ingredient. It has soothing properties, and it's good to use it along with sunscreen to boost the protection of your skin. Butylene Glycol is a common ingredient in products. It's not only a solvent. We use butylene glycol because it helps with the penetration of active ingredients, protects products from drying and moisturizes skin and hair. This ingredient can prevent hair loss and make your hair stronger. Hydrogenated Lecithin is a version of lecithin. It works as an emollient in the formulas. Glyceryl Stearate is an emollient with emulsifying properties. Diisostearyl Malate is an emollient, soluble in oils. Cetearyl Glucoside is an emulsifier. It can be synthetic or it can come from the coconut. Stearic Acid is a fatty acid that works as an emollient and emulsifier. Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer and quite a large molecule. It works as a thickener and emulsion stabiliser. Tromethamine is a synthetic pH adjuster. Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate is an emulsifier with moisturizing properties. Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate is an oil-in-water emulsifier, suitable for vegans. Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is a polymer that works as an emulsifier and thickener. Disodium EDTA neutralizes metal ions in the formula to keep products fresh. 1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic solvent and preservative - it protects products from microorganisms by boosting other preservatives. At the same time, it can moisturize the skin, and it has no unpleasant effects on your epidermis.  

Etude House SoonJung Toner & Cica Balm Vegan Set

How does Etude SoonJung 5-Panthensoside Cica Balm work?  

I'm very surprised with this one because lately, I had huge problems finding an ideal moisturizer. Usually, the main problems for me are ingredients that sensitize my skin or clog it, a formula that doesn't work with sunscreen or makeup and formulas that don't moisturise the skin at all. This cream is different. I'm glad Etude decided to not add Niacinamide to Etude SoonJung 5-Panthensoside Cica Balm. It's a thing brands and influencers barely ever talk about - Niacinamide can sensitize your skin, especially in higher amounts than 2-5%. Lots of products right now have Niacinamide - literally, all products in your routine can have it. My skin gets irritated after niacinamide - usually higher amounts of niacinamide in my routine = my skin is red. I like to avoid niacinamide as much as I can unless the product helps me like one of the Lancome serums. What I can tell you, is Etude SoonJung 5-Panthensoside Cica Balm doesn't contain niacinamide. It has many protecting and nourishing ingredients that my skin likes. The formula is lightweight and it should work with all skin types even during summer. If you can't find a good moisturizer - give this one a try!  

Etude House SoonJung Toner & Cica Balm Vegan Set

How much does the Etude House SoonJung Toner & Cica Balm Vegan Set cost and where to get it?  

I got the Etude House SoonJung Toner & Cica Balm Vegan Set from Jolse, it costs $29,40 but sometimes you can find it at even more attractive prices on Jolse.   

Overall, the SoonJung line from Etude is a big surprise and I'm sure I'll try more products from this brand.   

Have you ever tried the SoonJung line before?

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*** This post was made in a collaboration with Jolse even though  it still shows my personal, honest opinion on the topic and product.***

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