Review : Controversial Ingredient in Heimish pH5.5 Refresh Water

I must say that everyone’s dream skin is to have clear and smooth complexion but maybe there are some of us might still skip toning our skin in beauty routine.

The secret weapon to healthy skin is face toner. 
~ Dr. Hadley King, a New York City-based,
board-certified dermatologist

The common purpose of toner is supposed to remove the last bit of dirt, any makeup residue or bacteria on the skin—for an aesthetician, this preps the skin for extractions and makes sure the bacteria in a pimple doesn’t spread. But there’s more to it! But thanks to newer formulations, modern toners are gentler, more effective, and more nourishing than those of the past. Plus, they target all kinds of different skin concerns.

WHAT DOES IT DO?

This Refresh Water picks up any residue left behind after cleansing without drying or irritating skin thus provides a clean canvas for any skincare and makeup that follows. This is an ultimate multitasking toner. Not only as a toner but can be used as gentle exfoliator during regular skincare regime and as a refreshing mist throughout the day.

FEATURES, TEXTURE & SCENTS

Toner is Water-based skincare product so the texture of Refresh Water of course should be watery & runny too. It’s crystal clear and has that lovely, relaxing fresh herbs scents (love it).

HOW TO USE?

Apply generous amount of Refresh Water on a cotton pad, gently wipe off the face from inside outside without rubbing.
TIPS: For optimum results, use the product before makeup correction.

PRICE / VOLUME
Range between RM65 – RM75 /250ml. (please take note price will change from time to time or due to sales)

WHERE TO GET IT ?
Hermo (Malaysia) or Style Korean (International)

20 ACTIVE NATURAL INGREDIENTS

It has more than 20 active natural ingredients that amazingly soothe and balance facial skin while providing it with moisture. So lets see what is inside the formula.

Water, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, propanediol, rosa damascena flower water, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) fruit extract, hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) water, xylitol, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil, amyris balsamifera bark oil, pelargonium graveolens flower oil, citrus paradisi (grapefruit) peel oil, litsea cubeba fruit oil, eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf oil, mentha arvensis leaf oil, salvia officinalis (sage) leaf extract, melissa officinalis leaf extract, arctium majus root extract, boswellia carterii oil, citrus aurantium bergamia (bergamot) fruit oil, juniperus mexicana oil, mentha piperita (peppermint) leaf extract, juniperus communis fruit extract, viscum album (mistletoe) leaf extract, myristica fragrans (nutmeg) kernel oil, tagetes minuta flower oil, hypericum peforatum extract, saponaria officinalis extract, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) extract, origanum vulgare flower/leaf/stem extract, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) extract, thymus vulgaris (thyme) extract, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, moringa pterygosperma seed extract, lupinus albus seed extract, choleth-24, glycerin, ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-hexanediol, sodium citrate, citric acid, octanediol, maltodextrin, tocopherol.

The three main ingredients in this toner are rosa damascena flower water, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) fruit extract, and hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) water.

Rosa Damascena flower water (also known as rose water) contains more than 100 different compounds, some of which are believed to have antiseptic properties. Rose water also has anti-inflammatory properties, which soothes skin irritation caused by conditions, such as eczema and rosacea. Not only that, this rose water is excellent moisturizing properties and when applied topically it eliminates dullness and instantly refreshes your complexion.

While citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) fruit extract  is on the ingredient list for its mild, natural exfoliant properties. It contains mainly citric acid and some malic acid, AHA exfoliants known for their skin renewing properties. more as a helper ingredient in small amounts to adjust the pH of a formulation.

And there is also a controversial ingredient listed on top which is hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) water. Why is it controversial? Well-known skin care expert, Paula Begoun rates witch hazel as poor and says,  “depending on the form of witch hazel, you’re exposing your skin either to a sensitizing amount of alcohol or to tannins (chemimals that produces from Witch Hazel), or both. But there’s possible effective and benefits of Witch Hazel when applied to skin where it relieve mild skin irritation, as effectively as a dexpanthenol ointment in children, for acne treatment  as it can act as astringent by drying out your acne blemishes, much like other OTC treatments. Despite the benefits of Witch Hazel, there’s downside of this where applying product containing witch hazel to the skin for 14 days does not seem to improve itchy and inflamed skin in people with moderate eczema.

If you know well your skin condition, then it should not be a problem for you. Always do a patch test new skin care before slathering on your skin.

MY THOUGHTS

If anyone asks me, ‘Is it necessary to toned my skin? Definitely yes. The optimal pH value of skin on most of our face and body lies between 4.7 and 5.75 (mildly acidic) and water pH value is 7 (alkaline). It’s important to maintain the acidic of skin in order to work as protective barrier.

If skin’s pH rises to alkaline (pH 8/greater) or becomes more acidic (pH2.5 or lower), it’ll loses water & dries out. Can no longer act as protective barrier & becomes vulnerable to factors that can trigger breakouts, redness, sensitivy or signs of eczema.

This toner is actually do good for my skin. Besides apply it during skincare routine, I’ll make sure to toned up & balanced my skin after taking wudu’ by making it as a mist. It really soothes & calm my skin afterwards.

I noticed after gently swipe across the face, there was dirt/residue left behind my cotton pad. Constantly changing new cotton pads until it comes up clean then I’ll splash/spray on my skin. I love apply serum while skin is slightly damped from toner making my skin stays plump & well-hydrated for long. This toner also do good for acne skin.

MY RATE:

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

DISCLAIMER Links provided are non-affiliated. Received this gift from Style Korean in exchange of honest reviews. Whatever works for me might not work out for you since everyone’s skin type is different. YMMV

References:
INCI DECODER – Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract
WebMD – Witch Hazel


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