Delivering ample moisture right at the beginning of your skincare routine, the Laneige Cream Skin Refiner has proven itself to be the ultimate solution to skin dryness. It is a holy grail for anyone looking to hop on the latest milky skin trend, which focuses on skin nourishment and barrier strengthening. It is perhaps one of the k-beauty products that pioneered the said trend, but one might be wondering: what exactly is a “cream skin refiner�
Laneige describes it as a whole tub of cream melted into a toner, otherwise known as skin in Korea. As such, it is designed to refine the skin by reinforcing the outermost layer through intense moisture and hydration. Imagine your favorite moisturizer in liquid form. While the idea of dissolving a cream into a liquid seems simple enough, the whole process is rather complex — using a patented Cream Blending Technology™ to make it all happen.
Like any typical toner, the skin refiner has a light, runny consistency that easily spreads over your face. However, as the liquid gets absorbed by your skin, its cream qualities begin to manifest. It isn’t a zero-feeling toner; you will definitely notice it as it forms a filmy yet moisturizing residue atop. It takes a while for the tackiness to subside, but once it has, your skin is left with a healthy-looking glow. On the other hand, I find that the more layers you apply, the more likely it is for that residue to persist or even build up, unless you’re in a cold environment.
Depending on your skin’s level of dryness, the hybrid toner-moisturizer alone might suffice to effectively relieve any tightness. Similarly, the amount of product your skin needs may vary according to climatic conditions. To give you an idea, multiple layers were needed to quench my skin’s thirst — caused by chilly autumn winds and cool temperatures — during our trip to the US, whereas a single layer is enough to keep it soft and plump in the hot and humid climate of the Philippines. I would have to admit it lacks the hydrating powers I expected it to possess. However, having the moisturizing abilities of a cream, it surely feels nourishing.
Compared to other toners, this one from Laneige has a relatively short ingredients list, but it is by no means any less effective. Being the brainchild of over two decades of intensive research, it has been ensured to contain ingredients that are gentle, safe, and beneficial for dry and sensitive skin. Butylene glycol and glycerin are two of which that are widely known for their moisturizing and barrier repair properties.
The toner is also infused with white tea leaf water, whose abilities have been enhanced through a specialized shadow-growing method, wherein its plants are grown under a canopy of shade trees rather than in the open. It is essentially the less processed sibling of green tea — both of which come from the same camellia sinensis plant — and thus carries higher levels of antioxidants. Even so, it is written at the bottom of the list, so don’t expect this to be an acne-fighting solution as well.
Regarding its natural scent, it smells lightly of rice milk, which I am an absolute fan of! On top of this, the product is hypoallergenic tested and free of PEG surfactant, animal-derived ingredient, synthetic pigment, triethanolamine (pH balancer, stabilizer), and fragrance.
As mentioned, the Laneige Skin Refiner was initially a whole tub of cream. That being said, it tends to feel heavy when layered with other products, so I prefer to keep it in my evening routine. I wouldn’t go so far as to say it can replace an actual moisturizer, though, but it is enough on certain days.
Final thoughts:
While it may not be my first choice for daily use, I would consider taking it with me on my travels to much cooler regions. Apart from the availability of a trial/mini version, what practically drove me to purchase the Laneige Cream Skin Refiner was the very concept of it being a toner and moisturizer in one. Sure, nearly every skincare product on the market today offers some level of hydration and moisturization, but knowing how harsh cold and dry air can be for the skin, I was specifically on the lookout for one that prioritized these benefits. I would probably pair it with something more hydrating to enhance its performance, although I do enjoy being able to somewhat simplify my routine with this one.
**Everyone’s skin is different. What works/doesn’t work for me may not/may work for you. Remember to check the ingredients list and do a patch test before using any new skincare product.
DIRECTIONS / HOW TO USE THE LANEIGE CREAM SKIN REFINER (according to the label):
In the morning and evening, at the toner stage, put an appropriate amount on your palm and gently pat until absorbed.
Beauty tip: As a toner pack
Wet cotton pads with Cream Skin to use as a moisturizing toner pack. Leave the pack on for about 2 minutes and remove. Pat the remaining Cream Skin until absorbed to feel the instant soothing and moisturizing effect on the skin.
HOW I USED IT:
After cleansing, I would pour about 1/4 teaspoonful of the toner into my palm then lightly pat it into my skin. After which, I would start gently and briskly slapping my face with my fingers to press the toner in, before applying serum and moisturizer (sometimes).
HIGHLIGHTS:
Butylene Glycol: emollient, moisturizing
Glycerin: moisturizing, skin barrier repair
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil: antioxidant, emollient
1,2-Hexanediol: emollient, moisturizing
Glyceryl Caprylate: antimicrobial, emollient, moisturizing
Propanediol: moisturizing
Main reference (ingredient functions): INCI Decoder (https://incidecoder.com/)
FULL INGREDIENTS LIST (from the company website): Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propanediol, Disodium EDTA, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol
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