Doubling as a no-rinse cleanser, this licorice toner from Acwell does everything a facial toner is supposed to do and more. Not only does it effectively hydrate the skin, but it also calms and soothes irritations, fades dark spots, and removes leftover impurities that double cleansing might have missed, all while balancing the skin’s pH level back to 5.5. How is it able to achieve all that? Well, this is all made possible with the mixture’s powerful blend of traditional Korean herbs, a centuries-old formula that’s been used to address a variety of health issues.
Among the substances listed, I’m guessing the cleansing toner’s abilities have a lot to do with its licorice content in particular. The star ingredient on its own is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, astringent, as well as brightening properties, inhibiting the enzyme (tyrosinase) necessary for the synthesis of melanin—the very pigment that gives our skin its color. And although licorice root extract is written at the bottom part of the ingredient list, licorice root water is listed way above, taking up the second spot. For those who might not know, skincare ingredient lists are arranged in descending order of concentration.
The brand’s philosophy explains a lot about the product’s development, so let me give you a brief introduction…
Acwell is a skincare brand that puts ingredients at the forefront of its formulations. Inspired by the Korean medical book Donguibogam, it takes the best of traditional Korean medicine and fuses it with modern-day research and technology. It focuses on improving the skin beyond the surface by harnessing the power of natural ingredients to restore balance and maintain harmony in our skin, which it believes the lack thereof to be the origin of skin problems. Such ingredients include camellia sinensis leaf extract (green tea), cimicifuga dahurica root extract, and pueraria lobata root extract, to name a few.
Initially, I found it to be a very basic toner that didn’t really do anything to my skin. That’s because I already had another toner at the time, and so I would only occasionally use it as a third cleanser. As per the written directions, I would pour the liquid onto a cotton pad and sweep it across my face and neck in order to remove any leftover gunk. It was effective in that aspect; however, since I had only used it at most twice a week, I was not able to truly appreciate its formulation. In fact, it was not until I ran out of my primary toner did I realize the wonders it can do to my skin.
I started applying the toner without a cotton pad and it took my skin just roughly three days to get used to it. After which, I saw nothing but gradual improvement, especially paired with the Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream. The blend of herbal extracts gives the toner its muted brown color and light citrusy scent. While it is hypoallergenic tested and generally safe for sensitive skin, bear in mind that it also contains bergamot fruit oil which may cause allergic reactions to some. In terms of consistency, it is watery and very lightweight. I don’t often apply multiple layers. However, when I do, it leaves my skin feeling more hydrated but not heavy. I believe its low pH helps in the absorption of other skincare products as well.
Upon application, my skin feels instantly refreshed. It does form a slightly tacky, filmy residue, but that, too, goes away within minutes. There are no tingles, redness, or itching. I find it to be a gentle toner that calms my rosacea and keeps my skin soft, supple, and well-hydrated, not to mention the subtle glow it gives! I would say it’s perfect for cold and dry climates, although it surely works great under the hot and humid Philippine climate as well. After just 15 days of use, I noticed my acne spots had faded and my breakouts were reduced, even halting any new acne from further developing.
Oh! Did I mention I also ran out of serum during this time? I honestly didn’t expect much from the Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner. As a matter of fact, I thought it would break me out! Hydration was the only thing I looked for in a toner, and it certainly went beyond that. Even if I haven’t used any other skincare product in 38 days, my skin remains in relatively good shape. I can now see why it is one of the most popular, if not the most popular, licorice-infused products around, and given what it’s done for me, I also believe it to be a product every skincare enthusiast—or anyone simply wanting to get clearer skin—should try for a period in their life.
**Everyone’s skin is different. What works/doesn’t work for me may not/may work for you. Remember to check the ingredient list and do a patch test before using any new skincare product.
After cleansing, pour appropriate amount onto cotton pad and gently sweep across face and neck, starting in the center of face and moving outwards.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Water: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, brightening
Rheum Palmatum Root Extract: antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Psidium Guajava Leaf Extract: antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, emollient
Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial
Perilla Ocymoides Seed Extract: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, moisturizer/humectant
Paeonia (Peony) Albiflora Root Extract: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, brightening
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract: anti-aging, antioxidant, moisturizer/humectant
Main reference (ingredient functions): INCI Decoder (https://incidecoder.com/)
FULL INGREDIENT LIST (according to the product label): Water, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Water, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Poloxamer 184, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Rheum Palmatum Root Extract, Psidium Guajava Leaf Extract, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Seed Extract, Poncirus Trifoliata Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Limonene, Linalool, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Paeonia (Peony) Albiflora Root Extract, Cimicifuga Dahurica Root Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Propylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin