Nooni Spring Water Seed Essence Toner Review

Toners have been a step I have been neglecting for the longest time because I never see actual results or benefits when I use it.  Either I am not using the right ones or it just isn’t a step I really need, I still try and incorporate one in my routine in hopes that it will help.  For the longest time, I have just been using Bioderma’s Micellar water as a toner since it can get rid of leftover residue and make up.  I’ve recently been venturing out and trying different toners, including this one from Nooni which is a new addition to Memebox’s in house brands.  So let’s get on with the review shall we?  Lets…G O!

So what is a toner suppose to be for anyways?
Traditionally toning was a step in a skin care regimen that was used after the cleansing stage.  They were originally designed to remove soap scums, shrink pores and tighten skin in preparation for make up application. Nowadays, there are two types of toners out in the market, ones to just finish the cleansing process and others were used as a moisturizer.

Ones that are used to finish off the cleansing process is also called “astringents”. Back in the 70’s and the 80’s, rich cleansing milks and soaps were very popular and astringents were used to close pores by producing a slight irritation and swelling of the skin which got the tops of the pores to close.  Sadly consumers back in the day did  not understand the nice tingling and quick drying formulas, containing ingredients such as alcohol, acetone or witch hazel, would not only dry out their skin leaving their oil levels imbalanced, their pores do not stay closed for a long period of time either!

Moisturizing toners nowadays are formulated without harsh ingredients like alcohol or acetone and usually contain ingredients such as water and other properties to sooth the skin.  Hence toner essence being a popular product to have in your skincare routine!

Ingredients you should avoid in your toners:
-Acetone
-Alcohol
-Alum
-Boric acid
-Camphor
-Eucalyptus
– Fragrance
-Menthol
-Peppermint
-Rosewater
-Witch Hazel

Full name of product:
Nooni Spring water Seed essence toner

Limited edition/ Permanent?:
Permanent

Description of product:
Seed Essence Toner feautres a lightweight gel-like formula that treats and hydrates like essence and refreshes like toner. Using a hydrating toner like this puts your skin in optimal condition for the rest of your skincare routine.

-Fortifies the protective barrier and nourishes with a powerful blend of Quinoa Seeds and Tea Seeds
-Olive Oil creates a moisture barrier that protects the skin
-Recommended for all skin types, especially dry skin
-Free of Alcohol to be suitable for sensitive skin

Price:
$25 retail price (on sale now for $18)

Amount of product:
350 mL

Duration before expiration:
12 months (1 year)

Country of Manufacture:
Made in Korea

Where to buy:
Memebox

Versions available:
Spring water Seed essence toner
Spring water sprout smoothing toner

Ingredients:
Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, INCI(X) Carbonated Water, PEG-8, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Camellia Sinensis Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Carbomer, Tromethamine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance

Product packaging:
In the promo pictures on the website, I thought these products came in a pretty glass jar so I was a bit surprised that it was actually a clear frosted plastic bottle instead.  Nonetheless, the product still looked very “earthy” and natural.  I don’t know why but this version specifically kind of reminds me of expensive bottle of olive oil in the supermarket aisle. 

The information is stuck on the bottom with a sticker.  The front has the name of the product, while the back has all the usual information that is mostly in Korean.

The toner itself comes out of the bottle with a stopper so you don’t dump half the container onto your cotton pads.  That is always nice, especially for a clutz like me.  I’d most definitely accidently knock over the bottle and it would be game over for me.

How to use:
“After cleansing, apply an appropriate amount onto hands and gently pat until absorbed. #memetip: We recommend applying directly with your hands because the natural temperature of your hands help maximize absorption. If you have tight, dry winter skin, try layering several layers to boost moisture levels. This toner comes in a jumbo size of 350ml, so use generously! Use on dry hair or all over the body after shower to restore lost moisture.”
I use it right after I’m done with my cleansing step.  Onto a cotton pad we go and wipe my face nicely, then finish off with the patting motion to get the emulsion absorbed into the skin.  You can also use these in your hair and all over your body as well!

Texture/ Finish:
Texture of this product is definitely a lot thicker then my usual toners which is usually very water like.  I do like that this product is two in one, which means on step less for my lazy bum.  The toner absorbs into the skin quickly and doesn’t leave any sticky residue.  My skin does seem to be slightly hydrated but not enough to replace a moisturizer, which of course is expected.

Moisture level measurements:
As you can see, the measurements says it all.  This product definitely aids in the moisture department, especially in the cheek area which has more then a 50% moisture increase.  That is crazy!

pH level:
There is a whole theory behind the whole pH level and skincare.  Human skin has a pH balance of 5.5 which is slightly acid.  By using products that are close to the skin’s natural pH levels, you can help maintain the balance and in the long run, preserving your skin.  Too alkaline would cause your skin to become sensitive and dry, possibly even getting eczema which sadly I have on my two thumbs from constant hand washing at work.  I might get into pH levels another time but for now, that was your short lesson on pH level and why it should concern you when it comes to your skin.I do not own this image.  This was taken here.

Nooni’s essence toner has a pH level of 6, which is very very close to our natural pH level.  YEY!

Fragrance?:
This is one major factor that turns me off with the two toners offered in this Nooni line.  You’d think with there very natural, “spring water all the way from Chojungri of South Korea”, they would highlight that.  Even the packaging is very minimalistic, clean with touches of green to signify nature.  I don’t know who was in the production team, but whoever thought it was a good idea to intoxicate the product with seven million scents, it was definitely not necessary.  Smell-o-scale= 9.5/10
Not being able to wear perfumes for the past five years since working in the hospitality industry, I’ve become very sensitive to scents. The first time I used this product, the scents just hit me like a boxing glove to the face.  Imagine Herbal essence…  We all love Herbal essence right?  I know I did growing up as a child because it made my hair smell like a rainforest like the commercials.  Now I like Herbal essence, but not in a product that is touching my face and staying there for a good 2 minutes after application.  Nooni, if you are going for the au natural theme, skip the fragrance.  It is not needed.  Thank you.

Results:
With my dry skin, I’m always on the hunt to find a product to hydrate my skin.  When I first got this product, I was super excited to use it in hopes of improvement.  I’m not sure if it is this product, but the couple of weeks I used this product, my face started to form red bumps and was itchy all around.  My skin was never sensitive and usually don’t react to products but this made my face super uncomfortable all around.  I stopped using this product ever since and the itching stopped.  The red bumps are still there and I’m trying to cut down to a five step skincare routine to see if it will help.

Pro:
-moisturizing
-2 in 1 product
-multiuse
-generous size

Con:
-fragrance is too strong; unnecessary!
-made my face itchy and irritated

Repurchase?:
No

Stars given out of 5:
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Overall thoughts:
I think this product is a decent product.  If they were to remove the fragrance completely, I would have given it at least a 3.5-4 stars since it actually does a nice job moisturizing. Overall I give this product a 3 star and see potential but the fragrance is just killing me.  I should not have to pinch my nose to use a skincare product.  Also I think the 7 million fragrance added into the product could have possible been the culprit to my skin irritation.  I’d say if you want to try this product out, wait till they have a 2.0 version.  I’m just going to try and use this product up as a body moisturizer or in my hair as a serum since it already smells like Herbal Essence keke.

What do you guys think about this product?  Have you tried it before and what are your thoughts on it?  Let me know in the comments down below!!  I love to chit chat. ヾ(･ω･｡)ｼ