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Etude House Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner for combination skin

High

  • SuperiorCombination Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • ExcellentSafety

A great choice for combination skin; a few toners fit it even better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Excellent suitability for your combination skin and oily shine is provided by panthenol and glycerin, which offer superior hydration, while Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract and Madecassoside deliver soothing and antioxidant benefits to balance oiliness.
  • The formulation is well-suited for combination skin, with ingredients like betaine and propanediol working to maintain optimal moisture levels without exacerbating oiliness.
  • The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the inclusion of soothing components like panthenol and madecassoside.

How to apply

  • Use this hydrating toner in your AM and PM routines. Start 3 times a week and move to daily use if your skin likes it.
  • Apply this hydrating toner after your cleanser and before your moisturizer or SPF. This keeps your skin balanced and ready.
  • Gently press 2-3 drops of the hydrating toner into your skin with your hands. Let it ⏳absorb for a minute before the next step.
  • Apply the hydrating toner on slightly damp skin to help it absorb better. Clean skin gives the best results for your oily shine goal.
  • Avoid the eye area when using your hydrating toner. Always do a quick patch test before your first use.

People Say

★4.7Overall rating based on 2.1k+ reviews

This toner is widely celebrated for its ability to instantly calm redness and soothe sensitive, reactive, and acne-prone skin, owing to its minimal, fragrance-free formula. Its water-like consistency is ideal for layering and suits oily skin types, though individuals with very dry skin might need multiple applications or a richer moisturizer to achieve adequate hydration. This summary is based on a very large amount of data and should be definitely taken into account.

Highlights

  • Gentle & non-irritating Mostly Mentioned
    • “never bother my sensitive skin”
    • “no sting, no drama”
    • “doesn't sting or burn”
    • “great for my allergies”
  • Soothing & calming Mostly Mentioned
    • “calms down any irritation”
    • “instantly soothes and hydrates”
    • “relieve my sensitive area”
    • “reduces redness and bumps”
  • Hydrating (layerable) Often Mentioned
    • “layers beautifully”
    • “skin feels plump”
    • “hydrates without making it greasy”
    • “perfect for 7 skin method”
  • Lightweight & fast absorbing Often Mentioned
    • “absorbs into my skin really fast”
    • “never feels oily”
    • “light as water”
    • “no heavy feeling”
  • Not moisturizing enough Sometimes Noted
    • “not noticeably moisturizing on its own”
    • “didn't see much difference”
    • “need 2-3 layers”
    • “too light for winter”
  • Minor breakouts/texture Rarely Noted
    • “woke up with some pimples”
    • “gave me texture”
    • “got closed comedones”
    • “caused bumps”
  • Packaging issues Rarely Noted
    • “bottle top is a bit fragile”
    • “package broke the first time”
    • “cap cracked”
  • Too watery/thin Rarely Noted
    • “texture is just pure water”
    • “seems not to do much”
    • “runs through fingers”
    • “too thin”

Sources: lovi.care, iherb.com, oliveyoung.com, sokoglam.com, skinsort.com, yesstyle.com, and more

Questions and answers

What makes Etude House Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner a great fit for combination skin?

This toner is a great fit because panthenol and glycerin provide deep hydration while keeping oily shine under control. Madecassoside and green tea extract soothe the skin and balance oiliness without causing irritation.

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025

Which ingredients make this toner a good fit for combination skin?

Panthenol and glycerin bring superior hydration to your combination skin, while Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract and Madecassoside help soothe and balance oily shine. Betaine and propanediol further support this by keeping your moisture levels balanced without making you greasy.

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025

What does Madecassoside do for combination skin?

Madecassoside helps keep combination skin calm and hydrated while supporting the skin barrier. It may also improve moisture balance and reduce irritation in areas that tend to be dry or flaky.

Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

What does Panthenol do for combination skin?

Panthenol helps balance combination skin by boosting moisture while keeping redness and irritation calm. It is unlikely to cause breakouts and may help repair the skin barrier safely.

The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019

Where does this toner go in a skincare routine for combination skin?

This toner goes right after cleansing in the morning and as a refreshing step after your weekly cleansing mask at night. It helps hydrate combination skin without adding oily shine thanks to ingredients like panthenol and glycerin.

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025

Can I use this toner with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this toner with retinol by applying the toner first to hydrate your skin and then following with your retinol treatment. This combination helps keep your skin balanced and is unlikely to cause irritation because the formula is gentle and soothing.

Cutis, 2006International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024

How often should I use this toner?

You can use this hydrating toner daily in your morning routine after cleansing and before moisturizing. Panthenol and glycerin help keep combination skin soft and hydrated without extra oily shine.

The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024

Can this toner clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

Etude House Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores on combination skin. Its gentle, watery formula avoids harsh ingredients and uses soothing components like panthenol and madecassoside to keep skin calm.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002

Is this toner fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • Topical dexpanthenol acts as a moisturizer, improves stratum corneum hydration, accelerates wound healing and epidermal regeneration, reduces erythema, and improves symptoms of skin irritation compared to vehicle or no pretreatment.

    American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
  • A new topical panthenol-containing emollient significantly improved transepidermal water loss reduction, stratum corneum hydration, and intercellular lipid lamellae length compared with control in healthy subjects without negatively impacting bacterial viability.

    The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
  • Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components.

    Molecules, 2023
  • Topical application of 1,3-propanediol at various concentrations, alone or combined with butylene glycol and/or glycerol, increased skin hydration and reduced trans epidermal water loss in 30 healthy female subjects over an 8-hour period, with the 15% concentration and the addition of glycerol providing greater benefits.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024
  • A panthenol-enriched mask significantly decreased erythema and hyperpigmentation, increased sebum and stratum corneum moisture, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to a saline dressing in 60 subjects undergoing facial laser treatment.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
  • Topical application of 0.05% w/w ECa 233 gel reduced erythema index by 0.03 U and improved early crusting and general wound appearance compared to placebo in thirty individuals undergoing facial laser resurfacing.

    Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2020
  • A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
  • Moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese decreased adverse reactions and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with comparable efficacy to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in 20 subjects.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
  • Topical dexpanthenol formulated in lipophilic vehicles improved stratum corneum hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in humans.

    Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2000
  • Hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol, and isotonic saline nasal sprays all significantly improved dry nose symptoms over four weeks in 240 patients, with hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol providing superior nasal moisturisation compared to the other two.

    Auris, Nasus, Larynx, 2020
  • A combination serum containing galactomyces ferment filtrate, dexpanthenol, and Centella asiatica effectively treated post-acne hyperpigmentation in subjects with colored skin by significantly increasing lightness scores in Fitzpatrick skin type V and reducing the melanin index in Fitzpatrick skin type IV compared to placebo.

    Skinmed, 2021
  • The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
  • Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001
  • Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012
  • Topical green tea extract significantly improved clinical symptoms, tear breakup times, and meibomian gland health compared to standard treatment in patients with dry eye and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.

    Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2017
  • Topical low-dose green tea extract reduces UVB-induced p53 expression and apoptosis in human skin keratinocytes compared to placebo.

    Experimental Dermatology, 2009
  • An anti-acne hydrogel containing Aloe barbadensis, Garcinia mangostana, and Camellia sinensis extracts showed superior antiacne and antiblotch activities compared to 1% clindamycin gel in sixty subjects with mild-moderate acne.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019
  • Motor baicalin encapsulated in bio-vesicles enhanced water solubility, stability, transdermal penetration, antioxidant activity, and clinical skin antiaging efficacy compared to liposome baicalin and baicalin raw material.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
  • A nighttime topical antioxidant containing resveratrol, baicalin, and vitamin E significantly improved fine lines, wrinkles, firmness, elasticity, laxity, hyperpigmentation, radiance, roughness, and dermal thickness in subjects with mild to moderately photodamaged skin over 12 weeks.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2014
  • Glycyrrhizin micellar nanocarriers significantly improved topical penetration and follicular accumulation of baicalin in porcine skin, enhanced human dermal papilla cell proliferation, and promoted hair recovery through Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation and upregulation of VEGF, α-MSH, and IL-10.

    International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2022

Ingredients

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

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

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Prices checked 6 Nov 2026

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Canada.

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