Etude House Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner for acne-prone skin
Superior
- SuperiorCombination Skin Fit
- SuperiorEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
One of the best toners for acne-prone skin.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. 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 acne concerns is provided by madecassoside and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, which soothe inflammation and combat acne-causing bacteria. Glycerin and panthenol offer excellent hydration, balancing your skin type effectively.
- The formula's gentle nature, with panthenol and glycerin, ensures optimal moisture retention without exacerbating oiliness or dryness.
- This product is safe for your acne-prone skin, as it contains no harsh ingredients and includes soothing components like panthenol and madecassoside.
How to apply
- Use your hydrating toner in your AM and PM routine. Start 3x a week and work up to daily use if your skin likes it.
- Apply your hydrating toner after cleansing and before your moisturizer or SPF.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the hydrating toner into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the hydrating toner on slightly damp skin to help it absorb better.
- Always do a patch test before your first use and avoid the eye area .
People Say
★4.7Overall rating based on 2.1k+ reviewsThis 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 one of the best fits for acne-prone skin?
This toner is one of the best fits for acne-prone skin because madecassoside and green tea extract soothe inflammation and help combat acne-causing bacteria, while glycerin and panthenol keep skin hydrated without causing extra oiliness. Its gentle, irritation-free formula is safe and unlikely to clog pores.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019Molecules, 2023
Which ingredients make this toner a good fit for acne-prone skin?
Madecassoside and green tea leaf extract make this toner a great fit for acne-prone skin because they help soothe inflammation and fight acne-causing bacteria. Glycerin and panthenol also help by providing lightweight hydration and keeping moisture balanced without making your skin oily.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019Molecules, 2023
What does Madecassoside do for acne-prone skin?
Madecassoside helps acne-prone skin by calming redness, reducing acne breakouts, and repairing the skin barrier to keep it healthy. It may also lower water loss and soothe irritation when used consistently in your routine.
What does Panthenol do for acne-prone skin?
Panthenol helps acne-prone skin by soothing redness and supporting the skin barrier while keeping skin hydrated. It is unlikely to cause irritation and works well to calm angry spots without clogging pores.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
Where does this toner go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?
This toner goes right after your cleanser in both your morning and weekly routines. It helps keep your skin calm and balanced without feeling heavy or greasy.
Molecules, 2023Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
Can I use this toner with retinol, and in what order?
Yes, you can use this hydrating toner with retinol by applying it right before your retinol treatment to help soothe your skin and keep it calm. This gentle approach is unlikely to cause irritation while keeping your skin balanced and properly hydrated.
How often should I use this toner?
You can use this hydrating toner daily in your morning routine after cleansing and before moisturizing. Its gentle formula helps calm redness and balances your skin without causing extra oiliness or dryness.
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
Can this toner clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?
This toner is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for acne-prone skin, as it features soothing ingredients like madecassoside and panthenol that calm inflammation without heavy oils. Reviewers rarely report breakouts, and the gentle formula balances moisture without leaving excess oil behind.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019Molecules, 2023
Is this toner fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
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, 2019Co-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, 2023A 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, 2017A 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, 2017Cosmetic formulations containing 5% Centella asiatica extract showed the best efficacy in improving skin moisture and decreasing transepidermal water loss, while also exhibiting antiinflammatory properties in 25 volunteers compared to baseline measurements.
Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016Topical 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, 2020Moisturizer 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, 2019Topical treatment with 5% vitamin C and 0.1% madecassoside significantly improved clinical scores for wrinkles, suppleness, firmness, roughness, and skin hydration, along with functional and structural remodeling of the elastic fiber network in 20 female volunteers with photoaged skin after 6 months compared to baseline.
Experimental Dermatology, 2008Topical 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, 2002Topical dexpanthenol formulated in lipophilic vehicles improved stratum corneum hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in humans.
Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2000Hyaluronic 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, 2020The 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, 2020Ten 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, 2001Niacinamide/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, 2012Topical 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, 2017Topical low-dose green tea extract reduces UVB-induced p53 expression and apoptosis in human skin keratinocytes compared to placebo.
Experimental Dermatology, 2009Topical application of green tea extract encapsulated chitosan microparticles improved skin elasticity, melanin index, and facial wrinkles compared to a placebo in female volunteers without causing skin irritation.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022Motor 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, 2025A 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, 2014Glycyrrhizin 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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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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