Pyunkang Yul is a dermatological cosmetics brand initiated by the renowned Pyunkang Oriental Medicine Institute in Seoul, South Korea. That’s why this review has the title you are seeing. The ingredients of the Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner also contain mostly herbal ingredients, which I will analyze below.
Whether a brand is popular or not does not necessarily depend on the quality of the product but also on the power of communication and the core business philosophy of the brand owner. It is possible that consumers (in Vietnam) are not familiar with Pyunkang’s products, but this does not mean that the quality of these products is low.
I wrote an article about the Pyunkang brand here.
The content of the review will also gradually go through the following items: ingredient analysis, external evaluation, and feeling when using. It is possible that this review is a bit dry, but it is necessary to be neutral and respect the truth.
Through this content, you will be able to answer the following questions: Is Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner gentle? Can Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner be used for sensitive skin? Is Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner good?”
A – Analysis of ingredients in Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
Overall, the Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner adheres to the Pyunkang Oriental Medicine Clinic’s principle of minimal ingredients, maximum effect. The ingredient list contains only seven active ingredients. After looking at the ingredient list, I feel very happy, and I don’t have to write a lot of text, which is tiring.
Full ingredients: Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carbomer, Arginine
1. Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
Extract from the root of Astragalus membranaceus, a plant in the legume family. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used to boost the immune system, heal wounds, and moisturize the skin. In the toner formula, this extract accounts for a very high concentration of up to 91.3%.
The root of Astragalus membranaceus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 4,000 years as a tonic and an antidote. The plant is harvested for its roots after it is at least 5 years old.
Astragalus can restore damage and metabolic function by improving circulation and increasing blood flow to damaged and aging areas. This activity removes toxins caused by inflammation and allows nutrients to be absorbed better, making the skin brighter and healthier.
The extract is rich in minerals and antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and also counteracts the breakdown of elastin, keeping the skin’s structure and elasticity (elastin as well as collagen are types of proteins found in connective tissues, which connect cells).
In aquaculture, juice from the Astragalus membranaceus root is also used to prevent and treat diseases in shrimp and prawns due to its disinfecting, detoxifying, and wound-healing properties.
2. 1,2-hexanediol
1,2-hexanediol contains many active ingredients, including:
- Alpha-lipoic acid, an antioxidant;
- Chrysin, an anti-inflammatory;
- Diosgenin, which maintains stable cholesterol levels;
- Glucosamine hydrochloride, which slows down the progression of osteoarthritis; and
- Indole-3-carbinol, a nutrient that may prevent cancer.
Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect cells from damage. It is also known to improve blood sugar control and reduce inflammation.
Chrysin is an anti-inflammatory compound that has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and swelling. It is also known to have antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
Diosgenin is a plant sterol that has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including lowering cholesterol levels, reducing inflammation, and improving bone health.
Glucosamine hydrochloride is a natural compound that is found in cartilage. It is used to treat osteoarthritis by helping to repair and protect the cartilage.
Indole-3-carbinol is a compound that is found in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. It has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including reducing the risk of cancer, improving liver health, and boosting the immune system.
3. Butylene Glycol
Butylene glycol is a moisturizing ingredient in cosmetics that is non-irritating to the skin, even the most sensitive skin. Instead of using water, companies use it as a solvent to dissolve other ingredients.
4. Arginine
Arginine is a substance that is synthesized in our kidneys and liver. In pharmaceuticals, it has a role in regulating liver function, supporting the treatment of hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver, and supporting the kidneys in eliminating waste and toxins from the body. In children, arginine helps strengthen the immune system.
In cosmetics, arginine dilates blood vessels and stimulates circulation and blood flow effectively. This allows the supply of oxygen and nutrients to aging tissues to occur more quickly.
5. Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane is a moisturizer and emollient that does not leave a sticky residue. It is used in toners, moisturizing serums, and eye-lifting gels. It is a water-soluble silicone. If you are still prejudiced against silicones, read the article about the common misconceptions about silicones.
6. Carbomer
Carbomer is used in cosmetics to help the ingredients blend evenly together and prevent sedimentation and stratification.
7. Hydroxyethyl cellulose
Hydroxyethyl cellulose, also known by the trade name Natrosol, is a gelling and thickening agent derived from cellulose. It is widely used in cosmetics, cleaning solutions, and other household products.
8. The safety level of Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
With only seven gentle ingredients, the results of the analysis from CosDNA and the EWG Cosmetics Database all gave perfect results, confirming the safety of the product.
B – Review Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
1. Fragrant
Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner is unscented, which is something I appreciate. Adding fragrance ingredients doesn’t do much, so I’d rather have a product that does its job well.
2. Note about capacity and expiry date
The product has a shelf life of 2 years from the date of manufacture and expires within 12 months after opening. There are two sizes available: 100 ml and 200 ml. Based on the price/volume ratio, we currently only provides the 200-ml bottle because it is more cost-effective.
3. Performance evaluation
I usually use this toner after washing my face in the morning. The small hole in the cap helps save the solution. The green plastic bottle is very beautiful, and it also prevents light from affecting the quality of the solution. The label is too simple; in short, this is a sophisticated product.
Many sources claim that the toner bottle is made of glass, but it is not; it is made of plastic. There are people who have never used the actual product or have just seen the product through photos but have hastily drawn the wrong conclusion.
The first time you use it, you will be surprised by the thickness and viscosity of the solution. Common toners are usually liquid. This product is thicker than most products of the same type. It feels like a combination of the power of Essence and Toner in the same moisturizing product.
Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner is a water-free formula with over 90% extract of Korean ginseng root. This is the reason for the above density.
What I find enjoyable is that the solution has no smell, or more precisely, it has a very light, rustic smell that is very difficult to notice. If used as I do in the morning, it is estimated that the 200-ml bottle can be used for nearly 4 months.
I don’t use cotton pads, but I apply the toner directly with my hands. Then I use my fingertips to massage the toner into my skin, including the area around my lips and the area under my eyes.
This is my personal way of using the toner. Actually, this type of thick toner is not suitable for use with cotton pads. If you are using a toner for the purpose of deep cleansing in two steps, cotton pads are necessary to remove dirt. However, it is not necessary to use cotton pads with the Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner. Instead, try to save as much toner as possible instead of letting it soak into the cotton pad.
As soon as I apply and massage the toner, it absorbs quickly without leaving any sticky residue. I can clearly feel that my skin is hydrated and plump.
Because the ingredients of this toner are quite simple and gentle, it is very suitable for applying in multiple layers. In Korea, this method of applying multiple layers of toner is called the 7-Skin Method. You will apply 7 layers of toner to your face, and you can apply 2-3 layers to the area under your eyes. After 7 layers of toner, you almost don’t need to use a moisturizer.
4. Conclusion About Bottle Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
The main ingredient is a traditional Korean medicine that accounts for more than 90% of the solution, and the ingredient list has only 7 ingredients. Therefore, this toner is very gentle and mild, and it has no smell. The product is suitable for all skin types. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you can rest assured that you can use it. In terms of mildness, moisturizing ability, and disinfection, the current price for a 200-ml bottle is reasonable. Moreover, the solution is thick, so you can use it for nearly four months. If you are afraid to use moisturizer because of sensitive skin, this bottle can meet your needs.
| Advantage | Defect |
|---|---|
| + Gentle and mild formula + Great moisturizing + Fast absorption + Reasonable price/time of use + No artificial fragrance + Non-sticky + Can be used instead of moisturizer | + Not suitable if you want a quick and powerful effect |
5. References
– Astragalus Promotes Firm Radiant Skin LifeCell Australia.
– Health Benefits of Astragalus (Astragalus Membranaceus Root) for Anti-Aging and More Doctors Health Press.
