For years the Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner was my favorite, followed by the recent Tunemakers Concentrated Moisture Lotion, but now the Laneige Cream Skin Refiner takes the crown.
Quick Summary
- Unique cream-in-toner formula makes this incredibly moisturizing without being too heavy.
- Super versatile – can be used as a toner, emulsion, or for lotion masking.
- Moisturizes well and helps prep skin for subsequent products.
What is it
A hydrating cream-in-toner formula that provides ample moisture to the skin at the very first step of your skincare routine.
Ingredients
water, butylene glycol, glycerin, meadowfoam seed oil, 1,2-hexanediol, polyglyceryl-10 stearate, glyceryl stearate citrate, sodium stearoyl glutamate, inulin lauryl carbamate, glyceryl caprylate, ethylhexylglycerin, propanediol, disodium edta, camellia sinensis leaf extract, tocopherol
Best suited for
Dry skin look for a moisturizing toner or combo/oily skin looking for a lightweight moisturizer. Normal skin can use this as an emulsion.
Things to note
It’s alcohol and fragrance-free.
Scent
None. This literally smells like nothing.
Texture
Like skim milk. Super lightweight, but you can feel the slip and moisture on your skin once you massage it in.
Finish
No noticeable shine after one layer, but depending on your skin type, it can start looking dewy with more layers. My combo skin is able to handle two layers without issue.
Where to buy
$22-$33/150ml on Stylevana, eBay, and Sephora
$24 on YesStyle for the mist (5% off with code GEEKYPOSH)
Why it’s not your average toner
If you just go by the ingredient list, this toner doesn’t seem like anything special, and the only two antioxidants are listed last. But as I’ve come to learn about Amorepacific (Laneige’s parent company) products, they’re so much more than just sexy ingredients.
There’s a jar of cream in ever bottle.
Amorepacific spent 19 years researching and developing their Cream Blending Technology™, which can melt cream into a watery liquid texture, giving us the refreshing texture of a toner but with the moisture power of a cream.
From my experience with the brand, they do not mess around when it comes to product formulas. You can learn more about their meticulousness in my Amorepacific Essential Creme Fluid review, and you’ll know why I’m a big believer in their technology.
White tea instead of green tea
Both green and white tea come from the camellia sinensis plant, but the Laneige Cream Skin Refiner specifically uses the latter because it’s the less processed compared to green tea, which means higher level of antioxidants1.
For example, white tea only uses the the buds and baby leaves of the tea plant (because they have higher EGCG levels2), and then they’re naturally dried instead of steamed or fired3. The white tea is then cold brewed, which also helps maximizes its antioxidant levels4.
How to use it
Depending on your skin type, you can apply multiple layers of the Laneige Cream Skin Refiner as a toner to moisturize dry skin, or just one layer as your moisturizer for super oily skin.
You can also lotion mask with this by soaking a few cotton pads and applying them on your drier areas.
I personally like applying a single layer of this all over, then reapplying just on my cheeks between skincare steps to create that moisture sandwich. Yum.
Need more ideas on how to use your toner? Here are 4 ways you can use them
Usage experience
I shared a first impression just a week ago on Instagram and I usually wait 2-3 more before posting a blog review, but the results from this product were pretty much instant: noticeably softer, smoother, and plumper skin.
My skin looks like I’ve been sheet masking every night, and the results are even more noticeable when I actually do sheet mask!
These results lead me to believe that applying the Laneige Cream Skin Refiner first actually helps subsequent products absorb better and increase their efficacy.
Keep in mind this is purely subjective, but the concept is similar to Albion’s milk-first-lotion-second approach: that if we restore the correct water and oil moisture balance to the top layer of our skin, it can help subsequent products permeate better.
It’s not just marketing fluff either, according to dermatologists, the oil molecules can act like little Trojan horses to trick the skin into letting in active ingredients5!
Used alone it’s already fabulous, but I’ve also been mixing in my Tunemakers Ceramide 200 Essence to get that extra boost, and ugh my skin loves this combo so much that now it’s my favorite step of my skincare routine. So, so, so good.
Laneige Cream Skin Refiner Toner vs Mist
Yes Laneige has released this incredible toner in mist form, and let me just say, it’s even better than the original!
The bottle is smaller, but the fine mist makes it easy to apply the product evenly onto the skin. I love misting a fine layer after my essence and before my serums, and another layer right before applying my moisturizer. This method also makes the product feel less heavy on the skin.
Final Verdict
- Packaging8/10
- Ingredients8/10
- Texture/Application10/10
- Performance10/10
- Price9.5/10
Whoever says toners are optional has NOT tried the Cream Skin Refiner because it's is so simple, yet so good. Its only promise is to hydrate, and damn does it do a good job at that. Since all our skin could benefit from hydration, this is a product I'd recommend to everyone! It's been a while since I've been this excited about a skincare product, but guys, this one is a winner.
However now with the mist available, I will be repurchasing the mist going forward. Same product, even better application method!
Article Sources
To keep my content accurate and trustworthy, I rely on peer-reviewed studies, articles from reputable academic institutions, and quotes from certified healthcare professionals to back my claims. No woo-woo clickbait nonsense here!
Almajano, M. Pilar, et al. “Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Tea Infusions.” Food Chemistry, vol. 108, no. 1, May 2008, pp. 55–63, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2007.10.040.
Bokuchava, Mikhail A., et al. “The Biochemistry and Technology of Tea Manufacture.” C R c Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, vol. 12, no. 4, July 1980, pp. 303–70, https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398009527280.
Burry, Madeleine H. “Health Benefits of Tea: An Evidence-Based Breakdown of Claims by Tea Type.” LIVESTRONG.COM, Livestrong.com, 3 Sept. 2019, www.livestrong.com/article/13721339-tea-health-benefits/.
Lantano, Claudia, et al. “Effects of Alternative Steeping Methods on Composition, Antioxidant Property and Colour of Green, Black and Oolong Tea Infusions.” Journal of Food Science and Technology, vol. 52, no. 12, July 2015, pp. 8276–83, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-015-1971-4.
Le, Brook, and Stephanie Saltzman. “Is Marula Oil the Secret to Perfect Skin and Hair?” Allure, Allure, 13 Feb. 2015, www.allure.com/gallery/marula-oil-skin-hair-products.
can i use it without moisturising after?
If your skin doesn’t feel dry I’d say it’s fine to skip your moisturizer!
Can I use Laneige cream refiner along with toners such as Thayer’s (application via cotton pad to remove gunk) and BHA (Cosrx Blackheadpower Liquid) at night? which comes first in layering?
For daytime application, I can layer it with a sunscreen?
I’m very new to skincare sooo help me hahahaha
They all serve different purposes so yes you can use them together! I’d use the Thayers first (since it sounds like you’re using it as a second cleanse almost), then BHA, and finally Laneige to add hydration.
And yes definitely layer a sunscreen over this in the morning!
Please can someone procedure on how to use white plus renew _EX
Trial Kit (5 Items)
Coz am kinda confused on how to use it.
Am I to apply all one after the other and how to use them in sequence, its actually about 5 of them.
I ordered this from Yesstyle, waited weeks for delivery and it arrived while I am away. Cannot wait to try Monday upon my return! Fingers crossed!
Yay I hope you’ll like it!
I love Laneige products a lot. Especially their sleeping masks and always have high hopes for the amazing brand. I have not tried this toner but sounds lovely. I love the details you have included Jenny. Will have to check it out. :-)
Via | http://glossnglitters.com
Unfortunately their sleeping mask didn’t work for me but I do love their lip mask! Definitely check this one out if you’re looking for a super hydrating toner!
Stunning post !!
Jadieegosh Instagram
Thank you!
Glad this toner is a winner for you. Looks awesome!
http://www.fashionradi.com
It really is, I can’t recommend it enough!
I gotta say, I love hyperbole, or best ever reviews – they always draw me in lol.
Thank you for the great review as always. I’ve been considering a different toner so this is perfect timing. Although I don’t follow a glass skin routine, I’ve been curious about it and it seems maintaining good moisture is a big part of it. I love how you break down the efficacy of the ingredients. Also I am honestly considering going to Korea and going wild on skincare products though I have no idea what to start buying lol. I will have the husband pick up some Tunemakers as well on his next trip to Tokyo!
Lol I love exaggerated post titles too, but I try not to do it too often unless I really mean it, and this toner blew me away with how good it was. Oh gosh Korea and Japan is like skincare heaven! Especially Japan because for some reason not a lot of their products are exported to the West, so you have great brands like Tunemakers that are totally under the radar but deserve so much more hype! So glad you enjoyed the review :)
This sounds really interesting. I’d love to try this. Thanks for sharing dear!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Hope you get a chance to, it’s excellent!
A great post! I love your blog < 3
I am following you and invite you to me
https://milentry-blog.blogspot.com
Thank you lovely!
I love toners in my skincare…Laneige cream skin refiner sounds great with wonderful ingredients and I am impressed that you gave it 9.6 rating… would love to try it… thanks for wonderful review…❤️
http://www.geniusenough.com
I can’t recommend it enough, it’s one of those rare products that my skin instantly loved and showed results!
Wow, Jenny! Now I am seriously curious about this toner, you had me at serious moisture! I am currently running out of my beloved Grown Alchemist toner, so this could be a perfect replacement. Thanks a lot for such a thorough review xx
Naya
http://www.nayatilly.com
Ooh I hope you do get a chance to try it Naya, it’s such a lovely product! They sell smaller bottles on ebay too if you don’t want to commit to a full-sized product yet!
I love love your skincare products review! So glad that located your blog and read the informative review. I always skip toner as I feel they don’t really work on my skin. But after read your review, I am going to give it a try. Laneige Cream Skin Refiner sounds like a miracle in a jar. Thank you for sharing!
Xx
Ting
https://www.tingmystyle.com
Thank you so much Ting! Yep, I’ve had toners in the past that made me question their purpose and necessity, so it’s good to finally find one that actually makes a difference! Hope you’ll love it too if you try it!
Ooo I love laneige products! Such a plus that it doesn’t have a scent. Some products have way too much fragrance in them.
http://www.sundaydahlias.com
I agree! A lot of other Laneige products are heavily fragranced so it’s great that they didn’t do it for this toner!
Very informative post Jenny. Especially because I’m almost done with my third bottle of klairs toner and am currently looking for a nice substitute, simply because I want to try something different and this particular toner was already recommended to me and after reading your post I’m definitely willing to give it a try. I have also seen there are travel size versions of it available – maybe I should start there!
Xo, Lu.
Thank you so much! I definitely recommend the travel sized first, just in case it doesn’t work out! I have a bottle of the Klairs toner as a backup and I think I might try mixing the two in the summer when my skin is at its oiliest!
I never tried this but seems nice
Thanks love.
Much Love,
BLOG | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE
It’s wonderful! Thanks for reading!
This sounds wonderful. I’m glad you enjoy using it.
Nina’s Style Blog
It is, thanks for reading Nina!
Ohh I definitely need to try this ! Sounds AMAZING!
Definitely! They have the travel sizes on eBay if you’re not ready to commit to the full-sized bottle yet!
I´m lately obsessed with toners, don´t know how I lived without them before lol Will definitely try this one from Laneige – it looks awesome according to your review!
Have a nice week!
Anna
http://atlifestylecrossroads.com
They can be skin-changing once you find the right ones, and this one definitely falls in that skin-changing category! Hope you have a great week too!
This sounds like perfection! I have combination skin so a hydrating toner would be great for me. I haven’t tried this yet but need to. Thanks for sharing.
xo, Maria
https://www.miamiamine.com/
I have combination skin too, and this is wonderful for moisturizing my drier cheeks without making my t-zones oilier!
This toner sounds amazing! I can always use more moisture.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
It’s worth checking out for sure!
Wow a a jar of cream in ever bottle! This product sounds really unique and like a total savior for dry skin. From your description of the texture, I bet it would be perfect for the 7 skin method which I swear by when my skin needs a boost of moisture. I’m relieved to hear that it isn’t heavily fragranced either.
It really is, and the lack of fragrance was a pleasant surprise since most of their products are usually heavily scented!
Oh wow, that goes straight to my wish list simply because it SOUNDS so unique. A cream in toner – I need to try that!
Anne|Linda, Libra, Loca
It’s definitely different from any other toner or really any product I’ve tried so far! Hope you’ll love it too if you do try it!
I’ve never tried anything from Laneige and I don’t think I have ever come across a bad review from one of their products either. This cream sounds like a great starting point into the brand though, especially as my side of the world is moving into winter.
Sxx
daringcoco.com
Oh this will be lovely for winter to layer under serums and moisturizers for that extra hydration! I’m a big fan of their lip mask too, but unfortunately their sleeping mask was a miss for me :(
Non ho mai sentito parlare di questo prodotto
You’ve totally sold this to me! It sounds incredible. I’ve never tried any of their products before xx
GemmaEtc.com
This and their lip mask are both must-haves, I’m obsessed with them!
Shoot! I just check Sephora and it’s not available there! I’ll have to check eBay! :-(
Thank you for this wonderful review, Jenny! I have pretty much stop sheet masking so if this product can give me the same chiok chiok effect, I am game! Into my Sephora love list it goes.
Yay I hope you’ll love it to if you try it! Yeah, unfortunately it’s only available in Korea now, so eBay is your best bet!
This sounds so nice!!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
It really is!
I’m definitely on the hunt for better hydrated and moisturised skin and so this sounds like a safe bet! I love your read your excitement about this; look at that high score, wow!
aglassofice.com x
Haha yeah, I haven’t been this excited about a product in a while so I couldn’t wait to share this one with you guys!
Ugh this cream sounds life changing, Jenny!
x,
S | Je M’appelle Chanel
It really is! It’s been a while since I’ve come across skin-changing products like this!
I am currently looking into products to update my skincare routine so this is PERFECT! Thank you!
x Lisa | lisaautumn.com
Hope you’ll love it too if you try it!