ACWELL Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner — Hydratant & Clarifiant

Four Hanbang (traditional Korean medicine) active ingredients orchestrate skin balance in this toner:

Licorice root water (Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Water) — Placed second in the INCI list, this 10% concentration is significant. The glabridin it contains inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin synthesis, without the side effects of synthetic brightening agents. Its anti-inflammatory properties instantly soothe redness and irritation.

White peony extract (Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract) — Used for centuries in Donguibogam prescriptions, it soothes skin inflammation while supporting cell regeneration. Its complementary action with licorice enhances the brightening effect on post-acne spots.

Green tea extract (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract) — Rich in catechins (notably EGCG), this antioxidant protects the skin from environmental aggressors and slows premature aging. Its antimicrobial properties also prevent breakouts.

Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) — In stable acetate form, it strengthens the antioxidant shield while improving the absorption of other active ingredients. In synergy with licorice, it preserves the complexion’s radiance over time.

☀️ Morning routine

1. After your cleanser, pour an amount equivalent to a coin into your palm
2. Gently pat onto skin still slightly damp (including neck) — the palm method preserves maximum hydration
3. Let absorb for 30 seconds, then follow with your serum or cream

🌙 Evening routine

1. Secondary cleansing option: soak a cotton pad with toner and gently sweep from the center outward to capture makeup residue and sebum
2. Or direct palm method if you want more hydration
3. On dehydrated skin, layer 2-3 thin coats before your night treatments

Tip: This toner has a pH of 5.5, identical to natural skin pH. Apply it immediately after cleansing to correct residual alkalinity and prepare the epidermis to absorb your next actives.

This 2-in-1 toner is designed for several skin types:

• Sensitive or reactive skin seeking a gentle balance — pH 5.5 and Hanbang extracts soothe without irritation
• Dull complexions or hyperpigmentation (post-acne spots, mild melasma) — licorice concentration gradually works on marks
• Combination to oily skin requiring a final cleanse without stripping — micellar technology captures impurities without drying out
• Fans of minimalist routines — replaces classic toner + micellar water in one step
• Dehydrated skin (even oily on the surface) — glycerin and butylene glycol draw moisture to deeper layers

Avoid if: You react to essential oils (contains bergamot oil) or if you want intense exfoliation (this toner remains gentle, without active AHA/BHA).

The first effects appear immediately upon application: a light film (which disappears in 2-3 minutes) and an immediate sensation of freshness, without tightness. The skin instantly appears plumped.

After two weeks of daily use, users report a visible reduction in diffuse redness and a refined skin texture. The pores seem tightened thanks to the gentle astringent action of licorice.

After four weeks, the cumulative effect on pigmentation spots becomes noticeable: melasma and post-inflammatory marks gradually fade without irritating the epidermis. The complexion gains in evenness and brightness — that subtle, natural glow typical of well-executed Hanbang skincare.

The preventive action on new acne breakouts is also confirmed, thanks to the antimicrobial properties of green tea and the pH regulation that maintains the skin microbiome in balance.

Does this toner replace my micellar water?

Yes, partially. It works as a secondary cleanser thanks to its micellar technology (PEG-6 and PEG-7 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides). On cotton, it captures light makeup residue and post-cleansing sebum. But for waterproof or stubborn makeup, a dedicated remover is still preferable beforehand.

Why does this toner have a brownish tint?

It is the natural color of the 10% concentrated licorice root water. No added dyes — the caramel shade comes directly from the plant's active compounds (glabridin, liquiritin). A sign of quality and authentic formulation.

Can I use it with exfoliating actives (AHA, BHA, retinol)?

Absolutely. Its pH of 5.5 even makes it an ideal ally after acid exfoliation: it rebalances the epidermis and soothes mild inflammation caused by exfoliants. Apply it right after your AHA/BHA to restore skin comfort.

How long does a 150 ml bottle last?

Used morning and evening (palm method), a bottle lasts about 2 to 2.5 months. If you use it with cotton (higher consumption), expect about 6 to 8 weeks. The investment remains reasonable given the product’s multiple functions.

Difference with the Licorice pH Balancing Essence Mist from the same range?

The toner cleanses + tones + hydrates. The Essence Mist (milky texture, spray) focuses on deep hydration and makeup setting, with centella asiatica and bamboo water added. Complementary: toner in the morning, mist for daytime touch-ups or over makeup.

Is it suitable for rosacea-prone skin?

Yes, with caution. Licorice and peony extracts soothe the inflammatory redness typical of rosacea. However, bergamot essential oil (Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil) can trigger a reaction in some ultra-sensitive skin types. Patch test on the neck 24 hours before full use is mandatory.

ACWELL draws its DNA from the Donguibogam, a Korean medical encyclopedia written in 1613 by the royal physician Heo Jun. This foundational text of traditional Korean medicine (Hanbang) establishes a principle: treat the root cause rather than the visible symptoms. ACWELL applies this philosophy to cosmetics by developing formulas that restore the skin’s natural balance, notably through its patented complex Puritox Jin (Purify + Toxin + 眞, "true purity") developed with Daegu University of Oriental Medicine.

The brand specializes in dermo-cosmetic care for sensitive and unbalanced skin, formulating all its products at pH 5.5 — that of healthy skin — to preserve the hydrolipidic film and microbiome. Every ACWELL product undergoes strict hypoallergenic testing and relies on ancient Korean botanical ingredients (licorice, centella, cimicifuga) validated by modern science.

This Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner, launched several years ago, remains an international cult bestseller with over 2,000 reviews on specialized platforms — proof of its cross-cultural effectiveness.

Discover the entire ACWELL range

Full INCI: Water, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Water (10%), PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Poloxamer 184, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Rheum Palmatum Root Extract (rhubarb), Psidium Guajava Leaf Extract (guava), Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (green tea), Perilla Ocymoides Seed Extract, Poncirus Trifoliata Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Limonene, Linalool, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E), Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract (white peony), Cimicifuga Dahurica Root Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Propylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin.

Key points: Alcohol-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, silicone-free formula. The pH adjusted to 5.5 is maintained by the citric acid / sodium citrate / disodium EDTA trio. Mild surfactants (PEG-6 and PEG-7 coconut derivatives) ensure micellar cleansing action without stripping. Presence of two natural allergens from bergamot oil (limonene, linalool) — mandatory EU declaration.

Certification: Hypoallergenic product dermatologically tested, suitable for sensitive skin. Vegan-friendly (no animal-derived ingredients).