COSRX AC Collection Calming Liquid Mild

COSRX

AC Collection Calming Liquid Mild

face toner

Added Last edited

Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
50%
Combination (dry)
50%
Balanced
80%
Combination (oily)
90%
Oily
90%

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18
Ingredients
5
Benefits
3
Actives
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The COSRX AC Collection Calming Liquid Mild is a refreshing toner that helps to calm acne and reduces redness or irritation. Formulated with soothing green tea, BHA, and PHA to heal acne while exfoliating dead skin cells and fighting excessive sebum. The COSRX AC Collection is a special line formulated with CentellAC-RX, three ingredients derived from centella asiatica (Asiatic acid, asiaticoside, madecassic acid), designed specially to heal acne and strengthen sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Key Insights

Benefits

5
Anti-Acne
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Soothing

Active Ingredients

3
PHA Hyaluronic acid Vitamin B5 (panthenol)

About AC Collection Calming Liquid Mild

Overview

AC Collection Calming Liquid Mild is a lightweight toner from COSRX, a brand based in Korea. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 18 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Hydration is handled by Butylene Glycol, Betaine and Betaine Salicylate, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.

What the formula does

Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Betaine Salicylate and Glycerin.

Antioxidant support: Moderate. Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution, and here that comes from Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.

What it does not target

The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, oil control and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.

What is not in it

Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free, microplastic-free and sulfate-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain essential oils, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.

Where it fits in a routine

It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after cleansing, before serums. Apply to slightly damp skin so the humectants have water to hold on to.

This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.

Pros and cons

Drawn purely from the ingredient list

Pros

  • No fragrance or declared allergens
  • No drying alcohol
  • Silicone-free
  • No microplastics
  • Strong humectant content for hydration
  • No common irritants flagged in the list

Things to know

  • Contains essential oils, a common source of reactivity
  • 3 ingredients could feed malassezia (fungal acne)

Which skin types it suits

Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.

Suitable for

  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

May suit

  • Balanced skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin

Sensitive skin

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Skin concerns

Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.

Helps with

  • Anti-Aging 7 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Hydration 7 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Soothing 5 ingredients

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

  • Anti-Acne 1 ingredient

    Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores

  • Evens Skin Tone 1 ingredient

    Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance

Does not target

Blackhead Reducing Dark Spot Fading Oil Control Pore Minimizer Smooths Bumpy Skin

None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.

Key ingredients

The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)

Hydration

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Methanaminium, 1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt

Hydration

6th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Betaine Salycilate is the product formed by the reaction of Betaine with Salycilic Acid

Anti-Acne

7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

D-Glucono-1,5-lactone

Evens Skin Tone Anti-Aging Hydration

10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
Panthenol Vitamin B5 (panthenol)

11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol

Hydration Soothing

12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-

Soothing

13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

L-Arginine

Hydration Anti-Aging
Sodium Hyaluronate Hyaluronic acid

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt

Hydration Anti-Aging Soothing

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Urs-12-en-28-oic acid, 2,3,23-trihydroxy-, O-6-deoxy-alpha-L-mannopyranosyl-(1->4)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2alpha, 3beta, 4alpha)-

Anti-Aging Soothing

17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

(2.alpha.,3.beta.,4.alpha.)-2,3,23-Trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid

Anti-Aging

18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Urs-12-en-28-oic acid, 2,3,6,23-tetrahydroxy-, (2alpha,3beta,4alpha,6beta)-

Anti-Aging Soothing

Formula analysis

Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.

Hydration High

Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin

Barrier support None

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support Moderate

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control None

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening Low

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Low

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal Low

Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover

Firmness signalling None

Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support

Active and supporting ingredients

"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.

Active ingredients (3)

Supporting ingredients (15)

Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water Butylene Glycol Dimethyl Sulfone Betaine 1,2-hexanediol Betaine Salicylate Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate Glycerin Allantoin Arginine Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil Asiaticoside Asiatic Acid Madecassic Acid

What is and is not in it

Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.

Free from

  • Fragrance-free
  • No drying alcohol
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Microplastic-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Dye-free
  • Oil-free
  • No animal-derived ingredients

Contains

  • Essential oils

    Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil

What to layer it with

Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.

Compatible with

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Azelaic acid
  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Use with caution

  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • BHA (salicylic acid)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • PHAs (gluconolactone)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

Where it fits in a routine

Morning Evening
  1. Cleanse
  2. Toning
  3. Treat
  4. Moisturise
  5. Protect

This product is the "Toning" step.

  • Apply to slightly damp skin so the humectants have water to hold on to.

Safety and suitability

Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not clearance — ask your doctor about anything you use daily.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
3 ingredients could feed malassezia: Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
Sensitive and reactive skin
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 18 ingredients on the label.

4
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

4
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

4
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

3
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

2
Antioxidant

Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution

2
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

1
Soothing

Calms visible redness and irritation

1
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

1
Exfoliant

Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells

1
Plant extract

Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent

1
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.

Estimated level
30–80%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water is an aqueous solution of the odoriferous principles of the leaves of the Tea, Camellia sinensis, Theaceae

2 Butylene Glycol Humectant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Texture agent, Solvent

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
  • US Food and Drug Administration Code of Federal Regulations</em>, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, May 2011, pages 5S-16S
  • Skin Research and Technology, November 2007, pages 417-24
  • Journal of the American College of Toxicology, September 1985, pages 223-248
3 Dimethyl Sulfone Texture agent
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Dimethyl sulphone

4 Betaine Humectant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Texture agent

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Methanaminium, 1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • International Journal of Toxicology, 2018, pages 28S-46S
  • Food Science and Biotechnology, October 2017, pages 1391-1397
  • The Journal of Chemical Physics, June 2015, ePublication
  • The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, September 2004, pages 539-549
  • Skin Research and Technology, February 2003, pages 50-58
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

5th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Exfoliant, Preservative

6th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Betaine Salycilate is the product formed by the reaction of Betaine with Salycilic Acid

Anti-Acne
7 scientific references
  • Skin Purging vs Breakout – What Does Skin Purging Look Like?
  • What to Do When You Have Acne and Dry Skin
  • How to Minimize the Look of Post-Acne Marks
  • How to Manage Dehydrated, Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
  • Help for Breakouts on the Hairline and Scalp
  • The Best Ways to Treat Acne and Sensitive Skin
  • Say Goodbye to Body Acne
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active, Chelator

7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

D-Glucono-1,5-lactone

Evens Skin Tone Anti-Aging Hydration
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,2,3-Propanetriol, homopolymer, dodecanoates (1:1) (10 mol glycerol average molar ratio)

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,2,3-Propanetriol, homopolymer, tetradecanoates (1:1) (10 mol glycerol average molar ratio)

10 Glycerin Humectant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent

10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, March 2021, pages 223-231
  • International Journal of Toxicology, November/December 2019, Volume 38, Supplement 3, pages 6S-22S
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2016, ePublication
  • British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 23-34
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2007, pages 75-82
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 2003, pages 7, 360-7, 365
11 Panthenol Active
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active

11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol

Hydration Soothing
7 scientific references
  • The Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, December 2019, pages 534-547
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, January 2019, pages 346-354
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, March 2018, pages 1-51
  • The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, August 2017, pages 173-180
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2011, pages 361-370
  • American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, Volume 3, 2002, pages 427-433
12 Allantoin Occlusive
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Soothing

12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-

Soothing
8 scientific references
  • Chemistry Series, March 2020, pages 7-21
  • Molecules, June 2019, pages 1-33
  • European Journal of Pharmacology, February 2018, pages 68-78
  • Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, June 2017, Volume 76, Issue 2, Supplement 1
  • Pharmacognosy Review, Volume 5, July-December 2011
  • International Journal of Toxicology, May 2010, Supplement, pages 84S-97S
  • Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, October 2008, ePublication
  • https://wwwaccessdatafdagov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearchcfm?CFRPart=347&showFR=1
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

L-Arginine

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Biobased Surfactants (Second Edition), 2019, pages 413-445
  • Scientific Reports, February 2016, pages 1-10
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, October 2012, pages 1-35
  • Journal of Advanced Research, July 2010, pages 169–177
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, April 2005, page 139
  • Wound Repair and Regeneration, November-December 2003, pages 419-423
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Active

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt

Hydration Anti-Aging Soothing
5 scientific references
  • Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und Verwandte Gebiete, December 2017, pages 987-993
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, July 2014, pages 277-287
  • Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, October 2012, pages 20-23
  • DermatoEndocrinology, July-December 2012, pages 253-258
  • Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, September 2011, pages 990-1000
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil is the oil distilled from the leaves of the Tea Tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, Myrtaceae

16 Asiaticoside Antioxidant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Urs-12-en-28-oic acid, 2,3,23-trihydroxy-, O-6-deoxy-alpha-L-mannopyranosyl-(1->4)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2alpha, 3beta, 4alpha)-

Anti-Aging Soothing
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

(2.alpha.,3.beta.,4.alpha.)-2,3,23-Trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid

Anti-Aging
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Urs-12-en-28-oic acid, 2,3,6,23-tetrahydroxy-, (2alpha,3beta,4alpha,6beta)-

Anti-Aging Soothing

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in AC Collection Calming Liquid Mild?

CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF WATER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, DIMETHYL SULFONE, BETAINE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, BETAINE SALICYLATE, GLUCONOLACTONE, POLYGLYCERYL-10 LAURATE, POLYGLYCERYL-10 MYRISTATE, GLYCERIN, PANTHENOL, ALLANTOIN, ARGININE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA LEAF OIL, ASIATICOSIDE, ASIATIC ACID, MADECASSIC ACID.

What are the active ingredients in AC Collection Calming Liquid Mild?

GLUCONOLACTONE, PANTHENOL, SODIUM HYALURONATE.

How do I use AC Collection Calming Liquid Mild?

Apply an appropriate amount onto a cotton pad. Apply whilst gently following the lines of your skin. Turn the cotton pad over and gently pat the absorb the contents

What skin types is AC Collection Calming Liquid Mild good for?

Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.

Is AC Collection Calming Liquid Mild good for sensitive skin?

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Is AC Collection Calming Liquid Mild fungal acne safe?

3 ingredients could feed malassezia: Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.

Can I use AC Collection Calming Liquid Mild while pregnant?

Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.

Is AC Collection Calming Liquid Mild fragrance free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.

Does AC Collection Calming Liquid Mild contain alcohol?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.

Is AC Collection Calming Liquid Mild silicone free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.

Does AC Collection Calming Liquid Mild contain essential oils?

Yes — it contains Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil.

Is AC Collection Calming Liquid Mild paraben free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.

What can I layer with AC Collection Calming Liquid Mild?

It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Benzoyl peroxide, Azelaic acid, Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide. Take more care combining it with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone) — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.

When should I apply AC Collection Calming Liquid Mild?

Use it morning and evening, after cleansing, before serums.

How many ingredients does AC Collection Calming Liquid Mild have?

It lists 18 ingredients, of which 3 are recorded as actives.

Who makes AC Collection Calming Liquid Mild?

COSRX, a brand based in Korea.

Brand
COSRX
Country
Korea

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