COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner

COSRX

Propolis Synergy Toner

face toner

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Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
52%
Combination (dry)
52%
Balanced
82%
Combination (oily)
88%
Oily
88%

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14
Ingredients
3
Benefits
2
Actives
Find Dupes

The COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner is a daily toner formulated with 72.6% of the black bee propolis extract and 10% of the honey extract for glowing and smooth skin. With the highest possible content of the propolis extract this star ingredient delivers anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and repairing benefits. Its essence-like texture is light, not sticky, and absorbs fast.

Key Insights

Benefits

3
Anti-Aging
Hydration
Soothing

Active Ingredients

2
Hyaluronic acid Vitamin B5 (panthenol)

Risks

1
Synthetic polymer

Full Ingredients

14 total
PROPOLIS EXTRACT HONEY EXTRACT BUTYLENE GLYCOL 1,2-HEXANEDIOL GLYCERIN BETAINE CASSIA OBTUSIFOLIA SEED EXTRACT PANTHENOL Vitamin B5 (panthenol) POLYGLYCERYL-10 LAURATE POLYGLYCERYL-10 MYRISTATE ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN SODIUM HYALURONATE Hyaluronic acid HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE

About Propolis Synergy Toner

Overview

Propolis Synergy Toner is a lightweight toner from COSRX, a brand based in Korea. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 14 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, Glycerin and Betaine, 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, Glycerin, Betaine and Panthenol.

Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Panthenol, Honey Extract and Sodium Hyaluronate.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Balanced, 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 antioxidant protection, oil control, brightening and tone and cell renewal. 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, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.

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 essential oils
  • No drying alcohol
  • Silicone-free
  • No microplastics
  • Strong humectant content for hydration
  • No common irritants flagged in the list

Things to know

  • 2 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

  • Balanced skin
  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily 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

  • Hydration 8 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Soothing 3 ingredients

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

  • Anti-Aging 2 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

Does not target

Anti-Acne Blackhead Reducing Dark Spot Fading Evens Skin Tone 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.

Honey Extract

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

Mel Extract (EU)

Hydration Soothing
Butylene Glycol

3rd 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
Glycerin

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

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

Hydration Anti-Aging
Betaine

6th 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
Panthenol Vitamin B5 (panthenol)

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

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

Hydration Soothing
Ethylhexylglycerin

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

1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)

Hydration
Sodium Hyaluronate Hyaluronic acid

12th 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
Caprylic/capric Triglyceride

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

Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl

Hydration

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 Low

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support None

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control None

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening None

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Moderate

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal None

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 (2)

Supporting ingredients (12)

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

Propolis Extract Honey Extract Butylene Glycol 1,2-hexanediol Glycerin Betaine Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate Ethylhexylglycerin Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer Caprylic/capric Triglyceride

What is and is not in it

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

Free from

  • Fragrance-free
  • Essential-oil-free
  • No drying alcohol
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Microplastic-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Dye-free
  • Oil-free

Contains

  • Animal-derived ingredients

    Propolis Extract

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)
  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)
  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic)
  • BHA (salicylic acid)
  • PHAs (gluconolactone)
  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Azelaic acid
  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Nothing in this formula belongs to a group our rules can put in conflict, so it layers freely. Order still matters — thinnest texture first.

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)
2 ingredients could feed malassezia: Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate. 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.
Recorded ingredient risks
Synthetic polymer

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 14 ingredients on the label.

5
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

4
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

3
Plant extract

Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent

3
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

2
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

1
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

Ingredient breakdown

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

1 Propolis Extract Plant extract
Estimated level
10–40%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.

Extract of propolis wax

2 Honey Extract Humectant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Plant extract

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

Mel Extract (EU)

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

3rd 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
4 1,2-hexanediol Solvent
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

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

5 Glycerin Humectant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

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

6th 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
7 Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract Plant extract
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract is an extract of the seeds of Cassia obtusifolia L. (syn C. Tora L.), Leguminosae

8 Panthenol Active
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

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
9 Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

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

10 Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

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

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

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

1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • PLoS One, October 2016, ePublication
  • Contact Dermatitis, May 2016, pages 281-288
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2013, pages 5S-21S
  • Personal Care, 2008, pages 1-4
  • Cosmetic Science Technology, 2006, pages 1-11
12 Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Active

12th 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
13 Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

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

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is a copolymer of sodium hydroxyethyl acrylate and acryloyldimethyl taurate monomers

Synthetic polymer
14 Caprylic/capric Triglyceride
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

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

Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2020, pages 34-35
  • Periodica Polytechnica Chemical Engineering, 2014, pages 43-48
  • International Journal of Toxicology, January 2003, pages 4-5
  • Food and Chemical Toxicology, January 2000, pages 79-98
  • Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, August 1985, pages 303-311

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in Propolis Synergy Toner?

PROPOLIS EXTRACT, HONEY EXTRACT, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, GLYCERIN, BETAINE, CASSIA OBTUSIFOLIA SEED EXTRACT, PANTHENOL, POLYGLYCERYL-10 LAURATE, POLYGLYCERYL-10 MYRISTATE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SODIUM HYALURONATE, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE.

What are the active ingredients in Propolis Synergy Toner?

PANTHENOL, SODIUM HYALURONATE.

How do I use Propolis Synergy Toner?

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 to absorb the contents.

What skin types is Propolis Synergy Toner good for?

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

Is Propolis Synergy Toner 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 Propolis Synergy Toner fungal acne safe?

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

Can I use Propolis Synergy Toner 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 Propolis Synergy Toner fragrance free?

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

Does Propolis Synergy Toner contain alcohol?

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

Is Propolis Synergy Toner silicone free?

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

Does Propolis Synergy Toner contain essential oils?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.

Is Propolis Synergy Toner paraben free?

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

What can I layer with Propolis Synergy Toner?

It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide.

When should I apply Propolis Synergy Toner?

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

How many ingredients does Propolis Synergy Toner have?

It lists 14 ingredients, of which 2 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Propolis Synergy Toner?

COSRX, a brand based in Korea.

Brand
COSRX
Country
Korea
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