Laneige Cream Skin Refiner – Review

This post will be reviewing the Laneige Cream Skin Refiner.

I’m probably years late with this review, but the Laneige Cream Skin Refiner started to go viral again, and it just occurred to me that I never got around to reviewing it. Yes, I used it when it first came out a couple of years ago, but as a result of using so many products over time, I simply forgot about it. Anyway, I was looking for a lightweight Summer hydrating toner to use, and I just used the opportunity to grab a bottle to use and subsequently review.

Laneige has been in the Korean Skincare game for a long time. Although these days, it seems like they’re only catering to the U.S Market with their new releases. Anyway, there are going where the money is, so I wouldn’t blame them. The last time any of Laneige’s products was widely received was when the Lip Sleeping Mask was launched, which changed the lip care game.

If I remember correctly, when the Laneige Cream Skin refiner was launched, it was also widely received as an innovative product. How many brands do you see going out of their comfort zone to launch a toner-moisturizer hybrid? The launch was definitely applaudable. But so far, I’m not sure they have done anything else asides from releasing new flavours of the already famous Lip Sleeping Mask which is unnecessary as it lasts forever.

Now that I am using this product for the second time, I have thoughts.

First Impressions of Laneige Cream Skin Refiner

According to Laneige:

It is a toner with new formula in which a whole bottle of cream is dissolved with safe ingredients to keep the skin hydrated and healthy

Ingredient List & Fragrance

This has a simple ingredient list with Glycerin, Green Tea, Meadowfoam Seed Oil and Vitamin E. I would have expected more humectants like Hyaluronic Acid and/or Beta Glucan, but given the nature of the toner-moisturizer hybrid, it is understandable.

According to Laneige, they literally dissolved a bottle of cream to get this formula. When you think about creams, they are usually more moisturizing than hydrating, so it makes sense.

As always, this formula is also alcohol, essential oil and fragrance-free.

Packaging, Texture & Consistency

The primary packaging for this product is a 150ml glass applicator bottle which is great because it is recyclable. The toner comes out as a watery creamy liquid. Despite being a liquid moisturizer, it’s very fluid and easy to layer. In fact, often, one layer isn’t enough, especially if you have dry, dehydrated skin like me. You can always go with 2-3 layers, which will absorb straight into your skin, leaving no residue.

This toner comes in a spray/mist bottle and other travel sizes.

Price & Availability

I remember when this product was initially released, it was expensive, but now you can get it on sale for less than $20, which is a bargain because it lasts for a while. So make sure you’re getting your products from online Asain retailers.

Review of the Laneige Cream Skin Refiner

I use this toner as the first step in my morning and/or evening hydration routine. I layer it before my hydrating and treatment serum. It is an excellent base for the rest of my routine as there’s no piling whatsoever. It simply gives a minimal level of hydration and preps your skin perfectly.

Performance

One of the reasons I wanted to use this product in the Summer as opposed to the winter was because I wanted to simplify my Summer routine. But after using it for a few days, I realized how much hydration it lacked. Despite using multiple layers, my skin isn’t as hydrated as I like it to be, so I still need to support it with a hydrating serum.

Now, if you have oily to combination skin, you might be able to get away with using this product on its own, especially during the warmer months. As you’ll get ample hydration which would be enough for your skin. Then again, I’m trying not to put too many expectations on this product because it is not necessarily supposed to hydrate your skin. It is not your typical hydrating toner. It is more or less a liquid moisturizer.

If you want a hydrating creamy toner, I suggest you go for the Tonymoly Wonder Ceramide Mocchi Toner.

Finally

I think the most significant appeal of this toner is that it cuts across all skin types. Everyone can use it without any issues. It’s not too heavy, not too light, but just right. Honestly, there are only very few products on the market like this. In fact, even sensitive skin can use this product because there are little to no irritants in the ingredient list.