Setting the Tone: Sharing my Kojie.san toner experience
Product photography by Perkin Gohio.
This story is brought to you by Kojie.san.
I am no stranger to Kojie.san body care products. As someone who’s prone to ashy ankles and elbows, I was blown away by the sight of what the OG Lightening Soap did to even out the color of Liz’s knees. So this convert has been using it ever since to manage those patchy problem areas.
Fast forward to 2021 and Kojie.san’s expansion game is as strong as ever. They've revamped their packaging design with a modern-minimalist spin. On the beauty tech front, they've improved their offerings with two major innovations that were first introduced through their soaps and lotions: Supercharging the mode of action of kojic acid is Zero Pigment Light, which addresses the usual uneven tone issues such as dark spots, age spots, scars, melasma, and hyperpigmentation. HydroMoist Formula, on the other hand, locks in moisture to keep skin hydrated. Now, you can also find these advancements in Kojie.san’s entire face care line to achieve similar and consistent effects as with their bestselling soaps and lotions.
Today's review focuses on my experience with the brand’s toners. This post-cleanse step typically doesn’t get as much attention as facial washes and moisturizers do, but they can be highly beneficial in removing leftover impurities and prepping the skin for the rest of the skincare steps. There’s also a common misconception that toners tend to be immensely stripping, even damaging to the moisture barrier because of their strong formulas. But of course not all formulas are created equal. Both these toners are dermatologically-tested, hypoallergenic, and paraben-free.
The Kojie.san Cleanser + Toner (P110 for 100ml) has been discussed in the blogosphere since 2012. (Remember the sky blue bottle?) Well, this is the next-gen version. Its dual-action formula works on deep-seated dirt while also keeping skin hydrated. Quite impressive, considering BOTH variants are alcohol-free. It dries with a hint of tackiness that shifts into a velvety feel. The Cleanser + Toner has a mild floral cologne scent that reminds me a little bit of chamomile, but it doesn’t linger once the liquid fully dries on the skin.
Originally debuted in 2019, the Pore Minimizing Toner (P110 for 100ml) targets excess oil production and enlarged pores. It coats the skin’s surface to shield it from dirt and impurities that might clog pores. It has a subtle mattifying effect, but isn’t drying. Additionally, it promotes skin renewal for improved firmness. There is a slight tackiness and a light “coated” feel as it gets fully absorbed. Compared to the Cleanser + Toner, the Pore Minimizing Toner also has a mild floral scent, but this one has a more aquatic note to it. The scent also doesn’t stay long.
As someone who has dry skin and knows firsthand how potent the Kojie.san soaps are, I wasn’t sure if the alcohol-free HydroMoist formulas would be enough to prevent flaking. But they actually didn’t dry me out. Granted, they are not as hydrating or tacky as some moisturizing lotions or essences. Both toners have a consistency that’s on the runny, watery side, you see. But that same lightweight feel makes them satisfyingly comfortable, especially in our climate. Therefore, layering them with other skincare products is no trouble at all.
While my skin embraced both toner formulas, I’d suggest selecting one based on your particular skin concern to get the most out of its benefits. Normal and dry skin types can get that luminous, glassy finish from the Skin Lightening Cleanser + Toner. Those who are on the oily side will appreciate the matte finish of the Pore Minimizing Toner. The suggested application method is with a cotton pad, so you can also get some light physical exfoliation going.
Have you explored the rest of Kojie.san’s complete face care line yet? You might’ve missed their new releases. Check out their official store on Lazada or their page on BeautyMNL to stock up from the comfort of your own home!
