One of K-Beauty brand Laneige’s most popular products is Laneige Cream Skin Refiner, a cream-water type toner that is enriched with natural ingredients to deeply moisturize and soften the skin.
The toner is supposed to act as a toner and moisturizer in one, so I put it to the test to see how it performed on my dehydrated winter skin. Today, I’ll discuss my experience with the Korean toner in this Laneige Cream Skin Refiner review.
This Laneige Cream Skin review post contains affiliate links, and any purchases made through these links will result in a commission for me at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclosure for additional information.
Laneige Cream Skin Refiner
Laneige Cream Skin Refiner uses Laneige’s Cream Blending Technology to moisturize the skin to get the same benefits as a jar of cream.
It is designed to help balance oil and moisture for a natural glow and healthy-looking complexion.
The toner strengthens the skin barrier with white tea leaf water/extract. Its gentle formula helps calm irritated skin, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
This milky toner does not contain PEG surfactants, animal-based ingredients, synthetic pigments, triethanolamine, or fragrance.
Let’s take a look at the active ingredients:
Laneige Cream Skin Refiner Key Ingredients
Glycerin: One of the most popular moisturizing ingredients in skincare, glycerin is a humectant that draws moisture to the skin. It protects the skin against irritation, too.
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil: Meadowfoam seed oil is a stable plant oil containing moisturizing fatty acids and skin-protective antioxidants.
It feels lightweight on the skin and is not greasy. Meadowfoam seed oil is non-comedogenic, which means that it is unlikely to clog pores.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract: White tea extract is an antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from damaging free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, so it’s a beneficial ingredient for sensitive or acne-prone skin types.
The white tea leaves contain amino acids that, per Laneige, have undergone a specialized shadow-growing method. This ingredient is supposed to replenish the skin barrier for lasting moisture.
Tocopherol: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that provides photoprotection against UVB rays and protects the skin from oxidative stress.
Complete Ingredient List with ingredient function in parenthesis:
Water/Aqua/Eau (solvent), Butylene Glycol (humectant/solvent), Glycerin (humectant/moisturizer), Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil (emollient), 1,2-Hexanediol (solvent), Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate (emulsifier), Glyceryl Stearate Citrate (emollient/emulsifier), Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate (emulsifier/surfactant), Inulin Lauryl Carbamate (emulsifier/surfactant), Glyceryl Caprylate (preservative), Ethylhexylglycerin (preservative), Propanediol (solvent/humectant), Disodium EDTA (stabilizer), Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (antioxidant), Tocopherol (antioxidant).
Laneige Cream Skin Refiner Review
Laneige Cream Skin Refiner has been popular in the skincare world since it was introduced a few years ago, and I’ve wanted to try it to see what all the fuss was about.
I finally purchased the toner since my combination skin has been feeling the effects of a long winter and is in need of some hydrating TLC.
I was curious to see if it lived up to its claim of being a toner and moisturizer in one.
This hydrating toner has a thin white milky texture and feels like water when applied to the skin.
The difference between this Cream Skin Refiner and some other watery toners is that while it absorbs quickly, it provides a nice burst of hydration to my skin.
I can see what all the fuss is about because I think this is one of the most moisturizing toners I’ve ever tried.
This cream skin toner has a very different effect than its thin watery consistency would suggest. My skin feels hydrated, soft, and plump after using the product.
It absorbs quickly and leaves a smooth, dewy finish, perfect for the cold weather we’ve had this winter.
Laneige Cream Skin Refiner is supposed to be one moisturizing solution for all skin types, but should work particularly well for those with dry skin, as it hydrates and moisturizes while strengthening the delicate skin barrier, which keeps skin hydrated, balanced and healthy.
If you have dry skin, I think you’ll still need to follow with a moisturizer, though, because while it is moisturizing, I don’t think it could replace a traditional moisturizer with occlusive properties that dry skin needs.
If you have oily skin or very oily skin and don’t like the feel of heavy moisturizers or don’t like using a moisturizer at all, you might even be able to replace your moisturizer with this toner.
All in all, I think this toner/moisturizer is a winner. It softens my skin and feels very hydrating. After a few weeks of using it, my skin looks healthier and is no longer tight and flaky.
Drawbacks To Laneige Cream Skin Refiner
If you like to apply multiple layers of toner, or “skins” that are popular in the Korean skincare routine, the product could start to feel a little sticky or tacky on your skin as you apply more and more layers.
It’s also a little pricier than other toners, so if you are looking for a moisturizing Korean toner, there are some less expensive options out there. Consider one of the toners from my post on the best Korean toners for dry skin.
How To Use Laneige Cream Skin Refiner
Apply the toner after cleansing your skin in the morning and the evening. Apply a small amount to your palm and gently pat it into your skin until absorbed.
Alternately, apply to a cotton pad and gently swipe across your face, avoiding the delicate eye area. Follow with any skincare treatments and a moisturizer. Don’t forget SPF in the morning!
You can also use this Laneige product as a moisturizing toner pack. Soak multiple cotton pads with Cream Skin Refiner.
Apply to your skin and leave it on for about two minutes. After removing the cotton pads, pat in any remaining Cream Skin for an extra dose of moisture.
About Laneige
Korean beauty brand Laneige is a makeup and skin-care company founded in 1994 by Amore Pacific, one of Korea’s largest cosmetic companies.
Laneige means “snow” in French, and the brand takes its inspiration from the radiance and purity of snow.
Well-known for their lip sleeping mask, Laneige’s products offer 5 functional solutions depending on the range:
- Moisturizing Care (Water Bank line)
- Brightening Care (Radian-C Line)
- Anti-Aging Care (Perfect Renew Youth Line)
- Sleeping Care (Sleeping Mask Line)
- Base Makeup (Neo Cushion)
Final Thoughts on Laneige Cream Skin Refiner
Laneige Cream Skin Refiner is a very lightweight moisturizing toner that absorbs quickly but provides a plumping layer of hydration and an understated glow.
It won’t be replacing my moisturizer any time soon, but if you have an oily or very oily skin type, this might be able to since it provides super lightweight moisture.
If you have dry skin and use a toner that doesn’t have moisturizing properties, this could find a permanent spot in your skincare routine thanks to its rich but weightless, moisturizing properties.
Thanks for reading, and until next time, here’s to your good skin health!