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I know the Balea Beauty Expert line is a little niche, as the brand is only available in select parts of the world, but when I saw the Balea Beauty Expert Hydration Toner as new releases in my local DM, I knew I had to pick it up.

Some of the products I tried from the line were really good, others really disappointing, but all of them are very affordable. So is this one a hit or a miss? Let’s see.

If you prefer video content, here is a comparison of the Balea Beauty Expert Hydration and the Balea Beauty Expert Glow Toner:

What the Balea Beauty Expert Hydration Toner claims

PANTHENOL and ALLANTOIN soothe the skin. GLYCERIN supports the skin’s natural moisture balance. SYRICALM™ is a natural anti-stress ingredient that supports the skin barrier. The formula with 4.7% MOISTURE COMPLEX – made from 3.5% GLYCERIN, 1% AMINO ACID COMPLEX and 0.2% UREA – nourishes the skin and provides long-lasting and intensive moisture.* The toner reduces skin redness***, fine lines and wrinkles due to dryness** and ensures a more even and radiant complexion.

Facts about the Balea Beauty Expert Hydration Toner

Prize and size

One plastic bottle contains 100 ml and is available for 3,95 € on the website here. It is vegan. While the packaging is otherwise functional, I do have difficulties screwing the lid back on, but I don’t know if I have a bad bottle or if that is a common problem.

Texture and smell

It looks like water, smells like nothing and is runny like water. Applied to the skin the Hydration Toner just sinks in and leaves no tackiness whatsoever.

How to use the Balea Beauty Expert Hydration Toner

Now obviously toners are not a necessary step, but one that I use regularly to give my skin either some extra hydration or a supporting layer of actives. Depending on how I feel I use them morning or night or both, and the Hydration one is one that I like to layer as it feels so lightweight.
It can be paired with everything else, never caused any pilling and would work exceptionally well for the Seven Skin Method. (More info: Everything you need to know about the Seven Skin Method)

Ingredients of the Balea Beauty Expert Hydration Toner

Aqua solv, Glycerin sii|h 0 0, Panthenol so|h 0 0, Betaine h, Allantoin so 0 0, Urea sii|h, Sodium PCA sii|h 0 0, Sodium Lactate buff|h, Pca sii|h, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate aacne|so, Phragmites Karka Extract, Poria Cocos Extract aox|so, Pantolactone h, Serine sii, Alanine sii, Glycine sii, Biosaccharide Gum-1 so|h, Glutamic Acid h, Lysine Hcl, Threonine sii, Arginine sii, Copper Gluconate so, Proline sii, Disodium Phosphate buff, Phenoxyethanol pres, Ethylhexylglycerin pres, Sodium Benzoate pres, Citric Acid buff

Hover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.
At first it looks just like your average hydrating toner, with Glycerin, Betaine and Urea as humectants. But if you look closer, you’ll find Panthenol and Allantoin for soothing, Pantolactone as Polyhydroxy Acid and several hydrating amino acids. There is also Zinc Gluconate, which is antiinflammatory, and Copper Gluconate, which helps with wound healing. (More info: The benefits of Panthenol in skincare explained and The benefits of Polyhydroxy Acids in skincare explained)

More info: How to read the ingredient list in your skincare products.

Does it live up to its claims?

Yes.

Well, the percentages and complex names are a little over the top, granted, but the basic claims, to soothe and hydrate and reduce the appearance of fine lines, are definitely met.

How does it compare to…

Real Barrier Extreme Essence Toner

The Real Barrier Extreme essence Toner is a fairly recent discovery of mine and the most soothing toner I have come across in… ever. Unlike the Balea version it uses Lavender and Orange essential oil, an odd choice in products aimed at sensitive skins, but also contains the active components of Centella Asiatica and Colloidal Oatmeal for extra benefits. I have no problems with Lavender and Orange Essential Oil on my skin (More info: Is fragrance in your skincare products dangerous?) so I love both. Real Barrier is the one I use at night and in winter, as it has a thicker texture, and Balea the one is use in the mornings, in summer and for layering.

You can read my full review of the Real Barrier Extreme Essence Toner here.

innisfree Intensive Hydrating Toner with Green Tea Seed

innisfree and Balea are actually quite similar in texture and hydrating effect, with the main difference that innisfree contains Green Tea Extract for additional benefits and is fragranced. (More info: The benefits of Green Tea Extract in skincare explained) As the scent is quite strong and not to everyones taste, Balea might be a good (and way cheaper) alternative here.

You can read my full review of the innisfree Intensive Hydrating Toner here.

Would I repurchase and which skin types do I recommend it to?

I can absolutely see myself repurchasing it. Even though it is just a toner, I think this blend is quite impressive and should work for all skin types. And at that price, you really can’t go wrong!

Shop Balea Beauty expert here

Don’t forget to check out the Discount Code Page on top if you want to save some money on your next skincare purchase.
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