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The dear klairs Supple Preparation Toner has been around for more than six years now, and it is only now that I have gotten around to reviewing it.
The main reason is that I tend to shy away from most things that fall under the category „Korean Beauty“, not because I assume these products are bad, but because I feel like I am too old for the mostly „kawaii“ packaging.
Sleek, functional, preferably black and white, that is my aesthetics, anything cutesy and pink drives me away. Granted though, the dear klairs Supple Preparation Toner packaging is neither pink nor cute, so time to get over myself and see if it is a cult favorite for a reason.
And because (spoiler alert) I enjoyed it a lot, I got the klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner as well for a side to side comparison in this blog post!
What the dear klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner claims
Balances the skin’s pH level and improves the effectiveness of your entire skincare regime, helping you to achieve your best skin. Enhance the effectiveness of serums and creams with the klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner that balances your skin’s natural pH levels, creating the perfect canvas for your skin care products.
Prep your skin with this refreshing toner that removes excess dirt and sebum while restoring pH balance. Amino acids reduce irritation and provide deep hydration.
Facts
Prize and size
Both come in two different sizes, 30 ml (the one I had first, great for trying) and 180 ml (for those that already know they love it). The small bottle retails for 5,95 €, the big one for 22,95 € on the website here.
Texture and scent
A little thicker than water, but still very runny. The original toner has a herbal scent that disappears after application. After reading the ingredient list I could identify lavender and eucalyptus, before it just felt herbal-warm – describing scents is not my forté, in case you didn’t notice already.
The unscented version doesn’t smell to pleasant either, I get a faint whiff of something reminding me of glue, probably from one of the solvents used. It isn’t strong though, so I don’t mind.
How to use the dear klairs Supple Preparation Toner
Suitable for both morning and nighttime use, I tend to reach for it in the mornings, where my focus is on hydration. dear klairs will tell you that this toner can be patted in repeatedly onto dry areas for an improved effect and I can attest that it indeed layers very well, but as I have zero patience in the mornings, I don´t tend to do that on a regular.
Toner is of course not an essential skincare step (read more about the why here), but it is one that I enjoy
dear klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner ingredients
Hover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.
As comparison the ingredients of the dear klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Hover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.
As you can see both formulas are identical with the exception of the essential oils missing in the Unscented version.
When looking at the ingredient list it is important to note that while many amazing ingredients are present in the formula, due to the nature of a toner they are most likely in low concentrations, so don’t expect a huge effect on your skin.
There are quite a few humectants, but on top of that it contains Centella Asiatica, Vitamin E, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (a stable and promising Vitamin C derivative, read more about it here), several soothing ingredients like panthenol and amino acids, Dimethyl Sulfone and Copper Tripeptide-1 (more information about Peptides in skin care is here).
The essential oils used are among others Lavender Oil, which is pretty controversial, and two different Citrus Peel Oils, again problematic for many people.
Does it live up to its claims?
Yes.
It hydrates the skin and, when applied shortly before, will increase the penetration of your serum. If you feel it is soothing will probably depend on where you stand on essential oils – I personally don’t mind them, but as I am not too keen on the scent the product has much prefer the unscented version.
How does the dear klairs Supple Preparation Toner compare to…
the pixi Milky Toner
Another toner with the focus on hydration, similar in humectants, similar in texture, but with way less other beneficial ingredients. If that matters though, given the low concentration of ingredients in a toner, is something you need to decide for yourself.
Read my full review of the pixi Milky Toner here.
Would I repurchase?
Yes.
In fact, after using up the original one I bought a full size of the Unscented version (which you can see me use in my summer morning skincare routine here).
Whom do I recommend dear klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner to?
Anyone that likes using a toner and is not sensitive to essential oils or plant extracts – those that prefer unscented products are much better off with the unscented version.