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Fermented ingredients are huge in Korean skincare, and so is Centella Asiatica as ingredient. Well, the SKIN1004 Probio-Cica Essence Toner offers fermented Centella Asiatica – I was intrigued. If you have seen my post about fermented ingredients, you know that the fermentation process breaks down the initial structure into smaller pieces like amino acids and proteins, which, depending on what you break down, can lead to skin benefits. (More info: The benefits of fermented ingredients in skincare explained and The benefits of Centella Asiatica in skincare explained)
And if you are wondering in which category it falls, being called an Essence Toner, it is supposed to be a hybrid – I will share what the brand says in a bit – but also the terms are often used interchangeably. No matter what it is called, you use it where you feel it fits best. (More info: Toner, Tonic, Essence – What is the difference?)
But without further ado, let’s take a closer look at this essence and how it worked for me.
What the SKIN1004 Probio-Cica Essence Toner claims
Contains fermented Madagascan Centella Asiatica, specially formulated Probio-cica and TECA to provide maximized calming effects. Ceramide NP, similar in structure to the skin barrier, and high quality cica are formulated to reinforce the skin barrier’s strength by enhancing moisture absorption and repairing damaged skin barriers. Contains 5 sizes of hyaluronic acid molecules to layer moisture into the skin from the inside out. Watery-essence toner that provides the benefit of the richness of an essence, but also a refreshing finish of a watery toner.
Facts about the SKIN1004 Probio-Cica Essence Toner
Prize and size
One bottle contains 210 ml and is available for 13,65 $ on the website here. The packaging is dark brown plastic with a cream lid and label and looks quite elegant.
Texture and smell
When you pour the product out of the bottle, it is a little thicker than water, but still very lightweight, and develops some body when you start to spread it – I guess that is the richness of the essence they mention in the description. There is no noticeable scent.
How to use the SKIN1004 Probio-Cica Essence Toner
The Probio-Cica Essence Toner can be used both morning and night and is best applied after cleansing. (More info: The best way to layer your skincare products)
It could get a little tacky after application, but layered very well and never led to pilling. I perceived it as soothing and hydrating.
Ingredients of the SKIN1004 Probio-Cica Essence Toner
so|aox|h, Water solv, Butylene Glycol h|solv 0 1, Glycerin 
sii|h 0 0, Propanediol solv|h, 1,2-Hexanediol solv, Lactobacillus/Centella Asiatica Extract Ferment Filtrate, Polyglyceryl
-10 Laurate surf|emu, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer vc, Trehalose
h, Panthenol so|h 0 0, Ethylhexylglycerin pres, Sodium Citrate chel|buff, Xanthan Gum vc, Tromethamine buff, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate so|h, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride emo, Sodium Phytate chel, Citric Acid buff, Hydrogenated Lecithin emo|emu, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Ceramide NP sii, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer sii|aox|h, Sucrose Distearate emo|emu|surf 2 0, Madecassic Acid , Asiaticoside aox|perf, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans h, Lauric Acid aacne|surf|emu 1 4, Asiatic Acid , Phytosterols, Sodium Hyaluronate sii|h 0 0, Betaine h, Hydroxystearic Acid surf|emu|surf, Benzyl Glycol solv, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid h, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil emo, Hyaluronic Acid sii|h, Raspberry Ketone perf, Phytosphingosine sii|cci|aacne|amicHover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.
When looking at the ingredient list, we obviously have Centella Asiatica extract – it is “the thing” of SKIN1004 – as well as the Lactobacillus/ Centella Asiatica Extract Ferment Filtrate which makes this line special and the active components of Centella Asiatica, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside and Asiatic Acid added separately. For hydration you will find Glycerin as well as different forms of Hyaluronic Acid and sugars like Trehalose. (More info: The benefits of Hyaluronic Acid in skincare explained)
What I did not expect was the addition of Panthenol for additional soothing effects and Ceramide NP and Phytosphingosine to support the skin barrier. (More info: The benefits of Panthenol in skincare explained and The benefits of Ceramides in skincare explained)
More info: How to read the ingredient list in your skincare products
Does it live up to its claims?
Yes.
It contains what it claims it does and feels hydrating, refreshing, but also more substantial than your average watery toner.
How does it compare to…
Real Barrier Extreme Essence Toner
Real Barrier does my current favorite toner for when my skin is a little upset, so I had to compare them. Both contain Centellas active components as well as Panthenol for soothing, but while SKIN1004 has the fermented ingredients and Ceramide NP, Real Barrier claims to use a special MLE technology to help support the skin barrier. Which one works better for you is something you will have to see for yourself, in direct comparison SKIN1004 feels more lightweight initially, but is more tacky after application.
You can read my full review of the Real Barrier Extreme Essence Toner here.
107 Beauty Micro Drizzle Hydro Toner
Another one great for soothing the skin is the Micro Drizzle Hydro Toner by 107 Beauty. The main ingredient here is the vinegar it contains, also made from fermentation, but this time without the Centella Asiatica component and without added Ceramides. Just like the offer from SKIN1004 this one has more body than your average toner and leaves the skin feeling protected, especially when you layer it on. (More info: What is the Seven Skin Method and what are its skin benefits?)
You can read my full review of the 107 Beauty Micro Drizzle Hydro Toner here.
Purito Centella Unscented Toner
I mainly featured the Purito Toner here because it is similar in ingredients like Centella and its active components, Panthenol and other soothing things. The main difference is that Purito has no added Ceramide and less tackiness, but both are lovely choices for extra hydration and soothing.
You can read my full review of the Purito Centella Unscented Toner here.
Would I repurchase and which skin types do I recommend the SKIN1004 Probio-Cica Essence Toner to?
I do enjoy the SKIN1004 Probio-Cica Essence Toner a lot both in terms of texture as well as in terms of its effect on my skin. If the fermentation of Centella Asiatica yields better results for my skin than simply adding Centellas active components isn’t something I can say, but it is a product I can see myself repurchasing and that should work for all skin types.
Shop SKIN1004 skincare here
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