Blueberry Rebalancing Skin Toner
Blueberry Rebalancing Skin Toner
Product Description
A lightweight, pH-balancing toner formulated at pH 5.5 with antioxidant-rich blueberry extract, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol. This watery Korean toner restores skin's oil-moisture balance, preps skin for the next steps, and leaves a fresh, dewy finish without stickiness.
โจ Texture & Feel
Blueberry Antioxidant Complex
Rich in polyphenols and vitamin C, blueberry extract helps neutralize free radicals and protect skin from environmental stress and UV-related inflammation.
pH 5.5 Rebalancing
Formulated at skin's ideal slightly acidic pH to restore oil-moisture balance after cleansing, keeping the skin barrier healthy and resilient.
Multi-Layer Hydration
Combines glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and propanediol for deep hydration that penetrates without heaviness or stickiness.
Barrier Support
Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) and allantoin soothe and strengthen the skin barrier, reducing irritation and promoting skin recovery.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains lavender oil and orange peel oil (essential oils), plus limonene and linalool. While there are no retinoids or salicylic acid, some dermatologists recommend avoiding essential oils during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider.
Not fungal acne safe. Contains caprylic/capric triglyceride (fatty acid ester), polyglyceryl-10 oleate, hydrogenated lecithin, and glycereth-26 which can feed malassezia yeast.
Rated 1/5 on the comedogenic scale. Primarily water-based with lightweight humectants. Unlikely to clog pores for most skin types.
Free from parabens, sulfates, harsh alcohols (denatured alcohol), mineral oil, and synthetic colorants. No retinoids, AHA, BHA, or hydroquinone.
Contains lavender oil, orange peel oil, limonene, and linalool which are fragrance allergens. Patch test if you have sensitive or reactive skin.
Safe to layer with retinol, vitamin C, AHA, BHA, and niacinamide. This gentle toner works as a hydrating prep step before any active treatment.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ซ Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract 35ppm Promising
The star ingredient of this toner. Blueberry extract is rich in polyphenols (anthocyanins) and vitamin C, providing potent antioxidant protection against free radicals and environmental stressors.
- Antioxidant: Contains anthocyanins that help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative damage in skin cells.
- UV Protection Support: A 2023 study showed blueberry extract helps protect skin from UV-B related inflammation (does not replace sunscreen).
- Skin Soothing: Polyphenolic compounds offer anti-inflammatory benefits that help calm redness and irritation.
๐ง Sodium Hyaluronate <1% Proven
The sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid with a smaller molecular weight, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the skin for superior hydration from within.
- Hydration: Can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, drawing moisture into the upper layers of skin.
- Barrier Support: Helps strengthen the skin's moisture barrier and improve skin elasticity over time.
- Proven Efficacy: Widely studied humectant with decades of clinical data supporting its moisturizing properties.
๐งด Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) <1% Proven
A provitamin of B5 that converts to pantothenic acid in the skin. Known for its excellent soothing, moisturizing, and wound-healing properties.
- Soothing: Reduces skin irritation, redness, and inflammation with strong calming properties.
- Moisturizing: Penetrates deeply to attract and retain moisture in the skin.
- Healing: Accelerates skin's natural repair processes and strengthens the barrier function.
๐ฟ Allantoin <1% Proven
A gentle, non-irritating compound found naturally in comfrey root. It promotes skin healing, softens the skin, and provides excellent calming effects.
- Cell Proliferation: Stimulates healthy cell turnover and tissue regeneration.
- Anti-Irritant: Soothes and protects the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or compromised skin.
๐ฌ Polyquaternium-51 <1% Promising
A bio-inspired polymer that mimics the structure of cell membranes (lipidure). Provides exceptional moisture retention and a silky, non-sticky feel on the skin.
- Moisture Retention: Holds twice the amount of moisture compared to hyaluronic acid by weight.
- Skin Feel: Creates a smooth, comfortable film that improves product texture without greasiness.
๐ Tocopherol (Vitamin E) <0.5% Proven
A fat-soluble antioxidant that works synergistically with other antioxidants like vitamin C. Helps protect against environmental damage and supports skin repair.
- Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals and protects cell membranes from oxidative stress.
- Moisturizing: Strengthens the lipid barrier and prevents moisture loss.
35 ingredients
Water, Propanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Glycereth-26, 1,2-Hexanediol, C12-14 Alketh-12, Methyl Gluceth-20, Diphenyl Dimethicone, Triethylhexanoin, Butylene Glycol, Limonene, Polyquaternium-51, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Phytate, Arginine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citric Acid, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Linalool, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Panthenol, Allantoin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Maltodextrin, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Pentylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Leaf Extract
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use morning and evening right after cleansing. Apply before essences, serums, and moisturizers. Can be layered 2โ3 times for extra hydration (7-skin method).
๐ How to Use
Cleanse Your Face
Start with clean skin. Use your preferred cleanser and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Dispense the Toner
Pour a moderate amount onto a cotton pad or directly into your palms. The watery texture spreads easily.
Apply to Face & Neck
Gently wipe from the center of the face outward along the skin texture using a cotton pad, or pat into skin with your palms.
Pat for Absorption
Lightly tap and press the toner into your skin until fully absorbed. Layer 2โ3 times for deeper hydration, or soak cotton pads for a 5โ10 minute mask pack.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You want a lightweight, watery toner that absorbs quickly
- Your skin needs pH rebalancing after cleansing
- You prefer a simple hydrating toner without heavy actives
- You like to layer toner using the 7-skin method
- You want antioxidant protection for daily skin defense
- You have dehydrated skin and need oil-moisture balance
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia) โ this formula is not FA-safe
- You are very sensitive to essential oils or fragrance
- You need heavy-duty hydration for extremely dry skin
- You want a toner with high-concentration actives (niacinamide, AHA/BHA)
- You prefer completely fragrance-free skincare
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Ultra-lightweight watery texture absorbs instantly without adding shine. Helps balance oil production with pH 5.5 formula.
Provides light hydration and layers well. Dry skin types will likely need a richer moisturizer on top. Can be layered multiple times for extra moisture.
Balances the oil-moisture ratio across different face zones beautifully. Hydrates dry areas without overwhelming the T-zone.
Contains essential oils (lavender, orange peel) and fragrance allergens (limonene, linalool). Patch test recommended. If not sensitive to essential oils, the formula is otherwise gentle.
Low comedogenic rating (1/5) and lightweight formula. However, not suitable for fungal acne. No known acne-triggering ingredients for bacterial acne.
๐ Results Timeline
Immediate Hydration & Comfort
Skin feels instantly refreshed, hydrated, and balanced after first application. The watery texture provides a noticeable dewy glow right away.
90% noticed immediate hydrationImproved Skin Texture
Skin begins to feel smoother and more supple. The pH-balancing effect helps reduce post-cleansing tightness and dryness. Oil-moisture balance starts to stabilize.
75% noticed smoother textureBrighter, More Even Complexion
Consistent use of the antioxidant-rich formula helps skin look brighter and more even-toned. Skin barrier feels stronger and less reactive.
65% noticed brighter skin toneLong-Term Skin Balance
Sustained oil-moisture balance with healthier-looking skin overall. Antioxidant benefits accumulate, supporting long-term skin resilience against environmental stressors.
60% reported sustained improvementโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Extremely lightweight and fast-absorbing, no sticky residue
- Excellent for layering (7-skin method friendly)
- pH 5.5 formula helps restore balance after cleansing
- Affordable for a K-beauty toner with quality ingredients
- Pleasant lavender-blueberry scent (for those who enjoy it)
- Works well under makeup and other skincare layers
- Free from parabens, sulfates, and harsh alcohols
- Brightens skin and evens out texture with regular use
โ Criticized
- Not fungal acne (malassezia) safe
- Contains essential oils that may irritate sensitive skin
- Blueberry extract concentration (35ppm) is relatively low
- 150ml bottle can run out quickly with daily multi-layer use
- Not hydrating enough on its own for very dry skin
- Fragrance may be too strong for some users
- Does not contain trendy high-concentration actives
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
A minimalist toner with only 7 ingredients focused on deep hydration. Larger 200ml size for similar price. Fragrance-free and fungal acne safe, but lacks the antioxidant blueberry complex.
Uses propolis extract instead of blueberry for antioxidant and soothing benefits. More hydrating formula with honey-like consistency. Contains different humectants but similar pH-balancing approach.
Uses 80% green tea water for antioxidant benefits instead of blueberry. Similar watery texture and pH-balancing concept. Fragrance-free and slightly more gentle on sensitive skin.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing Skin
~$12.00Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
~$22.00Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer
~$33.00COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
~$14.00๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap tightly closed to prevent contamination. Refrigeration is optional but can enhance the cooling sensation.
Plastic squeeze bottle with flip-cap dispenser โ easy to control the amount and convenient for cotton pad application.
Yes โ 150ml is over the 100ml carry-on limit, but the compact size fits well in checked luggage. Decant into a smaller bottle for carry-on.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Use with caution. While this toner does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens, it does include lavender oil, orange peel oil, limonene, and linalool (essential oils and fragrance allergens). Some healthcare providers recommend avoiding essential oils during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist before use.
No, this toner is not fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that can feed malassezia yeast, including caprylic/capric triglyceride (fatty acid esters), polyglyceryl-10 oleate, hydrogenated lecithin, and glycereth-26. If you are prone to fungal acne, consider alternatives like Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner or a toner verified as FA-safe.
Yes! This toner is a gentle hydrating and pH-balancing product with no actives that would conflict with retinol, vitamin C, AHA, or BHA. It works perfectly as a hydrating prep step before applying active treatments. Apply this toner first, let it absorb, then proceed with your active serums or treatments.
This toner is best suited for oily, combination, and dehydrated skin types. Its ultra-lightweight, watery texture absorbs quickly without added greasiness. It is also good for dry skin when layered multiple times. Those with very sensitive skin should be cautious due to the essential oils. It is suitable for all ages and works well in both AM and PM routines.
Hydration and comfort are immediate from the first use. Improved skin texture and smoothness are typically noticed within 1โ2 weeks of consistent use. Brighter, more balanced skin tone becomes apparent after 3โ4 weeks. Long-term antioxidant benefits and barrier strengthening develop over 2+ months of regular use.
Apply this toner as the second step in your routine, immediately after cleansing. It goes before essences, serums, ampoules, moisturizers, and sunscreen. In a Korean skincare routine: Cleanser โ This Toner โ Essence โ Serum โ Moisturizer โ Sunscreen (AM). You can also layer it 2โ3 times using the 7-skin method for extra hydration.
This toner has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5, meaning it has a very low risk of clogging pores. It is primarily water-based with lightweight humectants like glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and propanediol. It is not likely to cause breakouts for most people, though individual skin reactions can vary.
The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. Once opened, use within 12 months for optimal freshness and efficacy. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If the texture, color, or scent changes significantly, discontinue use.
Verdict: The Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing Skin is a solid, affordable K-beauty toner that excels at pH balancing and lightweight hydration. Its watery, fast-absorbing formula is perfect for oily and combination skin types who want to prep their skin without heaviness. The blueberry antioxidant complex and supportive ingredients like hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and allantoin make it a well-rounded daily toner. However, the low blueberry extract concentration (35ppm), essential oil content, and lack of fungal acne safety prevent it from earning a perfect score. Best suited as a dependable, everyday hydrating toner at an excellent price point.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinโs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging ยซpromisesยป it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Dipropylene Glycol
Fragrance, Solvent, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Glycereth-26
Solvent, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|