Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner for All Skin Types
Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner for All Skin Types
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, alcohol-free facial toner enriched with Pro-Vitamin B5, Niacinamide, Witch Hazel and Allantoin. Designed for all skin types — including sensitive skin — this lightweight formula removes residual impurities after cleansing and restores your skin's natural pH balance, leaving it feeling refreshed, calm and perfectly prepped for moisturiser.
pH-Balancing Formula
Restores your skin's natural pH after cleansing, removing alkaline residue and priming skin for the next step in your routine.
Texture & feel
SENSORYpH-Balancing Formula
Restores your skin's natural pH after cleansing, removing alkaline residue and priming skin for the next step in your routine.
Instant Hydration Boost
Sodium PCA and Panthenol work as powerful humectants to draw moisture into the skin, preventing post-cleanse tightness.
Soothing Witch Hazel
Gentle leaf water (not bark extract) provides mild astringent and antibacterial properties without stripping or drying the skin.
Sensitive Skin Champion
Formulated without artificial perfume, dyes, alcohol, or harsh chemicals — dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic for even the most reactive skin.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Free from fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates, and fermented ingredients that feed malassezia yeast. Zero fungal acne triggers detected.
Oil-free, lightweight water-based formula. No pore-clogging ingredients. Officially labelled non-comedogenic by the manufacturer.
Contains no drying alcohols such as SD Alcohol, denatured alcohol, or ethanol. Will not strip or dehydrate your skin barrier.
No artificial perfumes, essential oils, or colourants. Minimises the risk of sensitisation and allergic reactions.
A common, well-tolerated humectant and penetration enhancer. Rarely, some individuals may be sensitive — patch test if you have a known allergy to this ingredient.
Uses the gentler leaf distillate (not bark extract), which contains minimal tannins. Much less astringent and irritating than traditional witch hazel products.
No active exfoliants in this formula. Safe to layer with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs without risk of over-exfoliation.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSNiacinamide (Vitamin B3)Proven
A multi-functional powerhouse that brightens skin tone, strengthens the moisture barrier, reduces redness, and helps regulate oil production. One of the most well-researched active ingredients in skincare.
- Barrier repair: Increases ceramide synthesis for a stronger, healthier skin barrier and improved hydration retention.
- Brightening: Shown to reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots when used consistently over 8–12 weeks.
- Acne support: Studies demonstrate benefits for acne, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis at 4–5% concentration.
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)Proven
A beloved humectant that deeply moisturises, soothes inflammation, and supports wound healing. Converts to pantothenic acid once absorbed by the skin.
- Hydration: Functions as a humectant, binding water to the skin similarly to hyaluronic acid.
- Barrier support: Promotes lipid synthesis for a stronger skin barrier.
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces irritation caused by other ingredients such as preservatives or environmental aggressors.
AllantoinProven
A gentle, well-tolerated soothing agent that softens skin, protects against irritation, and promotes wound healing. Excellent for calming sensitive or reactive skin.
- Soothing: Provides anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory benefits, making it ideal for sensitive formulations.
- Wound healing: Higher concentrations promote cell proliferation and tissue repair.
- Comedogenicity: Rated 0 — will not clog pores.
Witch Hazel Leaf WaterPromising
A gentle distillate from the leaves of Hamamelis Virginiana. The leaf version contains far fewer tannins than bark extracts (0.04% vs 4.77%), making it suitable for sensitive skin.
- Astringent: Mildly tightens the appearance of pores without over-stripping the skin.
- Antibacterial: Gentle antimicrobial properties help keep the skin clean.
- Soothing: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits from naturally occurring polyphenols.
Sodium PCA NMF ComponentProven
A naturally occurring component of the skin's own Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF). One of the most effective natural humectants available in skincare.
- Hydration: Attracts and binds moisture from the environment to the upper layers of the skin.
- Skin-identical: Already present in healthy skin, making it exceptionally well-tolerated.
Hydrogenated Starch HydrolysateSupporting
A sugar-derived humectant and skin-conditioning agent that helps to retain moisture on the skin's surface, contributing to the toner's lightweight hydrating feel.
- Humectant: Draws and holds water to keep skin comfortable after cleansing.
- Gentle: Well-tolerated by sensitive skin with no known irritation potential.
12 ingredients
Aqua, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Sodium PCA, Allantoin, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Propylene Glycol, Cetylpyridinium Chloride, Niacinamide, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Water, Panthenol, Decyl Glucoside.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse morning and evening after cleansing. Apply before serums and moisturiser. This toner helps prep your skin to absorb subsequent products more effectively.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse First
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser (such as Simple Kind to Skin Refreshing Facial Wash) and pat dry with a soft towel.
Apply to Cotton Pad
Dispense a generous amount of toner onto a cotton pad. You can also pour it into your palms and pat directly onto skin for less product waste.
Sweep Across Face
Gently wipe the cotton pad in upward movements across your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. This removes any remaining impurities and restores pH balance.
Follow Up
Allow the toner to absorb for a few seconds, then follow with your serum and moisturiser. Use both morning and evening for best results.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive skin that reacts to fragranced or alcohol-based toners
- You want a gentle, no-frills toner to complete your cleansing routine
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe, minimal formula
- You have fungal acne and need a malassezia-safe option
- You are a skincare beginner looking for an affordable, reliable first toner
- You want to prep skin for better absorption of serums and treatments
Consider alternatives if:
- You want a toner with intensive hydration (this is lightweight, not deeply hydrating)
- You need chemical exfoliation (no AHA/BHA/PHA in this formula)
- You prefer a toner with anti-ageing actives like peptides or retinol
- You have very dry skin and need something richer and more emollient
- You want visible brightening or anti-pigmentation results quickly
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight, watery formula absorbs instantly without adding shine. Witch hazel gently helps regulate surface oil. Oil-free and non-comedogenic.
Provides light hydration via Sodium PCA and Panthenol, but will likely need a richer hydrating toner or extra moisturiser layered on top for dry skin types.
Balances well across oily and dry zones. Light enough for the T-zone while still providing comfort on drier cheeks. Ideal everyday toner.
Specifically designed for sensitive skin. No fragrance, no alcohol, no harsh chemicals. Dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic. A cult favourite for reactive skin.
Non-comedogenic (0/5) and fungal acne safe. Niacinamide supports acne management. However, it lacks targeted acne-fighting actives like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Results timeline
MONTH 2–3Immediate Freshness
Skin feels instantly refreshed, clean, and balanced after first use. Any post-cleanse tightness disappears. No stinging or burning on sensitive skin.
95% noticedImproved Skin Comfort
Skin starts to feel softer and more supple with consistent morning and evening use. Redness and minor irritation begin to calm down as the barrier strengthens.
80% noticedSmoother Texture & Tone
Niacinamide and Panthenol contribute to a more even skin tone and smoother texture. Pores may appear slightly refined. Better product absorption of subsequent skincare steps.
65% noticedVisible Skin Health Improvement
Cumulative benefits of consistent niacinamide use become apparent: reduced redness, improved hydration levels, and a healthier overall complexion. Skin barrier feels more resilient.
55% noticedRatings by platform
9K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely gentle — no stinging, burning, or irritation for most users
- 100% alcohol-free and fragrance-free formula
- Very affordable price point for a well-formulated toner
- Minimal, clean ingredient list with only 12 ingredients
- Suitable for pregnant/breastfeeding women and fungal acne sufferers
- Leaves skin feeling clean, fresh, and balanced
- Eco-friendly 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottle
- Widely available worldwide in drugstores and online
Criticized
- Not hydrating enough for very dry skin — evaporates quickly
- No exfoliating actives — won't help with texture or congestion
- Very basic formula — some feel it is an unnecessary step
- Niacinamide is at a low concentration for noticeable brightening
- Some rare breakout reports — potentially from Propylene Glycol sensitivity
- Cotton pad method wastes a significant amount of product
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Also alcohol-free with witch hazel as a key ingredient. Adds aloe vera and glycerin for extra hydration but is slightly less minimal in formulation. Fragrance-free version available. Larger 355ml bottle offers better value per ml.
Features ceramides and hyaluronic acid for more intensive hydration and barrier repair. Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. A better pick if you want deeper hydration, but a longer ingredient list and slightly higher price.
A similarly priced drugstore toner with aloe vera for soothing. Also alcohol-free but contains more ingredients and may include fragrance depending on the formulation. Less minimal than Simple.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap tightly closed after each use. No refrigeration required.
Plastic bottle with flip-top cap. Made from 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic and is 100% recyclable with its lid.
No — 200ml exceeds the 100ml carry-on liquid limit. Decant into a smaller travel bottle for flights.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. This toner contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or any other ingredients flagged as unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Its minimal, gentle formula with Niacinamide, Panthenol, and Allantoin is considered safe for expecting and nursing mothers. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Yes. The formula contains zero known fungal acne triggers. It is free from fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates, and fermented ingredients that feed malassezia yeast. This has been confirmed by multiple ingredient analysis tools including Folliculitis Scout (0 triggers) and SkinCarisma.
Yes, absolutely. This toner contains no active exfoliants, acids, or retinoids, so it will not conflict with or increase the irritation potential of other actives. It is an ideal gentle base step before applying retinol, vitamin C serums, AHAs, or BHAs. Its soothing ingredients (Allantoin, Panthenol) may even help buffer potential irritation from those stronger treatments.
It is best suited for sensitive, oily, and combination skin types. Its lightweight, alcohol-free formula is specifically designed for sensitive skin. Oily and combination skin types love how it refreshes without adding greasiness. Dry skin types may find it insufficient on its own and should layer with a hydrating serum or richer moisturiser.
You will feel an immediate difference in skin freshness and comfort from the first use. Improved skin softness and reduced redness typically appear within 1–2 weeks. For cumulative benefits from niacinamide (such as improved tone and barrier strength), expect 4–8 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. This is a maintenance product rather than a dramatic transformation product.
Apply immediately after cleansing as the second step in your routine. It goes before serums, essences, treatments, and moisturisers. The toner removes any alkaline residue left by your cleanser and restores your skin's natural pH, helping subsequent products absorb more effectively. Use both morning and evening.
No. This toner has a comedogenic rating of 0/5 and is officially labelled non-comedogenic by Simple. It is oil-free and water-based with no known pore-clogging ingredients. It is also fungal acne safe. However, individual reactions can vary — a small number of users have reported breakouts, potentially from sensitivity to Propylene Glycol or Cetylpyridinium Chloride rather than pore clogging.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal freshness and efficacy. With twice-daily use on a cotton pad, a 200ml bottle typically lasts 6–8 weeks. Store in a cool, dry place with the cap tightly closed and it will stay effective throughout its shelf life.
Verdict: Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner is a dependable, no-nonsense toner that does exactly what it promises — gently cleanses, soothes, and preps your skin without causing irritation. Its minimal 12-ingredient formula, alcohol-free and fragrance-free formulation, and impressive safety profile (pregnancy safe, fungal acne safe, non-comedogenic 0/5) make it a standout choice for sensitive, oily, and combination skin types. It won't transform your skin overnight, but as a daily workhorse toner at a budget-friendly price, it is hard to beat. Ideal for beginners, minimalists, and anyone who values ingredient transparency and gentleness over flashy actives.
Browse related
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 skin’s 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 «promises» 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
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 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
|
|
|
| 0 |
Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
Humectant
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium PCA
Skin Conditioning, Humectant, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 1 |
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 4 |
Phenoxyethanol
Fragrance, Preservative
|
|