Mushroom B5 Toning Cocktail
Mushroom B5 Toning Cocktail
Product Description
EqualRXN's Mushroom B5 Toning Cocktail is a water-light barrier-support toner β nicknamed the "Liquid Barrier Rescuer." Powered by 100% bioactive 2% D-Panthenol, a 3-mushroom complex (reishi, chaga & meshima), 1% green tea, and a full Cica complex, it delivers deep hydration, visibly calms redness, and reinforces a compromised skin barrier without any heaviness. Alcohol-free, fragrance-free, pH 5.5, and vegan β built for even the most sensitive, reactive skin.
β¨ Texture & Feel
3-Mushroom Complex
Reishi, chaga and meshima mushrooms deliver antioxidants and barrier-supporting nutrients that boost the skin's natural defenses.
2% D-Panthenol
The purest, 100% bioactive form of pro-vitamin B5 deeply hydrates, calms irritation, and aids barrier repair.
Full Cica Complex
Centella asiatica plus all four isolated actives β asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid β to soothe and protect.
Featherlight Layering
Water-based, non-pore-clogging texture absorbs instantly and layers seamlessly β light enough even for the oiliest skin.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or essential oils. Ingredients are widely considered low-risk topically β still, confirm with your OB/derm.
Contains no esters, fatty acids, oils or polysorbates that feed malassezia β a clean pick for FA-prone skin.
Designed to go before functional ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, AHA/BHA and niacinamide, soothing and prepping the skin.
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free and pH 5.5. Cica and panthenol actively calm reactive, rosacea- and eczema-prone skin.
Contains several mushroom and plant extracts. If you have a known fungal or botanical allergy, patch test first.
Oil-free, water-based formula the brand markets as non-pore-clogging β suitable for breakout-prone skin.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π§ Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) 2% Proven
The hero active. Panthenol converts to pantothenic acid in the skin, drawing in and locking moisture while calming irritation and supporting barrier repair.
- Brand claim: Uses 100% bioactive D-panthenol at a 2% concentration.
- Function: Humectant + soothing agent with an irritancy and comedogenicity rating of 0.
π 3-Mushroom Complex (Reishi Β· Chaga Β· Meshima) Blend Promising
Ganoderma Lucidum (reishi), Inonotus Obliquus (chaga) and Phellinus Linteus (meshima) extracts supply antioxidants, beta-glucans and polysaccharides that nourish and help defend the skin.
- Reishi: Noted for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
- Why it's here: Supports the skin's natural defense mechanisms as part of EqualRXN's synergy approach.
π΅ Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract 1% Proven
Rich in polyphenols and catechins, green tea is a well-studied antioxidant that calms, helps balance oil, and protects against environmental stressors.
- Benefit: Antioxidant, soothing, anti-aging and oil-balancing.
- Concentration: Brand states 1% green tea extract.
πΏ Cica Complex (Centella + 4 Actives) Blend Proven
Centella Asiatica extract plus its four isolated actives β asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid β a gold-standard combination for soothing, redness relief and supporting skin healing.
- Research: Centella is widely studied for anti-inflammatory and wound-soothing benefits.
- Full TECA spectrum: Delivers all four headline cica molecules, not just one.
𧬠Beta-Glucan + Arginine Blend Promising
A polysaccharide-and-amino-acid duo. Beta-glucan is a large hydrating molecule with soothing, film-forming properties, while arginine helps support the skin.
- Beta-glucan: Holds water and forms a comforting, hydrating layer.
- Synergy: Works alongside panthenol and glycerin for layered hydration.
π¦ Glycerin High Proven
The second ingredient on the list. Glycerin is one of the most reliable, best-studied humectants, drawing moisture into the skin and reinforcing hydration.
- Function: Humectant / moisturizer suitable for all skin types.
- Placement: High in the INCI list, signalling a meaningful amount.
24 ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Panthenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Methyl Gluceth-20, Ganoderma Lucidum (Mushroom) Stem Extract, Inonotus Obliquus (Mushroom) Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Arginine, Beta-Glucan, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Butylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Avena Sativa (Oat) Meal Extract, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Dextrin.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply right after cleansing on slightly damp skin, before serums and treatments. EqualRXN recommends using it before functional actives (retinoids, vitamin C, AHA/BHA) so the skin is soothed and prepped for harsher ingredients.
π How to Use
Cleanse first
Start with freshly cleansed skin, morning and/or night.
Apply the toner
Saturate a cotton pad (or press a few drops into your palms) and gently sweep over the face, neck and upper chest.
Let it absorb
Skin should feel calm and moisturized within seconds. No need to rinse.
Seal it in
Follow with a serum and moisturizer. Pro tip: decant into a spray bottle for a refreshing mid-day mist β it can even soothe the scalp.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have a compromised, sensitive or easily irritated skin barrier
- You have oily or combination skin and want hydration without heaviness
- You experience general redness, or have rosacea- or eczema-prone skin
- You want a fragrance-free, alcohol-free hydrating toner
- You layer actives and need a calming prep step
β Consider alternatives if:
- You want a strong exfoliating or clarifying acid toner
- You prefer a single high-percentage hero active over a synergy blend
- You specifically need a TSA-friendly travel size (this is 120 mL)
- You dislike multi-step layering and want one all-in-one product
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Water-light and fast-absorbing β hydrates without adding shine or congestion.
Delivers a hydration boost, but layer a richer cream on top to lock it in.
Balances hydration across drier and oilier zones without feeling heavy.
Built for reactive skin β fragrance-free with cica and B5; users with eczema and rosacea report relief.
Non-comedogenic and fungal-acne safe β calms angry, inflamed breakouts.
π Results Timeline
Instant comfort
Skin feels calmer, softer and noticeably more hydrated right after application.
80% noticedReduced redness
Visible redness and reactivity begin to settle with consistent twice-daily use.
65% noticedStronger barrier
Less tightness and dryness; skin holds onto moisture better throughout the day.
55% noticedResilient, even skin
Fewer flare-ups and a more even, comfortable complexion as the barrier stays supported.
45% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
Ratings reflect publicly available data; the brand site's 4.9β /116-review score is verified, while marketplace figures are approximate for this emerging indie brand and not sold via Sephora/Ulta/YesStyle.
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Genuinely calming β users report less redness and inflammation
- Lightweight and fast-absorbing with no stickiness or pilling
- Loved by those with eczema, rosacea-prone and reactive skin
- Multitasker β works on face, neck, chest and even the scalp/hair
- Clean formula: vegan, alcohol-free, fragrance-free and FA-safe
β Criticized
- 120 mL bottle is just over TSA carry-on liquid limits
- Frequently sold out; availability can be limited
- No single high-concentration hero active (synergy-led formula)
- Indie brand β fewer third-party reviews than mainstream K-beauty
- Cotton-pad application can use product up relatively quickly
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Centella water plus panthenol, alcohol-free and FA-safe β the closest soothing match. Simpler formula without the 3-mushroom complex or full cica actives.
Centella-focused calming toner at a low price. Lacks the mushroom and beta-glucan layer, so barrier nourishment is less comprehensive.
Heavy on centella and adds niacinamide for brightening. Larger 210 mL size, but more brightening-led than mushroom barrier-led.
Hydrating, slightly brightening rice + niacinamide toner. A great hydrator but a different focus β less targeted soothing and no cica complex.
π Comparison with Competitors
EqualRXN Mushroom B5 Toning Cocktail (Featured)
$24.00SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner
$21.00Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
$24.00COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner
$20.00π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the cap closed between uses.
120 mL plastic bottle with a screw cap
Not carry-on size β 120 mL is just over the 100 mL TSA liquid limit
β Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, yes. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens, and its core ingredients (panthenol, glycerin, centella, mushroom and green tea extracts) are widely considered low-risk during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As always, confirm with your OB-GYN or dermatologist before adding anything new.
Yes. The formula contains no esters, fatty acids, oils or polysorbates that typically feed malassezia, making it a clean choice for those managing fungal acne. Patch testing is still wise if your skin is very reactive.
Yes β and it's designed for exactly that. EqualRXN recommends applying it before your functional actives (retinoids, vitamin C, niacinamide, AHA/BHA). The cica and panthenol soothe and prep the skin so harsher ingredients are better tolerated.
It's formulated for all skin types, but shines on sensitive, reactive, oily and combination skin, as well as anyone with a compromised barrier. Dry skin benefits too but should layer a richer moisturizer on top.
Most users feel instant comfort and hydration on first use. Visible redness tends to calm within 1β2 weeks, while stronger barrier resilience and fewer flare-ups typically build over 4β8 weeks of consistent twice-daily use.
It's a step-2 product: apply right after cleansing and before serums, treatments and moisturizer. In the morning, finish your routine with SPF.
No. It's an oil-free, water-based formula the brand markets as non-pore-clogging, with a low comedogenic rating of around 1/5. It's a safe pick for breakout-prone and acne-prone skin.
Around 12 months after opening (12M PAO). Store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and keep the cap closed to preserve the formula.
Verdict: EqualRXN's Mushroom B5 Toning Cocktail is one of the most genuinely calming barrier toners in the indie space. The synergy of 2% D-panthenol, a 3-mushroom complex, 1% green tea and a full cica spectrum makes it a standout for sensitive, oily and barrier-compromised skin β with a verified 4.9β score across 116 brand-site reviews and loyal repurchasers who cite real relief from redness and irritation. The clean, fragrance-free, fungal-acne-safe formula layers beautifully before actives. The only real gripes are the frequent sell-outs and the 120 mL bottle that's just over the TSA limit. If you want a featherlight, do-no-harm toner that quietly strengthens your skin, this is an easy recommendation.
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 skinβs 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 Β«promisesΒ» 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 6 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 7 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
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 1 |
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial, Astringent, Emollient, Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Antioxidant, Skin Protecting, Tonic
|
Anti-Aging
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
Pores
|