Review: Dr. Wu Intensive Hydrating Essence Toner With Hyaluronic Acid

I used to say that there isn't much difference between Dr. Wu Hydrating Toner and Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion, but not anymore now. Dr. Wu changes my thought on its Hyaluronic Acid completely after my last visit to Taiwan in May. Now, I think this Intensive Hydrating Essence Toner With Hyaluronic Acid definitely deserves more attention that it does! And I would say that it is worth the extra amount of money you are paying for, compared to Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion!

I am not sure if you notice but Dr. Wu makes slight changes to its packaging everytime it upgrades its formula. The older formulation is housed in a blue bottle whereas this newer formula comes in a white bottle with blue line. It also labels itself Essence Toner instead of just Toner.

You are advised to use this day and night, after cleansing and before a serum. Don't use this on a cotton pad. Patting it with your hand will definitely allow you to better appreciate the texture of this lovely product!

It has a narrow opening on top that prevents spilling and excessive pouring.

It is hard to capture that slimy texture using my phone. Imagine Cosrx Advanced Snail Mucin 96 Power Essence and Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion. Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner also feels something like this.

Here comes the best part: INSTANT and weightless absorption!!! So far none of the toners or essences with similar texture can absorb this fast, and this weightlessly. All the product seems to get soaked up by your skin without leaving a trace! Your skin will feel plumper, definitely moisturized and softer afterward. Velvety is the right word to use here!

INGREDIENTS

Aqua, Butylene Glycol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Disodium EDTA, Jojoba Wax PEG-120 Ester, Hydrolyzed Yeast Extract, Sodium Polyacrylate, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate, Saccharide Isomerate, Glycosyl Trehalose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Pentylene Glycol, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Alpinia Galangal Extract, Alpinia Galanga Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, PCA, Glycolipids, Glycine, Alanine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Serine, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Valine, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Protein, Xanthan Gum, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Polyglucuronic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Sodium Benzoate, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Asparagopsis Armata Extract, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract

INGREDIENTS ANALYSIS

(CosDNA)

I am surprised of the high amount of phenoxyethanol (a preservative) in here because that would mean all else’s that follows thereafter is less than 1%. Jojoba wax is added here, which I believe is to create that slippery consistency. Lightweight moisturizers like saccharide isomerate, glycosyl trehalose, sodium PCA, sodium lactate, arginine, polyglucuronic acid, and so on are added here too. There is also a tiny but important amount of hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate added in to pull moisture from your surroundings. Basically, this is a carefully formulated toner with loads of humectants and emollients to deeply hydrate your skin, but made with mainly water.

PERFORMANCE

I think this will be a great toner for dehydrated, oily and normal skin types. Drier skin might not find this satisfyingly moisturizing though, as all the humectants and emollients will just get sucked up by your skin without leaving any occlusive seal on top of your skin. I love it always makes my skin softer, smoother and more comfortable. It also makes skincare and makeup application much easier too!

CONCLUSION

It is not an understatement when I say that this is the best hyaluronic acid toners I have ever used. It is super lightweight and gets absorbed easily without leaving any traces or oiliness. It hydrates your skin well, making it soft and smooth. I think with hydrating toner, you are actually looking for skin comfort, and I believe this Dr. Wu Hydrating Toner will fit what exactly you are looking for here. My husband who is also using this doesn't have issue with it. His skin is even less oilier compared to using other non-moisturizing toner, so proper hydration is definitely key to good skin health.


You can get this from: SASA | Hermo | Taiwan stores
[Disclaimer] Product is purchased with my own money. All copyright of contents and images in this article is strictly mine.