*Bronwyn Papineau – Skin Type – Sensitive, Combination Dry & Acne Prone*
Toner is one step of the skincare routine that I have personally always made sure to include in my routine for quite a few years now. As someone who started taking their skincare seriously at the early age of 18, I have had the chance to experience many brands and formulations. But now at the age of 26, I have noticed I always find myself going back to my favourite Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner. After using the toner fairly consistently for the past 4 years, I couldn’t help but feel overly excited and interested in the new formulation, the Unscented version.
Today I will be sharing my personal in-depth review of the new formula, so let us hop right into it!
*This in-depth review has officially been shared via Wishtrend Black*
Watch the Review
Watch the quick 5 min review or read the in-depth blog post below.
The Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
The Claims:
When I saw what the purpose of the re-formulating of Klairs best selling product was, I couldn’t help but think to myself, ”wow, that actually makes a lot of sense”. The original formula was abundant not only in rich hydrating, cooling, and calming ingredients but also in essential oils. These oils that were included in the original formula not only provided the skin with gentle healing and skin boosting effects but also provided a natural fragrance. For most skin types including sensitive, the presence of some natural oils is not really of any concern. However, for those with very sensitive or reactive skin types, any type of essential oil can cause sensitivity flare-ups. Although the original formula wasn’t widely known to cause these types of problems in the general user, it still did have the effect on the few that did have reactive and very sensitive skin. Which is why Klairs decided to create the same best selling toner, only without the essential oils!
Here is what the unscented toner claims to do for the skin:
- Fast Absorption
- Enhanced Skin Hydration
- Balances Skins pH After Cleansing
- Calming and Soothing
- Non-Irritating
- Rejuvenating
- Deeply Hydrating
“The unscented toner is the second version of the Original toner that excluded all essential oil, which makes it scent-free. While the original toner contains non-irritating all natural essential oil, the unscented was made to provide an option for customers’ preference for scents.”
When comparing the claims of the Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner to the claims of the original formula, the only difference is the lack of essential oils. Meaning, the unscented version provides the skin with all the same benefits and functions as the best selling original formula, without the scent that can be irritating for some.
After seeing that Klairs was able to duplicate their original formula without sacrificing any of the existing benefits, I couldn’t help but feel excited to test it out for myself and see if my favourite toner really does feel the same and act the same on my skin.
Ingredients – A Closer Look
As someone who always pays close attention to the ingredients of the skincare items I use, it’s important that we do a little comparison of the two formulas to better dictate what the difference is between the two, seeing what remains and what was eliminated.
Original Formula
Water, Butylene Glycol, Dimethyl Sulfone, Betaine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Natto Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Chlorphenesin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer, Panthenol, Arginine, Luffa Cylindrica Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Beta-Glucan, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract(rose water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Lysine HCL, Proline, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Acetyl Methionine, Theanine, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Copper Tripeptide-1
Unscented Formula
Water, Butylene Glycol, Dimethyl Sulfone, Betaine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Natto Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Chlorphenesin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer, Panthenol, Arginine, Luffa Cylindrica Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Beta-Glucan, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract(rose water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Portulaca, Oleracea Extract, Lysine HCL, Proline, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Acetyl Methionine, Theanine, Copper Tripeptide-1
Above I “bolded” the ingredients from the original formula that have been removed from the Unscented formula. Taking a closer look, only 5 essential oils were present in the original and have been eliminated from the unscented version of the toner. Aside from the 5 essential oils, the formula is the exact same. For me, this is something I am very happy to see as an individual who has loved the Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner for 4 years and counting!
Application & Texture
Fortunately, I not only have the Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner on hand, but also the original formula still in my skincare collection. Upon applying both the toners to the skin on different hands, I can’t help but feel there is a very minuscule and slight difference between the two in terms of texture. I applied 1 drop of each product to separate hands.
Right Hand – Original Formula
When I applied 1 drop to the back of the hand and massaged it into the skin, I felt the formula was smooth and slightly dense. It took around 20-30 seconds to fully absorb into the skin, leaving it feeling more plump and hydrated as per usual. Although not noticeable from afar, there is a distinct light fragrance when directly smelling the skin.
Left Hand – Unscented Formula
Upon applying 1 drop of the unscented formula to the opposite hand and massaging it into the skin, when compared to the original formula, I did feel it was slightly less dense and smooth. Although it was still very smooth and dense, when compared to the original, the difference was very slight and hard to notice. On that note, I am unsure if this is just a placebo effect from my knowledge that the oils are not present in this formula. At the same time, I did feel that the unscented formula absorbed into my skin a bit faster than the original formula at around 15 seconds of absorption rate. After it absorbed, my skin felt just as hydrated and smooth as on the other hand. Scent wise, there is a distinct “medical”/“chemical” smell that is a standard for any product that contains no essential oils or fragrances. This smell is only noticeable when the skin is smelled directly.
Aside from on-hand application, both products have the same effects when applied to the skin on the face. As someone who always used the original formula and never experienced any adverse effects, I can say with confidence that the Unscented formula feels the exact same when applied to the face.
Overall Thoughts
When it comes down to it, there really is no difference between the two formulas aside from the scent. Both products worked well on my skin, providing me with the hydration my skin needs after cleansing, while also cooling, calming and tightening my pores. Both truly are effective and lovely toners to use on the skin which I highly recommend to anyone looking for a holy grail hydrating facial toner.
Which Would I Buy?
In all honesty, it’s really hard for me to choose as both toners did not have any different effects on my skin. I would be more than happy to use either product. If I had to make a decision, I think I would be someone who buys in intervals, using 1 bottle of the Original and 1 bottle of the Unscented next and so on just to have fun and switch things up a little bit every so often.
However, I do feel that if I had extremely sensitive and reactive skin, I would 100% opt for the unscented formula because it “feels” like a very pure version of the original. Yet, both truly are amazing toners, making it very hard for me to pick just one.
[wp-review id=”3866″]
HOW TO USE TONER
Here are the 3 ways I like to apply toner. Each method has a specific function and rate of use.
- DIY sheet mask to go
When I am all out of sheet masks, or my skin if feeling exceptionally dehydrated at the worst possible time, AKA, when I’m getting ready to do my makeup, I like to use 3 Klairs Toner Mate 2-in-1 Cotton Pads, specifically the sponge pads to create a fash sheet mask. I take 3 sponge pads, stack them, then soak in toner and apply to key areas of my face including; the cheeks, forehead and chin. Leave on for 10 minutes then remove and proceed with my skincare and makeup routine. This method I only do on rare occasions but it works really great for its purpose!
- Quick Exfoliation
When I notice I am starting to develop some dry skin flakes, I like to use the thick textured cotton pad with toner to lightly wipe away any dead skin cell build up. Because the pad is so dense and lightly textured, it is able to wipe away those small pesky flakes or even leftover makeup. I apply the toner to the cotton pad and roughly wipe over my skin, focusing on areas that need exfoliating.
- Pat on With Hands
And of course, the classic way to apply toner, with my hands. This method I use 90% of the time. I simply apply 2-3 splashes of toner to my clean hands, wipe over my skin and pat in.
PIN IT!
PIN IT!
