BIOTHERM Biosource Tonifying Toner

BIOTHERM Biosource Tonifying Toner

Efficacy37/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Moisturizing
Glycerin, Peg/ppg/polybutylene glycol-8/5/3 glycerin + 9 more
Works
What the product description says
“Biotherm Biosource Hydrating & Tonifying Toner 400ml is a lotion that prepares the skin for care.”
Source: Cocoon Center

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: arginine, citrulline.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: arginine.

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~2.7–4%
Peg/ppg/polybutylene glycol-8/5/3 glycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps create a nice product texture and attract water to the upper layer of the skin~1–1.5%
SerineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.35–0.8%
CitrullineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.75%
Lactobacillus fermentKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative~0.15–0.65%
GlycineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function~0.1–0.45%
ArginineKey active· Humectant, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin~0.1–0.4%
Hydrolyzed wheat proteinKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Avoid if sensitive to gluten~0.1–0.5%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~5.6–8.3%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.05–0.2%
Zinc gluconateUnder-dosedTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.2–0.75%
Exfoliation
Zinc gluconate
Not delivered
What the product description says
“More than a simple toner, it works as an exfoliant, ridding your skin of impurities and dead cells, revealing its natural radiance.”
Source: Biotherm

This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.

Zinc gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.2–0.75%
Anti-aging
Side benefit the brand mentions · Serine, Zinc gluconate + 1 more
May help
What the product description says
“Life Plankton strengthens skin's natural defense and protect against age, environmental aggressions and lifestyle attacks while strenghtening skin's self-protection function and preventing attacks on skin cells.”
Source: Biotherm CA

This product contains serine. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

SerineKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.35–0.8%
Zinc gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.2–0.75%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.05–0.2%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
9 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Linalool + 7 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 18 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~3.9–5.8%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.75%est.
Benzyl salicylateA fragrance. Is a likely irritantHigh~0.15–0.7%est.
Alpha-isomethyl iononeA fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.55%est.
Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.5%est.
CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.5%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.45%est.
Butylphenyl methylpropionalA fragrance. Can trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.45%est.
HydroxycitronellalA fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.4%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.01–0.1%est.
Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~1.6–2.4%est.
ChlorphenesinA preservativeMedium~0.16–0.32%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.5–1%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.4–0.9%est.
Zinc gluconateTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skinMedium~0.2–0.75%est.
Hydrolyzed wheat proteinCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Avoid if sensitive to glutenMedium~0.1–0.5%est.
Sodium dehydroacetateA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.3%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Butylene glycol~5.6–8.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol
Alcohol denat.~3.9–5.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products

More about Alcohol denat.
Glycerin~2.7–4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Sodium citrate~1.6–2.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products

More about Sodium citrate
Chlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Chlorphenesin
Ppg-6-decyltetradeceth-30~1.2–1.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Ppg-6-decyltetradeceth-30
Peg/ppg/polybutylene glycol-8/5/3 glycerin~1–1.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps create a nice product texture and attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Peg/ppg/polybutylene glycol-8/5/3 glycerin
Mannose~0.8–1.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Mannose
Disodium edta~0.5–1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Citric acid~0.4–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Serine~0.35–0.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

More about Serine
Citrulline~0.3–0.75%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Citrulline
Zinc gluconate~0.2–0.75%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidationExfoliationAnti-blemish

Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin

More about Zinc gluconate
Linalool~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Benzyl salicylate~0.15–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Is a likely irritant

More about Benzyl salicylate
Lactobacillus ferment~0.15–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritation

A fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative

More about Lactobacillus ferment
Alpha-isomethyl ionone~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Alpha-isomethyl ionone
Benzyl alcohol~0.15–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol
Citronellol~0.15–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol
Geraniol~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Butylphenyl methylpropional~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can trigger allergic reactions and be irritating

More about Butylphenyl methylpropional
Hydrolyzed wheat protein~0.1–0.5%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Avoid if sensitive to gluten

More about Hydrolyzed wheat protein
Hydroxycitronellal~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritating

More about Hydroxycitronellal
Glycine~0.1–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function

More about Glycine
Arginine~0.1–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin

More about Arginine
Vitreoscilla ferment~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Sodium dehydroacetate~0.05–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Sodium dehydroacetate
Sodium succinate~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Methionine~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Methionine
Potassium sorbate~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Tocopherol~0.05–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol
Parfum~0.01–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Ingredient list view

Water, Butylene glycol, Alcohol denat., Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium citrate, Chlorphenesin, Ppg-6-decyltetradeceth-30, Peg/ppg/polybutylene glycol-8/5/3 glycerin, Mannose, Disodium edta, Citric acid, Serine, Citrulline, Zinc gluconate, Linalool, Benzyl salicylate, Lactobacillus ferment, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Benzyl alcohol, Citronellol, Geraniol, Butylphenyl methylpropional, Hydrolyzed wheat protein, Hydroxycitronellal, Glycine, Arginine, Vitreoscilla ferment, Sodium dehydroacetate, Sodium succinate, Methionine, Potassium sorbate, Tocopherol, Parfum

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
BIOTHERMBiosource Tonifying TonerYOUR PRODUCTBIOSOURCE HYDRATING & SOFTENING TONERGlow Hub BeautyBarrier Builder Milky Toner Skin BoosteroganacellBio Actiome Toner
Match—51%43%41%
Price—$30.01$16.04$25.62
Shared key ingredients—6 of 74 of 75 of 7
Key difference——Ceramide NpNiacinamide
Irritancy High High Medium Medium
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol ——
View product Shop Shop Shop

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Product summary

"BIOTHERM - Biosource Tonifying Toner" could be helpful for: Anti-aging and Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • Humectants (arginine 0.10% - 0.45%, glycine 0.10% - 0.50%, lactobacillus ferment 0.15% - 0.65%, citrulline 0.30% - 0.75% and glycerin 2.70% - 4.00%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

Price

The product retails for 34.00CA$ in Canada, for 38.97A$ in Australia, from 18.90$ up to 25.15$ in the United States and from 16.08£ up to 22.40£ in the United Kingdom.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 19 studies and safety reviews.

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BIOTHERM Biosource Tonifying Toner
BIOTHERMBiosource Tonifying Toner

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.