HERA Refreshing Tonic Cleansing Water

HERA Refreshing Tonic Cleansing Water

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Cleansing
Ppg-13-decyltetradeceth-24, Sodium methyl stearoyl taurate + 10 more
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
“Refreshing Tonic Cleansing Water”
From product name

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane, carbomer, cholesterol, glyceryl caprylate, hydrogenated lecithin, hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine, octyldodeceth-16, poloxamer 407, ppg-13-decyltetradeceth-24, sodium methyl stearoyl taurate, xanthan gum) and should be able to cleanse the skin gently. Still keep in mind that any cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.

Ppg-13-decyltetradeceth-24Effect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~1.1–1.4%
Sodium methyl stearoyl taurateEffect: High~0.65–0.95%
Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silaneEffect: HighA type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~0.55–0.85%
Glyceryl caprylateEffect: HighAn emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products~0.5–0.7%
Octyldodeceth-16Effect: High~0.5–0.7%
CarbomerEffect: HighHelps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations~0.45–0.65%
Xanthan gumEffect: HighUsed to create a thicker product consistency~0.35–0.65%
Hydrogenated phosphatidylcholineEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~0.3–0.55%
Poloxamer 407Effect: High~0.3–0.55%
CholesterolEffect: HighAn emollient that is naturally found in skin~0.25–0.5%
Hydrogenated lecithinEffect: HighHelps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.~0.25–0.5%
LecithinEffect: High, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.6%
Anti-blemish
Zinc pca, Niacinamide
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Brand from South Korea HERA. Benefits A no-rinse type cleansing water gently removes skin impurities clogged in pores with a refreshing feeling.”
Source: Yesstyle

This product contains ingredients (zinc pca) that could help reduce blemishes and clogged pores in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.

Zinc pcaKey activeEffect: MediumA compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing~0.25–0.45%
NiacinamideUnder-dosedIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.9–1.1%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
20 flagged ingredients — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 20 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~4–4.9%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.25–0.5%est.
AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~0.3–0.5%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.25–0.5%est.
Butylphenyl methylpropionalA fragrance. Can trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.5%est.
Prunus persica leaf extractMight be helpful in supporting collagen and ellastin production but solid research is lacking. Could be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.6%est.
Ppg-13-decyltetradeceth-24Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.1–1.4%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.6–0.9%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrinUsed to stabilize product formulations and help soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.3–0.6%est.
PvpHelps evenly disperse other ingredients in a formulation and create an even layer on the surface of the skinMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Potassium hydroxideUsed to adjust the pH level of productsMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
BhtA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.5%est.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finishMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.3–0.6%est.
Hydrogenated phosphatidylcholineHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Hydrolyzed hibiscus esculentus extractA plant extract that might contain a peptide (Myoxinol). It could be helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-aging effect, but the research is lacking and it is rarely used in a high enough concentrationMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Calcium chlorideHelps create a thicker product consistency. Might be irritatingMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

User reviews

Would you recommend?
No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Propanediol~4.2–5.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Alcohol denat.~4–4.9%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Alcohol denat.
Glycerin~2.9–3.6%
Formula
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
Peg/ppg-17/6 copolymer~2.3–2.8%
Formula
Glycereth-26~1.8–2.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps create a thicker product consistency

More about Glycereth-26
Betaine~1.5–1.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Betaine
Methyl gluceth-20~1.3–1.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it

More about Methyl gluceth-20
Ppg-13-decyltetradeceth-24~1.1–1.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Ppg-13-decyltetradeceth-24
Niacinamide~0.9–1.1%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAntibacterialReduces rednessAnti-inflammatory

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide
1,2-hexanediol~0.6–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane~0.55–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane
Dimethicone~0.55–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone
Octyldodeceth-16~0.5–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Octyldodeceth-16
Carbomer~0.45–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer
Glyceryl caprylate~0.5–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products

More about Glyceryl caprylate
Butylene glycol~0.4–0.6%
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
Xanthan gum~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Tromethamine~0.3–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine
Parfum~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Alcohol~0.3–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

More about Alcohol
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Adenosine~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-agingMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)

More about Adenosine
Hydrogenated lecithin~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.

More about Hydrogenated lecithin
Disodium edta~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Cellulose gum~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create thicker product consistency and stabilize emulsions

More about Cellulose gum
Hyaluronic acid~0.3–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation

More about Hyaluronic acid
Mannitol~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Mannitol
Limonene~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to stabilize product formulations and help soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin
Sodium hyaluronate~0.3–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Trisodium fructose diphosphate~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Butylphenyl methylpropional~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can trigger allergic reactions and be irritating

More about Butylphenyl methylpropional
Sodium methyl stearoyl taurate~0.65–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Sodium methyl stearoyl taurate
Pvp~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps evenly disperse other ingredients in a formulation and create an even layer on the surface of the skin

More about Pvp
Yeast extract~0.3–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationReduces irritationEvens skin tone

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin

More about Yeast extract
Phytantriol~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Phytantriol
Potassium hydroxide~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to adjust the pH level of products

More about Potassium hydroxide
Acetic acid~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Acetic acid
Bht~0.3–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Bht
Sodium pca~0.3–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Sodium pca
Zinc pca~0.25–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing

More about Zinc pca
Poloxamer 407~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Poloxamer 407
Phenoxyethanol~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Methoxy peg-114/polyepsilon caprolactone~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Tocopherol~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

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
Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish

More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer
Caprylyl glycol~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer
Prunus persica leaf extract~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-aging

Might be helpful in supporting collagen and ellastin production but solid research is lacking. Could be irritating

More about Prunus persica leaf extract
Lysine~0.25–0.5%
Formula
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 Lysine
Arginine~0.25–0.5%
Formula
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
Histidine~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing
More about Histidine
Acetyl tetrapeptide-11~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Acetyl tetrapeptide-11
Glucose~0.3–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Glucose
Xylose~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Xylose
Hydrolyzed collagen~0.3–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A typically plant-derived compound that is supposed mimic human collagen. Cannot penetrate the skin barrier so is not particularly useful in skincare products beyond attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed collagen
Mannose~0.3–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Mannose
Sodium chloride~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride
Lecithin~0.3–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lecithin
Pentylene glycol~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol
Hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine
Copper tripeptide-1~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A naturally occurring peptide. One of the most studied peptides in dermatology. It is sometimes abbreviated GHK-Cu. Belongs to the class of carrier peptides. It stimulates both synthesis and breakdown of collagen in skin. It is released in skin wounds and inflammation to support healing. It accelerates wound-healing of the skin and can stimulate hair growth. There are preliminary studies that confirm that copper tripeptide can help support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles and decrease inflammation in skin.

More about Copper tripeptide-1
Sodium phosphate~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Sodium phosphate
Dextrin~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Dextrin
Hydrolyzed hibiscus esculentus extract~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A plant extract that might contain a peptide (Myoxinol). It could be helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-aging effect, but the research is lacking and it is rarely used in a high enough concentration

More about Hydrolyzed hibiscus esculentus extract
Cholesterol~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingCleansing

An emollient that is naturally found in skin

More about Cholesterol
Fucose~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Fucose
Dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

Is claimed to stimulate collagen and elastin production, as well as work as an anti-oxidant. There is however not enough evidence for its effectiveness

More about Dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline
Acrylates/stearyl methacrylate copolymer~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Calcium chloride~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps create a thicker product consistency. Might be irritating

More about Calcium chloride
Potassium chloride~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Potassium phosphate~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps regulate the pH of the formulation

More about Potassium phosphate
Magnesium chloride~0.05–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps thicken the product formulation

More about Magnesium chloride
Hydrolyzed millet~0.05–0.15%
Formula
Ingredient list view

Water, Propanediol, Alcohol denat., Glycerin, Peg/ppg-17/6 copolymer, Glycereth-26, Betaine, Methyl gluceth-20, Ppg-13-decyltetradeceth-24, Niacinamide, 1,2-hexanediol, Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane, Dimethicone, Octyldodeceth-16, Carbomer, Glyceryl caprylate, Butylene glycol, Xanthan gum, Tromethamine, Parfum, Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Hydrogenated lecithin, Disodium edta, Cellulose gum, Hyaluronic acid, Mannitol, Limonene, Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin, Sodium hyaluronate, Trisodium fructose diphosphate, Butylphenyl methylpropional, Sodium methyl stearoyl taurate, Pvp, Yeast extract, Phytantriol, Potassium hydroxide, Acetic acid, Bht, Sodium pca, Zinc pca, Poloxamer 407, Phenoxyethanol, Methoxy peg-114/polyepsilon caprolactone, Tocopherol, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Caprylyl glycol, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Prunus persica leaf extract, Lysine, Arginine, Histidine, Acetyl tetrapeptide-11, Glucose, Xylose, Hydrolyzed collagen, Mannose, Sodium chloride, Lecithin, Pentylene glycol, Hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine, Copper tripeptide-1, Sodium phosphate, Dextrin, Hydrolyzed hibiscus esculentus extract, Cholesterol, Fucose, Dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline, Acrylates/stearyl methacrylate copolymer, Calcium chloride, Potassium chloride, Potassium phosphate, Magnesium chloride, Hydrolyzed millet

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Yesstyle
$40.20
Buy

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

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
HERARefreshing Tonic Cleansing WaterYOUR PRODUCTJUICE TO CLEANSEVinegar Kombucha Vegan CreamISDINAcniben Teen Klärender ReinigungsschaumCeraVeAcne Foaming Cream Cleanser
Match—65%63%63%
Price$40.20$25.20−$15.00—$13.62−$26.58
Shared key ingredients—8 of 305 of 306 of 30
Key difference—Lactobionic AcidLactic AcidBenzoyl Peroxide
Irritancy High High Medium Medium
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol — Contains drying alcohol —
View product Shop Shop Shop

More alternatives: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial CleanserAvène CLEANANCE Aqua gel opacizzante

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.
We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.
Open dupe finder

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 27 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
HERA Refreshing Tonic Cleansing Water
HERARefreshing Tonic Cleansing Water

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

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.