roundlab 1025 dokdo toner

this is the description from their website: outstanding toner exfoliates dead skin cells and leaves skin replenished with long lasting moisture. experience simple but exceptional skincare everyday. water-type texture. absorbs into skin instantly with no sticky finish. deep-sea water helps keep the skin's moisture balance: pure and highly concentrated 72 types of nature-derived minerals (magnesium, calcium, zinc) through patented mineral water manufacturing technology using membrane filters. our patented technology, hatching EX-07, controls excess sebum and efficiently exfoliates grime, dry and dead skin cells. panthenol, allantoin, and betaine provide soothing care for tired and irritated skin.

main ingredients:

- chondrus crispus extract, known as red algae, is rich in protein, vitamins and antioxidants

- saccharum officinarum (sugarcane) extract helps minimize blemishes and keeps skin hydrated

the box

the packaging: since i bought this as a set, it comes in a box with the picture of the products at front. it also states that it comes with a bonus, which is the mini size of the full size toner. there's description at the back in korean. the toner itself comes in a transparent plastic bottle with the label that has the same design as the box. i think the whole dokdo series has the same design, so you really need to be careful to read the description, which is in korean, unfortunately. anyway, the full size comes in 200 ml and the mini size is 50 ml. if you check their website, they offer three sizes for the full size, 100, 200 and 500 ml. anyway, for the full size bottle, they cover the hole with some sealing, while they don't do the same thing for the mini.

the full size and the mini

the scent: this is unscented and fortunately it doesn't have any foul scent either.

the full size bottle was sealed

the product: as described, this is a watery toner. it looks like water and the texture is just like water. okay, now a bit confession. since i thought this is a watery toner, i just use my hand to pat this all over my face. however, as i read the description, they say that this is slightly exfoliating. makes me wonder if i should switch to cotton pad instead of using my bare hands. anyway, it's just as described, absorbs into skin instantly without sticky feeling.

the result: i have to confess that i've finished a bottle of the mini size before knowing that this one can act as a light exfoliating toner. so i only use this with my bare hands. i pour some before patting it to my face. as a hydrating toner, this one is super lightweight. i even use two or three layers for my whole face and neck. then, after i realized that i could use this as an exfoliating toner, sometimes i use a cleansing cotton pad with this toner. i do see some dirt on the cotton pad, but not as bad as when i use an exfoliating toner with the cleansing cotton pad.

honestly, i'm on the fence with this toner. it has so much hype that makes me want to understand what the hype is all about. but this toner feels... ordinary. i don't see why people love it so much. it's not much hydrating, i have other toners out there which are more hydrating than this. and as exfoliating toner, this one is not much. so i really can't think of a reason why people like this toner so much. i think this toner might be suitable for oily skin since this one is so lightweight. for other skin types, this might not help much, but you can layer it. but i don't think it'll be enough. anyway, this is not available here yet, so the price might be much different than in korea. it will be more expensive here with the exchange rate and all. as for me, i'm glad i get the chance to try it, but i won't repurchase it.