Does this Viral Laneige Toner Really Work for Every Skin Type?
Main Image – Courtesy of writer
Let’s face it, we are unapologetically spoilt these days. I mean, why tone and moisturise in two separate steps, for example, when you can save time and do it all at once? That’s how I feel after testing Laneige’s Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturiser (£29.50 from Boots UK /$36 from Sephora US) anyway.
A two-in-one toner and moisturiser that aims to treat those with desert dry skin as well as those with excess oil? “Sign me up”, I thought. Because it’s hard to find hydrating products that aren’t too heavy for my oily skin.
And if it would save me time in the morning and evening, I’d be laughing all the way to Sephora.
But did it balance my oily skin out as promised? Or was it yet another failed attempt at keeping my skin moisturised without the side of grease? Keep scrolling to read my honest review.
Image – Courtesy of writer
The product details
First launched in 2018 as Laneige’s Cream Skin Toner and Moisturizer, the product was actually reformulated in 2023 and relaunched with its current packaging and name.
The idea of the product has always been the same though; to bring your skin back to balance, combining lightweight yet intense hydration with a liquid toner and a formula that users say works for pretty much every skin type.
Containing a cocktail of peptides and ceramides (hence, the combination word Cerapeptide), as well as amino acid-rich white tea leaf, it aims to nourish and firm the skin as well as keeping its moisture barrier strong.
The difference between the old Cream Skin formula and the new Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturizer? The new texture is slightly thinner than before and it now contains hyaluronic acid.
Although it can be used in multiple ways (including just as a toner before moisturiser if that’s your thing), overall it promises to reduce the number of steps needed in your routine.
@laneige_us ?? You only need a 1-step skincare routine when you have the Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer! How many steps is your skincare routine? The 2-in-1 toner AND moisturizer will deeply hydrate and soothe your skin! Get the Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer at @sephora, Sephora at @Kohl’s, @Amazon and on our site #laneige #creamskin #creamskintoner #sephora #sephorahaul #kbeauty #koreanskincare #sensitiveskin #dryskin #toner #moisturizer
First impressions
The 170ml bottle has a handy pour dispenser that helps you slowly drip the product into your hand to avoid spillages. The idea is that you then pat it onto your face after cleansing.
The product is very runny – not surprising, but it comforted me to know that I wasn’t putting a heavy lotion onto my oily skin, but a lightweight milk instead.
At the same time though, it didn’t feel so runny that I thought it would dry my skin out – there was certainly a hydrating element to it. Sort of like a runny moisturiser which, when you think about it, is an oily skin girl’s dream.
Image – Courtesy of writer
I patted it on as instructed which I always find a little frustrating. This method means it takes so much longer for the product to sink in – it’s meant to be saving me time, not adding to it.
It doesn’t smell of anything, not even the slightest bit, which is good news for those who dislike their products being heavily fragranced, or fragranced at all for that matter. I personally like a bit of fragrance in my skincare as it adds that pampering element for me. But this is very subjective.
It sat on my skin for a good while, even after all the patting, and it took everything in me not to just massage it in like an actual moisturiser. But what with it being a liquid, it wouldn’t move as freely around my face the way a normal moisturiser would anyway, so I just needed to be patient. I do wish it would have sunk in a bit more quickly though.
Eventually, it did, and my skin certainly looked glowy after use and not in a greasy way at all. It felt comfortable, hydrated and not overloaded with heavy, clogging ingredients. Bingo.
A week later…
I have heard that some users have experienced breakouts with the reformulated product. A week on and I have not – sure, I am prone to a few breakouts on my chin and jawline, but this is typically as a result of what time of the month it is, not the products I’m using.
Whilst it makes me slightly nervous that it adds a lot more moisture than my usual La Roche Posay moisturiser (which leaves a matte finish), this product is actually a pretty good fit for my skin and keeps it, on the whole, satisfyingly balanced.
Don’t get me wrong, I have to be careful about how much I apply – a palm-full is far too much for my skin, four ‘drips’ is much more like it – but I can still get away with applying it daily.
The only difference is that I don’t apply it twice daily, as instructed – only once. You know your own skin don’t you? And I know when mine is nearing its limit.
I can imagine this formula being excellent for dry skin types when used twice a day. It doesn’t feel like it’s stripping the skin and provides just the right amount of moisture to keep it well balanced. And for those who use things like tretinoin, it has been described as a good product to use before retinol to prevent peeling.
I can vouch for its ability to ease ingredient-related dryness as I have been recently trialling an acid product that has caused a bit of initial flaking. And using this toner/moisturiser beforehand has, from what I can tell, helped to ease the dry areas a little.
Image – Courtesy of writer
What other users are saying
This product seems to get rave reviews on the Space NK website with both dry and oily skin types mostly enjoying it.
Cozzaaa writes, “I love this stuff! It saved my skin barrier from using tretinoin which was causing horrible peeling skin on my chin and nose. I just pop this on after cleansing at night and leave to sink in completely before applying tret. My skin has never looked better!”
And Jess1 agrees it isn’t greasy. “I love this milky toner, it’s so hydrating and the moisture it provides actually lasts. It’s not greasy and the thin consistency sinks into my skin easily and gives the perfect base for my other serums and the rest of my skincare routine. A definite repurchase!”
I agree that the moisture is long-lasting and it also provides a good base for glowy-not-greasy makeup if you don’t want to layer any other products over the top, like me.
Unfortunately, Tom2468d thought it was too oily so only used it overnight, which is a great plan if you feel that way about the oiliness too. “Did definitely cause me some breakouts, despite being non-comedogenic, it may be the oils inside. Very good for damaged dry skin but be careful if you are prone to breakouts,” he writes.
Image – Courtesy of writer
Overall value for money
You have to remember that this is a two-in-one product, particularly for those with oily skin who may not need or want to buy any more hydrating products. It covers your toner and moisturiser and probably your serum too, especially when used in the morning.
For dry skin types, it can add the extra layer of moisture your skin might be craving, without overloading it and going too far the other way. So, £29.50/$36 works out as just under £15/$18 per product/step. And remember, a little goes a long way so this 170ml bottle will last you a while.
The takeaway
I had never used a moisturiser and toner in one before and this was pretty cool – I can see why it’s popular and how it can balance out most skin types.
Whilst it did up my oil production ever so slightly, I didn’t break out in any spots and my skin seems to agree with it overall. After making a few tweaks, like using a smaller amount and applying only once a day, this helped ease my oil production and I can now use it without worrying that it’s going to cause a shiny skin disaster by lunchtime.
So, if you’re in a tricky in-between phase with your skin where you want all the toning, firming, strengthening, hydrating benefits but you don’t want to overload your skin with a thick formula, this could be the perfect solution for you.
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