Lang Wellness Hydrating Toner

A pH-balancing hydrating toner formulated with rose water, hyaluronic acid, and botanical extracts to restore moisture and prepare skin for subsequent skincare steps. Designed for dry, mature, and dehydrated skin types, this alcohol-free toner provides immediate hydration while supporting the skin's natural barrier function. Certified vegan and made with organic ingredients.

What's In It:

Primary Active Ingredients:

• Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Water (organic): Hydrosol produced through steam distillation of Damask rose petals. Rose water contains:

• Trace amounts of rose essential oil components (phenylethyl alcohol, citronellol, geraniol)
• Natural humectants that attract moisture
• Mild astringent properties from tannins
• Traditional use for soothing and calming irritated skin

Rose water has been used in skincare for over 2,000 years, particularly in Middle Eastern and Asian beauty traditions. It provides a light floral scent (though this product is labeled fragrance-free, meaning no added synthetic fragrance), gentle hydration, and a refreshing sensory experience. The pH of rose water (~5.5) is similar to skin's natural pH, making it an ideal toner base.

• Sodium Hyaluronate: The sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid—a glycosaminoglycan naturally present in skin's extracellular matrix. Key properties:

• Exceptional water-binding capacity: Each molecule can bind up to 1,000 times its weight in water
• Smaller molecular size than hyaluronic acid: Sodium hyaluronate penetrates the upper layers of the stratum corneum more effectively than larger HA molecules
• Humectant function: Draws moisture from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface, creating a plumping, hydrating effect
• Film-forming properties: Creates a moisture-retaining barrier on the skin surface

Hyaluronic acid naturally decreases with age (by ~50% by age 50), contributing to fine lines, reduced plumpness, and dryness. Topical application helps temporarily restore surface hydration and improve the appearance of skin texture.

• Glycerin (made using organic ingredients): A three-carbon alcohol and one of the most effective, well-researched humectants in skincare. Glycerin:

• Attracts water from the environment and dermis to the epidermis
• Supports skin barrier function by filling intercellular spaces in the stratum corneum
• Enhances desquamation (natural skin cell shedding) for smoother texture
• Has been shown to improve skin hydration for 24+ hours after application
• Generally non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin

Glycerin is backed by extensive research demonstrating its efficacy in improving hydration, barrier function, and skin elasticity.

• Sodium PCA (Sodium Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid): The sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid, a naturally occurring component of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF). Sodium PCA:

• Comprises approximately 12% of the NMF (the complex of humectants naturally present in the stratum corneum)
• Highly hygroscopic (attracts and binds water)
• Helps maintain skin hydration even in low-humidity environments
• Non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin

NMF is critical for maintaining skin hydration—deficient NMF correlates with dry, flaky, compromised skin. Topical sodium PCA helps replenish this component.

Botanical Extracts:

• Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Flower Extract (organic): Contains bioactive compounds including:

• Bisabolol: A terpene alcohol with studied anti-irritant and soothing properties
• Chamazulene: An anti-inflammatory compound formed during steam distillation (gives chamomile its blue color in essential oil form)
• Apigenin and other flavonoids: Antioxidant polyphenols

Chamomile has been used traditionally for calming irritated or sensitive skin. Research supports its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making it suitable for reactive or easily irritated skin types.

• Fragaria Ananassa (Strawberry) Fruit Extract (organic): Contains:

• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): Antioxidant that supports collagen synthesis and provides free radical protection
• Ellagic acid: Polyphenolic antioxidant
• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): Primarily malic and citric acids—gentle chemical exfoliants
• Anthocyanins: Antioxidant pigments

Strawberry extract provides antioxidant benefits and may contribute gentle exfoliation, though concentrations in toners are typically low and provide subtle effects.

pH Adjusters & Preservatives:

• Lactic Acid: An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that serves multiple functions:

• pH adjuster: Helps maintain the toner's pH close to skin's natural acidic pH (~4.5-5.5)
• Gentle exfoliant: At higher concentrations, lactic acid dissolves bonds between dead skin cells, promoting turnover. At low concentrations (as in this toner), it primarily functions to balance pH
• Humectant: Lactic acid is part of the skin's NMF and attracts moisture
• Supports barrier function: May enhance ceramide synthesis

• Citric Acid: Another AHA (from citrus fruits) used primarily as a pH adjuster and antioxidant. Helps maintain product stability and optimal pH for skin compatibility.

• Benzyl Alcohol: A preservative with antimicrobial properties. Also functions as a solvent. Generally well-tolerated, though some sensitive individuals may react.

• Sodium Benzoate: A preservative (sodium salt of benzoic acid) that prevents microbial growth. GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) and widely used in cosmetics and food.

• Potassium Sorbate: Another preservative (potassium salt of sorbic acid) that inhibits mold and yeast. Works synergistically with sodium benzoate.

What It Does:

This toner serves three primary functions in a skincare routine:

1. pH Rebalancing: After cleansing (especially with soap-based or alkaline cleansers), skin's pH can temporarily rise to 7-9. Skin's natural acidic pH (~4.5-5.5) is critical for:

• Maintaining the acid mantle (protective barrier)
• Supporting beneficial microbiome (acidic pH inhibits pathogenic bacteria)
• Optimal enzyme function for barrier lipid production
• Defense against environmental stressors

This toner, with its rose water base and organic acid content (lactic, citric), helps quickly restore optimal pH after cleansing.

2. Immediate Hydration: The multi-layered humectant system (sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, sodium PCA, rose water) draws water to the skin surface, providing immediate plumping and hydration. This:

• Improves skin texture and suppleness
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines through temporary water retention
• Prepares skin to better absorb subsequent products (serums, moisturizers)

3. Soothing & Prep: The chamomile and rose water provide calming effects, while the overall hydrating formula creates an optimal foundation for layering additional skincare products. Toners applied to slightly damp skin can enhance absorption of following products.

Realistic Expectations:

What This Toner Does Well:

• Provides immediate, surface-level hydration
• Restores skin pH after cleansing
• Delivers a refreshing, lightweight sensory experience
• Preps skin for better absorption of subsequent products
• Soothes and calms with botanical extracts

What This Toner Cannot Do:

• Provide deep, long-lasting hydration on its own (requires occlusive moisturizer to seal in hydration)
• Reverse wrinkles or significantly improve signs of aging
• Treat skin conditions (acne, rosacea, eczema)
• Replace a dedicated exfoliating product (AHA content is for pH adjustment, not exfoliation)

Toners Are a "Nice-to-Have," Not Essential: In the hierarchy of skincare essentials (cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen), toners are supplementary. They enhance a routine but aren't mandatory. Benefits are most noticeable for:

• Dry, dehydrated, or mature skin (immediate hydration boost)
• Those using alkaline or stripping cleansers (pH rebalancing)
• Multi-step skincare enthusiasts (prep and absorption enhancement)
• Those who enjoy the sensory ritual of toning

The Role of Toners in Skincare:

Historically, toners removed residue from harsh, oil-stripping cleansers. Modern gentle cleansers have reduced this need, repositioning toners as:

• Hydration boosters
• pH balancers
• Delivery systems for lightweight actives
• Sensory enhancements to skincare routines

Who Should Use This:

• Dry, dehydrated, or mature skin types seeking additional hydration layers • Those with sensitive or reactive skin (gentle, soothing formulation) • Individuals using alkaline or drying cleansers needing pH restoration • Multi-step skincare practitioners following K-beauty or Asian beauty routines • Those who enjoy lightweight, refreshing hydration before heavier serums/moisturizers

How It Fits Into K-Beauty Philosophy:

This toner aligns with Korean skincare principles:

• Layering lightweight hydration (the "7-skin method" involves applying toner multiple times)
• pH balancing to optimize skin health
• Gentle, hydrating formulas over harsh astringents
• Prep skin for maximum product absorption

Product Certifications & Features:

• Vegan Certified: Contains no animal-derived ingredients • Natural Certified: Formulated with naturally derived ingredients, organic where indicated • Fragrance-Free: No added synthetic fragrances (natural scent from rose water) • Gluten & Nut Free: Suitable for those with allergies • Allergen Label Free: Formulated to minimize common allergens

Sourcing & Sustainability:

Contains organic ingredients (rose water, chamomile, strawberry extract, glycerin made using organic ingredients), supporting sustainable and pesticide-free cultivation.

Product Specifications:

Country of Origin: [Manufacturer should specify]

Usage Instructions:

Application Method:

Option 1 - Pat Application (Recommended):

1. After cleansing, pour a small amount (dime-sized) of toner into clean, dry palms
2. Gently press and pat toner onto face and neck using both hands
3. Continue patting gently until fully absorbed
4. Avoid rubbing or tugging skin

Option 2 - Cotton Pad Application:

1. Saturate a cotton pad with toner
2. Gently sweep across face and neck in upward motions
3. Avoid dragging or pulling skin

Option 3 - Spray Application:

1. Transfer toner to a clean spray bottle
2. Mist face and neck from 6-8 inches away
3. Gently pat in excess with hands

Frequency: Use morning and evening after cleansing, before serums and moisturizers.

Layering Order: Cleanser → Toner → Serum → Moisturizer → Sunscreen (AM)

Pro Tips:

• Apply to slightly damp skin (immediately after cleansing) for enhanced hydration
• For extra hydration, apply multiple thin layers (let each absorb before adding next)
• Can be used as a mid-day refresh over makeup (spray application)
• Keep refrigerated for extra cooling, soothing effect

Important Safety Information:

For external use only. Avoid direct contact with eyes. If product enters eyes, rinse thoroughly with water. If irritation develops, discontinue use. Patch test recommended for sensitive skin—apply small amount to inner forearm and wait 24 hours before facial use.

STORE IN A COOL, DRY PLACE AWAY FROM DIRECT SUNLIGHT.