No.5 Vitamin Boosting Essential Toner
Tracked ingredients
Key actives from our research database. Click any to read the full evidence dossier.
Evidence behind the ingredients
Real citations from our research database — one per tracked active in this product. Click any ingredient name to read its full evidence dossier.
A "master antioxidant" your body already makes. In skincare it gently lightens overall tone and helps fade pigmentation when used consistently over months.
Stanescu C et al., Glutathione in Skin Aging and Tissue Regeneration: A Systematic Review of Molecular Mechanisms, Redox Modulation, and Biomedical Implications, Molecules 2026
Sarkar R et al., Glutathione as a skin-lightening agent and in melasma: a systematic review, International Journal of Dermatology 2025
Wahab S et al., Combination of topical and oral glutathione as a skin-whitening agent: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial, International Journal of Dermatology 2021;60(8):1013-1018 — 8-week RCT showed combination significantly lowered melanin and raised lightness vs placebo
Brightens dull skin and helps fade dark spots. Also defends against everyday UV and pollution damage when worn under sunscreen.
Pullar JM et al., The roles of vitamin C in skin health, Nutrients 2017;9(8):866 — concluded topical efficacy "poorly understood"; supports dietary vitamin C
Lee JH et al., Effects of VitabridC12 on Skin Inflammation, Annals of Dermatology 2017
MFDS Approved Functional Cosmetic Active — Ascorbic Acid and derivatives (whitening). Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cosmetic Functional Active Ingredient List — L-ascorbic acid and stabilized derivatives (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) are approved whitening actives in the Korean Functional Cosmetics Codex; authorized concentrations documented in Jeon JS et al., International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2016;38(3):286-93 (PMID:26564311)
A safer, slower-acting alternative to prescription-strength dark-spot faders. Built for long-term use without irritation.
Marziya M et al., Mechanism of Cyanotis arachnoidea Gel in improving melasma based on network pharmacology and transcriptomics, Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi (China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica) 2025;50(13):3775-3790 — Southwest Minzu University Chengdu; arbutin gel as positive-control comparator in melasma rat model
Sarkar R et al., Efficacy and Safety of a Topical Formulation Containing Trihydroxybenzoic Acid Glucoside and alpha-Arbutin in Indian Females With Facial Melasma, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(2):e16753 — 120 Indian women: 10% THBG + 2% alpha-arbutin reduced melanin 16.3% and mMASI 18.4% with good tolerability
Ma ZY, Lu Y, Melanin synthesis and regulation in vivo and commonly used melanin inhibitors from natural products and traditional Chinese medicine, Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi (China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica) 2020;45(24):5898-5916 — Beijing University of Chinese Medicine review classifies arbutin among tyrosinase-active-site-targeting melanin inhibitors
+−3 more ingredients
A multitasker that calms redness, evens out skin tone, and helps oily skin balance out. One of the safest do-a-little-of-everything ingredients.
Moro F et al., Skin Cancer Prevention and Antiaging: Role of Nicotinamide, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2026
Passeron T et al., An Investigator-Blinded, Randomized Trial of a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Containing Sclareolide and Niacinamide, Dermatology and Therapy (Heidelberg) 2026
Vergilio MM et al., Topical Formulation with Niacinamide Combined with 5 MHz Ultrasound for Improving Skin Ageing, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2025
A purified compound from the cica (centella) plant, laser-focused on calming inflammation and speeding up how fast skin heals.
Liu L et al., Madecassoside Attenuated UVB Irradiation-Induced Skin Ferroptosis by Targeting POR, Phytomedicine 2026
Bandopadhyay S et al., Therapeutic properties and pharmacological activities of asiaticoside and madecassoside: A review, Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine 2023;27(5):593-608 — comprehensive review of wound-healing, anti-inflammatory and regenerative activity
Park KS, Pharmacological Effects of Centella asiatica on Skin Diseases: Evidence and Possible Mechanisms, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2021;2021:5462633 — KR-authored review of triterpenes including madecassoside
Sometimes called "topical Botox," it's a peptide that subtly reduces the depth of expression lines around the eyes and forehead when used daily over months. Mild effect, but real.
Zhu M et al., The effect of a serum containing acetyl hexapeptide-8, dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate and gluconolactone on skin biomarkers, wrinkles and skin texture: ex vivo and clinical studies, International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2026 — two clinical trials (n=50, n=42) showed 35-69% static wrinkle improvement and significant elastic fiber and collagen biomarker increases at 12 weeks
Zdrada-Nowak J, Surgiel-Gemza A, Szatkowska M, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 in Cosmeceuticals: A Review of Skin Permeability and Efficacy, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2025
An JH, Lee HJ, Yoon MS, Kim DH, Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy of Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid-Based Microneedle Patch with Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Epidermal Growth Factor on Korean Skin, Annals of Dermatology 2019;31(3):263-271 — split-face cross-linked HA + Argireline microneedle patch improved wrinkles on Korean skin (cross-attributed; primary citation for HA id=13)
Sources: PubMed · KCI · J-Stage · CNKI · Wanfang · SFD · MFDS · Cochrane · SCCS · CIR. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for what each outcome label means.
Layering conflicts
Ingredients in this product that can react with common actives. Avoid stacking unless noted.
- Benzoyl Peroxidemedium
Benzoyl peroxide breaks down vitamin C, making both less effective. Use one in the morning and the other at night.
- Retinollow
Vitamin C and retinol work best at different pH levels. Use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night.
Similar comparisons
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