Review : Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Water EX

Product Description
Gel type toner infuses skin with deep hydration and moisture. Absorbs quickly to leave skin hydrated and supple without any excess residue.

With "EX" at the back of the name, it is normal for consumers to presume the range has been "upgraded" from the original line without the EX, however, unlike Sulwhasoo First Care Serum EX, where much has been explained about the upgraded status, there was nothing about Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Water EX and what the EX entails. That is certainly strange from my point of view. Was the EX added so as to be in line with the the Sulwhasoo First Care Serum EX?


I had used the original formula, Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Water 3 years ago and remembered vaguely that the gel like toner was slightly sticky but absorbs well to hydrate the skin.

Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Water EX feels almost the same, with the same gel-like contents that seem thick but not exactly so. It absorbs pretty fast and sinks into my combination skin ( with surface dehydration ), leaving it less parched and more hydrated.

It is a toner, meant to be used after Sulwhasoo First Care Serum EX. I prefer to pour the contents in my palms and spread it out on my skin. Thereafter, I will follow up with light tapping on skin to boost circulation and absorption. You can also follow the steps in the video.

In terms of ingredients, I have compared the new and original range but all ingredients appear to be the same, in exactly the same order too. You can check out the original product ingredients here.

That said, here are some of the other ingredients :

Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract : Penetrates and soothes the skin

Lycium Chinense Root Extract : Also known as Matrimony Vine, it helps to relax the skin
Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract : Also known as Job's Tears, it helps to soften the skin. They are also used in Naruko and Albion products. 
Portulaca Oleracea Extract : Also known as Purslane, it provides hydration, leaving the skin with a delicate veil of moisture

Other ingredients in the list boasts of brightening effects, moisturising and soothing effects. Some of them are herbal ingredients used in Chinese soups. Unfortunately, I didn't like that the alcohol is listed as the 2nd ingredient, where the quantity is much more than the rest of the active ingredients.

Where To Purchase : Amazon | Amazon SG 

Sulwhasoo Basic Kit 5 
Amazon : Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Water EX
Amazon : Sulwhasoo Basic Kit 5
Amazon : Sulwhasoo Essential Duo Set
Sulwhasoo : Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Water EX
Cosme-de : Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Water EX

Sulwhasoo Essential Duo Set ( Shopee ) 

Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion EX ( Shopee )

Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Water EX ( Shopee )

Check out my reviews on Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum EX and Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion EX

In Singapore, you can get Sulwhasoo products from Tangs and Changi Airport.

Ingredients :
Water, Alcohol, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract, Glycerin Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract, Lilium Tigrinum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Chrysanthemum Morifolium Flower Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Adenophora Stricta Root Extract, Lycium Chinense Root Extract, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract, Angelica Tenuissima Root Extract, Honey, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Beta-Glucan, Natto Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Betaine, Panthenol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Glycereth-26, Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenyl Trimethicone, Peg/Ppg-17/6 Copolymer, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Potassium Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance