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Dr. Althea · Toners

Skin Relief Essence

$18·30 ml·Leave-on
88
Low concern

Why this score

Concern53 / 55
  • Fragrance: watch if sensitive

How much genuine, cited concern the ingredients carry, weighted by how much of each is likely present and whether the product stays on or rinses off.

Transparency12 / 20
  • Uses an undisclosed "fragrance/parfum" blend, so its scent allergens are hidden.

Whether the full ingredient list, and any fragrance, are actually disclosed.

Formulation restraint23 / 25
  • 1 known irritant or fragrance-allergen ingredient: Fragrance.

Needless irritant or allergen load for the product type. A clean, purposeful formula scores well without any "free-from" theater.

Scored by PlainBody Editorial against the PlainScore method · Label checked July 2026

What’s inside

GlycerinGenerally safe

A humectant that draws water into the skin. One of the best-studied, best-tolerated ingredients in personal care.

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PropanediolGenerally safe

A corn-derived solvent and humectant that has largely replaced propylene glycol in "clean" formulas; CIR reviewed the alkane diol group and found use concentrations up to about 40 percent in leave-on products like deodorant sticks with no meaningful irritation signal.

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BetaineGenerally safe

A humectant naturally derived from sugar beets that helps skin draw in and hold water; it has a long history of safe use with no meaningful irritation or sensitization concerns.

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PanthenolGenerally safe

A soothing humectant that helps skin and hair look conditioned. Very well tolerated.

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AllantoinGenerally safe

A soothing, skin-conditioning compound (also found in comfrey root) commonly added to calm and hydrate irritated or sensitive skin. It has a long history of safe use with very low irritation potential.

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Hyaluronic AcidGenerally safe

A humectant that holds water at the skin surface for a more hydrated look. No safety concern.

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MadecassosideGenerally safe

A purified triterpene from Centella asiatica (the "cica" plant) used in soothing and barrier-support products, especially Korean formulas. It is well tolerated with a low reported irritation rate; the strong repair and anti-aging claims around it are more marketing than settled evidence.

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Centella AsiaticaGenerally safe

A plant extract long used in traditional wound care and now common in "cica" soothing products, valued for calming redness and supporting the skin barrier. It is generally well tolerated, with rare contact allergy reported.

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HydroxyethylcelluloseGenerally safe

A cellulose derivative used to thicken and stabilize formulas. It dissolves fully in water and does not separate or settle over time. It is well tolerated and widely used in gels, lotions, and serums.

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EthylhexylglycerinGenerally safe

A glycerin derivative used as a skin conditioner and preservative booster, often paired with phenoxyethanol to allow lower total preservative levels. It has a low irritation and sensitization profile in safety reviews.

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Caprylyl GlycolGenerally safe

Caprylyl glycol is a plant-derived humectant that also has mild antimicrobial properties, so it is commonly paired with other preservatives to allow lower overall preservative levels. Available data do not point to meaningful irritation or sensitization concerns at typical use levels.

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FragranceWatch if sensitive

An undisclosed scent blend that can contain dozens of components. The single most common cause of cosmetic contact allergy, and the blend is not itemized, so you cannot see what is in it.

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Note: this product hides its scent as an undisclosed “fragrance/parfum” blend, so its specific allergens are not on the label.

Lower-concern alternatives

Same category, higher PlainScore.

Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. Concern ratings are evidence-graded and cited on each ingredient page. See how we score.