Essential Face Toner 8 oz by Ursa Major

I first purchased this toner/tonic in the travel size directly from the Ursa Major website because I didn't want to commit to a full bottle of something new. I was originally looking for an alcohol-free after shave that wouldn't sting, wasn't a gel or lotion, and didn't come in a bottle with an inefficient pump. I did a lot of browsing and product sampling, and this is the only toner that I'm writing a review about because it's the only one that satisfied all of those requirements and then some.

Here's what I love about it:

--Consistency: Because it's a liquid, it's absorbed super fast and doesn't leave *any* residue, or make you shiny like a lot of gel and lotion-based after shaves. Great for putting on before another product (like sunblock or a moisturizer).

--Non-irritating: The first ingredient is aloe! This stuff is packed with good things for skin, plus it avoids alcohol, dyes, and extra fragrances (which my skin can't take after a shave without turning red or breaking out). When I first used it after shaving, I expected a sting. Nope! I'm also convinced that it helps razor bumps to disappear. There is a scent, but it's a faint woodsy-lemony one from the ingredients, and fades very quickly. The fact that it's so gentle is really what made me start to use it even on days when I'm not shaving.

--Economical (really!): I use very little of this stuff at a time, and it still covers my whole face and under my chin. The 1oz travel version lasted me close to a month, and I used it twice a day, almost every day. Definitely worth it to me. They recommend using a cotton pad to apply the toner, but I just use my hands. That might have extended the life of the toner, because I imagine that a cotton pad would soak up some of what should end up on your face. You might get different mileage based on your own use.

--Full Ingredient Disclosure: I'm a big fan of companies that share their entire ingredient list. A lot of them don't, which means that you're left guessing whether the product is actually going to do more harm than good, or whether you're being sold an overpriced version of a generic item. Maybe this toner isn't right for you, but at least you can read what's in it and be thoroughly informed before buying.

-Nice Bottle: Okay, this is sort of less important, but still a factor. I'm really into the minimalistic, neutral look of the packaging. Lots of products out there have obnoxious labels or oddly-shaped glass bottles (um, glass in a bathroom? No, thanks). The Ursa Major packaging is gender neutral, comfortable to hold, and looks good on a shelf. Originally I thought the "Essential" title on the bottle was a little egotistical, but now it's rather apt considering how often I use the stuff.

Overall, I'm extremely happy with this stuff. No, they don't pay me, and no, it isn't going to be for everyone. Simply put, I like it very much, and you might too.

Most toners contain lots of alcohol or witch hazel and just dry your skin out. This toner leaves my face feeling truly refreshed after every use and contains very little alcohol (you can't even smell it or notice it). It does do a great job of cleaning my face (I have combination/oily skin) without drying. It has a clean, fresh scent which isn't overpowering and goes away fairly quickly after use, so it won't overpower you with a strong smell all day. I would recommend this product and will buy it again.

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