the SAEM Urban Eco Harakeke Toner - "A pure and powerful formula, The SAEM’s Urban Eco Harakeke Toner works as nature’s super skin hydrator and provides immediate hydration and retention of moisture by holding every droplet of moisture particle in the skin while smoothing and soothing the skin’s texture. Paraben-free, artificial colorant-free, mineral oil-free, animal ingredient-free & benzophenon-free.." Vol. 180ml | Php ~1000 via thesaemcosmetic.com

the SAEM Urban Eco Harakeke Toner

Hi again. I have made a conscious effort of doing product reviews at least a couple of weeks so I'm back with yet another one. This would definitely help get things off the back burner (hopefully!). For today, I have a toner from the Korean skincare brand the Saem - the Urban Eco Harakeke Toner.
Features:
- Delivers moisturization and nourishment to promote a radiant complexion.
- Creates a protective barrier that locks in moisture for long lasting hydration.
- Manuka honey visibly calms and soothes irritated skin.
- Effectively firms the skin while reversing the signs of oxidative damage.
- Gel formula sends hydration deep within the skin’s texture.

Harakeke Plant Extract - An ingredient known to promote water retention; Harakeke plant extract is used in formulas where optimum moisturization is desired. This botanical moisturizer is filled with linoleic acid which boosts the skin’s moisture barrier and helps soothe redness while helping lessen age related damage.

New Zealand Calendula Flower - A natural botanical ingredient, extracted from marigold flowers, that promotes skin tightness and increases hydration within the skin preventing signs of aging. This ingredient also works as a skin conditioner by soothing irritated and red skin, and reducing the occurrence of dry skin.

New Zealand Manuka Honey - A natural humectant that draws moisture into the skin resulting in smoother and youthful looking skin. Manuka honey helps decrease inflammation and soothes inflamed skin while helping clear blemishes.

The main ingredients in this toner all come from New Zealand. I have never heard of Harakeke and made a little bit of research about them. This plant is also known as New Zealand flax. Harakeke looks similar to aloe vera although their leaves are much thinner (you can see how it looks on the box's photo above). Both also offer similar benefits in terms of soothing and moisturizing the skin.

This toner contains 92% of Harakeke extract and uses 100% Harakeke extracted water instead of plain water. Also featured as ingredients in this toner are Manuka Honey and Calendula Flower. They also offer moisturization, anti-aging and skin soothing benefits.

the SAEM Urban Eco Harakeke Toner

the SAEM Urban Eco Harakeke Toner comes in an elegant tall (plastic) packaging with a pop off cap. The forest green color and the bamboo detail on the cap adds uniqueness to the bottle. This also has a pump dispenser which makes it hygienic to use.

As I didn't read the description, when I first opened this toner I was surprised that it was in gel form. Most (if not almost all) toners I had in the past have been in liquid form so I actually took a second look on the bottle to see if it really was a toner. The product that came out of the bottle had a thick, gel-like consistency which tend to slide of my hands. The key so no product is wasted is to rub the toner between your (clean) hands. After which, the gel turns into a watery liquid. You can then gently pat it on your skin.

Much like aloe vera, this toner felt cool and refreshing upon contact. Unlike aloe vera, I didn't feel any stickiness nor tackiness. In fact, it felt like the product melted into my skin and was quickly absorbed. My skin felt and looked more hydrated and moisturized.

The one thing that I didn't like about the saem Urban Eco Harakeke Toner is the smell. As someone who is very sensitive to smells, I didn't appreciate the heavy fragrance which resembled men's cologne. Thankfully, the scent fades after a few seconds of application so I can be spared from the heavy fragrance.

the SAEM Urban Eco Harakeke Toner

Overall, if not for the smell, this toner would be one of my favorites. This would be perfect for those with oily-combination skin looking for a refreshing and hydrating product. The gel-to-liquid formula allows for fast absorption and feels very light on the skin. When used regularly, you can also get the anti-aging and skin-soothing benefits.

Pros:
- Hydrating and moisturizing
- Non-sticky gel-to-liquid formula
- Absorbs well
- Refreshes skin
- Calms and soothes redness and irritation
- Improves skin texture
- Good for sensitive skin 

Cons:
- Heavily fragranced

Ingredients: Phormium Tenax Extract, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, PEG-32, honey, Calendula Officinalis Flower Water, Echinacea Angustifolia Root Cell Culture Extract, PEG-240/HDI Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Sucrose Distearate, Bis-PEG-18 methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-12 Glyceryl Laurate, PEG-36 Castor Oil, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, potassium Hydroxide, Chlorphenesin, Disodium EDTA, Perfume

the SAEM Urban Eco Harakeke Toner