Physician's Formula The Essence of Healthy Toner & Setting Spray Review

Physician's Formula The Essence of Healthy Toner & Setting Spray
5.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
6.1Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Physician's Formula The Essence of Healthy Toner & Setting Spray Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Physician's Formula The Essence of Healthy Toner & Setting Spray has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.
  • Significant anti-wrinkle efficacy. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 6.1 out of 10, Physician's Formula The Essence of Healthy Toner & Setting Spray is effective in minimizing wrinkles.
  • Soothing: Physician's Formula The Essence of Healthy Toner & Setting Spray contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Physician's Formula The Essence of Healthy Toner & Setting Spray

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Physician's Formula The Essence of Healthy Toner & Setting Spray:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Physician's Formula The Essence of Healthy Toner & Setting Spray is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (est. ≈50.0%), Glycerin (est. ≈11.0%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Significant Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Physician's Formula The Essence of Healthy Toner & Setting Spray has a high anti-wrinkle rating of 6.1 out of 10.

It contains 2 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

  • Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%),
     one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
  • Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈0.3%),
     or Vitamin C, a popular ingredient, yet with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 20 participants (Humbert et al.). This study showed that a cream with a relatively high concentration of 5% ascorbic acid reduced the average wrinkle depth by 7% after 6 months of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ascorbic acid).
Among others, Physician's Formula The Essence of Healthy Toner & Setting Spray also contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Acetyl Glucosamine, sh-Oligopeptide-1, sh-Polypeptide-1, and sh-Polypeptide-9. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Physician's Formula The Essence of Healthy Toner & Setting Spray is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Physician's Formula The Essence of Healthy Toner & Setting Spray is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Pros & Cons of Physician's Formula The Essence of Healthy Toner & Setting Spray

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Physician's Formula The Essence of Healthy Toner & Setting Spray to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing boost for any skincare routine
  • Delivers signficant anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution
  • Contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help reduce irritation and soothe the skin

Cons: 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
50
22
11
5
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Glutamine
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Bacillus/Folic Acid Ferment Filtrate Extract
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Caprylate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Glucose
Function:
Origin:
Arginine
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Calcium Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Glucosamine
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Glutathione
Function:
Origin:
sh-Oligopeptide-1
Function:
Origin:
sh-Oligopeptide-2
Function:
Origin:
sh-Polypeptide-1
Function:
Origin:
sh-Polypeptide-11
Function:
Origin:
sh-Polypeptide-9
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
71.8
50
11
5
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 71.8 10
10.0
50
11
5
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
50
11
5
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 71.8 10
10
All humectants
71.8
50
11
5
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 5 6
2.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
6.1
Niacinamide
6
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
5
Ascorbic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Acetyl Glucosamine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
sh-Oligopeptide-1
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
sh-Polypeptide-1
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
sh-Polypeptide-9
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
6.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 6.2 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
6.2
Niacinamide
5
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Bacillus/Folic Acid Ferment Filtrate Extract
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Glutathione
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
5
All soothing 5 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
5
5
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Est. %50
Function
Origin
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Water
Est. %22
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Niacinamide
Est. %5
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Pentylene Glycol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Acetyl Glutamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Glutamine
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
Bacillus/Folic Acid Ferment Filtrate Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bacillus/Folic Acid Ferment Filtrate Extract

Combined with folic acid and derived from Bacillus fermentation, this extract acts as a humectant, retaining moisture to keep skin hydrated, and as an antioxidant, shielding skin from free-radical damage.

Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Caprylyl Caprylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl Caprylate
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated LecithinA version of plain lecithin that has been saturated with hydrogen atoms. This ingredient can be derived from plants, like soy or sunflower, from egg yolks, or made synthetically. Its major function is to emulsify water and oils.
Glucose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlucoseA simple sugar that is also one of two components of sucrose, or table sugar. It is used as a humectant in skincare products. Glucose is also used to flavor lip care cosmetics because of its mildly sweet taste.
Arginine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ArginineA humectant amino acid used to attract water to the skin’s surface. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Arginine can also be used as a pH adjuster.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxypropyl MethylcelluloseA natural viscosity controlling agent that is commonly used in skin cleansing products to thicken the consistency. It also functions as an emulsion stabilizing agent and binding agent.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Calcium Carbonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Calcium Carbonate
Acetyl Glucosamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl GlucosamineA body-natural amino-saccharide used in skincare as an anti-pigment ingredient. Some other benefits of acetyl glucosamine include decreased skin flakiness, improved wound healing, and even a slight reduction in facial wrinkles.
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbic Acid

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

Glutathione
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlutathioneA naturally occurring tripeptide that combats free radicals and acts as a reducing agent.
sh-Oligopeptide-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
sh-Oligopeptide-1

Also known as Human Epidermal Growth Factor. It increases metabolism in skin cells and is claimed to improves skin texture and elasticity.

sh-Oligopeptide-2
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
sh-Oligopeptide-2

Description is coming soon

sh-Polypeptide-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
sh-Polypeptide-1

Also known as Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor. It has collagen and elastin-boosting effects and can result in firmer, more elastic skin. It has been tested for scar healing, but its use in skincare products is still a bit controversial.

sh-Polypeptide-11
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
sh-Polypeptide-11
sh-Polypeptide-9
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
sh-Polypeptide-9

Also known as Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor. It stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, thereby improving microcirculation. It is not well researched for use in skincare and is still a bit controversial.