SNP Lab PHA 5 Toner Review

SNP Lab PHA 5 Toner
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.1Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Review

Does SNP Lab PHA 5 Toner Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what SNP Lab PHA 5 Toner has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Slight anti-wrinkle effect: SNP Lab PHA 5 Toner has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.1 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.

Key Benefits of SNP Lab PHA 5 Toner

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using SNP Lab PHA 5 Toner:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, SNP Lab PHA 5 Toner is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Gluconolactone (est. ≈6.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈3.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

Tip: Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

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.

Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, SNP Lab PHA 5 Toner has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 0.1 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Glycolic Acid (est. ≈0.3%), 
 a highly effective ingredient in peelings but with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy in leave-on skincare products, as supported by a single clinical study. This study, involving 72 participants (Thibault et al.), demonstrated that a lotion with 5% GA reduced the fine wrinkling score by 6% after 34 days of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without GA).
 
Among others, SNP Lab PHA 5 Toner also contains contains Gluconolactone and Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. 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.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

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

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.

Things to Be Aware Of: SNP Lab PHA 5 Toner

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding SNP Lab PHA 5 Toner to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using SNP Lab PHA 5 Toner as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Pros & Cons of SNP Lab PHA 5 Toner

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of SNP Lab PHA 5 Toner 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
  • Provides slight anti-wrinkle efficacy

Cons: 

  • Needs occlusives to seal in humectants if used as a standalone moisturizer

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
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. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Gluconolactone
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Lithium Magnesium Sodium Silicate
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodeceth-16
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Calamine
Function:
Origin:
Calcium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Hibiscus Syriacus Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
11.7
6
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 11.7 10
10.0
6
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 11.7 10
10
All humectants
11.7
6
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
1.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 6 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0.1
Glycolic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
1.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Gluconolactone
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
6
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.2 3 No
All antioxidants
1.2
Hibiscus Syriacus Flower Extract
0.3
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
0.3
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
0.3
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.2 5 No
All soothing
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
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.
Gluconolactone
Est. %6
Function
Origin
GluconolactoneA PHA derived from glucose. It has exfoliating and humectant properties and acts as a penetration enhancer for other ingredients. It has also been shown to assist in the treatment of acne and the prevention of photoaging.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %4
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.
Glycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Tromethamine
Est. %2
Function
Origin
TromethamineAn ingredient based on amino acids that is commonly used as a pH adjuster. It has a high pH, which means that it is basic (alkaline), so adding tromethamine to a skincare product will increase its overall pH level.
Propanediol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Lithium Magnesium Sodium Silicate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Lithium Magnesium Sodium Silicate
Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Octyldodeceth-16
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Octyldodeceth-16
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Calamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Calamine
Calcium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Calcium ChlorideA salt that can stabilize emulsions through thickening. It also serves as an astringent.
Hibiscus Syriacus Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hibiscus Syriacus Flower Extract
Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Capryloyl Salicylic AcidA derivative of salicylic acid, with bigger and more lipid-soluble molecules. This makes it more powerful and safer than salicylic acid. It is used as an exfoliating and peeling agent.
Glycolic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycolic Acid

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy, though it is less effective in leave-on products like creams and serums.

Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract
Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ulmus Davidiana Root ExtractDerived from the root of an elm tree known as David, this soothing and antioxidant extract has been shown to have humectant moisturizing benefits that are similar to hyaluronic acid’s.
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pueraria Lobata Root ExtractAn extract from the roots of Kudzu, a trailing vine native to several Asian countries. It contains a combination of isoflavones and polysaccharides which have been shown to increase the production of collagen and HA in aging skin.
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) ExtractAn extract obtained from the twigs and/or leaves of witch hazel. It is one of the oldest skincare remedies known to man. It is astringent and sebum regulating, meaning that it controls the amount of sebum that the skin produces.