The Saem Iceland Hydrating Toner Review

The Saem Iceland Hydrating Toner
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

The Saem Iceland Hydrating Toner Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycol, Glycereth-26, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycereth-20, Isostearyl PCA, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Cetraria Islandica Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Boswellia Carterii Oil, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Caprylate
Review

Does The Saem Iceland Hydrating Toner Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what The Saem Iceland Hydrating 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.

  

Key Benefits of The Saem Iceland Hydrating Toner

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using The Saem Iceland Hydrating Toner:
 

🔵 Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, The Saem Iceland Hydrating 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 Butylene Glycol (est. ≈6.0%), Propanediol (est. ≈4.0%) and Glycol (est. ≈2.0%).

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.

📌 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.

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

Things to Be Aware Of: The Saem Iceland Hydrating Toner

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding The Saem Iceland Hydrating 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 The Saem Iceland Hydrating 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.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing The Saem Iceland Hydrating Toner is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate 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.

Pros & Cons of The Saem Iceland Hydrating Toner

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of The Saem Iceland Hydrating Toner to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - it needs to be paired with occlusives to seal in humectants
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: The Saem Iceland Hydrating Toner

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that The Saem Iceland Hydrating Toner
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing, making it ideal for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant boost, beneficial for all skin types.
 
That said, there are some things about The Saem Iceland Hydrating Toner worth noting.
 
Looking at its moisturizing profile, we found that it doesn’t contain any occlusive ingredients, potentially allowing the moisture attracted to the skin by humectants to evaporate. Therefore, if it’s used as the only moisturizer in a routine, it’s recommended to pair it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering The Saem Iceland Hydrating Toner is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

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
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:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycereth-26
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Glycereth-20
Function:
Origin:
Isostearyl PCA
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cetraria Islandica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Function:
Origin:
Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Function:
Origin:
Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Juniperus Mexicana Oil
Function:
Origin:
Boswellia Carterii Oil
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Caprylate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
16.9
6
4
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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 16.9 10
10.0
6
4
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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
4
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 16.9 10
10
All humectants
16.9
6
4
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.1 3 No
All antioxidants
2.1
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Laminaria Digitata Extract
0.3
Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract
0.3
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract
0.3
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.5 5 No
All soothing
1.5
0.3
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %6
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.

Propanediol
Est. %4
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.
Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %3
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.
Glycol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Glycol
Glycereth-26
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glycereth-26

A glycerin-based ingredient with humectant moisturizing properties. It is an excellent emulsifier and thickener.

1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %1.3
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.
Glycereth-20
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Glycereth-20
Isostearyl PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isostearyl PCA
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Tromethamine
Est. %0.3
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.
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.
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.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Biosaccharide Gum-1A polysaccharide with humectant moisturizing and soothing properties.
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.

Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hyaluronic Acid

A potent, skin-identical humectant moisturizing ingredient that is able to bind water 1000 times its own weight. The anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid are due to its ability to stimulate the synthesis of collagen in the skin.

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidA smaller-molecule version of the regular hyaluronic acid. It is a powerful humectant that absorbs into the skin and offers moisturizing, smoothing, and anti-wrinkle effects. It is also slightly anti-inflammatory and displays subtle antioxidant properties.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil

An essential oil derived from the peels of the sweet orange. It is commonly used as a fragrance because of its pleasant, citrusy scent. The main constituent of the essential oil is limonene (up to 96%).

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil

An essential oil expressed from the peels of the bergamot orange. The scent of bergamot oil is woodier than those of other citrus essential oils. This essential oil is still not recommended if you are sensitive to citrus fruits.

Cetraria Islandica Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetraria Islandica Extract
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Laminaria Digitata ExtractAn antioxidant extract obtained from an edible brown seaweed called oarweed. It contains many humectant and gelling polysaccharides, as well as beneficial minerals.
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment ExtractAn ingredient obtained from a bacterial culture. According to the patent holder, it produces a special glycoprotein that promotes collagen and elastin synthesis and moisturizes the skin by drawing water to it.
Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit ExtractObtained from the fruits of the lowbush blueberry, this purple-blue extract is rich in antioxidant vitamin C and anthocyanins.
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit ExtractA bright red extract derived from cranberry fruits that is rich in powerful antioxidant anthocyanins, as well as astringent tannins.
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) OilAn essential oil derived from common, or true, lavender. It is used in skincare for its lovely, calming scent. Like all essential oils, however, it may cause a contact skin allergy in more sensitive individuals.
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower OilA fragrant essential oil with a distinct, rose-like scent derived from rose geranium. It is widely used in aromatherapy and massage therapy to ease tension. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Amyris Balsamifera Bark OilA fragrant oil derived from the bark of the Amyris tree, also known as torchwood. It gives off a relaxing, woody scent and sometimes substitutes sandalwood oil.
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil

This oil is obtained from the peels of pink grapefruits. It contains fragrant limonene, which gives the oil a fresh and clean, citrusy scent.

Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf OilAn essential oil extracted from the leaves of the Eucalyptus globulus, a tall, evergreen, Australian tree with waxy leaves. It mostly consists of cineole – which has potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf OilA fragrant and antioxidant essential tea tree oil praised for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Tea tree oil helps to treat acne, inflamed skin, and small wounds. It might, however, cause allergies and skin irritations.
Juniperus Mexicana Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Juniperus Mexicana OilA fragrant essential oil derived from the wood, twigs, and leaves of the Texas Cedarwood. It contains cedrol and thujopsene - compounds responsible for its deep, rich, woody aroma.
Boswellia Carterii Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Boswellia Carterii Oil
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Glyceryl Caprylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl CaprylateA waxy solid derived from vegetable oils that has emollient and emulsifying properties. It is also known to boost the efficacy of organic acid preservatives by destabilizing the microbe's cell membrane.