In this article, I will be reviewing four skincare products from the KBeauty brand Tocobo. I have hypersensitive combination oily acne prone skin and I have used these Tocobo products for about 6 weeks.
*ADVERTORIAL
The four products from Tocobo are
Tocobo Coconut Clay Cleansing Foam: RRP $20 for 150ml
Tocobo AHA BHA Lemon Toner: RRP $25 for 150ml
Tocobo Bifida Biome Essence: RRP$30 for 50ml
Tocobo Multi Ceramide Cream: RRP $35 for 50ml
These are available for purchase in Australia from Dermavault. (All prices quoted above are from Dermavault - click here for link )
As you can see, the prices are extremely reasonable for the amount of product you are getting.
All Tocobo skincare products are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens, sulfates, alcohol and silicones.
For the purposes of this review, I used these products over a period of 6 weeks plus.
Review of Tocobo Coconut Clay Cleansing Foam
The Tocobo Coconut Clay Cleansing Foam really piqued my interest. It is a clay based cleanser (good for deep cleansing) that uses coconut as a surfactant. I really liked the idea of coconut as a skincare ingredient as coconuts are packed with minerals and vitamins. It uses pink clay and bentonite clay to help clear out the skin of impurities and oil.
It is like no other clay cleanser I have ever used. Usually I find clay cleansers give me that "tight and dry" feeling after I use them, but this left me with a well balanced feel. I think it is because of the coconut.
The texture is quite different to other clay cleansers. It is a bit more like a creamy consistency. It also does smell strongly of coconut water/milk. The scent does disappear fairly quickly after cleansing. It lightly foams up, so don't expect that "puffed up bubble" texture. It feels pleasant on the skin and my skin does look more refreshed and brighter after using it. I would say that it is a very gentle cleanser.
It does help remove makeup but for the stubbornest long wear waterproof makeup, you will need to use a second cleanse.
I would recommend this to those with combination skin who like clay cleansers as this leaves skin feeling clean and hydrated as well - no tight feeling that you might get with other clay cleansers on the market.
The Actives:
Glycerin and Butylene Glycol - hydration
Saponaria extract - which has been used as an alternative medicine for Centuries. A decoction of the herb is known to have been applied externally to treat itchy skin. This also helps to help soothe and protect the skin from dryness
Pink clay - known for helping to absorb excess oil
Bentonite clay - prized for its clearing and anti-inflammatory properties
Full Ingredients List:
Purified water, glycerin, hydrogenated palm acid (25%), potassium hydroxide, potassium cocoate (2.9%), calamine (1,000 ppm), soapy grass extract (100 ppm), bentonite (9,000 ppm), glyceryl stearate Late, Butylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-7, Acrylate/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Phytate, EDITA, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance, Red No.504 (CI14700)
Vegan, Cruelty-Free, No Paraben, Sulfate, Alcohol and Silicone
The Tocobo Coconut Cleansing Foam has a creamy light texture.
When I use the Tocobo Coconut Clay Cleansing Foam, I usually use quite a generous amount (about 1 teaspoon). I like to leave it on for a while as a "clay mask" and then I will rinse it off.
Review of Tocobo AHA BHA Lemon Toner
Of all of the Tocobo products, I was most excited about the Tocobo AHA BHA Lemon Toner. I love lemon as a skincare ingredient and who can pass on the cute packaging?
I'm also a huge fan of AHA and BHA products as I do have quite bad acne scarring around my jawline.
It does have a fresh lemon fragrance that is refreshing. The texture of this toner is a little bit thicker than most toners. There is a very slight viscosity to it.
I applied this every day in the morning and night for a week and I had a reaction to it as it was too strong! This is super effective and I recommend you only use it two to three times a week (start with once a week). I have hypersensitive skin and usually if a product is too strong, I feel a tingle, but with the Tocobo AHA BHA Lemon Toner, I didn't feel any tingle. So I thought it would be gentle enough to use AM/PM everyday. My skin did start to peel and have painful patches after 6-7 days of using it everyday AM/PM (mind you, it did clear up my acne quickly) so I had to stop using it so regularly.
So it is "deceptively" powerful! For hypersensitive skin like mine, I recommend using it only 1-2 times a week. Also don't forget to use a sunscreen while using this.
If your skin is strong enough and you have acne scars/blemishes/dark spots you want to get rid of quickly, then use this everyday AM/PM. It is very effective.
The Actives:
Salicylic Acid - often used for acne treatment
Rosemary Leaf Oil - known for its deep cleansing properties, it also stimulates healing. Another good thing is that is known for detoxifying. It helps trigger circulation and lymphatic drainage, and helps in expelling toxins from the skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate - provides some hydration
Glycolic Acid - one of my fave acids, this helps deep exfoliation
Panthenol & Allantoin - these two are known for their soothing and calming properties
Full Ingredients List:
Purified Water, Lemon Extract, Glycolic Acid, Methylpropanediol, Denatured Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Dipropylene Glycol, Sphingomonas Fermentation Extract, Lemon Peel Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, White Rice Flower Extract, Orange Peel Oil ,Lime Oil, Orange Flower Oil, Mandarin Peel Oil, Lavender Oil, Rosemary Leaf Oil, Clario Oil, Hollyhock Extract, Bergamot Fruit Oil, C12-14 Pareth-12,1,2-Hexanediol, Octyldodeses-16, Beta Phosphorus, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Allantoin, Pentylene Glycol, Beta-Glucan, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Citral
Vegan, Cruelty-Free, No Paraben, Sulfate, Alcohol and Silicone
It has a slightly viscose texture. I apply it with my hands using a few drops or I might use a cotton pad if I want more of a cleansing effect,
This Tocobo AHA BHA Lemon Toner is a powerhouse of good acids! Really effective and I saw results quickly.
Here, I am applying it on my dark spots. If you prefer to apply it with your hands instead of a cotton pad, you just need to gently pat on the product.
Yes, I am in love with this cute packaging. I LOVE the cute little lemon on top.
Review of Tocobo Bifida Biome Essence
Biome skincare products have become very popular since 2021. I've been trying so many biome products. So I knew I had to try the Tocobo Bifida Biome Essence.
This is a very light water based essence. There is a bit of a scent to it - smells fresh and when applied my skin does feel like there is something slightly tacky on it. It takes a little while to absorb. Once absorbed, my skin feels like there is a protective film on top of it and a little bit of tightness. i use about 1-2 pumps (that is 1 pump too many already!).
Your skin's microbiome is an ecosystem of bacteria, fungi and viruses on the skin's surface. It works to guard you against pathogens that could affect your skin and overall health. When your skin's microbiome is balanced, your skin looks and feels healthy. The probiotic strains of Bifida and Lactococuss included in this Tocobo Bifida Biome Essence helps to balance out your skin's microbiome. Studies have shown that they are effective against acne.
There are many ways of improving your skin's microbiome and that starts with having a healthy gut. Topical treatments like the Tocobo Bifida Biome Essence also help to speed up the process.
This Tocobo Bifida Biome Essence definitely did help with my acne and acne scarring. This is a gentle treatment essence as it was ok to use everyday. Sometimes, I would use it as a spot treatment.
it is meant to have anti-aging properties too.
The Actives:
Niacinamide - well known for brightening and getting rid of blemishes
Adenosine - studies suggest that adenosine can soothe skin and support wound healing and the natural functioning of the skin. Some studies have shown that it also has anti-aging properties
Glycerin and Butylene Glycol - both known for helping to hydrate the skin
Bifida Ferment Lysate probiotic-derived ingredient - this helps the skin's microbiome
Lactococcus Ferment Lysate and Lactobacillus Ferment - these probiotic strains also help balance the skin's microbiome. They are also known for anti-aging properties.
Full Ingredients List:
Bifida Ferment Lysate, Water, Butylene Glycol, Lactobacillus Ferment, Glycereth-26, Glycerin, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Pentylene Glycol, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Sucrose, Carbomer, Glucose, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, Cellulose Gum, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Tromethamine, Fructose, Fructooligosaccharides, Sodium Polyacrylate, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Adenosine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance(Parfum), Xanthan Gum, Sodium Phytate, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol
Vegan, Cruelty-Free, No Paraben, Sulfate, Alcohol and Silicone
The Tocobo Bifida Biome Essence has a light weight viscose water gel. There is a faint scent which smells a bit sweet and very fresh.
Overtime, my skin looked clearer. It helped with my dark spots and acne scarring.
The Tocobo Bifida Biome Essence comes in a glass bottle. The packaging is simple and chic.
That light gel water texture of the Tocobo Bifida Biome Essence
Review of Tocobo Multi Ceramide Cream
I think I am obsessed with ceramides! Before I fully understood what ceramides were, I just went off the name and thought it would make my skin look as fine and strong as a ceramic plate/cup :)
Ceramides are actually lipids - fatty acids that are produced in the sebaceous glands. Ceramides are good for moisturising and strengthening the protective skin barrier. They are also know to protect the skin from external aggressors such as weather and pollution, so they work like a barrier treatment. Helps make your skin as strong as "ceramics" LOL.
The Tocobo Multi Ceramide Cream comes in a luxurious glass bottle. It is heavy and feels expensive. The cream has a most unusual texture, somewhere between a mousse and a cream. It is fluffy like whipped cream but heavier than that.
It looks a bit like copha (a vegetable shortening ingredient) but when you actually dispense some, it is a lot lighter and fluffier. It has a slight lemony milky fragrance to it. This fragrance soon dissipates after application. I like to use this immediately after applying the Tocobo Bifida Biome Essence. I feel like the Tocobo Multi Ceramide Cream instantly softens my skin. It has squalene in it as the top third ingredient, and squalene mimics the skin's own naturally produced oil.
It might look like a heavy cream in the bottle but it feels very light (yet creamy) on the skin and absorbs very quickly (probably due to the squalene).
It sits well under makeup as well, I recommend just leaving it on for a minute or so to fully settle. I'm finding that I prefer using "barrier creams" like this one under my makeup for that extra protection. Especially if I'm going to wear long wear makeup. As a base for my makeup, I find that my foundation/concealer applies smoother and they are easier to blend. Blush also looks more vibrant on top of this.
This is quite an impressive ceramide cream for its RRP. It has 10% of triple hyaluronic acid, and 1,000ppm of multi-ceramide complex. That is amazing for a product that retails for AUD35 (you get 50ml).
i felt that my skin did look clearer, firmer and more hydrated from using the Tocobo Multi Ceramide Cream over a period of 6 weeks. It did not leave my skin feeling oily at all. In fact, I think it balanced out my combination skin. I found this safe enough to use on top of acne and also dry irritated patches. It helps heal those issues.
It is good for anti-aging. I do have some very fine lines around the top part of my lip and using this helps smooth those out.
The Actives:
Panthenol - Vitamin B5 which is known to improve hydration and absorption in your skin. It also helps heal scars.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid ("HA") - for plump hydrated skin
Sodium hyaluronate - sodium hyaluronate is part of HA. It.has a lower molecular weight than HA (hyaluronic acid). Studies show that it is small enough (smaller than HA) to penetrate the epidermis, or top layer of the skin. So it works to improve hydration from the underlying skin layers.
Ceramide AP, Ceramide AS, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Ceramide NS - ceramides are lipids which good for dry skin. It is also known for its anti-aging properties.
Full Ingredients List:
Water, Glycerin, Squalane, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Cyclohexasiloxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Diphenyl Dimethicone, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Glucose, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Fructose, Fructooligosaccharides, Tromethamine, Fragrance(Parfum), Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Panthenol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Phytate, Xanthan Gum, Stearic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Beta-Glucan, Ceramide NP, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide NS, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide AP, Ceramide AS, Ceramide EOP
Vegan, Cruelty-Free, No Paraben, Sulfate, Alcohol and Silicone
The Tocobo Multi Ceramide Cream has a most unique texture! It is actually very light and fluffy.
I love the retro looking heavy glass bottle of the Tocobo Multi Ceramide Cream. It makes it feel very luxurious.
I usually use a spatula or a cotton bud to dispense the Tocobo Multi Ceramide Cream. You don't need much, maybe a pea sized amount? You can adjust the amount depending on the weather and climate.
Although the Tocobo Multi Ceramide Cream might look like a very thick cream, It absorbs quickly and sits well under makeup.
The Tocobo Multi Ceramide Cream looks a bit like chilled coconut oil, but it is actually very light and airy - like a very fluffy mousse.
The Tocobo Multi Ceramide Cream is such a hydrating and plumping cream. My skin feels so soft after using it.
Overall Thoughts:
I enjoyed using these Tocobo products. They are all extremely effective. The price point is very affordable for what you get. They are all packed with actives. I would say that the range is a good introduction to KBeauty.
Skincare can be expensive but not all expensive skincare is good. If you are on a budget and want skincare that is comparable to higher end brands, Tocobo is for you. I love that each product can be used individually as part of your skincare routine mixed with other products or as a set. Each product does work synergistically with the other in the Tocobo range.
These are all quite gentle, except for the AHA BHA Lemon Toner, and suitable for sensitive skin and everyday use. With the AHA BHA Lemon toner, it does feel gentle (doesn't make skin tingle), but if you have hypersensitive skin like me, I would only use it 1-2 times a week.
So if you have hypersensitive combination acne prone skin and you want to start on anti-aging products, I would highly recommend Tocobo to you. They are so affordable and good.
In Australia, they can be purchased from https://www.dermavault.com.au/collections/tocobo
I hope you enjoyed this skincare story! Please do subscribe to my blog (see various (they are irritating and I am sorry about that) pop up boxes or sign up in the box below). Drop me an email (tashi@teacupofmakeup.com) or DM me on my Instagram (@paint_bytashijadebell) and let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions for me. I always love hearing from you.
Yours Truly with Lots of Love, Tashi Jade Bell.
Disclaimer: All of the photos here are taken by me. You cannot use them without obtaining my written permission first. These are my personal views and I do not any way guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any message and will not be held responsible for the content of any message. These Tocobo prpducts were gifted to me by Dermavault for the purpose of this advertorial.
