[REVIEW] Benton Cacao Moist and Mild Toner

My first experience using cacao-based skincare! Was it a yay or nay for my acne-prone and dehydrated-oily skin? Read on to find out!

Benton Cosmetics is a brand that aims to "restore your skin back to its original, youthful condition with healthy recipes, rather than to give temporary effects with harmful ingredients." They are proudly cruelty-free, guaranteed safe for sensitive skin, and produce their skincare in small batches to ensure freshness.

This particular toner contains cacao extract, cacao seed extract, cacao flower extract, and sodium hyaluronate. Together, the cacao works as an antioxidant and moisturizer to keep skin soft and supple. The product claims to hydrate, nourish, and keep skin smooth while imparting a glow.

With a pH of 6, this toner is recommended for the following skin types:

• Skin with poor oil-water balance

• Oily skin that needs a light product

• Skin that wants a clear skin tone with a mild hydrating product

• Dull skin lacking nourishment

• Skin sensitive to harmful chemicals and external stressors

• Dehydrated and tight skin

Like I said, I have dehydrated-oily skin. Sometimes I also feel like my skin is dull, and of course I want clearer skin! I am also acne-prone and this skin type is not quite specified on this list.

To test, this was the only product that I switched in my routine, specifically in the morning because I prefer a hydrating/soothing toner in the morning and a mildly exfoliating one at night. Other products in my morning routine while testing this were the SooperBeaute Beautiful Skin Serum, Etude House Aloe Vera Gel, The Body Shop Mattifying Gel Lotion, and sunscreen (I like to alternate, but had been often reaching for Biore and Oriental Princess at the time).

True to its claims, this definitely moisturizes but absorbs quickly, leaving no sticky feeling. I tried layering with this, but often rushed through three layers as my mornings are quite hectic. I admit that I did not wait for the toner to get completely absorbed in between the layers, thus I would feel "dewy" already after the three layers.

I found this refreshing and soothing for my skin; however, it does not seem deeply-hydrating enough because I would still get very oily in the latter part of the day. Still, there is a glow to my skin whenever I use this and my skin feels plumper and healthier. Moisturizing and nourishing, indeed!

There is, however, a tragic downside to this product for me: It breaks me out. :(

I used it for more than a week, during which I started getting tiny bumps or clogged pores all over my face, especially on my nose, cheeks, and forehead. I stopped for several days and went back to my regular toner because I wanted my skin to be at its best for a wedding, and the bumps steadily disappeared! When I got back from the wedding, I immediately resumed testing this and the same tiny bumps and pimples came back.

Verdict: This toner lives up to its claims, but perhaps cacao is too "rich" for my skin type because it clogged my pores and caused me to break out even after only a few days of testing. I might try using this again when I have very different products in my morning routine (because there's always the possibility of it having reacted with the other products), but I want to heal and recover first.

Overall Rating: (3.6 out of 5 Stars)

Packaging/Applicator (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐): The cylindrical plastic bottle feels sturdy, the cap twists and closes firmly, and the shape makes it easy to pack for travel. I also like how it's very easy to pour out the exact amount I need despite the simple bottle.

Ingredients (⭐⭐½): I definitely give points for innovation (it's my first time to hear of cacao-based skincare), but unfortunately this toner makes me think that cacao extract is not for me. It is however fragrance-free and does not contain any harmful alcohols, so it's definitely good for sensitive skin.

Suitability with other products (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐): This is easily layered, yes, and I don't feel that other products pill or react otherwise when I use this. The watery consistency definitely makes it easy to incorporate into a multi-step routine.

Delivery of claims (⭐⭐⭐): This nourished, plumped, and moisturized my skin, BUT it did not keep my skin clear nor provide deep hydration.

Affordability and accessibility (⭐⭐½): The price is not yet publicized on their website as of writing, and accessibility for us in the Philippines (especially in the province) would rank even lower. Keeping my stars neutral for this factor since I don't know how much it will be and I can't judge it in those terms.