The K-beauty toner derived from an island tree — and why botanicals outperform synthetic actives for pore-prone skin

Bija (Torreya nucifera): from Korean traditional medicine to K-beauty formulation

Bija — the seed of Torreya nucifera, a conifer native to Jeju Island — has been used in Korean herbal medicine (hanbang) for treatment of skin conditions involving congestion and inflammation. Modern phytochemical analysis has identified the active compounds: torreyol (a sesquiterpene with antimicrobial activity against Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria implicated in acne development), nuciferol and related terpenoids with anti-inflammatory activity. The combination of antimicrobial plus anti-inflammatory activity in a single botanical extract addresses two of the three key mechanisms in pore congestion and acne formation simultaneously.

How bija-derived antimicrobial compounds compare to benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid for long-term pore care

Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) and salicylic acid (BHA) are the two most clinically validated synthetic actives for acne and pore congestion. BPO is highly effective antimicrobially but also highly oxidising — long-term BPO use is associated with cumulative free radical damage and barrier disruption. Salicylic acid is effective for pore cleansing but can cause dryness at the concentrations needed for consistent antimicrobial effect. Bija torreyol provides comparable antimicrobial activity to low-concentration BPO and BHA in clinical skin models, without the oxidative damage (torreyol is not oxidising) or the dryness (bija extract contains natural emollients alongside the antimicrobial terpenoids). For daily long-term pore management, the botanical profile is gentler and more sustainable.

Using a bija toner in the oily and pore-prone K-beauty routine

Apply bija toner as the first hydration step after cleansing — pour a few drops onto a cotton pad and sweep gently across the face, or apply with palms using the 7-skin method (repeated gentle toner applications) for skin that needs intensive hydration alongside the pore-clarifying treatment. Bija toner is gentle enough for daily use morning and evening. For intensive pore management: pair with a bija-based cleansing oil or cleanser for a full bija routine that delivers the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds at both the cleansing and toning steps. This double-step delivery significantly increases the cumulative antimicrobial effect versus single-step bija use.

INNISFREE Bija Trouble Toner 170ml — available on BuyBeautyKorea →