In This Post
Korean toners are essential in any Asian beauty routine! But what is the best Korean toner out there and which one is the best for your skin? We picked some of the most hydrating Korean toners for various skin types to help you decide.
Disclosure: Some of the links contained in this article are affiliate links, meaning we receive a small commission for any sales resulting from these clicks. This has no bearing on the price of the product or service. Thank you for supporting us – we appreciate it!
Best Korean Toners For Oily/ Acne-Prone Skin
MIZON – AHA & BHA Daily Clean Toner 150ml – $19.20
from: YesStyle.com
Ingredients overview:
Water, Glycerin, Sodium Lactate, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propanediol, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Salicylic Acid, Disodium Edta, Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Gentiana Lutea Root Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Artemisia Absinthium Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Propylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol
About this Korean toner for acne-prone skin:
A gentle everyday exfoliator, this toner dissolves dulling dead surface cells thanks to AHAs and papaya enzymes, while salicylic acid (a BHA) helps to ‘unclog’ pores by excavating embedded impurities and excess oil. Ideal for congested, acne-prone, lacklustre skin types, this works to re-establish equilibrium – optimising your complexion’s pH to help regulate sebum synthesis – while eliminating blemish-causing bacteria to keep breakouts at bay.
Pros:
- It soothes skin irritated from cleansing and controls skin pH balance while working as a skin booster which prepares the skin to absorb essence and cream effectively at the next daily skincare step.
- AHA smoothens dead skin cells and rough skin texture and BHA removes skin wastes in pores, promotes skin turnover, and helps skin keep the healthy condition.
- Skin purifying plant extracts containing papaya fruit and portulaca extract removes skin waste residue and smoothens skin after cleansing.
Cons:
- It can cause irritation for some skin types so daily use may not be ideal.
Final Words:
MIZON – AHA & BHA Daily Clean Toner is a mild toner contains AHA and BHA to gently exfoliate the skin of dead skin cells and pore-cloggers while restoring the pH level of the skin right after cleansing. You’ll soon notice a drastic improvement in your skin’s texture, tone and clarity, as well as an increase in luminosity.
WRP? 4.8/5
HG? 5/5
SOME BY MI – AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner 150ml 150ml – $16.95
Retail Price: $22.60
You Save: $5.65
Ingredients overview:
Water, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Seed Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Swiftlet Nest Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Fructan, Allantoin, Adenosine, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Xylitol, Salicylic Acid, Lactobionic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Benzyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ethyl Hexanediol, Raspberry Ketone, Phenoxyethanol, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil
About this Korean toner:
What better exfoliating product than one with AHAs, BHAs, AND PHAs! It has a very watery consistency and smells like toothpaste (expected since there is peppermint oil in it). For best results, use this at night when skin cells are turning over, and every morning wake up with smooth glowing skin.
Pros:
- It has hydrating and skin-soothing goodies such as glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, allantoin
- It can slow down the build-up of sebaceous filaments.
- It has acne-battling ingredients such as tea tree leaf water, citric acid (AHA), salicylic acid (BHA), lactobionic acid (PHA)
- It does not leave your skin feeling sticky and it absorbs quickly.
Cons:
- It consists of AHA, BHA, and PHA to help clear your skin, however, it can also trigger some purging at first.
- It consists of sensitizing ingredients- witch hazel extract, peppermint oil (beware if you have sensitive skin!)
- It has a very watery consistency and if you apply too much it can start to foam up a tiny bit.
- It is only available in a 150ml bottle
Final Words:
This exfoliating Korean toner is no miracle treatment, but it definitely helps control the growth of acne. It smoothens the skin texture and heals it from breakouts faster. It is definitely one of our favourite toners and can give results as compared to other chemical exfoliating toners.
WRP? 4.5/5
HG? 4.5/5
Click here to find more reviews of the best Korean toners for acne-prone skin
Best Korean Toners For Dry Skin
mixsoon – Master Soft Toner – 300ml – $10.19
Retail Price: $12.00
You Save: $1.81
from: Stylevana
Ingredients overview:
Water, Butylene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Caprylyi Glycol, Glycerin, Octyldo deceth-16, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, Madecassoside, Phospholipids, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Ta urate, Styrene/VP Copolymer, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Die thoxyethyl Succinate
About this Korean toner:
The toner is thick and has a consistency of a yoghurt drink. It can help maintain your skin barrier intact while you use it with actives such as retinol. It is hydrating without greasiness making it suitable for oily skin types. It has a cooling effect on application, with no itchiness or burning sensation.
Pros:
- The size is great value for the price.
- It consists of super moisturising ingredients such as Centella asiática and ceramides.
- There is no noticeable strong fragrance.
Cons:
- It has a thick consistency and could cause CCs.
Final words:
Definitely recommend this hydrating toner for dry and oily skin types. While it is nothing that will blow you away, it’s just a good, basic, moisturising toner. As far as replenishing your skin after face washing go, it does its job, which is all we really want from our toners anyway.
WRP? 4.5/5
HG? 4.5/5
Dear, Klairs – Supple Preparation Facial Toner – 2 Types Unscented – 180ml – $18.70
Retail Price: $22.00
You Save: $3.30
from: YesStyle.com
Ingredients overview:
Water, Butylene Glycol, Dimethyl Sulfone, Betaine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Natto Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Chlorphenesin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer, Panthenol, Arginine, Luffa Cylindrica Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Beta-Glucan, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Lysine HCL, Proline, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Acetyl Methionine, Theanine, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Copper Tripeptide-1
About this Korean toner:
It contains different plant extracts, especially Centella Asiatica and Licorice Root, which are known to be soothing and have many other benefits. This product has a slight scent that goes away shortly after applying the product.
Pros:
- It has a nice thick texture that makes it suitable for dry skin types.
- This is a pretty hydrating product that you can layer as often as you want. It delivers ample hydration to your skin.
- It is a pH-adjusting toner.
Cons:
- It consists of plant extracts that can cause irritation or acne in some people.
- It has a very viscous texture that takes a while to sink into the skin.
Final Words:
This toner has a pretty clean ingredients list and a good cosdna rating. The pH level is ideal for dry skin types. However, some of its ingredients have been known as irritants for sensitive skin types.
WRP? 4/5
HG? 4/5
Best Korean Toner For Mature Skin
LANEIGE – Cream Skin Refiner Plus 150ml – $22.50
Retail Price: $30.00
You Save: $7.50
Ingredients overview:
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl- 10 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propanediol, Disodium EDTA, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol
About this Korean toner:
Laneige Cream Skin Toner and Moisturizer replenishes the skin with hydration very well. If you have dry skin you can layer up with other products after using this as a toner. But if you have oily skin you can also finish with a moisturizer right after cleansing your face.
Pros:
- Its consists of tocopherol (vitamin E) – an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from sun damage and has moisturizing and healing benefits.
- It has white tea leaf water – an anti-ageing ingredient that is rich in antioxidants that protect your skin from sun damage, making your skin youthful and healthy.
- It has meadowfoam seed oil – a plant oil that moisturizes and soothes skin and helps protect against damage from UVB rays.
Cons:
- It is a thick toner and can be greasy for oily skin types.
- It might leave a layer of residue on the skin after application. This is most likely due to the high amount of moisture this product provides.
Final words:
This super versatile toner can double up as a moisturizer because of how much hydration it provides. Your skin stays hydrated throughout the night, and supple and smooth in the morning.
WRP? 4.5/5
HG? 4.5/5
TONYMOLY – Wonder Vegan Label Ceramide Mochi Calming Toner Jumbo 500ml – $22.28
Retail Price: $29.70
You Save: $7.42
Ingredients overview:
Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Water, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Glycereth-26, 1,2-Hexanediol, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Water, Phenyl Trimethicone, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Styrene/Vp Copolymer, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Disodium EDTA, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Water, Allantoin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Panthenol, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate
About this Korean toner:
This toner is creamy, yet watery. The texture allows you to build it up in layers as required, however it feels a little tacky when applied on dry skin. When you use this in a simple routine with another essence and moisturizer, it can calm down stress flare-ups in a few days.
Pros:
- It is vegan!
- It makes skin visibly plumper and softer after the application.
- It is a hypoallergenic toner, suitable for sensitive skin types.
Cons:
- It can be tacky for some skin types.
- The milky texture takes a moment to sink in.
- It is not very hydrating, so dehydrated folks would require another hydrating essence or lotion after application.
Final words:
TONYMOLY Wonder Vegan Label Ceramide Mochi Calming Toner is formulated with ceramides that help reinforce your skin’s moisture barrier and EWG Green ingredients. It provides daily care that helps strengthen, hydrate, and protect the skin.
WRP? 4/5
HG? 4/5
Best Korean Toners For Sensitive Skin
Pyunkang Yul – Essence Toner 200ml 200ml – $16.32
Retail Price: $20.40
You Save: $4.08
Ingredients:
Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carbomer, Arginine
About this Korean toner:
Pyunkang Yul toner has a short and simple ingredients list, perfectly suited for sensitive skin. It comes with beautiful packaging but the smaller version’s cap could be improved for pouring out. It has a very similar texture to the Klairs toner and feels slightly richer.
Pros:
- It is suitable for sensitive skin types.
- It offers great quality for its price point.
- It is hydrating, soothing and really helps with redness.
Cons:
- Its consistency is a little more viscous-y than some of the watery toners and takes time to get absorbed into the skin.
- It might be unsuitable for oily skin types as it can leave sticky residue left behind.
Final Words:
It has everything we want from a hydrating toner, honestly. It works really well for those with super sensitive skin or ingredient allergies thanks to its minimal ingredient list. This is a very effective toner for several skin concerns and it’s reached holy grail status for us. Love all the way!
WRP? 5/5
HG? 4.8/5
ETUDE – Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner 200ml – 2021 NEW – $17.76
Retail Price: $22.20
You Save: $4.44
Ingredients overview:
Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Betaine, Panthenol, Madecassoside, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Polyglycerin-3, Disodium Edta
About this Korean toner:
Like all Etude House Soon Jung products this has a clean ingredients list and is free of fragrance, alcohol and artificial colour. It contains super ingredients such as madecassoside and camellia. With a pH of 5.5, it is very well suited for sensitive skin.
Pros:
- This is a clear, watery product with a lightweight texture.
- It sinks into the skin immediately and feels exactly like water.
- This doesn’t smell of anything.
Cons:
- It’s not meant to be a hydrating toner, so you may have to apply multiple layers or add more hydrating products to your routine.
Final Words:
Etude House Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner is soothing and safe for sensitive skin. It has a reasonable price point although it is more expensive than the Secret Key Toner.
WRP? 4.5/5
HG? 4.8/5
Find more toners that are made for your skin type!
