The 9 Best Japanese Toners Of 2024, As Per An Expert
Soft, supple, and radiant skin is so easy to achieve with these hydrating toners.
Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa has 9 years of experience. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society, and a member of the Philippine Academy of Dermatologic Surgery Foundation Inc, Philippine Society of Venereologists, Inc, Philippine Medical Association, Rheumatologic Dermatology Society, and International Society of Dermatology.
Read full bio of Patricia Gaile Espinosa
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
Read full bio of Medha Deb
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
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Japanese skin care products have grown popular over the years because they show great results on your skin. The common secret to having flawless, glowing, radiant, and youthful skin is to use the best Japanese toners. Japanese toners add a layer of hydration and get quickly absorbed into your skin. Including this potent product in your skin care routine will instantly bring a positive change to your skin. Most people who have switched to Japanese toners find that they have anti-inflammatory properties and feel gentle on the skin. These products also have received a good number of positive reviews from users across the world.
To give your skin a boost of hydration, we have listed the 9 best Japanese toners that you should try. Scroll down to know more!
In This Article
9 Best Japanese Toners Of 2024
1. Best Alcohol-Free:DHC Mild Lotion Facial Toner
The DHC Mild Lotion Facial Toner contains antioxidant-rich cucumber juice extract that soothes your skin, glycerin protects the skin’s natural moisture barrier, and licorice root extract nourishes the skin. The alcohol-free formula tones and refreshes your skin. This product prepares the skin to absorb the maximum benefits from the moisturizer and forms the third step of the Japanese traditional skin care regimen. This product has amazing positive reviews for being effective and gentle on sensitive skin.
Pros
- Gentle formula
- Non-irritating
- Moisture-locking
- Ideal for all skin types
- Fragrance-free
- Colorant-free
Cons
- Might make the skin sticky
- Might not absorb completely
"This toner feels hydrating on the skin. It helps reduce the pore size and soothe the skin. It keeps the natural balance of the skin intact and can be used under makeup or after cleaning the face. It is a good choice for those who are on the lookout for a gentle yet effective toner."
Quick TipApply the toner when the skin is still damp after a cleanse. This will help the toner to penetrate better into your skin and get easily absorbed.
2. Best Hyaluronic Acid Infused:HADALABO Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist
This fantastic toner helps alleviate dry and rough skin and makes it supple just like an excellent moisturizer. This toner has a light texture that helps reduce fine lines owing to the presence of hyaluronic acid. Regular use also helps in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines as well. If you want to know about an honest reviewer’s experience of the HADALABO Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist, click on this video.
Pros
- Light on skin
- Skin-plumping
- Easy absorption formula
- Applies easily
- Moisturizes skin
- Suitable for all types of skin
Cons
- Quiet expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 2,395 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
3. Best Quick-Absorption Formula:Kikumasamune Sake Rich Moisture Lotion Toner
This miracle toner is highly sought-after and for a good reason! It helps tone your skin and restores the natural shine upon regular use. To make the moisturizing action more effective, it is curated with an advanced formula with moisturizing ingredients that helps relieve the skin from any dry patches. This formula absorbs quickly and is easy to apply, making you look flawless in no time! The excellent customer reviews of this toner on Amazon shows why it is a must-have product.
Pros
- Acidic formula offers protection
- Alcohol-free
- Suits all skin types
- Easy-absorption
- Rich texture
Cons
- May have an unpleasant aroma
"This toner/moisturizer has a watery feel to it which feels light on the skin. It adds a decent amount of hydration without making your skin sticky. You can use it on your face as well as your body, which is cool."
4. Best For Spot-Free Skin:Obagi Nu-Derm Toner
This all-round toner is the perfect addition to your skincare routine that helps you achieve brighter skin. It moisturizes and repairs the skin from within when used daily. This radiance-boosting cleanses the pores and brightens skin tone. It’s an ideal choice for dull skin, as it instantly hydrates the skin to achieve an even and clear complexion. Its alcohol-free, pH-balancing formula acts in the benefit of the skin and helps heal wounds and acne scars, leaving your skin spot-free!
Pros
- Acts as a super hydrating agent
- Provides a healthy glow to the skin
- Evens out skin tone
- Repairs cell and pores
- Anti-blemish
- Alcohol-free
- Helps in maintaining the pH levels of the skin
Cons
- May take time to absorb into the skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 1,548 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
5. Best For Soft Skin:IPSA The Time Reset Aqua
The IPSA The Time Reset Aqua contains aqua presenter III and 1000 trillion fine moisturizing molecules. These ingredients penetrate the skin, combat skin dehydration, and increase its natural hydration level. This toner locks your skin’s moisture barrier, leaving it soft and refreshed. It is enriched with hyaluronic acid that is mattifying, reduces acne, and shrinks enlarged pores. “It also contains tranexamic acid which is a known brightening agent. It interferes with the production of melanin by inhibiting the interaction of melanocytes with keratinocytes, thereby, reducing dark spots,” adds Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD, Philippine Dermatological Society.
Pros
- Hydrates the skin
- Oil-control
- Improves skin texture
- Reduces acne
Cons
- None
"This product can be called a skin nourisher. It keeps your skin moisturized without that heavy feeling. It is suitable for those with sensitive skin as well. Its texture is a bit on the thick side, but surprisingly, it doesn't feel heavy on the skin."
Quick TipStore your toner in the refrigerator; doing so can increase the shelf life of the toner as well as help with depuffing your skin and calm inflamed skin.
6. Best For Dull Skin:SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
The SK-II Facial Treatment Essence brightens and even tones dull skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and dark spots. This toner is made of 90% PITERA, which contains 50 micronutrients. This ingredient replenishes the skin’s moisture barrier to treat signs of aging and protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Pros
- Reduces signs of aging
- Dermatologist-tested
- Replenishes moisture barrier
- Contains 90% PITERA
- Even tones the skin
Cons
- Insufficient quantity
7. Best Paraben-Free:Onsen Japanese Clean & Clear Face Toner
This is a toner that women across the globe cannot get enough of—the reason being its composition, which includes natural minerals from the Onsen hot springs of Japan. The essential minerals bring longevity and repair damaged skin cells, replenishing and revitalizing your skin. This pH-restoring toner acts as an astringent that not only cleanses the skin but also reduces the size of the pores.
Pros
- Curated using natural minerals
- Pore-minimizing
- Moisturizes skin
- Restores the natural skin barrier
- Alkaline in nature aiding in skin revitalization
- Paraben-free
- Maintains the pH levels of the skin
- Long-term use prevents the appearance of wrinkles
Cons
- May not suit sensitive skin
"This toner cleans the skin well. It has a spa-like fragrance and keeps the skin balanced without drying it out. I've experienced zero breakouts or dryness with this one, which is a plus!"
8. Best For All Skin Types:MUJI Sensitive Skin Moisturizing Toning Water/Toner
This light serum formula is suitable for sensitive skin as it is devoid of added preservatives and chemicals. It absorbs instantly and offers a non-greasy to the skin surface. This product has no fragrance or artificial color and is completely alcohol and paraben-free. This product has a moisturizing effect on the skin, so you can use it right after you take off all your makeup.
Pros
- Can be used as a base for foundation
- Lightweight texture
- Protects against harmful chemicals present in makeup
- Absorbs easily and convenient to apply
- Sensitive-skin friendly
Cons
- Not suitable for dry skin
"This light toner is gentle on the skin. Its consistency is like water, which makes it a breeze to use with other products. It is fragrance-free, so no weird reactions and my skin stays hydrated, even in tough weather."
Pro TipUse your facial toner as an after shave solution which will help to remove any dead skin cells and unclog the pores on your skin from the shaving cream or foam.
9. Best For pH Balance:Chyururia Hyaluronic Acid Skin Conditioner
Say hello to flawless, beautiful skin with this toner! It is a perfect base for dry skin as it moisturizes and improves skin tone. It is known to have a rejuvenating effect on the skin that also restores the skin’s elasticity, making it supple and radiant and leaving you with glass skin. It acts as a detoxifying cleansing agent that helps in getting rid of impurities and unclogs pores, making it suitable for oily skin. It balances the pH level of the skin and heals it by slowly replenishing the damaged cells.
Pros
- Restores skin elasticity
- Improves skin tone
- Hydrates dry skin
- Easy absorption
- Maintains pH balance of skin
- Feels light on skin
Cons
- Excessive use on sensitive skin might disturb the pH levels
"This rose water toner is quite hydrating on the skin. It works great with other cleansers and even takes off light makeup. You can also transfer it into a spray bottle and use it as a refreshing mist. The huge bottle will last you ages!"
Why Do We Need Japanese Toners
As discussed before, Japanese products not only help rejuvenate the skin but also replenishes the skin in the long run.
- Japanese toners have a watery texture that makes them easy to apply.
- Most toners are moisturizing in nature.
- These toners help in balancing out the pH levels of the skin resulting in less damage.
- Japanese toners effectively retain moisture from the skin.
- Most Japanese toners have a therapeutic effect on underlying skin issues like acne, open pores, sensitive spots, etc., from resurfacing.
How To Choose The Best Japanese Toner
To choose the best Japanese toner, specific parameters should be taken into consideration:
- Opt for a professional-grade and expert-recommended non-greasy formula that absorbs easily.
- A toner that is light or airy provides the perfect base for any other steps in your skincare regime
- A Japanese toner with intense moisturizing nature is a good pick as it will not only protect the normal skin but also keep it hydrated
- A composition of hyaluronic acid is perfect for skin-repairing, skin-firming and skin-replenishing.
- A toner containing ceramides is beneficial to achieve supple skin
- Certain Japanese toners are rich in linoleic acid, which makes them suitable for acne-prone skin. However, always do a patch test to avoid any adverse reactions.kin
- Look for clinically proven or dermatologically-tested ingredients if you have sensitive skin.
- For excessively dry skin, Japanese toners infused with oleic acid should be chosen as it instantly hydrates dry skin
- A slightly acidic solution helps in getting an even skin tone
- Japanese toners also contain ‘arbutin’ that can reduce the effects of melanin deposition
- A paraben-free and alcohol-free toner is good for your skin
Infographic: Key Ingredients In Japanese Toners
Japanese toners offer glowing, youthful, and healthy skin. You can benefit from their hydrating, brightening, and soothing properties by incorporating these toners into your skin care routine. Check out the below infographic to learn about the key ingredients to look for in a Japanese toner to achieve radiant skin.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Japanese toners tend to make your skin more radiant and youthful. You can definitely feel a good change in your skin if you make sure to use Japanese toners as a part of your regular skin care regimen. Some of these toners are alcohol-free, which helps in the reduction of excess skin damage. The DHC Mild Lotion Facial Toner prepares the skin for better absorption of other skincare products, and is suitable for all skin types. The HADALABO Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist is light on the skin and helps reduce aging signs, and the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence evenly tones the skin to reduce dark spots. These toners are formulated to nourish and moisturize your skin while hydrating it constantly. However, while purchasing Japanese toners, you should steer clear of the ones that are thick in texture and disrupt easy absorption.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Krati Darak is a skin care enthusiast who loves to write about different beauty products as they hit the shelves. She prefers using a Japanese toner because it is the key to flawless and radiant skin. She has sifted through various online reviews and product specifications before curating the list. Her recommended products add a boost of hydration to your skin and add a healthy glow to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Japanese and American toners?
Japanese toners use gentle and organic active ingredients that look after your skin. But American toners might use more harsh chemicals that could prove to be detrimental to your skin.
What are the ingredients in a Japanese toner?
Usually, Japanese toners use a blend of chemical and natural components that are proven beneficial for your skin. However, some of the common ingredients that are found in a daily-use toner are glycerine, alcohol, collagen, hyaluronic acid, trehalose, etc.
How should you use Japanese toners?
• Double cleanse your skin to get rid of all the existent dirt.
• Soak a cotton ball with a few drops of the Japanese toner or pour it onto your palms.
• Gently swipe the cotton all over your face and neck. Or pat the product on your skin.
• Let it sit for a few seconds and dry before following up with a moisturizer.
Which Japanese toner is the best for dry skin?
The Chyururia Hyaluronic Acid Skin Conditioner is the best for dry skin. The Bulgarian rose water in the formula moisturizes the dry patches of your skin and the rose oil calms down any irritation.
Which Japanese toner is the best for acne-prone skin?
The IPSA The Time Reset Aqua is best for acne-prone skin. The herbal extracts in the formula provide sebum control and reduce the appearance of acne.
Read full bio of Patricia Gaile Espinosa
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Read full bio of Medha Deb
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
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