15 Best Korean Toners To Try Out In 2024, According To A Dermatologist

A toner helps purify your skin and minimize the appearance of your skin pores. Unlike regular toners, Korean toners are formulated a bit differently. The best Korean toners help hydrate your skin, balance the skin’s pH level, and cleanse your skin thoroughly. These toners rely on ingredients like mineral water, chamomile extracts, grapeseed oil, carrot oil, and other plant-based ingredients. Furthermore, although most K-toners are ideally scientifically formulated without alcohol, they can still effectively eliminate acne-causing bacteria. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best Korean toners to keep your skin clean and radiant. Read on.

What Does A Toner Do? Is A Toner Really Necessary?

A face toner is considered to be a secret skincare weapon. It has a water-based formula enriched with skin-soothing ingredients like eucalyptus, aloe, peppermint, or other ingredients, depending on your skin type. The primary purpose of using a toner is to gently refresh your skin without stripping off the natural oils and moisture. It prepares the skin to drink up your post-cleansing moisturizer and any other skincare products that you may apply.

Incorporating the right toner in your regular CTM regime is crucial as it removes all the grime, dirt, and oil while leaving a positive impact on your skin’s appearance. It helps restore your skin’s pH balance, refines rough patches, and improves your skin tone.

Now, let’s check out the 15 best Korean toners on the market!

The 15 Best Korean Toners Of 2024, As Per A Dermatologist

1. Top Choice: N.M.F Intensive Hydrating Toner

4.4

Image: N.m.f

BUY ON AMAZON | $13.99

N.M.F Intensive Hydrating Toner is one of the best Korean toners. It was developed by a team of top dermatologists and aestheticians to soothe and strengthen your skin. It keeps your skin naturally hydrated and focuses on skin concerns like dryness, dullness, and uneven skin texture. It is packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, marine minerals, and fatty acids that make your skin look supple and glowy. The thirst-quenching trio of rose water, honey, and tiger grass acts as a powerhouse to provide intense hydration to your skin. The combination of sugar maple and mushroom extracts helps to rejuvenate the skin while also providing a gentle exfoliation.

Pro Tip

Use a cotton pad to apply this toner. Starting from the center of your face, rub the product on your face in outward motions.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has received 441 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.

2. Best Soothing: THANKYOU FARMER Rice Pure Essential Toner

4.5

Image: Thankyou Farmer

BUY ON AMAZON | $25.0

THANKYOU FARMER Rice Pure Essential Toner is formulated with a combination of rice extracts and other essential ingredients that reduce the appearance of dullness, even out skin tone, and balance oil production. Rice extracts remove dullness, lotus flower extract increases your skin’s vitality, and Centella asiatica extract imparts a gentle soothing effect. This Korean toner has proven to deliver visible results, removing dirt and impurities to improve skin texture and rejuvenate tired skin. It is a brightening Korean toner for combination skin that imparts a healthy complexion.

Also Recommended By: We Heart This has also listed THANKYOU FARMER Rice Pure Essential Toner in their top 10.^{[1]9 Best Korean Toners For Different Skin Types. We Heart This. https://weheartthis.com/best-korean-toners/}

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

Almost 457 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.

3. Best Hydrating: IOPE Super Vital Softener Facial Toner

4

Image: Iope Super

BUY ON AMAZON | $55.28

IOPE Super Vital Softener Facial Toner gives you a fresh boost of intense hydration and offers the right amount of nutrition that your skin needs. It is an anti-aging facial toner that brightens your skin tone while refining fine lines and wrinkles. This ultra-moisturizing toner locks in essential moisture and restores the youthful glory of your damaged skin. This Korean skin toner for combination skin is enriched with youth-boosting plant extracts and antioxidants that delay the process of skin aging, promoting healthy skin. It also boosts collagen production to give you healthy-looking and robust skin. The blend of antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients improves skin elasticity and gives a radiant glow to tired skin. Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD, Philippine Dermatological Society, says, “This also protects your skin against harmful UV rays, which makes it a good anti-aging product. Flavonoids act as sunscreen, and can counteract inflammation brought about by UV rays on the skin”.

	N.M.F Intensive Hydrating Toner Top Choice	THANKYOU FARMER Rice Pure Essential Toner Best Soothing	IOPE Super Vital Softener Facial Toner Best Hydrating
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
Skin Type	Dry, sensitive, oily, combo	Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal	Combination,Dry
Dimensions	-	2.17 x 2.17 x 7.09 inches	-
Weight	-	6.76 Ounces.	-
Rating
Reviews	441	457	23
Price	$13.99	$25.0	$55.28

4. Best For Skin Barrier: Missha Time Revolution The First Essence

4.3

Image: Soko Glam

BUY ON AMAZON | $30.95

The Missha Time Revolution The First Essence is a highly concentrated and powerful facial essence that helps to improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin. This calming toner has a formula enriched with 97% Cica fermented yeast extracts, which helps to soothe and calm irritated skin, while also helping to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier. The pH balance of this essence helps to maintain the natural balance of the skin, preventing dryness and excess oiliness, particularly in those with sensitive skin types.

Nyobie, a blogger, shares an honest opinion on the product after purchasing 3 bottles of it. She says, “By the end of the second bottle, I started noticing that my skin was brighter just in general without makeup and that I no longer seemed to have dry areas that plague my skin as the weather gets colder and showers get hotter (i).”

With regular use, this essence can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by infusing essential moisture while also promoting a brighter and more youthful complexion.

5. Best Dermatologist-Tested: AHC Aqualuronic Toner

4.4

Image: Ahc

BUY ON AMAZON | $38.42

AHC Aqualuronic Toner is a moisture-rich and hydrating toner crafted by K-beauty experts to maintain healthy skin. Its lightweight, refreshing formula is a unique blend of hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and French seawater. The toner has 3 types of hyaluronic acid that offer a fresh boost of intense hydration and refine your skin’s texture. This hydrating Korean toner has a gel-based formula and is based on the clinically verified Korean aesthetic approach. This toner has a lightweight texture, is non-greasy, and spreads evenly on the skin. Check out this video for clear visuals from one of the top K-skin care reviewers on Youtube.

Pro Tip

Pair this toner with a hyaluronic acid-induced moisturizer and serum to keep the skin supple and hydrated.

6. Best pH-Balanced: Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner

4.6

Image: Klairs

Now 9% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $19.96

Suitable for: All skin types

The Supple Preparation Facial Toner by Dear, Klairs contains Phyto-Oligo, an extremely hydrating ingredient that can fight skin dryness. This pH-balancing toner also contains amino acids and plant extracts that calm inflammation and soothe the skin. This all-day moisturizing toner sinks into your skin quickly, keeping it hydrated and soft for longer. It is tested to be gentle on the skin. You can have a look at the videoto know more. Click here to check out a detailed personal review of this product.

A blogger purchased this product twice and writes in her blog, “It’s nice to have this in my routine due to its soothing and hydrating effects. The finish is also light, which makes it nice to use as a refresher before/after the gym. It is also gentle enough that when my skin was really dry and flakey, applying this toner didn’t sting or hurt in any way at all. All in all, I like this toner for its ability to hydrate my skin – especially when it’s dry (ii).”

7. Best Mineral Oil-Free: The Face Shop Rice And Ceramide Moisturizing Toner

4.3

Now 30% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $8.4

Suitable for: Sensitive and dry skin types

If your skin needs an extra boost of hydration, try the Rice And Ceramide Moisturizing Toner by The Face Shop. It contains ceramides, rice extracts, and rice bran oil that gently exfoliate the dead skin cells. Ceramide shields the skin moisture and helps maintain healthy skin. This toner is made using naturally grown vegetable ceramides that don’t harm the natural moisture barrier of your skin. It is the best Korean toner for dry skin. This toner hydrates your skin giving plumpy feel (check out the video to know more). Click here to check out this YouTuber’s unbiased review.

8. Best Skin-Rejuvenating: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner

4.5

Image: Missha

BUY ON AMAZON | $15.1

The Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner is a luxurious and nourishing skincare product that is perfect for those looking to hydrate and rejuvenate their skin. The lightweight formula is tested to be safe for people with sensitive skin types. This toner is enriched with hyaluronic acid and beta-glucan which work together to moisturize and plump up the skin deeply. The toner is also formulated with fermented black rice and bamboo shoot barks, which help to soothe and calm the skin, while the Ecocert-certified hyaluronic acid helps to retain moisture and improve skin elasticity. The toner is also enriched with vegetable-derived glycerin, which helps to nourish and protect the skin, leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and radiant.

It is also clinically-tested for safety against skin irritation.

9. Best Non-Comedogenic: Etude House Soonjung pH 5.5 Relief Toner

4.5

Image: Etude House

Now 12% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $16.52

Suitable for: All skin types, especially sensitive and dry skin

The Soonjung Relief Toner by Etude House is a weak acidic toner that helps the skin maintain its normal pH balance for a healthy and refreshed feel. It contains glycerine that protects the skin’s moisture barrier, relieves stress, and combats skin dryness, irritation, and sensitivity. It also has panthenol and madecassoside that heals damaged, irritated skin and offers a cooling effect to heated skin. It has a proven track record in clinical settings to verify its hypoallergenic formula. Here’s a personal review video to help you get a better understanding of the product.

10. Best For Acne-Prone Skin: Dear Hydration Toner

4.3

Image: Dear Hydration

BUY ON AMAZON | $24.0

Suitable for: Dry and sensitive skin types

This hydrating toner is a favorite among people with dry skin. This acne-fighting toner has an intensely hydrating formula that contains neem, holy basil, and peppermint extracts that help fight acne, boost skin immunity, reduce the appearance of acne scars and spots, and even out your skin tone. It is the best Korean toner for acne-prone skin. Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD, Philippine Dermatological Society, says, “Neem contains antioxidants that helps with discoloration. Holy basil reduces inflammation and improves acne”.

11. Best Moisturizing: Innisfree Green Tea Balancing Toner

4.6

Image: Innisfree

BUY ON AMAZON | $17

Suitable for: Combination skin

This is a skin-balancing toner loaded with the extracts of Jeju green tea and green tea seeds. The green tea harvested in the nutrient-rich soil of Jeju Island contains amino acids and essential nutrients that keep your skin moisturized. It has a water-like lightweight texture that gets absorbed quickly and without causing any stickiness. Its proven efficacy has afforded it the title of best Korean toner for combination skin

12. Best Non-Sticky: Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Toner

4.5

Image: Mizon

BUY ON AMAZON | $19.5

Suitable for: All skin types

Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Toner contains snail mucin extracts that help maintain the skin balance and improves its vitality. It hydrates your skin, repairs any damage, and brightens it up. The clean lightweight formula is ideal for sensitive skin types. It contains a 30% snail slime that nourishes your skin without feeling sticky. It is the best Korean skincare toner.

13. Best For All Skin Types: Cosrx AHA BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

4.4

Image: Cosrx

BUY ON AMAZON | $19.17

Suitable for: All skin types

This exfoliating toner has a very mild AHA/BHA formulation. AHA and BHA mainly help in the exfoliation of dead skin cells and even out the skin tone and texture to reveal a bright and clear complexion. Moreover, this gentle peeling solution makes sure that the other skincare products you apply sink deep into your skin. It contains apple fruit and willow bark water that enhance skin vitality and help repair damaged skin. Click here to check out a detailed personal review of this product.

Note: If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test before using it. Apply sunscreen before stepping out.

14. Best Multipurpose: COSRX Hydrium Watery Toner

4.5

Image: Cosrx

BUY ON AMAZON | $20.0

Suitable For: All skin types, especially sensitive skin

Korean skincare is all about natural and fermented ingredients. This Hydrium Watery Toner by COSRX deeply moisturizes the skin, keeping it hydrated for long. It contains Hydrium Synergy-8 complex, a blend of hyaluronic acid, D-panthenol, and allantoin that keep the skin moist and intensely hydrated for an attractive dewy glow. This toner can also be used as a facial spray, cleansing, or cooling mask.

15. Best Anti-Aging:   Skin Food Peach Sake Toner

4.4

Image: Skin Food Since 1957

Now 25% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $11.25

Suitable for: Oily and acne-prone skin types

Rice’s sake (rice wine or fermented rice water) has immense skin benefits. It has anti-aging and skin softening properties. The Peach Sake Toner by Skin Food contains rice wine and peach extracts that help control excess sebum production by reducing the appearance of skin pores. It also contains herbal extracts that soothe irritation. It is the best Korean toner for oily acne-prone skin..

Wondering what are the benefits of adding a toner to your skincare routine? Find out below!

Benefits Of Using A Toner

• Cleanses your skin.
• Effectively removes grime and impurities.
• Keeps your pores clean and prevents acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.
• Hydrates your skin.
• Restores your skin’s pH balance.
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Diminishes the appearance of pores.
• Prevents the growth of ingrown hairs.
• Evens out the complexion of your skin.
• Gives your skin a radiant and vibrant glow.

Facial toners are crafted with different formulas according to different skin types. Therefore, before you purchase a toner, certain factors need to be taken into account: Check them out in the next section.

Things To Consider Before Buying A Skin Toner

• Skin Type

Determine your skin type – whether it’s dry, oily, mature, sensitive, or combination.

1. Those who have dry skin often face skin issues like cracking, peeling, irritation, redness, dry patches, and itchiness. If you have dry skin, choose a hydrating toner that contains ingredients like peptides, glycolipids, rose hips seed oil, jojoba oil, and dimethicone.
2. If you have oily skin, a refreshing toner that doubles as an oil-control toner is going to be your ideal pick. Pick toners that contain oil-free ingredients like sodium hyaluronate, sodium PCA, and AHA.
3. Choosing the right toner for combination skin can be a bit tricky. You can go for two different toners, one for the summer months and another for the winter months. Use a refreshing toner with oil-free ingredients for the summer months and a hydrating and moisturizing toner with ingredients like rosehip oil or jojoba oil for the winter months.
4. Sensitive skin type requires a gentle or soothing toner. Pick mild toners that are entirely free from alcohol, acids, and synthetic colorants. Use toners with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich ingredients like beta-glucans, sea whip, white tea extract, and glycerin. While fragrances like lily, jasmine, and woody notes are relaxing, they may not suit sensitive skin. So, avoid products with dyes and synthetic fragrances.
5. Anti-aging toners that are suitable for mature skin contain antioxidants like vitamin C. Vitamin C slows down the signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots while increasing skin elasticity and boosting collagen production.

• Ingredients

Check the ingredients list before buying a toner. Irrespective of the skin type you have, avoid harsh astringent toners like alcohol, menthol, and witch hazel. These ingredients will cause skin irritation and deplete your skin’s natural oils. Also, do not buy toners with fragrance, such as rose water or citrus fruits. Fragrances can also cause skin irritation.

Now, let’s answer the most important question.

Do You Need A Toner?

A toner removes leftover dirt, makeup, and oil after washing your face with a cleanser. Besides, it restores the skin’s pH level. It also allows other skincare products, such as serums and moisturizers, to get absorbed better into your skin, thereby increasing their efficacy.

Toner is recommended for people with acne-prone skin as it eliminates oil and prevents breakouts. They also help in exfoliating, moisturizing, and re-balancing your skin. These pore-tightening toners shrink the size of enlarged pores. Those who have dry skin can prevent dryness by using toners. There’s more! Toners also have anti-aging benefits. Alcohol-free toners can soothe your skin.

Now, if you’re wondering if it’s essential to use a toner, there’s no compulsion. But, it can be a beneficial addition to your skincare routine. It can help you get your desired skin. You can find any type of toner that fits your skin, be it a redness-reducing toner or a sensitive-skin toner. You can also find those that are environment conscious, like fragrance-free toners, alcohol-free toners, and cruelty-free toners.

Why Trust Stylecraze?

The author of this post, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach. After thorough research and an extensive read of many different products, she recommends these best Korean toners. She also adds that these products help you reach your ideal skincare goals. These toners are a must-have in your skin care regime, and the best part is along with minimizing the appearance of your skin pores, these toners also hydrate your skin as they are made with natural ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I properly use a toner?

Saturate a cotton pad with your favorite facial toner, then swipe it over your entire face and neck. Always use a toner after washing your face and before applying a serum or a moisturizer.

Can I use a toner with other skincare products?

Toners act as the primary and most crucial step to your cleansing routine. They can always be used before you apply other skincare products like facial serums or moisturizers.

How does toner differ from an essence and cleansing water?

A toner balances the pH level of your skin and helps you get rid of any other impurities left on it after cleansing. An essence is most commonly used in a Korean skincare routine to prepare your skin for other skincare products. Cleansing water, on the other hand, helps you remove makeup or other impurities.

How do Koreans put toner on?

Usually, those who follow a Korean skincare routine, deep-clean their face with an oil-based cleanser and follow it up with a water-based cleanser. Then, they soak a cotton pad with a few drops of the toners and gently apply it to their cleansed skin. The last step is to apply a lightweight moisturizer.

Is toner safe to use every day?

Yes, toners are completely safe to be used daily. They gently exfoliate your skin and allow your skin products to penetrate deeper and utilize their potency to the most. Some toners can also prevent acne.

Can I skip moisturizer after toner?

No. Toners that have hydrating agents do boost intense moisture into your skin and act as a humectant. However, very few toners are so potent that they can replace a moisturizer. It’s always advisable to use a light moisturizer after applying a hydrating toner.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Patricia Gaile EspinosaMD

     

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

Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

 

Shiboli 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

Aditi NaskarAssociate Commerce Editor

Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.

Read full bio of Aditi Naskar

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha