If you’ve been following the latest skincare trends, you’ve probably heard a lot about Korean beauty products, or K-beauty. Known for the ability to improve skin tone and texture, reduce visible signs of aging, and improve the overall health and appearance of the skin, Korean beauty products continue to grow in popularity.
One important step in the K-beauty skincare routine is applying a toner to your skin. Would you like to learn more and find the best Korean toner for your skin? Keep reading, and we’ll help you make the perfect selection.
Table of Contents
- Our Picks for the Best Korean Toner
- Best Korean Toner for Glass Skin – Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer
- Best Korean Toner for Glowing Skin – The Face Shop Rice Ceramide Moisturizing Emulsion
- Best Korean Toner for Oily Skin – COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
- Best Korean Toner for Sensitive Skin – Rovectin Skin Essentials Activating Treatment Lotion
- Best Korean Toner for Dry Skin – Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
- Best Korean Toner for Acne-Prone Skin – SOME BY MI AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
- Best Korean Toner for Combination Skin – PYUNKANG YUL Essence Toner
- Best Hydrating Toner Korean – COSRX Hydrium Watery Toner
- Best Korean Toner for Aging Skin – Etude Moistfull Collagen Toner
- Best Korean Toner for Acne Scars – Benton Snail Bee High Content Skin
- How to Use Korean Toners
- Choosing the Right Korean Toner for Your Skin
- FAQs
Our Picks for the Best Korean Toner
In the next few sections, we’ll share our picks for the best Korean toner that you can add to your Korean skincare routine. To help you find the best fit for your needs, we selected the best Korean toner to try based on your skin type and goals.
Best Korean Toner for Glass Skin – Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer
- Softens and moisturizes skin
- Strengthens the moisture barrier
- Lightweight texture
- Soothes skin
If you’re wondering which toner is best in Korea, you may want to take a look at the Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer.
Designed to be a two-in-one addition to your skincare routine, this product works as both a toner and a moisturizer. Made using amino acids from white tea leaf water, the toner will help to strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier, helping it to stay hydrated. It has a lightweight and refreshing formula that softens skin and leaves it feeling soothed and refreshed.
Use it under cream, or skip that step in your routine because of how moisturizing the toner already is by itself.
What Users are Saying
Users have a lot of positive things to say about this Korean toner.
Many refer to it as their Holy Grail and have shared how much it has helped improve their skin. They share that you only need to use a small amount of the toner to experience the benefits it has to offer.
Customers also love that this toner has a gentle formula and doesn’t burn or sting their skin.
Unfortunately, some users with more sensitive skin said that they couldn’t use the toner without it irritating their skin or causing a breakout.
Best Korean Toner for Glowing Skin – The Face Shop Rice Ceramide Moisturizing Emulsion
- Easy to apply
- Softens skin
- Whitens skin
- Delivers anti-aging benefits
- Strengthens skin’s barrier
Which Koren toner is best for skin whitening and helping you achieve glowing skin?
We really like the Rice Ceramide Moisturizing Emulsion from The Face Shop.
Formulated with ceramide (a natural moisturizer) and rice washings (antioxidant-rich), this toner works to soften skin and make it appear more radiant. The antioxidant-rich rice washings also deliver anti-aging benefits to help you achieve a more youthful appearance. The formula is designed with nano technology to ensure fast absorption and to help strengthen the skin’s protective barrier.
What Users are Saying
Those who have tried this Korean toner love how hydrating it is for their skin. Many have shared that they like that the consistency isn’t as runny as that of many other toners. A lot of customers also shared that they enjoyed the fragrance.
However, some found it to be too strong for their sensitive skin. Other users found the toner to be too expensive considering its smaller size.
Best Korean Toner for Oily Skin – COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
- Formulated with AHAs and BHAs to exfoliate skin
- Renews skin
- Leaves skin smooth and bright
- Helps ensure nutrients and beneficial ingredients from other skincare products can penetrate the skin
COSRX is one of the most trusted names in Korean skincare. Their AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner is an excellent option to consider for those with oily skin.
The AHA and BHA ingredients in the formula work to exfoliate the skin and remove impurities This results in cleaner, healthier, and smoother skin. Exfoliating the skin with this toner can also help brighten your complexion.
Additionally, by removing impurities from the skin, your skin will be prepared to accept more of the nutrients and beneficial ingredients from all of the other products in your skincare routine.
What Users are Saying
If you talk to customers who have tried this Korean toner, you’re likely to hear a lot of positive things about it. Many have shared that their skin has improved so much since they started using it. They have noticed that their skin is smoother, feels healthier, and just looks better overall.
However, not all user reviews are so positive. Some shared that the toner was just OK and didn’t perform any better than similar products they’ve tried.
Best Korean Toner for Sensitive Skin – Rovectin Skin Essentials Activating Treatment Lotion
- Works as a toner and essence lotion
- Formulated with 7 types of hyaluronic acid
- Made with gentle and natural ingredients
- Dermatologist tested
- Free of parabens, artificial colors and fragrances, mineral oil, and steroids
- Cruelty-free
If you have sensitive skin and want to find the best toner for your skin type, take a look at the Rovectin Skin Essentials Activating Treatment Lotion.
While seeing the word “lotion” in the face product name may have you wondering if this is really a toner, it is actually both a toner and an essence lotion. When you add it to your routine, it can help hydrate the skin, improve your skin’s anti-aging barrier, soothe the skin, and improve the skin’s texture. With its gentle and natural ingredients, the toner is ideal for users with all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Rovectin even had the toner tested by dermatologists and made it without parabens, artificial colors, artificial fragrances, steroids, mineral oil, or other ingredients that could irritate your skin.
What Users are Saying
Many users with sensitive skin rave about this toner. They have noticed that it has helped improve their skin, without causing any irritation. They love the gentle and natural formula combined with the reasonable price of the toner.
However, some users who tried the toner said that it didn’t deliver the results they were hoping for.
Best Korean Toner for Dry Skin – Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
- Essential-oil free and unscented formula
- Non-irritating formula
- Restores skin
- Balances pH of skin
- Enhances the effectiveness of other skincare products
Are you wondering which Korean toner is best for dry skin? We really like the Supple Preparation Toner from Klairs.
This unscented formula is made without the essential oils in Klairs’ original toner, making it a good option if you don’t like fragrant facial products. The toner, which has a non-irritating formula, works to balance the pH of your skin and allows the other skincare products in your routine to be more effective.
What Users are Saying
This is a popular product among most users who have tried it. Many users with dry skin have shared that this toner is a true lifesaver for them. It has helped hydrate their skin and improve its overall texture.
Unfortunately, not all users were as happy with the toner. Some found it too expensive, while others shared that it didn’t make a difference for their skin.
Best Korean Toner for Acne-Prone Skin – SOME BY MI AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
- Exfoliates skin
- Non-irritating formula
- Suitable for daily use
- Rebalances skin’s pH
- Shrinks pores
If you have acne prone skin, then the 30 Days Miracle Toner from SOME BY MI may be just what you’re searching for. Formulated with AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs, this toner exfoliates the skin to remove impurities and shrink your pores. It will help leave your skin with a silky smooth complexion.
What Users are Saying
Users with acne who have tried this toner are amazed by the result they have seen. Numerous individuals shared that after they added the toner to their routine that they noticed huge improvements in their acne or that their acne had even completely cleared up.
Some customers found that applying this toner was more difficult than other products they’ve tried because of the design of the bottle.
Speaking of toners for oily and acne prone skin, check out our related post!
Best Korean Toner for Combination Skin – PYUNKANG YUL Essence Toner
- Calms and moisturizes the skin
- Balances skin’s pH
- Hydrates skin
- Made without artificial fragrances, parabens, or alcohol
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for use with all skin types
Have you been searching for which Korean toner is best for combination skin? If so, you may want to try the PYUNKANG YUL Essence Toner. This Korean toner is specially formulated to rebalance the pH of your skin, reduce acne, hydrate the skin, soothe the skin, and even the skin tone. It is formulated without artificial colors or fragrances, parabens, or alcohol.
What Users are Saying
After trying this toner, many users swear that they will never be without it again after the positive impact it has had on their skin. They have shared that it is extremely hydrating and has helped improve their acne-prone, dry, or sensitive skin.
However, others shared that it just didn’t live up to the hype or perform how they were hoping it would.
Best Hydrating Toner Korean – COSRX Hydrium Watery Toner
- Hydrates and moisturizes skin
- Removes impurities from skin
- Rebalances pH level
- Suitable for use on all skin types
With its ingredient list featuring six different types of hyaluronic acid, the Hydrium Watery Toner may be just what you need to deliver much-needed hydration to your skin. The toner’s formula also works to remove impurities from the skin and help rebalance the skin’s pH level.
The toner has a hypoallergenic formula that is free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. It is also cruelty-free.
What Users are Saying
If you ask customers what they think of this product, many will tell you that it is their favorite toner. Users are impressed with how hydrating it is and love that they can use it without irritating their skin.
Sadly, not all users had such a positive experience, and a few found that the toner didn’t deliver enough moisture for their skin.
Best Korean Toner for Aging Skin – Etude Moistfull Collagen Toner
- Helps to moisturize and firm up the skin
- Gives skin a healthy and dewy bounce
- Made without mineral oil, silicone oil, tar color, Triethanolamine, Polyacrylamide, or Imidazolidinyl urea
If you have mature skin, we suggest trying the Etude Moistfull Collagen Toner. Formulated with hydrolyzed collagen, this toner will help firm up your skin to give it a healthy and youthful bounce.
The toner is also very hydrating and works to deliver moisture to the skin, helping to soften skin and improve its texture.
What Users are Saying
Individuals are overwhelmingly pleased that they decided to try this toner. They have noted that it works wonders keeping their skin hydrated and love that it is even helping smooth their wrinkles and fine lines.
However, while some users like the fragrance, others would have preferred an unscented option.
Best Korean Toner for Acne Scars – Benton Snail Bee High Content Skin
- Cools skin
- Allows skin to recover and feel rejuvenated
- Fades acne scars and other blemishes
- Liquidy consistency
- Easy to apply with hands or cotton pads
Finally, we think you may also like the Benton Snail Bee High Content Skin Toner. This toner offers a liquidy formula that is easily absorbed by the skin. The toner offers three featured ingredients: snail secretion filtrate, green tea leaf water, and bee venom. The snail secretion filtrate is designed to help skin recover, while the green tea leaf water helps cool and refresh the skin.
Finally, the bee venom offers anti-inflammatory properties to help clear blemishes or fade acne scars. You can apply the toner to your skin using your hands or a cotton ball, whichever you prefer.
What Users are Saying
An overwhelming majority of individuals who have tried this toner have nothing but positive things to say about it. Some have even gone as far as calling it life-changing. One of the things that users like most about it include its lightweight and watery texture that is so easily absorbed by the skin. They also like that it doesn’t leave behind any sticky residue.
Those who have tried the toner have also shared how much more hydrated and moisturized their skin feels. Some individuals also shared that the toner helped to fade blemishes and dark spots. However, others that purchased it with the hope of fading their acne scars, shared that they didn’t notice any real difference after using the toner for a while.
How to Use Korean Toners
Because each toner may be slightly different, it is best to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations. However, generally speaking, most toners are designed to be used after you have cleansed your face.
Squeeze a little toner onto the palms of your hands, rub your hands together, then use your palms and fingers to gently pat your skin and apply the toner. If you’d prefer, you could also apply toner by saturating a cotton ball or cotton round and then dabbing it on your face.
If needed, repeat the steps above and apply a second, or even more, layer of toner to ensure the skin is sufficiently hydrated and ready for the rest of your routine.
Choosing the Right Korean Toner for Your Skin
Deciding which Korean toner to try may seem a bit overwhelming. However, we’ve tried to help keep it as simple as possible by identifying the best toner to use with different skin types.
Consider your skin type and primary needs to help you decide which of the Korean toners recommended above is right for you.
Interested in reading more about Korean beauty products? Check out these related posts on our blog:
FAQs
What is a toner in Korean skincare?
Toners are an important part of the Korean skincare routine. Their main purpose is to re-balance the skin’s pH, which can be too alkaline after cleansing.
What does toner do?
The role of toner is a bit different in Korean skincare. Most other beauty and skincare routines use toner as part of the cleansing process. One of their main uses is to help remove impurities from the skin that may have been missed by the facial cleanser.
However, toners in Korean skincare are used to re-balance the pH level of the skin. They are still used after cleansing the skin, but with a different goal. Cleansing can make the skin a bit too alkaline. Adding a toner after this step helps to lower the pH to a more balanced level that will help ensure the effectiveness of the other skincare products you use.
Korean toners are also formulated with different ingredients, depending on the brand. You can find Korean toners designed to help tighten the skin and reduce signs of aging, soothe the skin, keep oil production under control, hydrate the skin, and more.