Korean skincare companies are known for formulating highly effective products that boost radiance and support overall skin health. If you’re looking to add a toner to your routine, here are our recommendations for the best Korean toners.
Our Recommendations
1. Supple Preparation Facial Toner
Klairs Toner for Hydrating and Soothing
Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner
This gentle toner is packed with botanical extracts that work to nourish, moisturize, soothe, and balance the skin’s pH level.
This vegan and cruelty-free toner is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a gentle moisturizing toner to add to their routine. It contains beta glucan and centella asiatica extract, which both soothe irritation and redness, as well as hyaluronic acid, which attracts and locks in hydration.
Pros
- Gentle
- Hydrating
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Artificial fragrance-free
Cons
- Contains fragrant essential oils, which may irritate those with scent sensitivities
In addition to the ingredients mentioned above, this daily toner contains licorice root, which improves the appearance of uneven skin tone.
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
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Centella asiatica in cosmetology"
Accessed Jan. 24, 2022. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Hyaluronic Acid"
Accessed Jan. 24, 2022.
2. SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner
Etude House Toner for Soothing and hydrating
Etude House SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner
This gentle toner uses 97% naturally derived ingredients, which work to hydrate, soothe, and balance the skin while repairing skin damage.
This refreshing and lightweight toner is a great daily go-to for those looking for a gentle formula that soothes and hydrates. It features anti-inflammatory panthenol, which hydrates, as well as madecassoside (derived from centella asiatica), which repairs skin damage. It also contains nourishing and anti-inflammatory camellia sinensis leaf extract.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Hydrating
- Gentle
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- May not be hydrating enough for very dry skin
This gentle toner is suitable for sensitive skin, and free of many common irritants, including fragrance, artificial colors, and parabens.
WATER, PROPANEDIOL, GLYCERIN, BETAINE, PANTHENOL, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, POLYGLYCERIN-3, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, DISODIUM EDTA, CARBOMER, MADECASSOSIDE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS ROOT EXTRACT, TOCOPHEROL, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Centella asiatica in cosmetology"
Accessed Jan. 10, 2022. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulations"
Accessed Jan. 10, 2022.
3. Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
COSRX Toner for Soothing, hydrating, and plumping
COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
This gentle toner is packed with black bee propolis, honey, and other ingredients that heal, soothe, hydrate, and protect the skin for a more radiant complexion.
This soothing toner features two ingredients made by bees: propolis extract and honey extract. Nourishing and healing propolis extract is rich in vitamins, and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Honey extract moisturizes the skin to protect the skin’s barrier function. These ingredients (along with others in the formula) help to improve skin texture, plump and support elasticity, and boost radiance.
Pros
- Hydrating
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologist tested
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Some reviewers complain that it feels sticky on the skin
The heavy hitters in this toner are the propolis and honey, but the formula also contains additional hydrating ingredients, including sodium hyaluronate and cassia obtusifolia seed extract.
Propolis Extract, Honey Extract, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Betaine, Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Bee Products in Dermatology and Skin Care"
Accessed Jan. 10, 2022.
4. AHA & BHA Daily Clean Toner
Mizon Toner for Gentle Exfoliation
Mizon AHA & BHA Daily Clean Toner
This toner is an excellent product if you’re looking for gentle daily exfoliation. It contains AHAs, BHAs, and papaya enzymes that exfoliate to unclog pores and smooth tone and texture.
This exfoliating toner contains glycolic acid and lactic acid, which are alpha hydroxy acids. These AHAs work on the surface of the skin to improve tone and texture and minimize signs of aging. It also contains salicylic acid, a BHA that works deep in the pores to unclog and prevent acne.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Exfoliating
Cons
- Contains fragrance
In addition to the AHAs and BHAs, this toner contains glycerin, which hydrates, and papaya fruit extract, which further exfoliates.
Water, Glycerin, Sodium Lactate, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Portulaca Oleracea (Green Purslane) Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Arnica Montana (Arnica) Flower Extract, Artemisia Absinthium (Mugwort) Extract, Achillea Millefolium (Common Yarrow) Extract, Gentiana Lutea (Yellow Gentian) Root Extract, Salicylic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Fragrance
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "An antiaging skin care system containing alpha hydroxy acids and vitamins improves the biomechanical parameters of facial skin"
Accessed Aug. 26, 2021. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Over-the-counter Acne Treatments"
Accessed Aug. 26, 2021.
FAQs
What is the best Korean toner with BHA?
The Mizon AHA & BHA Daily Clean Toner is a great option if you’re looking for an exfoliating toner that contains BHA. It features salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid), as well as alpha hydroxy acids and papaya enzymes. This toner unclogs pores while smoothing texture and improving skin tone.
Which Korean toner is best for oily skin?
If you have oily skin and are looking for an exfoliating toner, try the Mizon AHA & BHA Daily Clean Toner. On the other hand, if you want an oily skin-friendly toner that lightly hydrates and soothes the skin, try the Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner or the Etude House SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner.
Is a toner necessary?
You don’t absolutely need to use a toner to your skincare routine, but it can be beneficial, especially if you’re looking to target specific concerns. For example, if you have dry skin and want to add some extra hydrating power to your routine, you can use a toner that is packed with hydrating ingredients (such as the COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner).
The Bottom Line
If you are thinking about adding a toner to your routine, you can’t go wrong with a product from one of the top Korean skincare companies. Our recommended Korean toners can help you achieve a healthy, radiant complexion.
