If you’ve been on the hunt for the perfect and safe toner for your skin, you’ve probably heard about K Beauty toners.
There is a massive hype surrounding Korean skincare.
Have you ever seen their glowy skin with completely even texture?! That’s because Korean skincare regime is on the next level.
Now, lots of people say Korean beauty products are more effective and safer.
Most people tend to switch to K Beauty (including Korean toners), because other products tend to irritate their skin or cause breakouts, so they seek beauty without the harsh effects of irritants.
Korean toners are deemed better and safer than many others, and I have to admit most of them actually ARE. But that doesn’t mean all of them are completely safe or natural, just because they are made in Korea.
Even if you check the label for any harsh ingredients, it may be quite difficult to decide what’s safe and what’s unsafe, because most of them sound strange or are almost impossible to pronounce!
That’s why I did the hard work for you and carefully checked all those popular and best-selling Korean toners (yes, I did a research on all those strange ingredients!).
Here I’m presenting you the ultimate list of the best K beauty toners that are not only effective but also safe and free from irritants!
9 Best K Beauty Toners
My favorite best Korean toners are jam-packed with skin-friendly ingredients that not only cleanse your skin but balance the pH and replenish hydration, which makes the next skincare steps work more efficiently.
With my Korean toner review you’ll get a better insight into choosing the perfect toner that: is clean, safe, and non-irritating (free from artificial fragrances, synthetic colorants, and harsh chemicals) and can work miracles for your skin.
1. Round Lab Mugwort Calming Toner
Our verdict: Best Korean soothing toner
Round Lab calming toner lives true to its name. It contains Mugwort which has been known to calm the redness while preventing breakouts.
The anti-inflammatory, calming, and skin-protective Mugwort combats acne-causing bacteria, making it one of the best Korean toners for acne-prone skin types.
Added bonus: Mugwort contains vitamin A that helps with skin renewal, as well as vitamin C that offers brightening benefits.
Another ingredient of this Korean toner, Madecassoside (the active ingredient of the Centella Asiatica plant) helps reduce inflammation while improving skin quality.
Irish moss boosts the moisture content of the skin due to its hydrophilic nature, protecting the skin’s moisture barrier.
Also, this water-based lightweight toner applies easily leaving no residue and layers easily.
Why You Will Love It
Here are some of the benefits of this soothing toner that make it wonderful choice for sensitive skin:
- It soothes skin like no other
Most girls who used this Korean toner raved about its calming properties and being gentle on their skin. It reduces redness and skin irritation. If you have sensitive skin, girl you’re in for a treat!
- It reduces breakouts and acne scarring
According to women who have been using this toner, it is a great pick for people with acne-prone skin.
It helps improve acne scars and eczema and even boosts the production of collagen (thanks to the Centella Asiatica extract), making it the right toner for repairing acne-prone skin.
- Perfect sebum control
It renders the skin supple while removing excess oil. Many individuals with oily skin have reported that it can help control oil production without drying the skin out.
This makes it a great option for people with oily skin.
- Anti-aging benefits
As you may know, antioxidants fight free radical damage, reversing the signs of aging.
Many users reported clearer skin with improved skin texture after using this toner, due to its anti-aging properties.
Keep In Mind
Some individuals with dry skin report that they need to add extra moisture after using this toner, hence this might not be the one for very dry skin.
2. COSRX AHA BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Our verdict: Best Korean toner for oily and acne-prone skin
It is one of the best Korean toners easily, if you are looking for an exfoliating toner or want to get this for blackheads and whiteheads. It exfoliates dead skin cells and removes dirt, revealing fresh skin that is ready for the next skincare products.
Bursting with the goodness of nature such as willow bark water and apple water, this AHA BHA clarifying treatment toner removes excess grime with gentle exfoliation.
Some people might be skeptical about the AHA/BHA but rest assured, this toner is perfect for anyone who yearns for clarified skin and wants to reduce blemishes.
The glycolic acid (AHA) exfoliates skin with visible clarity and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Whereas salicylic acid (BHA) helps combat excess oil production and decongest large pores.
Why You Will Love It
Here are a few benefits of this Korean skin toner:
- It exfoliates without drying out the skin
The COSRX AHA BHA clarifying toner has earned COSRX some loyal fans because it offers gentle exfoliation without stripping the skin’s natural oils.
Some individuals with oily skin rave about their skin feeling instantly hydrated and fresh.
- It soothes and softens the skin
This exfoliating toner removes dull skin and improves skin texture. It leaves the skin smooth, soft, and glowing.
- It can prevent breakouts
The AHA and BHA work together to prevent acne and reduce breakouts, hence being suitable for acne-prone skin.
- Bye-bye clogged pores!
Often thought of as the holy grail for women with oily skin, this magical toner controls excessive sebum and removes dead skin cells, blackheads, whiteheads, and other impurities.
Many users claim that this Korean toner minimizes the appearance of skin pores.
- Talk about convenience
What makes it even better is that it comes in a mist spray bottle. It’s easier to get just the right amount you need, instead of pouring tons of it from a bottle to a cotton pad.
- Safe for daily use
As mentioned on the label, the toner is good for everyday use, since the concentration of the active ingredients is low. It is the best Korean toner especially for acne-prone and oily skin types.
Keep In Mind
Despite claiming to be suitable for all skin types, a few individuals with sensitive skin have reported irritated skin, redness and breakouts due to AHA and BHA.
PRO TIP: For added glow and hydration, I recommend applying this COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence after using the toner. The Galactomyces ferment filtrate adds freshness to tired-looking skin while reviving it with a burst of antioxidants and hyaluronic acid.
3. BENTON Deep Green Tea Toner
Our verdict: One of the best Korean toners for skin dryness
This hydrating toner makes for one of the best Korean toners, especially because it incorporates green tea, specially harvested from Boseong.
It traps moisture in the skin keeping it hydrated all day long.
It contains 53% of green tea water with no added fragrance. Due to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Benton Deep Green Tea Toner works well for sensitive skin types (no redness or irritation after applying it!).
It is fragrance-free and does not contain any harmful ingredients, making it the best Korean toner for dry skin.
Why You Will Love It
- It maintains water-oil balance
The gentle formula of this moisturizing toner maintains the skin barrier without drying it out. Lots of women and men who tested many toners say that this is the best Korean toner for dry skin and oily skin types.
- It soothes sensitive skin
Most girls that use this toner rave about its ability to soothe sensitive skin by creating a cooling effect. If your skin is constantly irritated, it will finally catch a break and irritation will be a thing of the past with this toner.
- It revitalizes the skin
Due to the antioxidants, it will reveal fresh skin and keep dullness at bay. It also helps with aging!
Keep In Mind
Some users report it to be a good fit for summer, but not enough for the harsh cold winters.
4. COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Our verdict: Best nourishing K-beauty toner
Containing 72% Black Bee Propolis extract and hyaluronic acid, this brightening toner keeps the skin moisturized yielding a better skin complexion. It is also known to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
The honey extract in this toner revitalizes the skin, adding a healthy glow while improving skin tone and texture. It is a natural humectant – perfect ingredient for a moisturizing toner.
It will make your dewy skin dreams come true while using natural gentle ingredients.
Why You Will Love It
- Deeply nourishes the skin
Among the advantages, users mention that their skin felt deeply rejuvenated. This is due to propolis, which fights free radical damage and yields healthy glowing skin. This refreshing toner penetrates deeply into the skin to improve elasticity and texture.
- Brightens the skin
What most women loved about this product is that they were finally able to see a difference in their dark spots. Thanks to propolis and Vitamin B!
- Heals acne scars
Another advantage is how it fades acne scars and prevents breakouts.
Keep In Mind
Some users think it might not be hydrating enough for dry skin types.
PRO TIP: If you have a sensitive skin type, I recommend you to try out this COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner. It helped me a lot to reduce redness and irritation which other toners only made worse.
It supplies minerals to the skin while soothing it. It doesn’t disrupt the water-oil balance in your skin, as it is alcohol-free.
5. ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Toner Plus
Our verdict: Most intensive hydrating toner
The key ingredients are 5 different types of hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts (Centella Asiatica extract, aloe leaf extract, etc.) that soothe, plump, and improve the texture and skin elasticity.
Their patented formula is a 7 plant extract that locks in and retains moisture. With its slippery and dense formula, you can actually feel the moisture penetrating your skin layers.
Why You Will Love It
- Intensive hydration
This extremely hydrating Korean toner leaves you hydrated like no other because it builds moisture layer by layer.
It deeply moisturizes the skin, being the best moisturizing toner for dry skin, as well as combination skin.
- Rejuvenated skin
The hydrating ingredients prevent the loss of moisture and assist the skin with self-regeneration.
Many users claim that using this toner helps to get rid of skin tightness they experience after washing their faces.
Keep In Mind
Hyaluronic acid can cause the skin to dry out if applied to a very dry face after cleansing, drawing hydration from deeper layers.
Always apply hyaluronic acid toner to damp skin, closely followed by a serum/moisturizer to lock in the moisture.
6. By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water
Our verdict: Awesome gently exfoliating toner
Its ingredients are non-irritating while keeping the water-oil balance in check, leading to reduced acne and blemishes.
This facial toner does not disrupt the skin barrier so it can be used daily with no irritation reported. It’s free from synthetic fragrances.
Why You Will Love It
- Good for acne-prone skin
Since Mandelic acid improves pigmentation and heals blemishes, most women with acne reported reduced acne breakouts.
- Reveals healthy skin
Most women who use this skin toner claim that their uneven skin tone, dullness, and skin texture improved with regular use, revealing glowing skin. This facial toner removes dirt from pores.
- Hello plump skin
Beta-glucan makes the skin plump and protects the skin’s natural barrier, visibly locking the moisture and improving the skin’s elasticity.
Keep In Mind
Some individuals with sensitive skin report dry and flaky skin after use.
7. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Face Toner
Our verdict: Hydrating & anti-blemish power in one
Loaded with natural ingredients, this is one of the best Korean toners with no harmful chemicals.
The watermelon extract delivers amino acids, which are the building blocks for collagen production. The PHA and BHA remove sebum and impurities and tighten the appearance of pores.
Other key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, cucumber and tea tree extract instantly hydrate the skin while keeping it plump, hydrated, and clear of bacterial infections.
Why You Will Love It
- Fresh glowing skin
This Korean hydrating toner works on locking moisture as well as a gentle exfoliation. Most women felt their skin was hydrated and clean.
- Minimized pores
The most raved effect of this toner is its ability to minimize the appearance of pores, due to PHA and BHA. It also keeps blemishes at bay.
- Nature’s cocktail
Amongst other hydrating toners, this one is full of natural ingredients. No wonder so many girls love it.
Keep In Mind
The only thing that I don’t like is that the brand doesn’t really explain what’s behind that “fragrance” ingredient.
8. Pyunkang Yul Facial Essence Toner
Our verdict: Best selling K-beauty toner
Why You Will Love It
- Delivers hydration to all skin types
- Special attention to under eye area
- Improves dry skin
Keep In Mind
The earthy tone can take a while to get used to. Some girls just don’t like it.9. Hero Cosmetics Clear Collective Balancing Capsule Toner
Our verdict: Great option for minimizing the visibility of pores
Loaded with natural ingredients, this is one of the best Korean toners with no harmful chemicals.
This is super popular skin toner especially among people with oily skin who are trying the Korean skincare routine.
This toner contains witch hazel extract, green tea extract, and multiple types of hyaluronic acid which promise adequate hydration, oil production control, and prevention of breakouts.
Why You Will Love It
- Nourishes the skin
The tiny oil capsules of Moringa enrich the skin, improving texture and nourishing the skin.
- Pore refiner
The witch hazel controls excess oil production, giving a mattifying finish while reducing the pore’s size.
- Optimal hydration
The hydrating ingredients leave the skin bouncy and well-quenched.
- Addresses acne prone skin concerns
Most girls with oily and acne-prone skin claim that this toner helped clear their acne significantly.
Keep In Mind
Some users claim it feels more like a serum than a toner.
Final Decision: What Is The Best Korean Toner?
From all of my favorite Korean toners, I choose this Glow Recipe PHA BHA pore-tight face toner as the best toner.
Here are the reasons: it is refreshing, anti-inflammatory, non-comedogenic, and suitable for different skin types. It’s acting as a nourishing, exfoliating, and hydrating toner all at the same time. It is like all your best toners in one.
Other Popular Korean Toners
Now, you can also find other popular toners among K Beauty products, but they do contain one or more ingredients that I’m not a fan of, and I believe you should know the truth about them.
This is a soothing, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic toner that optimizes the skin’s pH balance, hydrates and soothes skin that is irritated due to cleansing. It is one of the most commonly used Korean skincare products, so you know it delivers what it promises.
However, it has EDTA which is a preservative used to elongate the shelf life of products. With its ability to penetrate deeper, it can bring about eczema, eye irritation, and other harmful effects.
Enriched with snail mucin to replenish the skin, this toner ranks among the most popular Korean beauty products.
It contains Centella Asiatica extract and it evens skin texture and tone, with instant hydration and nourishment for the skin.
However, it contains Phenoxyethanol, which can cause eczema, allergic reaction or even lead to life-altering emergencies. It’s not recommended especially for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
This cult-favorite refreshing toner preps the skin to nicely absorb moisture while soothing any skin irritation caused after cleansing.
It optimizes skin pH levels and hydrates it, but the fact that it contains Disodium EDTA renders it somewhat less safe to use on our skin.
This toner packs hydration and antioxidants in one formula, as it includes green tea extract and green tea seed oil.
It provides deep hydration and preps the skin, but the acrylates and Disodium EDTA make me wonder if it’s really safe.
Many users recommend it, but since you need to be careful what we put on your skin, I believe there are much safer options available.
What Does Korean Toner Do For Your Face?
Depending on the skin type, Korean Toner can prep your skin, deliver adequate moisture, combat dry skin, balance skin’s pH level, protect the skin barrier from harsh cleansing, and maximize absorption of the next product(s).
Depending on what your toner contains, it can have soothing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, exfoliating, and nourishing properties.
Korean toners are usually better and safer than their Western competitors, as they are alcohol-free.
What Are The Best Korean Toner Brands?
Some of the best Korean toners belong to:
- COSRX
- Glow Recipe
- Benton
- Isntree
- Rovectin
- Round Lab
- I’m From (by Wishtrend)
How To Choose A Toner For Your Skin Type
1. Assess Your Skin Type
Identifying your skin type is the first and foremost step to choosing the right toner.
- Normal skin: It is neither too dry nor too oily. Well-balanced skin that appears healthy and has good texture.
- Oily skin: If you have oily skin, it appears greasy with large pores due to excessive oil production.
- Acne-prone skin: This is usually oily skin with greater chances of sprouting pimples and comedones.
- Dry skin: Dry skin has small pores and tends to appear dull and flaky, especially in winter. It is often prone to dry patches, peeling, and redness.
- Combination skin: It has an oily T-zone with large pores on the forehead, chin, and nose. The remaining skin on the face is either normal or dry.
- Sensitive skin: Sensitive skin is more prone to itching, burning, redness, and inflammation.
2. Type Of The Toner
Once you know your skin type, you can find the right toner according to your skin concerns:
- Gentle toner: These work well for sensitive skin. They are gentle on the skin because they are formulated without harsh chemicals.
- Hydrating toner: These provide moisture to dry skin as they are formulated with hydrating and moisture-locking ingredients.
- Refreshing toner: These can work wonders for oily skin, eliminating excess sebum. Mostly they do not contain alcohol since it causes the skin to produce more oil.
- Anti-acne toner: These toners are crafted to help absorb the treatment better while calming irritated skin and redness.
- Refreshing and hydrating toner: If you have combination skin, you can benefit from such toners that refresh and hydrate the skin simultaneously.
3. Be Mindful Of The Ingredients
Always check the label for ingredients that you need for your skin, or need to avoid:
- People with oily skin types should steer clear of alcohol, mineral oil, sulfates, and petrolatum.
- Avoid menthol as it can strip off your skin’s natural oils.
- While witch hazel works great for people with oily skin, it can cause irritation to dry skin. So people with dry skin should avoid using witch hazel toners.
- People with sensitive skin should opt for mild ingredients while avoiding alcohol, synthetic fragrances, and dyes as they can really irritate their skin.
How To Use A Toner?
Always start off with a cleansed face.
With clean hands, apply toner on a cotton pad and swipe it on your face, neck, and chest, avoiding the eye and mouth area.
You can also opt for toner spray and simply sprinkle toner on your hands and pat gently on your face.
Follow with serum (optional), moisturizer/cream (must-have).
The purpose of this article is informative and entertaining. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Safety should be your priority. This article contains affiliate links.
All pictures in this article with YouAreBeautie logo belong to YouAreBeautie.com and were taken by the owner of this website. All these images are copyright-protected. Sources of other pictures:
- Pictures of Glow Recipe Watermelon Toner belong to Glow Recipe. Source: https://www.glowrecipe.com/
- Pictures of Benton Toner belong to Benton Cosmetics Brand. Source: https://bentoncosmetic.us/
- Pictures of ISNTREE Toner Plus belong to ISNTREE Brand. Source: https://en.isntree.com/
- Pictures of Pyunhang Essence Toner belong to Pyunhang Brand. Source: https://pyunkangyul.us/
- Pictures of Hero Cosmetics Clear Collective Toner belong to Hero Cosmetics Brand. Source: https://www.herocosmetics.us/
