11 best Korean toners we tested for every skin type
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From milky emulsions to glow-boosting tonics, the best Korean toners are suddenly everywhere on TikTok. As Korean sunscreens and moisturisers go viral, it makes sense that facial toners are following suit. After all, they’re the first step (post-cleansing) in your skin-care routine.
Korean toners have become so popular because they pack more benefits than you’d typically find in a single bottle, says Charlotte Cho, skincare therapist and cofounder of Then I Met You and Soko Glam. “Modern ones have evolved to offer multitasking benefits, including deep hydration, cleansing, and gentle exfoliation,” she says. “They’re an essential step.”
To find K-beauty’s most effective options, I polled beauty experts and Glamour editors on the formulations they’ve personally tested. The crown jewel of the bunch was the Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner, which features powerful brightening, hydrating, and calming ingredients to give you a noticeable glow. You’ll find an option for every skin type, complexion concern, and price point below.
Meet the experts:
| Hwang Wonuk, MD | Cosmetic Physician at Cheongdam LeBelle Dermatologic Clinic in Seoul. |
|---|---|
| Claire Chang, MD | Board-certified Dermatologist at UnionDerm. |
| Charlotte Cho | Skincare Therapist and Cofounder of Then I Met You and Soko Glam. |
How we tested
As a beauty editor who’s covered K-beauty since 2016, I’ve tested hundreds of the most popular launches, including snail mucin creams, cushion foundations, and Korean toners like the ones you’ll find on this list. I spent three months in Seoul last year researching the latest emerging trends in Korean skin-care technology by talking to brand founders, dermatologists, and cosmetic chemists. When reviewing each toner, I make note of its ingredient list to determine which skin types it’s best for and its key benefits. I also consulted with K-beauty experts and dermatologists specialising in Korean skin care to curate each list and help Glamour readers make the most informed decision.
Ahead, the best Korean toners for every skin type.
Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner
This K-beauty bestseller covers a multitude of skin concerns. “I’ve been singing the praises of [this toner] for years,” says Cho, who loves the “multifaceted” benefits this bottle delivers. Because it’s a leave-on cleansing toner, you can use it in the morning before applying the rest of your skincare or at night as a micellar water cleanser. “It removes my makeup cleanly without stinging my eyes,” says Cho. Dr. Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm is also a fan of the “powerful blend” of ingredients including saccharomyces ferment and centella asiatica leaf water, which work to “brighten, hydrate, and calm.” Cho especially loves the inclusion of “a high percentage of liquorice root, which is a natural brightener.” Use it to target dark spots, or just to give your complexion an all-over glow.
- Toner type: Brightening cleansing toner.
- Key ingredients: Liquorice water, peony flower extract, green tea, saccharomyces ferment, centella asiatica.
- Highlights: Multiple benefits; brightening and hydrating ingredients; can also be used to remove makeup.
Biodance Cera-Nol Gel Toner Pads
These refreshing toner pads are inspired by Biodance’s TikTok-viral overnight sheet mask, which goes from white hydrogel to a hardened, clear material as it dries. The gel pads flip this process, starting off as translucent pads and fading to white as the formula absorbs. Each piece is soaked in essence, packed with dermatologist-approved hydrators.
“Hyaluronic acid improves skin elasticity and hydration, ceramide NP strengthens the skin barrier, and panthenol (vitamin B5) soothes and reduces moisture loss,” says Dr. Hwang. In his clinic, he recommends it to patients with dry, compromised, or post-treatment skin. “I find it especially useful during colder months or for patients using topical retinoids or exfoliants,” he says. “I’ve used it after laser toning, and it effectively calmed and softened the skin without causing any irritation.”
Personally, I love how refreshing these feel in the morning, and the thin pads stick to my skin without slipping off while I get ready. I leave one pad on each cheek for 5 to 10 minutes before doing my makeup to hydrate dry patches and ensure my face looks dewy and prepped for makeup.
- Toner type: Hydrating gel toner pads.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramide NP, panthenol (vitamin B5), allantoin.
- Highlights: Can be used as targeted masks; instant cooling sensation; great for skin prep before makeup.
Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Glamour editors also love this brand’s toner pads. True to its name, it contains a blend of three acids: alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs). If you want it as a classic pourable toner, grab this bottle. It’s packed with the same ingredients as the toner pads: a blend of exfoliating acids plus sebum-targeting, calming ingredients like witch hazel and tea tree extract. “I notice I’m less oily when I keep them on rotation. The scent is subtle and herbal. I never feel like my face is raw or irritated after using, and it helps clear my clogged pores,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.
While I wouldn’t recommend this formula for anyone with dry or dehydrated skin, it’s perfect for oily to combination skin types. As someone with combination skin, I like splashing it on my T-zone to ensure my pores stay clear and my forehead doesn’t get too greasy and congested.
- Toner type: Exfoliating sebum-balancing toner.
- Key ingredients: AHA, BHA, PHA, adenosine, witch hazel extract, tea tree extract.
- Highlights: Water-like lightweight texture; exfoliating and pore-clearing ingredients; helps balance sebum; calms and soothes.
CosRx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
This popular exfoliating toner is one of the best CosRx products we’ve tried. Dr. Hwang loves the gentle-yet-effective formula, which combines glycolic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA) with betaine salicylate (a beta hydroxy acid, or BHA). “Glycolic acid exfoliates and promotes skin turnover, and betaine salicylate clears sebum and prevents blackheads,” he says. The formula is also packed with willow bark water, “a natural anti-inflammatory and mild exfoliant,” Dr. Hwang says.
One of my favuorite features of this toner is that it’s mild enough for regular use, even on my sensitive skin. Dr. Hwang confirms this, and notes that it “pairs well with both prescription and over-the-counter routines.” He recommends this product to younger patients dealing with uneven texture, mild breakouts, or congestion. “I’ve also used it during travel when my skin becomes congested, and found that it helps smooth out texture within a few days without causing dryness,” he says. “The spray-type bottle is also convenient for quick use without over application.” Whether you’re dealing with pimples, blackheads, or congested skin, this toner can help.
- Toner type: Exfoliating, breakout-fighting toner.
- Key ingredients: Glycolic acid (AHA), betaine salicylate (BHA), willow bark water, apple fruit water, allantoin.
- Highlights: Gentle exfoliant; smooths texture and prevents breakouts; doesn’t cause dryness; easy-to-use spray applicator.
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HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner for Sensitive Skin
Cho and I both love this affordable rice toner from HaruHaru Wonder, formulated specifically for sensitive skin. “It’s a TikTok favourite,” says Cho. “It has fermented black rice enriched with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that absorb quickly and effortlessly.” She loves the way her complexion “looks and feels healthy and plump after just one use.” The first time I tried this, I was just as blown away by how good it made my skin look with a single application. The formula has a thicker texture that feels like a cross between a toner and a serum, but still sinks in fast.
- Toner type: Hydrating toner.
- Key ingredients: Oryza sativa (rice) extract, phyllostachys pubescens shoot bark extract, hyaluronic acid.
- Highlights: Fragrance-free and gentle on sensitive skin; hydrating but fast-absorbing texture; immediate plumping effect.
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water
For a youthful glow, try Beauty of Joseon’s Ginseng Essence Water as your daily toner. It’s packed with 80% panax ginseng root water, ginseng extract, and niacinamide. Dr. Chang particularly recommends panax ginseng for mature skin because it’s “suggested to have antiaging properties including stimulating collagen, brightening, and fighting free radicals.” That said, anyone can benefit from its collagen-boosting properties, which help enhance your overall skin texture and support your skin barrier. The added niacinamide also helps skin look smoother, brighter, and more balanced. While it doesn’t contain any fragrance, the formula features a subtle herbal scent from the ginseng root. In testing, I loved how hydrated, healthy, and smooth it made my skin feel. Although it’s extremely moisturising, it has a lightweight, refreshing feel that absorbs in seconds.
- Toner type: Antiaging toner.
- Key ingredients: Panax ginseng root water, ginseng extract, niacinamide.
- Highlights: Antiaging benefits; targets fine lines and wrinkles; fast-absorbing and lightweight; long-lasting moisture.
For an instant brightening boost, swipe on Iope’s brightening essence. Dr. Chang loves the hydrating, glow-boosting effect of this formula when her complexion looks dull. “It contains a high concentration of saccharomyces ferment filtrate (probiotics), as well as niacinamide and adenosine,” she says. The former helps brighten, while the latter ingredients speed up skin-cell turnover for smoother skin. I also love this popular essence for its water-like, refreshing feel, which immediately makes me feel more awake when I apply it.
- Toner type: Brightening essence toner.
- Key ingredients: Bio-Redox A, probiotics, niacinamide, adenosine.
- Highlights: Refreshing lightweight feel; instant brightening effect.
The Tiktok-famous Tirtir Milk Skin Rice Toner won a spot on our list of best rice toners for its intensely nourishing effects. It’s one of the most popular K-beauty toners recommended for all skin types, but I found that its mix of hydrating ingredients (including hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and panthenol) make it extra effective for dry and sensitive skin. If you’re used to traditional toners, this will feel more nourishing and a little thicker than formulas you’ve used before. “The milky texture feels like a soft hug for my skin, instantly soothing and plumping it up with hydration,” says Cho. “I love how it preps my skin for the rest of my routine without feeling heavy or sticky. It’s perfect for days when my skin feels tight or needs extra nourishment, and it layers beautifully under serums and moisturisers.”
I personally love this formula for days when my combination skin leans dry. It makes my skin look immediately bouncier and dewier, and my face just drinks it up. You also get a lot of product for the price. I have the mini size here, which is great for travel; the full size is significantly larger.
- Toner type: Repairing milk toner.
- Key ingredients: Rice bran extract, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, cica, licorice root extract, ceramides.
- Highlights: Good for dry and sensitive skin; long-lasting intense hydration.
Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Toner
If you need a soothing reset for stressed skin, try this Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Toner. It features centella asiatica extract (also known as cica), an ingredient loved by dermatologists for its potent calming properties. Cica toners are usually designed to treat sensitive, reactive skin, but this multitasking bottle packs additional ingredients like peptides and rose PDRN to help brighten and firm skin while it soothes. This is one of the most watery, refreshing formulas I tested in this roundup, and I love splashing it directly on my face for a cooling start to my skin-care routine. Try it if you dislike heavy toners; it goes on light and absorbs instantly. I also noticed how it made my skin tone look glowier and more even over the two weeks I tested it.
- Toner type: Soothing and brightening skin toner.
- Key ingredients: Rose PDRN, peptides, centella asiatica extract, niacinamide, adenosine.
- Highlights: Immediate calming and soothing effect; deep hydration; fast absorbing; also targets dullness and skin texture.
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
Cho reaches for this popular formula whenever she needs extra moisture in her routine. “It’s an all-around Korean-beauty favorite,” she says of Anua’s Heartleaf Toner, which has also been showing up all over your TikTok FYP. Infused with 77% heartleaf extract, which studies have shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties, this toner has an immediate soothing, calming effect on inflamed and irritated skin. It’s also extremely hydrating. Cho loves the “slightly viscous” texture that “doubles as a moisturiser if you layer it a few times.”
- Toner type: Soothing toner.
- Key ingredients: Heartleaf extract, glycerin, panthenol, centella asiatica.
- Highlights: Deeply hydrating; thicker texture; can replace your serum or moisturiser.
Laneige Cream Skin Refillable Toner & Moisturiser
Editors and dermatologists love peptides for their collagen-stimulating, firming properties. This refillable milk toner pairs a dose of peptides with ceramides, an ingredient with proven barrier-strengthening benefits. “I apply this in the morning, and it’s a nice pick-me-up for my face. I recommend buying the mist pump for easier application, since it’s very runny,” says Jenifer Calle, Glamour’s senior commerce editor. This is Calle’s favourite Korean toner because “it’s great for layering under skin-care products and makeup.”
- Toner type: Hydrating milk toner.
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, peptides, white tea leaf.
- Highlights: Intensely hydrating; helps improve skin texture and firmness with regular use; refillable bottle.
Korean toner FAQs
What are the benefits of toner?
Adding toner to your Korean skin-care routine does a few important things for your complexion. “Toners help rebalance the skin’s pH, replenish hydration immediately after cleansing, and enhance the penetration of subsequent active ingredients,” says Dr. Hwang. “Modern toner formulas also provide targeted benefits such as barrier repair or brightening.”
Is Korean essence the same as toner?
In K-beauty, Korean essences fall under the wider category of toners. “Given their diverse functions, some toners in K-beauty are categorised as essence toners, each tailored to specific needs,” says Cho. Essence toners tend to be more hydrating – often (but not always) with a thicker consistency. Beauty of Joseon’s Ginseng Essence Water is one of our favourite lightweight Korean essences.
Which Korean toner is best for sensitive skin?
When it comes to sensitive or reactive skin types, Dr. Chang recommends choosing calming ingredients like centella asiatica, aloe vera, chamomile, allantoin, or green tea – as well as a fragrance-free formula to minimise the risk of irritation. “It’s important to consider ingredients that are tailored to your specific needs to maximise their benefits,” she says. Our top Korean toner pick for sensitive skin is the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner for Sensitive Skin.
Which Korean toner is the most effective for acne-prone skin?
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, Dr. Chang recommends toners formulated with “beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid and niacinamide.” These ingredients will help keep pores clear and fight blemish-causing bacteria. Our favourite Korean toner for acne-prone skin is the TikTok-viral CosRx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner, which contains beta hydroxy acids and other pore-clearing ingredients.
How do you use CosRx AHA BHA toner?
CosRx’s AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner is one of the most frequently searched Korean toners. Unlike most toners that come in a pourable bottle, it features a spray applicator, which means you can spritz it on just as you would a face mist. Dr. Hwang says that this formula is “gentle enough for daily use,” even if you’re using it with additional spot treatments. If you’re applying this toner during the day, make sure to wear it with plenty of sunscreen.
