7 Best Korean Toners: Shortcut to the Glowing Skin

You will be surprised like I used to be when you know this toner only has seven ingredients. Yes, only seven elements! That’s why this is one of the least irritating toners as far as I’ve known. 

I came to this blue bottle from my friend’s recommendation. She kept insisting: “Common, try it. This is the best Korean toner I’ve ever used. You must give it a chance.” So I brought it home in doubt. 

And thank god I did that!

At first,  I couldn’t stand its herbal smell. But my friend gave me a huge bottle so I had to reluctantly bear it. Three days, five days,... and a week had passed. The only thing I could say was: “OMG!” The result was absolutely outstanding. My skin had never been so hydrated and bouncy like that, not to mention the acne-inflammation calming. “The best Korean toner indeed!” I had to exclaim.

For your curiosity, this toner’s unique thing is 91.3% Astragalus Membranaceus root extract - a plant in the legume family - that makes it smell like herbs.

In Oriental medicine, Astragalus Membranaceus root increases resistance effect, healing wounds and moisturizing the skin. It has been used in Eastern medicine for more than 4,000 years as a tonic and an antitoxin. With these anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects,  you will experience the happiness of pimples flattened just after 2 - 3 days. Yes, just like I did!

Hence, though Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner cannot compare to the best korean toner for acne prone skin - SOME BY MI Aha-Bha-Pha 30Days Miracle Toner, I still highly recommend it to those who get mild acne.

The Astragalus Membranaceus extract is also rich in minerals and antioxidants. Furthermore, it resists elastin breakdowns and maintains the skin’s texture and elasticity (elastin is a protein found in connective tissue, which connects cells). Such performance is also the reason that makes Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner as one of the best anti-aging toners.

Since the texture of the toner is denser than most other ones, like a combination of essence and toner, I do not use a cotton pad but use my hands to apply it directly. Then I use my fingertips to massage gently, including the skin near the lips and the puffiness eye area. After applying and massaging, the toner absorbs instantly, leaving no sticky shine. My skin feels hydrated and moisturized right away. 

This toner’s formula is quite simple and gentle, so it also is very suitable for applying in the 7-Skin Method. After that, I need not use a moisturizer, and my skin is still plump and smooth. So cool, huh?

Best for:

This is the best facial toner for every skin type. 

This toner is certainly the best Korean toner for acne-prone skin so far. It is packed with AHA-BHA-PHA complex, and a high tea tree extract content - all of these are shining stars in the acne-fighting process (you can read more about BHA and AHA in our articles 10 best BHA products and 8 best AHA products).

The mechanism of this toner is: AHA and PHA (polyhydroxy acid) release dead cells on the surface, facilitating BHA to deeply remove excess oil, dirt, and clog in pores. Therefore, this toner reduces the leading cause of acne and decreases oil production. 

Such a mechanism, additionally, makes 30 Days Miracle being the best Korean toner for oily skin. 

The addition of PHA into the ingredient makes this toner compatible with more skin types because of its being milder, less irritating than AHA. Also, PHA helps a lot in reducing inflammation, swelling, and taking control of acne-related problems.

Furthermore, the concentration of 10,000ppm tea tree extract (equivalent to 1%) is higher than that of other tea tree products to help disinfect and reduce inflammation more effectively.

Another hero in the ingredients table is Niacinamide. In my opinion, the effect of brightening the skin of Niacinamide in this toner is not visible. However, it certainly does reduce the stinging, burning sensation caused by chemical exfoliants. 

Best for:

Acne-prone skin type. 

A word to the wise: Do not entirely rely on this single toner to treat your acne. Remember that treating acne is a long game. You should combine other products in your complete routine to earn the best result.

"Dear, Klairs'' is a Korean cosmetic brand under the Wishcompany that runs the website Wishtrend. It is a brand with the best Korean toner for sensitive skin. Klairs always focuses on sensitive skin issues, so their products consistently avoid using harmful ingredients such as colorants, flavorings, alcohol, parabens, etc. The company is also very concerned with environmental issues. As a result, they pledge not to test on animals and box packaging of their products made from recycled paper.

After the debut, Supple Preparation Facial Toner has become a big hit because of its gentleness for sensitive skin. There are many impressive substances in its ingredient table as:

• Betaine: derived from beets, gently exfoliating the skin.

• Natto Gum: this is a fermented soybean extract, playing as an antioxidant.

• Centella Asiatica Extract: reduce acne-inflammation and restore skin.

• Licorice Root Extract: An antioxidant helps soothe the skin, improve an uneven skin tone.

• Panthenol: also known as Vitamin B5, a skin maintenance and repairing substance.

• Sodium Ascorbyl phosphate: A form of Vitamin C, which brightens the skin, treats dark spots, and is a powerful antioxidant.

• Copper Tripeptide-1: Restore the skin barrier and anti-aging.

This toner is also one of the best moisturizing toners for every skin type. My sister and my mom love it, though they have oily skin. The ability to shoot a hydration-booster into the skin right after applying onto the face is incredible. Both of them have been so much into this toner. They claimed that it could well moisture their skin so that less oil was produced.

However, “something works for one person doesn’t mean it will serve another.” This toner has a scent, and some people do not like it. Well, worry no more since Klairs knows how to please its customers. The manufacturer has provided an unscented version: Supple Preparation Unscented Toner - similar formula but without the smell. 

For my part, I do prefer the unscented version to the original one. However, since I’ve tried both versions, I can tell that their functions and effects are similar. Both are the best moisturizing toners that suit all skin types, especially sensitive ones.

Best for:

All skin types.

I’ve used this toner when I was under post-acne dark spots on my face, and I must say it is the best toner for glowing skin.

This toner was invented by Son Dae Sik and Park Tae Yun - the 02 top Korean beauty artists. They are the “glowy and dewy makeup” trend-maker and also the first inventors of BB cream. Yes, you don’t mishear! That’s why this toner is a must-try item.

I was so curious about its name at first - “Beauty water.” What on Earth would it do? Hence, I found out that it is a multitasking bottle - both a makeup remover and a toner. All in one! Great, isn't it?

However, I usually use it as a toner since its makeup removing function is not good. The company said that it is also equipped with mild exfoliating competence with papaya extract. Though, it scores with its excellent toning and hydrating ability. If there is a competition, I will vote this Beauty Water as the best hydrating toner. You have my words!

Moreover, you can deploy the Lotion Mask with this toner, and I swear, you will be addicted to the incredible result of glowing skin. For normal skin, you may not need to use a moisturizer after that. But my advice for those who have dehydrated skin: never forget your best friend - the moisturizer (you may want to look at our top-choice of 19 best Korean moisturizers for dry skin).

The marvelous thing is it's very gentle for everyday use and suitable for all skin types. Such one of the best toners for face I’ve tried. 

Best for:

It’s suitable for all skin types, and especially the dry skin must try this item. 

I have mentioned how much I’ve been into AHC eye cream in my post 10 Best Korean Eye Creams. And yes, the same goes for this AHC Aqualuronic Toner. 

I love the way AHC puts in this toner the powerful combination of triple Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, and French Seawater that ultimately hydrate and improve skin tone. I love the way AHC makes the texture supremely lightweight. I love the way AHC makes this toner extremely safe for every skin type. In brief, I love everything about it!

Additionally, potent antioxidants like Niacinamide or Orchid Extract and anti-inflammation substances like Tea Tree Leaf Extract or Chamomile Extract are included. Therefore, it well-suits acne skin and aging skin. 

I have run out of beautiful words to compliment this toner and this brand. Just mark a short note to you girls: Must-try!

Best for:

All skin types will be pleased with this toner.

Honestly, compared to the Klair Supple Preparation Toner, this less moisturizes your skin a bit. However, I cannot ignore the cooling heated skin coming from using this good toner for face. If your skin is red and heated by external factors, Etude House Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner will help soothe and cool the skin immediately.

This toner is packed with up to 97% natural ingredients. Including 02 impressive components:

• Natural active ingredient Panthenol: to soothe and moisturize the skin.

• Madecassoside: derived from the Centella Asiatica, a calming, anti-inflammatory, and anti-acne substance.

Whenever my skin is prone to irritation or dryness from cleansing, I dispense an amount of it to cotton pads and put on my face. The heat is gone right away. The refreshment left on is unbelievable. The best face toner to ease inflammation skin!

For that reason, this is undoubtedly the best cheap toner you don’t want to miss out, on particularly if your sensitive skin is suffering from redness and irritation. The dermatologically tested formula will ease your skin instantly. Also, pH 5.5 is similar to the skin’s natural pH to protect your skin’s barrier.

A key takeaway for those who have sensitive skin: Never omit using sunscreen when you go out. The sunscreen will prevent your skin from the sun’s heat and other external factors that could cause irritation and redness. If you don’t know what sunscreen to choose, you can always look up for your most suitable choice in our article 25 Best Sunscreens for Melasma or 12 Best Korean Sunscreens.

Best for:

It’s suitable for all skin types.

With 90% aloe vera extract, the Nature Republic Soothing & Moisture Aloe Vera Toner 90% ensures basic skincare needs for women, including the most sensitive skin, without causing greasiness.

Nature Republic aloe vera is tested and certified by the California Organic Product Certification Organization (CCOF) to contain only organic ingredients. The ingredients do not contain harmful ingredients like Paraben, Talc, or fragrance and are not of animal origin, so they are very benign and suitable for all skin types.

If you are looking for a basic toner that also meets your moisturizing standard, it’s hard to say no to this toner.

Best for:

Normal skin without any defects.