Toner

What is a toner?

A toner is a liquid skincare step applied straight after cleansing. Traditionally, toners were meant to remove the last traces of make-up and rebalance the skin’s pH after soap-based cleansers – often with plenty of alcohol. Korean toners are different: they are usually alcohol-free, hydrating and soothing. In Korea, this step is often simply called “skin”.

What types of toner are there?

• Hydrating toners with hyaluronic acid, glycerin or plant extracts – for every skin type
• Milky toners with a milky texture and lipids – ideal for dry skin
• Exfoliating toners with AHA, BHA or PHA for blackheads and rough skin
• Toner pads, i.e. pads soaked in toner – see toner pads

What is a toner good for?

• It hydrates right after cleansing and eases tightness.
• It removes the last traces of cleanser and limescale from tap water.
• It prepares the skin for essence, serum and cream – the next products spread more easily on slightly damp skin.
• Exfoliating toners also refine pores and skin texture.

How to use toner

1. Cleanse your face – in the evening, ideally with double cleansing.
2. Pour a few drops of toner into your palms and gently pat it into the skin. Exfoliating toners are best applied with a cotton pad.
3. For dry skin, you can layer a hydrating toner in several thin coats – the so-called 7-skin method.
4. Follow with essence or serum and a moisturiser.

Depending on how your skin tolerates them, use exfoliating toners 2 to 3 times a week or daily – and always wear sunscreen during the day.

Which toner suits my skin?

• dry skin: milky toners or toners with hyaluronic acid, ceramides or rice
• oily and blemish-prone skin: lightweight toners with heartleaf, centella or gentle acids
• sensitive skin: fragrance-free toners with centella, panthenol or oat
• dull skin: toners with niacinamide, rice or mild acids

Toner in Korean skincare

Popular classics from our range include the Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner and the Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner by Anua, the 1025 Dokdo Toner by ROUND LAB, the Madagascar Centella Toning Toner by SKIN1004, the Glow Replenishing Rice Milk by Beauty of Joseon and the Milk Skin Toner by TIRTIR. You’ll find them all in our toner collection. Learn more in our article The role of toners and serums in K-beauty.