10 Best Korean Toners in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
Korean toners are taking the K-beauty world by storm. Glass skin has been all the rage in K-beauty, and toners are just one part of the multi-step skincare routine to achieve that. Toners are often overlooked because people assume it only has mahapdi effects. Worry not, because the toners in this article are not like that.
These toners can help hydrate your skin, balance your pH level, and remove dirt without the stinging effect. We have prepared a buying guide to help you choose what is best for your skin type, as well as our top picks! Dermatologist Dr. Katrina Erika Habaluyas Luz also shared some of her knowledge and tips to guide you further.
Quick List - Top Korean Toners
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- Why Use Toners?
- Some Toners Hacks for You
- Frequently Asked Questions Answered By Dr. Katrina Luz
- Can Toner Help Remove Pimple Marks?
- Which Is the Best Way to Apply Toner - Cotton Pads or Hands?
- How Much Toner Should Be Used?
- Korean Skin Care Products for You to Try
- How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Why Use Toners?
A toner’s purpose is often misunderstood. It is mistakenly thought that it should sting, otherwise it’s not working. But toners are meant to hydrate the skin and balance your skin’s pH levels since cleansing tends to neutralize your face’s acidity.
It is good for removing residue whether that is oil or dirt that is not removed by your cleanser. This is also the reason why a toner is also good for prepping your skin. This makes it easy for your face to absorb other skin care products.
Toners used to be equated to alcohol-based astringents with the aim of reducing the oiliness of the skin. Newer toners, however, are now more versatile. They're usually water-based though some may still act as astringents. Newer toners include hydrating toners or "active"-infused toners.
Now to answer the question, toners aren't actually a must, but they do provide these benefits:
- Balances the pH level of the skin
- Hydrates the skin
- Removes impurities missed during cleansing
- Makes a nice, satisfying self-care step in the routine
How to Choose a Korean Toner - Buying Guide
Select Its Ingredients Based on Your Skin Type and Needs
In choosing a toner, it is important that you look for ingredients that will address your skin's concerns. Take note of your skin type and what ingredients suit it best in order to get optimum results.
Oily and Acne Prone Skin Can Tolerate Slightly Astringent Toners
Exfoliating acids are beneficial for oily skin as it helps to remove excess sebum from your face. Lactic acid, salicylic acid, and AHAs are good examples of ingredients to have in your toner as it can help regulate your skin’s oil production.
Tea tree has antiseptic properties which can help calm acne, the same goes for witch hazel, which is slightly astringent but it is helpful for relieving inflammation and fighting acne. Bentonite clay is also good for absorbing excess sebum as well as treating breakouts.
For oily and acne-prone skin, an exfoliating toner can be beneficial. Look for ingredients such as salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that is lipid-soluble, making it an attractive ingredient for oily skin. It has the ability to penetrate inside pores and remove oil and debris.
Witch hazel, on the other hand, has been used topically as an astringent and anti-bacterial treatment for skin to alleviate inflammation caused by acne. Between the two, I'd go for salicylic acid as it has more science backing it up. Make sure to do a patch test before adding either to your regimen.
Go for Moisturizing Ingredients If You Have Dry Skin
Those with dry skin need to look for toners with moisturizing ingredients to add hydration to their parched skin. Commonly praised ingredients are hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which are humectants, meaning it works by drawing moisture into your skin.
Hyaluronic acid is also capable of holding 1000 times its weight, making it really beneficial for dry skin, while glycerin keeps your skin moist and soft. Niacinamide or vitamin B3 can improve your skin’s texture as well as its protective barrier, which reduces water loss.
For dry skin, a hydrating toner is the way to go. Best to avoid an alcohol-based or astringent toner altogether as it can dry out your skin further.
Look for hydrating toners with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These can give you the extra hydration you need. But of course, just because you have a hydrating toner doesn't mean you can skip the moisturizer!
Look for Soothing Ingredients to Calm Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, you need to look for ingredients that have soothing properties to help calm your skin and avoid irritating it.
Calendula and chamomile are great because it has hydrating and soothing benefits for your skin. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve itching. Another great ingredient for this skin type is rose water - good for relieving redness and irritation and is gentle for sensitive skin types.
For sensitive skin, look for ingredients that are calming or soothing to the skin. Definitely, an alcohol-based or astringent-toner wouldn't be a good fit as this can irritate your skin more. Good options include Centella Asiatica (calms down inflammation and improves skin hydration), panthenol (acts as a humectant and anti-inflammatory), aloe vera (acts as a humectant and anti-oxidant and accelerates healing).
Antioxidant-Rich Toners Benefit Mature Skin
They say that the skin’s ability to regenerate slows down as we age. If you have mature skin, it is important to look for toners rich in antioxidants to help fight harmful free radicals that can damage the skin. Vitamin C is an example of an antioxidant, and it helps fight the signs of aging. For an antioxidant ingredient that has soothing properties, look for aloe vera.
For mature skin, alpha-hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid have been shown to be effective in reversing the effects of aging. The benefits of AHAs include exfoliation, reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, collagen synthesis, skin lightening, and moisturization. In addition to AHAs, certain vitamins have also been shown to provide anti-aging benefits.
Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, has been shown to improve fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, blotchiness, and elasticity. Vitamin C, an antioxidant, has been shown to protect the skin from UV-induced damage. Vitamin E, another antioxidant, has been shown to prevent UV-induced skin damage and can also improve moisture content and barrier function of the skin.
Avoid Harmful Ingredients Like Alcohol and Fragrance if You Have Sensitive Skin
Alcohol has gotten a bad rap as an ingredient in skincare and beauty products. While it can instantly mattify your skin and cut through the grease, its long-term effects actually increase your oiliness and make you prone to breakouts.
However, not all alcohols are bad. Stearyl, cetyl, and Cetearyl alcohol, often referred to as fatty alcohol, is non-irritating and beneficial for dry skin. Just make sure to read the ingredients list and keep an eye out for the drying kind, including isopropyl, denatured, and SD alcohol.
Steer clear of parabens and fragrances if you have sensitive skin as it can cause possible irritation. When in doubt, you can always do a patch test first to see if your skin has an adverse reaction to it.
It's important to identify what 'harmful ingredients' are. Take alcohols - they have gotten a bad rep over the years, given reports of their negative drying and irritating effects. While this is true, certain types of alcohol are incorporated into skincare products.
They act as great penetration enhancers - meaning they allow actives to penetrate better by disrupting the lipid barrier on our skin. Thus, it's difficult to generalize. At the end of the day, this is where patch testing comes in so that you will find out what works and doesn't work for you!
10 Best Korean Toners to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Skin Type | Key Ingredients | Additional Features | Net Weight | |||||
1 | dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner | | A Nourishing Toner Suitable for All Skin Types | All Skin Types | Phyto-Oglio, Wheat Amino Acids, Hyaluronic Acid, Beta Glucan, Centella asiatica (Cica) Extract | Hydrating | 180 mL | |
2 | COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner | | AHA and BHA Toner to Get Rid of Excess Oil and Blackheads | All Skin Types | Glycolic Acid, Betaine Salicylate, Salix alba (Willow) Bark Water, Allantoin, Panthenol | Hydrating, Mildly Exfoliating | 150 mL | |
3 | Missha Time Revolution The First Essence 5X | | Thoroughly Cleanses Without Being Harsh on Your Skin | All Skin Types | Yeast Ferment Extract, Niacinamide, Adenosine, Ceramide | Clarifying, Moisturizing, Soothing, Targets Skin Texture and Hyperpigmentation | 150 mL | |
4 | Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner | | A Lightweight Toner That Provides Deep Hydration and Calms Inflammation | All Skin Types | Astragalus membranaceus (Milkvetch) Root Extract, Arginine | Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant | 200 mL | |
5 | AHC Hyaluronic Dewy Radiance Toner | | Revitalizes and Hydrates Skin With 10 Types of Hyaluronic Acid | All Skin Types | Hyaluronic Acid Complex, Actinidia polygama (Silver Vine) Fruit Extract, Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) Flower Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Panthenol | Moisturizing, Brightening | 100 mL | |
6 | Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water | | Contains Ginseng Complex to Moisturize Skin and Prevent Wrinkles | Normal, Dry, Oily, and Sensitive Skin Types | Ginseng Root Water, Niacinamide, and Ginseng Complex | Acne Care and Anti-Aging | 150 mL | |
7 | Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner | | Has Green Tea Extract to Control Sebum Production | Oily And Combination Skin Types | Green Tea Extract | Anti-Acne | 200 mL | |
8 | Nacific Real Floral Calendula Toner | | Soothe Your Skin With Calendula | Normal, Dry, Combination, And Sensitive Skin Types | Calendula, Centella asiatica (Cica) Extract | Anti-Aging, Moisturizing, Soothening, and Brightening | 180 mL | |
9 | Innisfree Bija Trouble Skin | | A 2-in-1 Product That Cleans Skin While Fighting Pimples | Normal and Acne-Prone Skin Types | Jeju Bija Oil | Detoxifying | 200 mL | |
10 | Face Republic Vita Glow Niacin Toner | | Achieve Radiant, Hydrated Skin With Ascorbic Acid and Fruit Extracts | Combination and Sensitive Skin Types | Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit Extract, and Tremella fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract | Brightening, Even Out Skin Tone and Texture | 160 mL | |
A Nourishing Toner Suitable for All Skin Types
If you want a toner that provides hydration, fortifies your skin's natural barrier, imparts a supple feel, and elevates moisture retention with its uniquely viscous yet swiftly absorbed texture, consider dear Klairs' award-winning Supple Preparation Toner. This product lives up to its name by delivering exceptional hydration benefits that cater to every skin type.
Crafted with an alcohol-free formula without harsh ingredients, it's a gentle and safe choice, even for dry and sensitive skin. This toner embodies the brand's mild yet powerful approach, featuring botanical extracts to moisturize and combat dryness. Additionally, it enriches your skin's moisture levels by including hyaluronic acid and beta-glucan, leaving skin deeply nourished without feeling heavy, as users praise.
| Skin Type | All Skin Types |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Phyto-Oglio, Wheat Amino Acids, Hyaluronic Acid, Beta Glucan, Centella asiatica (Cica) Extract |
| Additional Features | Hydrating |
| Net Weight | 180 mL |
AHA and BHA Toner to Get Rid of Excess Oil and Blackheads
For those who have oily and acne-prone skin, this COSRX toner is the one for you! It won't exacerbate oiliness or cause breakouts. The formula is a mix of two acids—BHA to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and treat acne. It also has AHA to gently hydrate your skin, ensuring your skin stays perfectly balanced.
What's great about this toner is that it can be used by all skin types, including those with sensitive skin. Moreover, it is a good pick if it's your first time using an exfoliating toner and you are looking for a good starter product to slowly introduce AHA and BHA to your skin since this one only has minimal AHA and BHA content.
| Skin Type | All Skin Types |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Glycolic Acid, Betaine Salicylate, Salix alba (Willow) Bark Water, Allantoin, Panthenol |
| Additional Features | Hydrating, Mildly Exfoliating |
| Net Weight | 150 mL |
Thoroughly Cleanses Without Being Harsh on Your Skin
This toner is Missha's 5th generation leading essence formulated for all skin types. Experience a refreshing, squeaky clean feeling after applying this essence, free from any mahapdi sensations! Moreover, it's alcohol-free, ensuring a gentle and soothing product for your skin.
Crafted with care, it boasts niacinamide as a vital component to promote hydration. Its key ingredients, such as fermented cica enzyme, work to moisturize your skin. Additionally, its rice bran extract softens and conditions the skin, unveiling a smoother, bright, and dewy complexion.
| Skin Type | All Skin Types |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Yeast Ferment Extract, Niacinamide, Adenosine, Ceramide |
| Additional Features | Clarifying, Moisturizing, Soothing, Targets Skin Texture and Hyperpigmentation |
| Net Weight | 150 mL |
A Lightweight Toner That Provides Deep Hydration and Calms Inflammation
Ideal for those seeking to revitalize tired and overstressed skin, this toner is enriched with 91% milkvetch root extract. The extract works wonders in fortifying the skin's protective barrier, acting as a formidable shield against external stressors. Additionally, it has antibiotic and antioxidant properties, promoting a radiant and healthy complexion.
Since this toner does not contain alcohol, it’s less likely to dry out or irritate the skin, preventing breakouts. Despite its concentrated and thick texture, it is still easily absorbed by the skin, leaving it moist and soft. As such, buyers love this product for its mildness and soothing effects on the skin!
| Skin Type | All Skin Types |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Astragalus membranaceus (Milkvetch) Root Extract, Arginine |
| Additional Features | Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant |
| Net Weight | 200 mL |
AHCHyaluronic Dewy Radiance Toner
Revitalizes and Hydrates Skin With 10 Types of Hyaluronic Acid
Moreover, its gel-like texture seamlessly transforms into water upon application for swift absorption. Users have praised how their skin remains soft and supple the next day after applying this toner at bedtime. Its lightweight, non-oily, and non-sticky formula has also garnered positive feedback from satisfied customers.
| Skin Type | All Skin Types |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid Complex, Actinidia polygama (Silver Vine) Fruit Extract, Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) Flower Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Panthenol |
| Additional Features | Moisturizing, Brightening |
| Net Weight | 100 mL |
Contains Ginseng Complex to Moisturize Skin and Prevent Wrinkles
This essence water also contains niacinamide and adenosine to control sebum and reduce wrinkles. Notably, it is free of essential oils, fragrances, and parabens, ensuring its safety for sensitive skin. It has even received rave reviews for its ability to soothe inflamed skin and provide moisturization!
| Skin Type | Normal, Dry, Oily, and Sensitive Skin Types |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Ginseng Root Water, Niacinamide, and Ginseng Complex |
| Additional Features | Acne Care and Anti-Aging |
| Net Weight | 150 mL |
Has Green Tea Extract to Control Sebum Production
The toner's patented formula, enriched with plant extracts, effectively controls excess oil while keeping the skin moisturized. Additionally, it has cica extract and hyaluronic acid, which provide excellent hydration, and blueberry fruit extract to soothe stressed skin. Reviews highlight its ability to reduce sebum, prevent breakouts, and provide gentle hydration for oily skin!
| Skin Type | Oily And Combination Skin Types |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Green Tea Extract |
| Additional Features | Anti-Acne |
| Net Weight | 200 mL |
Soothe Your Skin With Calendula
Nacific's toner targets skin issues and breakouts with its soothing formula, which relies on 91% calendula flower water. Calendula, also known as marigold, possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. This makes it effective in soothing skin, repairing blemishes, and removing excess dirt from your face.
An interesting highlight is that this toner includes actual calendula petals floating in it! It's also infused with cica extract, which is rich in amino acids and has antioxidant properties. This helps accelerate the healing of blemishes on your face and prevents future breakouts.
| Skin Type | Normal, Dry, Combination, And Sensitive Skin Types |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Calendula, Centella asiatica (Cica) Extract |
| Additional Features | Anti-Aging, Moisturizing, Soothening, and Brightening |
| Net Weight | 180 mL |
A 2-in-1 Product That Cleans Skin While Fighting Pimples
Don't miss out on this toner specifically made for acne-prone skin! The innisfree Bija Trouble Skin is a wipe-off astringent toner designed to exfoliate flaky skin and purify your complexion. Enriched with Jeju bija oil, it improves skin texture and effectively combats skin troubles.
In addition, it has salicylic acid and alcohol derived from fermented grain that gently removes dead skin cells and impurities. It also effectively targets the root causes of skin issues. With consistent use, users have observed fewer breakouts and a noticeable lightening of dark marks!
| Skin Type | Normal and Acne-Prone Skin Types |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Jeju Bija Oil |
| Additional Features | Detoxifying |
| Net Weight | 200 mL |
Achieve Radiant, Hydrated Skin With Ascorbic Acid and Fruit Extracts
Users love how their skin looks more radiant and glassy. Thanks to 7 types of hyaluronic acids and mushroom extract, it also keeps your skin hydrated and plump. Suitable for all skin types, this toner is vegan, cruelty-free, and alcohol-free—perfect for achieving a healthy, glowing complexion!
| Skin Type | Combination and Sensitive Skin Types |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit Extract, and Tremella fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract |
| Additional Features | Brightening, Even Out Skin Tone and Texture |
| Net Weight | 160 mL |
Some Toners Hacks for You
You aren't limited to just using toner on your face. Did you know that there are plenty of uses for them as well? Here are some toner hacks that can help you maximize its use.
Use Toner as a Face Mist
Did you know that you can use your toner as a face mist? This is handy if you are heading somewhere you would need a quick refresher on your face, say your daily commute. Simply fill half of an empty spray bottle with your toner and dilute it with a bit of mineral water.
Alternatively, the spray method is effective for distributing the toner more evenly to your face. A pro tip is to put your toner in the fridge to help reduce puffiness.
This is one skincare hack, especially if you're on the go. It also comes in handy if you live in a hot, humid area and you just want to spritz your face with a bit of hydration every so often.
Use as an Aftershave Treatment
Razor burns aren't very pleasant. A good way to soothe them is to use a toner as an aftershave treatment. It is also good for clearing up any residue from your shaving cream and excess hair, which can clog your pores.
Toner is a good way of calming down inflamed skin. Just make sure it is free from potential irritants and harsh astringents to avoid exacerbating your skin's condition.
If you want to get creative, toners can be used as an aftershave treatment - just make sure not to use the alcohol-based or astringent-based ones. This also is a good way to use products that you didn't enjoy on your face - instead of letting them go to waste, use them on your body!
Quick Eye Mask to Reduce Puffiness
Working from home and online classes can sometimes cause us to get carried away, which means longer hours. This might cause some of you to wake up with puffy under-eye bags. A quick way to de-puff them is to use your toner as an eye mask.
Just cut one cotton round in half - one for each eye and soak them with your toner and apply them under your eyes. It is better if you put the toner in the fridge to make it more soothing.
Using the toner as an eye mask could work, but I'd definitely do a patch test first before going straight at it. Remember, the skin under the eyes is the thinnest skin of the body, and thus, may be prone to irritation more than other areas.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered By Dr. Katrina Luz
Finding the product the will suit your skin type and needs might be a challenge, so let Dr. Katrina educate you as she answers some of the most asked questions on the web.
Can Toner Help Remove Pimple Marks?
Newer toners include brightening toners or "active-infused" toners, which may contain active ingredients targeted at specific skin concerns.
It would be best to consult a board-certified dermatologist on this because there are many different types of pimple marks - red ones (post-inflammatory erythema) or dark ones (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Each one would need to be approached differently!
Which Is the Best Way to Apply Toner - Cotton Pads or Hands?
This would actually depend on a number of factors - what's your skin type? what type of toner are you using? Cotton pads act as a physical exfoliant - meaning rubbing with a cotton pad can physically remove rough bumps or debris on the skin. This may work if that's your goal.
However, it can also inadvertently cause irritation for someone with a more sensitive skin type. Not to mention, if you're using an exfoliating toner then using a cotton pad will add to the overall exfoliation. Best to ask your dermatologist for advice on this to suit your skin type and skin concerns!
How Much Toner Should Be Used?
Remember, more is not always better. Just use a small amount enough to pat onto the whole face!
Korean Skin Care Products for You to Try
Fancy having glass skin? Here are some Korean skin care products that you can try to achieve that desired glass skin effect.
Author: Justine Cuizon
Re-editor: Valerie Lagura
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
Top 5 Korean Toners
No. 1: dear, Klairs｜Supple Preparation Facial Toner
No. 2: COSRX｜AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
No. 3: Missha｜Time Revolution The First Essence 5X
No. 4: Pyunkang Yul｜Essence Toner
No. 5: AHC｜Hyaluronic Dewy Radiance Toner
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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