Korean skincare, including products like ampoules, moisturizers, and toners, has been making waves all over the world lately, especially in the Philippines. They’re advertised to give you the soft and smooth glass skin that all KDrama and KPop stars have, making you look flawless and youthful without the need for makeup.
Because of their popularity, many K-beauty brands have become available locally on online shopping platforms like Lazada and Shopee. To help you choose the right product, we prepared a top 10 list as well as a buying guide with insights and tips from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz.
Quick List - Top Korean Toners for Oily Skin
Some by Mi
Formulated With Sebum Controller Powder to Help You Get a Clear Complexion
SKIN1004
Deeply Cleanses the Skin and Restores Its Moisture Barrier
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
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
The star of any Korean toner for oily skin is its active ingredients. They can help address your skin concerns, such as excess sebum production, clogged pores, and more. Here are some common ingredients that you will encounter.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are water-soluble, so they exfoliate the surface of your skin to loosen the upper layers of dead skin cells. This will allow you to slough off impurities easily, leaving you with cleaner and clearer skin. Examples of AHAs are glycolic acid and lactic acid.
On the other hand, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are oil-soluble, so they penetrate your skin deeply to get into your pores and reduce sebum production. This means that they target oily skin at the roots, helping control your skin's oiliness better. A popular BHA is salicylic acid.
For those with sensitive skin, you may want to turn to polyhydroxy acids (PHAs). They're exfoliating, too, but they're more gentle than AHAs and BHAs. They also have hydrating properties, making them effective at reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Those with oily skin are more prone to acne, which is why most Korean toners for oily skin have tea tree as one of the active ingredients. Tea tree has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that destroy acne-causing bacteria and soothe inflamed skin. It can also reduce oiliness and shrink pores.
Two causes of acne are inflammation and a bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes. This is why a lot of toners for oily and acne-prone skin include tea tree, given it has shown to have both anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Centella asiatica is one of the star ingredients in Korean skincare, as it can restore your skin’s moisture barrier and reduce redness and inflammation. This makes it perfect for those with sensitive skin since it complements other oil-fighting ingredients and ensures that your skin doesn’t get irritated.
Look for "cica" incorporated in your sunscreen, toner, or moisturizer.
Niacinamide is commonly found in products for oily skin since it helps control excess sebum production. It also encourages cell regeneration because it strengthens your skin's barrier to protect it against environmental stresses like the harmful UV rays of the sun, pollution, and toxins. It's anti-inflammatory, too, so it's a good pick for those with acne-prone skin.
Niacinamide is a good option for oily skin as it not only regulates oil but acts as an antioxidant and barrier-strengthener too. As a bonus, it is generally safe to use in pregnancy. But of course, check in with your dermatologist first.
Moisturizing is still an important step for those with oily skin, so it's important to find the right ingredient that will give you the hydration that you need without aggravating oil production. Hyaluronic acid does just that—it doesn't clog the pores nor leave behind a heavy feeling. This makes it a good ingredient for those with oily and acne-prone skin.
Hyaluronic acid is one of the moisturizer ingredients of choice for those with oily skin, as its formulations typically are lightweight and water-based. At the end of the day, try it out and see if it is hydrating enough without aggravating the oiliness of your skin.
Even though toners all have the same function, there are still different types to choose from. The best type for you will depend on your current skincare routine and preferences. Here are the options you can pick from.
Some people assume that those with oily skin don’t need to moisturize anymore, but that’s not the case. For those who are using treatment soaps for acne or those who simply want a gentle toner, you can opt for a hydrating one since it will help you get rid of the tight feeling after washing your face.
Hydrating toners usually have moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide, which are good for all skin types, including oily skin. This type of toner keeps your skin hydrated without aggravating sebum production.
Use hydrating toners as an add-on for hydration. Don't skip moisturizers altogether.
For a deep clean, exfoliating toners will do the trick. From its name, this type of toner will exfoliate your skin to slough away dead skin cells and other impurities from your face. This is great because it will help you remove excess oil and makeup that your facial cleanser wasn’t able to get rid of.
They usually contain different ingredients, including AHAs, BHAs, PHA, and HATCHING EX-07 Enzyme. However, keep in mind that exfoliating toners are quite strong, so be careful if you have sensitive skin.
Consider exfoliating toners with ingredients such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid to help keep the oiliness at bay. Start twice a week and make sure to check you don't use it with other ingredients that it may interact negatively with.
Some toners are labeled to be brightening, balancing, whitening, and many more. These toners are called treatment toners, as they target specific skin concerns and help you achieve different skin goals, aside from reducing oiliness. Make sure to double-check the product description before getting one to know what to expect.
Newer formulations of toners contain active ingredients like niacinamide for brightening, hyaluronic acid for hydrating, and Centella Asiatica for soothing. Choose one based on your skin needs.
Alcohol in skincare is controversial since not all alcohol is bad. Fatty alcohols like cetyl, stearyl, and cetearyl alcohol are not harmful, as they’re derived from coconut or palm oil and can be nourishing for the skin. However, simple alcohols like denatured alcohol, ethanol, and isopropyl alcohol are harmful because they’re incredibly drying, even for those with oily skin.
This is why it’s best to avoid them since they can irritate your skin and cause redness and a stinging sensation. The same goes for fragrances, especially for those with sensitive skin, as they can cause allergic reactions that can aggravate acne even more.
While alcohols and fragrances have gotten a bad rep over the years, the truth is they're not all that bad. At the end of the day, it boils down to patch testing that product and seeing if it is a match for your skin.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner | ![]() | Exfoliating Toner With a Gentle, Skin-Friendly Formula | |
2 | Some by Mi Super Matcha Pore Tightening Toner | ![]() | Formulated With Sebum Controller Powder to Help You Get a Clear Complexion | |
3 | SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Brightening Toner | ![]() | Deeply Cleanses the Skin and Restores Its Moisture Barrier | |
4 | Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner | ![]() | Keeps Skin Hydrated While Controlling Sebum Production | |
5 | Nacific Pink AHA BHA Toner | ![]() | Has Moisturizing and Anti-inflammatory Properties to Soothe Redness and Irritation | |
6 | Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner | ![]() | Best-Selling Korean Toner That Improves Overall Skin Health | |
7 | AXIS-Y Daily Purifying Treatment Toner | ![]() | Contains 0.5% Salicylic Acid That Makes It Gentle yet Effective at Exfoliation | |
8 | COMMONLABS Triple Vita Balancing Toner | ![]() | Includes Vitamins to Nourish Your Skin | |
9 | One Thing Niacinamide 10% | ![]() | Gives You All the Benefits of Niacinamide | |
10 | Mizon AHA & BHA Daily Clean Toner | ![]() | Infused With Fruit Extracts for Extra Exfoliating Power |
This toner from COSRX features AHA and BHA as active ingredients, exfoliating both deeply and at the surface level. Its formula remains gentle yet effective, with a pH of 4.0 ± 1.0, matching the pH of healthy skin. With soothing ingredients like allantoin, it’s an excellent choice for sensitive skin.
The 10% apple fruit water and willow bark also help improve skin texture, remove acne spots, and fade scars for clear, glowing skin. Plus, the spray bottle makes for easy application. Try it out, just like thousands of satisfied customers, and see the difference with this popular Korean toner!
Clogged pores are usually caused by excess sebum and dirt, resulting in congested, acne-prone skin. But worry not, because Some by Mi is here to fix all your pore troubles! This toner cleans and tightens the pores using matcha water, a naturally-sourced BHA that clears impurities left on your skin after cleansing.
What's interesting about this product is that it's formulated with sebum controller powder, which absorbs excess oil to keep your skin fresh and blemish-free. As a result, you will get an enviable clear complexion. This toner also has calming ingredients, including tea tree and Centella asiatica to ensure you won't experience any irritation.
SKIN1004 is a Korean brand that specializes in natural products that contain Centella asiatica or Cica, which is one of the most popular ingredients in Korean skincare for all skin types, including oily skin. This toner is formulated with Cica from Madagascar, AHA, and hyaluronic acid to calm inflamed skin and strengthen its moisture barrier.
It soothes redness and inflammation while ensuring that your skin doesn't get dried out as AHA and LHA remove dead skin cells and excess sebum from your skin. With the combination of these ingredients, you will get a bright and radiant glowing complexion that is neither too oily nor dry.
If you want to achieve a healthy, dewy complexion, Round Lab's 1025 Dokdo Toner will make that possible. It rejuvenates your skin by exfoliating it gently using the patented HATCHING EX-07 enzyme that effectively removes dead skin cells. And using panthenol, allantoin, and betaine, this product will strengthen your skin's moisture barrier.
It can also control sebum production, as it is infused with Ulleungdo Island's deep seawater that has 72 different minerals, which balances your skin's oil-water levels. Because of its amazing formula, the 1025 Dokdo Toner has earned the #1 spot in the Toner category of the Hwahae Beauty Awards for three years.
If you're prone to breakouts, consider getting this pink toner from Nacific. It contains watermelon extracts for moisture and lavender oil to calm inflamed skin. It also has pink calamine, which relives itchiness and dries out pimples. These ingredients complement the exfoliating properties of AHA and BHA to reveal clearer skin.
This toner also claims to improve skin elasticity and give a whitening effect, which customers can vouch for. One user mentioned that they noticed their skin getting fairer after using the toner. Plus, it has a watery texture that is quick-absorbing, and feels light on the skin, part of the reason why this product is well-loved!
There's a reason why this toner is a best-selling one: it is suitable for all skin types, including oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin. Using Centella asiatica and licorice root extract, it instantly calms redness and repairs damaged skin to prevent future breakouts. It's fast-absorbing, too, so it doesn't feel sticky on the skin.
With hyaluronic acid as one of its main ingredients, it's a hydrating toner that can strengthen your skin's barrier and enhance moisture retention without aggravating excess oil production. It also balances your skin's pH to improve overall skin health. Users especially like that it's safe for sensitive skin with no essential oils or fragrances.
Salicylic acid is a highly effective BHA known for its exfoliating properties and ability to remove impurities and excess sebum. This toner harnesses its benefits at a gentle 0.5% concentration, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It effectively eliminates bacteria, oil, and pollution without causing irritation.
For best results, it's also formulated with tea tree and Centella asiatica to speed up the skin's healing process and soothe it. Plus, it doesn't contain artificial colors, oils, fragrances, and parabens, so you won't likely have any allergic reaction to the product. Reviews mention that they noticed that their blackheads and acne reduced even if the toner has minimal BHA content.
COMMONLABS is a Korean beauty brand that provides sensible and effective everyday skincare products which utilize the power of vitamins. This can be seen in their Triple Vita Balancing Toner, which contains vitamin B, C, and E and PHA to remove excess sebum and impurities, hydrate the skin, and strengthen its barrier.
It also has hyaluronic acid that speeds up the skin renewal process. Not only do you get healthy and supple skin, but you can also have a flawlessly beautiful complexion. Customers love it, saying that it's the perfect item for their skincare regimen. If you're looking for a new holy grail product that's backed by hundreds of good reviews, this is for you!
One Thing is known for using single-ingredient formulas. This way, they can focus on keeping their products high quality, highly effective, simple, and safe. This toner is an indication of that, as it contains 10% niacinamide that will give you various benefits, including controlling oil production, shrinking pores, and healing breakouts.
Using this toner regularly will result in clear glass skin and an even skin tone, making you look youthful and radiant. Aside from using this product as a toner, you can also add it to your cream, use it as a mist, or even utilize it as a spot treatment. Many users love it, saying that it makes their skin glow beautifully.
Exfoliation is an important step in managing oily skin. Luckily, this toner from Mizon utilizes papaya extract and portulaca extract, along with AHA and BHA, to gently slough away excess oil, dirt, and bacteria. Mizon also ensured that this toner helps you maintain a healthy skin pH to encourage faster cell renewal.
Even though this product is an effective exfoliating toner, it's gentle, so it won't aggravate your skin. As a result, you will get a smooth, healthy, and radiant complexion. This is why this toner is well-loved by customers, saying that it makes them look blooming.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Katrina.
Aside from toners, K-beauty brands have a lot of products that cater to those with oily skin. Level up your skincare regimen with some of the best Korean skincare items we've found online. Check out our other articles below for more product recommendations.
10 Best Korean Skincare Products in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed By Dermatologist
10 Best Korean Ampoules in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Korean Essences in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Korean Sunscreens in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
Author: Bianca Angela Dela Cruz
Editor: Aprille Jarcia
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.
For expert-reviewed articles, we ask experts to check and review our buying guide to make sure there aren't any false, misleading, or outdated information. Our experts do not participate in choosing the recommendations, and they do not endorse any of the products we mention.
No. 1: COSRX|AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
No. 2: Some by Mi|Super Matcha Pore Tightening Toner
No. 3: SKIN1004|Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Brightening Toner
No. 4: Round Lab|1025 Dokdo Toner
No. 5: Nacific|Pink AHA BHA Toner
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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