Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave this storySave this story
Any K-pop star, K-beauty expert, or Korean dermatologist will tell you toner isn’t an option—it’s essential. They don’t just use any toner, either—only the best of the best Korean toners will suffice. The reason being: Toner is the first product to treat your skin post-cleansing, and K-beauty toners, in particular, ensure this step helps balance your skin’s pH, moisture, and sebum levels with ultra-gentle, fragrance-free formulas. Plus, Korean toners are truly a sensorial experience with an assortment of textures you’ll look forward to applying, like milky, silky, watery, and viscous.
Our Top Korean Toners
- Best Overall: Ma:nyo Panthetoin Essence Toner, $18
- Best for Dull Skin: I’m From Rice Toner, $24
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner, $18
- Best for Blackheads: CosRx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Treatment, $25
- Best for Acne: Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Pad, $24
- Best for Dry Skin: Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer, $36
- Best for Redness: Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner, $17
- Best for Combination Skin: Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk, $18
- Best for Textured Skin: Some by Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner, $22
Generally, toner also acts like a primer for the rest of your skin-care routine, New York-based board-certified dermatologist Arielle Kauvar, MD, previously told Allure. It preps your skin to better absorb the serum and moisturizer that follow it, making your entire complexion regimen more effective and your skin plumper, brighter, healthier, and happier. In other words, going straight from cleansing to serum or moisturizer can be like putting cold butter on a day-old bagel. Sure, it will taste OK and fill your stomach, but your bagel will be much more enjoyable and the ingredients will meld together much better if you toast it.
Ahead, we rounded up the best Korean toners from beloved K-beauty brands, such as Laneige, CosRx, and Beauty of Joseon, for every skin type and concern.
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What makes Korean toners different?
- What are common ingredients found in Korean toners?
- What are the different ways to apply Korean toners?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Ma:nyo Panthetoin Essence Toner
Save to wishlist
Ma:nyo
Panthetoin Essence Toner
Amazon
StyleVana
Why it's worth it: If there’s one Korean brand that consistently earns a spot in our routine, it’s Ma:nyo, and the Panthetoin Essence Toner is a big reason why. It hits the sweet spot of benefits that we look for in a toner: deeply hydrating, instantly calming, and transformative for stressed or sensitized skin. The formula is built on the brand’s proprietary “panthetoin,” a blend of panthenol (vitamin B5) and ectoin, which helps soothe irritation, replenish moisture, and strengthen the skin barrier so everything that follows absorbs better. The texture is cushiony and essence-like without feeling sticky, making it especially comforting for dry, reactive, or post-treatment skin.
Allure contributor Devon Abelmanapplying Ma:nyo Panthetoin Essence Toner to her face.
Devon Abelman
Abelman after applying the Ma:nyo Panthetoin Essence Toner
Devon Abelman
Tester feedback from contributor Devon Abelman
LargeChevron
“This toner is so thick and effective for reinforcing moisture that I often don’t need to moisturize. Instead, I go straight to SPF after applying vitamin C serum in the morning.” —Devon Abelman, Allure contributor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: panthenol, ectoin, sunflower seed oil
- Who it’s for: everyone
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dull Skin: I’m From Rice Toner
Save to wishlist
I'm From
Rice Toner
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the I’m From Rice Toner
Sarah Han
Why it’s worth it: You’re going to keep seeing rice extract pop up in Korean toners—and that’s because rice is kind of a big deal in Korea. Beyond being a daily food staple, it’s been used for generations in beauty rituals (hello, rice water) for its brightening and smoothing benefits. I'm From Rice Toner leans into that tradition with goami rice sourced from Yeoju, a region in South Korea that produces some of Korea’s highest-quality rice, thanks to its mineral-rich soil and ideal growing conditions.“This toner has a milky and slightly viscous texture that glides over skin and instantly softens,” says Charlotte Cho, co-founder of Soko Glam. “The rice extract brightens and hydrates without heaviness, which is ideal for skin that can’t handle thick, occlusive layers.” She adds that it’s her go-to for prepping skin before serums and moisturizers, leaving it “instantly plump and glassy.” Cho notes it leaves skin “instantly plump and glassy” and perfectly prepped for the rest of your routine.
Tester feedback from Allure commerce editor Sarah Han
LargeChevron
"A hydrating toner or essence is a non-negotiable step of my daytime and nighttime routines. I'm From Rice Toner instantly plumps my skin, giving it a brighter, refreshed look and prepping it for the serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens to follow. Now that we're in the office four days a week, I can't be bothered to wear makeup every day—but at least my skin looks nice and glowy." —Sarah Han, Allure commerce editor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: goami rice extract, adenosine, niacinamide
- Who it’s for: everyone
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner for Sensitive Skin
Save to wishlist
Haruharu Wonder
Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner for Sensitive Skin
Amazon
Nordstrom
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Haruharu Black Rice Toner for Sensitive Skin
Why it’s worth it: Haru haru means “day by day” in Korean, which feels right for a toner you’ll actually want to use every single morning (and night). Haruharu Wonder’s Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner is a fragrance-free, sensitive skin-friendly take on the original formula—made for anyone who wants all the hydration, without the irritation that can potentially come from added scent. The star here is fermented black rice extract. Fermentation helps unlock more of the rice’s naturally occurring amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, so skin gets deeper nourishment and better moisture retention over time. Staying true to the brand’s keep-it-simple philosophy, it also leans on trusty hyaluronic acid to deliver deep hydration.
Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
LargeChevron
“Do you want to know a secret? I used to tell friends that toner was optional, but after trying this black rice-based toner from Haruharu Wonder, I’m officially a convert. It feels as light as water, but it works as hard as some of my thicker creams. You can absolutely pat it in with your hands, but I love using a cotton pad to really sweep away any leftover makeup or grime—it somehow always finds something, even after what I swear was a thorough double cleanse. It’s my favorite step in making sure I’m taking care of my skin.” —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure contributing commerce writer
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: fermented black rice extract, red ginseng extract, hyaluronic acid
- Who it’s for: everyone, especially people with sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Blackheads: CosRx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Treatment
Save to wishlist
Cosrx
BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Treatment
Amazon
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Why it’s worth it: We’ll start with the bad news: You can’t totally eliminate blackheads. The good news? You can make them a lot less noticeable with CosRx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, especially if acids aren’t your first rodeo. The exfoliating liquid uses a powerful blend of BHAs (68% white willow bark water plus 4% betaine salicylate) to work within pores, helping dissolve the buildup that leads to congestion and blackheads. Niacinamide helps keep oil in check, smooth the look of textured skin, and fade lingering post-breakout marks over time. Stick with it, and pores stay clearer, blackheads look less defined, and breakouts are less likely to hang around. One tip from our tester: Don’t just pat it on—really work it into skin so the exfoliating ingredients can do their thing.
Han before applying the CosRx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Treatment
Sarah Han
Han after applying the CosRx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Treatment
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
LargeChevron
“This CosRx toner, much like their snail mucin essence, is what I like to call an oldie-but-a-goodie. It’s been around since I got into K-beauty over nine years ago, and whenever my blackheads are looking extra prominent, I reach for this trusty toner and spend some extra time post-double-cleanse to work it into my T-zone and on/around my nose (the biggest culprit!). I switch up the a.m. vs. p.m. application on the days I use a retinol serum at night, so CosRx goes on in the morning after splashing my face with water. I’ve noticed that my nose blackheads are less prominent and, well, dark, and some discoloration from self-inflicted picking (I know, I know!) has faded, which is an unexpected but welcome win!” —Sarah Han, Allure commerce editor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: 68% white willow bark water, 4% betain salysilate, niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate
- Who it’s for: people with clogged pores
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Acne: Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Pad
Save to wishlist
Mediheal
Madecassoside Blemish Pad
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Pad
Sarah Felbin
Why it’s worth it: At the end of a long day—when you’re tired, tapped out, and this close to skipping skincare altogether—a toner pad feels like the ultimate shortcut. These pre-soaked pads are made to keep things simple: swipe, reset, done. Instead of relying on traditional exfoliating acids like salicylic, they take a gentler approach, using Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica) to calm inflammation and support stressed, breakout-prone skin. Highly concentrated madecassoside—a key compound from cica—helps soothe active acne, reduce visible redness, and support faster skin recovery, making post-blemish marks less noticeable over time. Niacinamide helps even out tone, while glycerin adds lightweight hydration without making skin feel slick. A subtle blend of herbal oils (juniper, mugwort, patchouli, and rosemary) adds extra clarifying powers for congested skin.
Tester feedback from Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
LargeChevron
“I have very sensitive, oily skin that can break out if I look at it wrong. Add to that the dozens of new beauty products I'm testing each week, and I'm almost always dealing with some stubborn blackheads, whiteheads, or both. When I first notice signs of a breakout, I always make sure to grab these pads. The pad's material is very thin and soft (not scratchy like some other pads I've tried, which can irritate my skin even more). There's a lot of product in each box of pads, so they're always fully saturated, even weeks after I've bought them. And I love that each box comes with a pair of clear plastic tweezers hidden underneath the lid, so I can quickly and easily grab a pad without having to stick my fingers inside. The pads apply a thin layer of a clear, watery product that dries quickly and layers easily under the rest of my skin care and makeup. And after a few uses, my skin looks calmer and clearer. These have been a medicine cabinet must-have for me since I first tried them. Madecassoside is the real deal!” —Sarah Felbin, Allure senior commerce editor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: niacinamide, glycerin, Centella asiatica
- Who it’s for: people with clogged pores or acne
- Fragrance-free: rosemary and mango scent; no synthetic fragrance
Best for Dry Skin: Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer
Save to wishlist
Laneige
Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer
Amazon
Sephora
Why it’s worth it: Long before milky toners flooded TikTok, this 2023 Best of Beauty winner had already earned viral status in Korea for doing one thing exceptionally well: delivering deep, lasting hydration without heaviness. The formula blends barrier-repairing ceramides, skin-smoothing peptides, and amino acid-rich white tea leaves to help strengthen dry, depleted skin and lock in moisture. It sinks in fast with a weightless, almost watery feel, but don’t be fooled—this stuff hydrates like a cream. No surprise it comes in both travel and jumbo sizes because once it’s in your routine, you won’t want to be without it.
Han applying the Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
LargeChevron
“I like a face mist as much as the next person but using one only feels worthwhile if I can drench my skin in it. Laneige's Cream Skin does the trick in just a few spritzes, alleviating any tightness I'm feeling immediately. I love using it as a setting spray during the colder months, in addition to the usual moisture replenishment throughout the day.” —Sarah Han, Allure commerce editor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: ceramides, peptides, white tea leaf
- Who it’s for: everyone, but particularly those with damaged skin barriers
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best For Redness: Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner
Save to wishlist
Round Lab
1025 Dokdo Toner
Olive Young (250 ml)
Yesstyle (400 ml)
Why it’s worth it: This TikTok sensation is a great intro to the magic of toner. Round Lab’s 1025 Dokdo Toner looks just like water and feels just as revitalizing because it is, in fact, mostly water—deep sea water extracted 5,000 feet below sea level off the coast of South Korea’s Ulleungdo island, to be exact. It’s chock full of vital minerals, such as magnesium, zinc, and calcium, to give skin a little bit of everything to get glowing: gentle exfoliation, hydration, plumping, and relief from inflammation related to eczema and acne.
Abelman applying Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner on her face.
Devon Abelman
Abelman after applying the Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner
Devon Abelman
Tester feedback from Abelman
LargeChevron
“I don't wear foundation or concealer, so I rely on a consistent skin-care routine to keep my complexion clear, radiant, and free of redness. Round Lab's 1025 Dokdo Toner has been an incredibly reliable choice because it plays equally well with vitamin C serum in the morning and my skin-cycling serum lineup at night. I know my skin is going to slurp this toner up every time I reach for it without residual stickiness, discomfort, or heaviness. Plus, it's formulated without essential oils and fragrances, which is key for maintaining happy, healthy skin. Typically, I sprinkle Round Lab's 1025 Dokdo Toner into my hand and pat it onto my face, but I also like putting it on a cotton pad and sweeping it all over my face after working out or going outside to wipe away sweat, dust, and old sunscreen.” —Devon Abelman, Allure contributor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: seawater, red algae extract, sugarcane extract
- Who it’s for: everyone
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Combination Skin: Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk
Save to wishlist
Beauty of Joseon
Glow Replenishing Rice Milk
Amazon
StyleVana
Why it’s worth it: With just a shake, a layer of oil-zapping kaolin clay powder fuses with a moisture-elevating liquid to create a skin-balancing elixir perfect for those with oily skin. Rice extract, a natural humectant, helps skin lock in moisture. Our tagline for Beauty of Joseon's Glow Replenishing Rice Milk? Get ready for a fresher-feeling complexion that shines in all the right ways.
Han applying the Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
LargeChevron
“I love the sensorial aspect of shaking and mixing the dual layers and seeing the formula transform into milky emulsion goodness. I have combo skin and I find that this formula works especially well for that, but I think a lot of skin types—including oily, acne-prone, and redness-prone skin—would benefit from this rice milk. My shiny-as-heck T-zone is toned down and my skin feels so much smoother after my double cleanse.” —Sarah Han, Allure commerce editor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: rice extract, rice amino acids, kaolin clay, ceramides
- Who it’s for: everyone, especially people with oily skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Textured Skin: Some by Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Save to wishlist
Some by Mi
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Amazon
Soko Glam
Why it’s worth it: Although we will let you decide whether Some by Mi’s AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner is truly a miracle worker, it’s undeniable that it contains AHA, BHA, and PHA in the form of citric acid, salicylic acid, and lactobionic acid, respectively. Together, these chemical exfoliants boost cell turnover to help smooth away tiny bumps and dullness while clearing pores of blackheads and dirt. They’re joined by niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to ensure your skin doesn’t dry out in the process.
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: AHA, BHA, PHA, papaya and witch hazel extracts, tea tree water, niacinamide, adenosine
- Who it’s for: people with texture and dull skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Korean toners different?
Korean skin care places moisture at the forefront of all products, so you can guarantee that any Korean toner you try will never feel drying or astringent. The best Korean toners are also formulated to be as gentle on skin as possible by being fragrance-free, packed with soothing ingredients, and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin—even brightening and exfoliating Korean toner formulas.
What are common ingredients found in Korean toners?
Centella asiatica is, by far, the most common ingredient found in Korean toners due to its versatility. Other popular additions include hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, ceramides, and panthenol—all powerful moisture-locking ingredients.
What are the different ways to apply Korean toners?
1. Pat
Sprinkle a couple of drops of Korean toner into the palm of your hand before rubbing your hands together and patting the toner onto your skin. This technique is much more gentle on skin than rubbing, which is more likely to inflict trauma upon your skin, board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD, previously shared with Allure.
2. Layer
After patting on your Korean toner, you can repeat the process above up to seven times (a.k.a. the 7 Skin Method) for weightless hydration and a more concentrated dose of your favorite Korean toner.
3. Swipe
After cleansing, you dampen a reusable cotton pad with Korean toner and swipe it onto your face to help remove any makeup and debris left on your skin.
4. Mask
Soak Korean cotton pads, like the White Rabbit Naked Cotton Classic Cotton Pads or Biodance Cotton Pads, with your Korean toner of choice and stick them onto the parts of your face that need extra moisture, soothing, or brightening. Then, let them sit on your face for five minutes like a DIY sheet mask. Alternatively, follow the 7 Skin Method with Experiment’s Avant Guard reusable silicone sheet mask—which comes in small and big—to better lock in all those juicy layers of toner.
Meet the experts
- Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
- Charlotte Cho, co-founder of Soko Glam based in New York City
- Arielle Kauvar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of NY Laser & Skin Care based in New York City
- Hee Jin Koh, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Clifton, New Jersey
- Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best Korean toners, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Leave a Reply