The 10 Best Korean Toners We’re Loving in 2025

Korean toners are having a major moment. If your FYP hasn’t been flooded with them yet, it’s only a matter of time before this Korean skincare staple pops up. The not-so-secret weapon in every beauty enthusiast’s Korean skincare routine; a toner is an absolute must for achieving glass skin.

From lightweight liquids to creamy milky formulas and easy-to-use toner pads, Korean skincare offers options for every skin type, including oily, sensitive, and breakout-prone. To help you find the perfect fit, we’ve tried and tested 10 of the best Korean toners and broken down what makes each one worth a spot on your shelf.

Our top 10 Korean cleansers 

1. Best hydrating Korean toner: Biodance First Synergy Toner

2. Best exfoliating Korean toner: Beauty Of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner : AHA+BHA

3. Best Korean toner for sensitive skin: haruharu wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner 

4. Best Korean toner for dry skin: Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturiser

5. Best Korean milky toner: good light cosmetics Moon Glow Milky Toning Lotion

6. Best Korean toner pad for clarifying texture: ANUA Heartleaf 77 Clear Pad

7. Best Korean toner for soothing and glow: Belif Aqua Bomb Hydrating Toner

8. Best Korean toner for brightening and moisturising: I’m From Rice Toner 

9. Best Korean toner pad for oily and combination skin: Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 

10. Best Korean toner for breakout prone skin: SOME BY MI AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner

Why are Korean toners so good? 

Korean toners stand out because they do more than just prep the skin – they actively treat it. Unlike traditional toners that often focus on stripping away oil, Korean formulas are designed to hydrate, rebalance, and gently exfoliate without irritation. Many are packed with soothing, skin-loving ingredients like Centella Asiatica, heartleaf, rice extract, and mugwort, which help calm inflammation, boost moisture levels, and support the skin barrier. You’ll also find gentle exfoliants like PHA and LHA that smooth and refine texture without over-drying. The result? Softer, clearer, and more radiant skin, starting from the very first step after cleansing.

Rated: Best hydrating Korean toner

Best for: Sensitive skin types 

Why we love it: Gentle, hypoallergenic, and ultra-hydrating, the Biodance First Synergy Toner is a top choice for skin in need of a moisture surge. Packed with 96% moisture-rich ingredients and a luxe, serum-like texture, this toner works overtime to deliver deep hydration without any irritation. Just a few drops instantly quench dryness, rebalance your skin’s pH (thanks to its gentle 5.5 formula), and preps your face to soak up the rest of your routine. 

Name: Sophie Luu 

Skin type: Combination

Sophie’s review: I’ve introduced Biodance’s First Synergy Toner into my skincare routine and it’s been a game changer before I moisturise. From the first use, my skin felt instantly plumper and more refreshed. The texture is like a rich milky consistency but fast absorbing, and it sat under my moisturiser with no issues. I noticed the redness and tightness of my skin has reduced since using this toner, and my skin looked more even and glowy over time. It gave me a healthy, bouncy finish without any stickiness. This toner felt like a treatment step, not just a hydrator. I’d definitely use it again and consider it a staple in my skincare routine.

Rating: Best exfoliating Korean toner

Best for: All skin types

Why we love it: Helping skin to feel fresh, balanced, and ready for anything, the Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner : AHA+BHA is a must. This gentle, exfoliating toner uses a blend of green plum water, 3% glycolic acid (AHA), and 0.5% salicylic acid (BHA) to smooth, brighten, and refresh your skin, without the sting. It works on the surface to lift away dead skin cells and fade dark spots, while diving deeper to unclog pores and keep oil in check. 

Name: Phoebe Page 

Skin type: Normal/Sensitive 

Phoebe’s review: This Beauty Of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner : AHA+BHA claims to be exfoliating with glycolic acid and salicylic to brighten and clear the skin. I definitely felt like it brightened my skin without stripping it. It felt very gentle and wasn’t overly scented despite being green plum which I liked. Whilst I don’t have a lot of scars or pigmentation I will definitely continue to use this product to even out my skin tone and prevent any blemishes. Also, the packaging is very cute and looks good on my dressing table.

Rated: Best Korean toner for sensitive skin

Best for: Sensitive skin types 

Why we love it: Free from alcohol and fragrance, the haruharu wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner is your daily dose of irritation-free, deep hydration. Packed with antioxidant-rich black rice extract and moisture-locking hyaluronic acid, this lightweight toner absorbs in seconds to refresh, soothe, and plump the skin. It hydrates from within to relieve tightness, restore bounce, and keep even sensitive skin calm and comfortable, all in one sweep. 

Name: Ethan Hogan 

Skin type: Oily 

Ethan’s review: I’ve tried a few Korean skincare products before, but the haruharu wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner really impressed me. It said it would hydrate, soothe, and brighten, and honestly, it delivered. The texture is super lightweight and soaks in fast, no stickiness at all. My skin felt soft, calm, and bouncy right after using it! After a few days, I noticed less redness and a bit of a glow, which was a nice bonus. My fave thing? It’s alcohol-free and feels super gentle. It slid into my routine so easily, and I’d totally keep using it. Definitely a new staple.

Rating: Best Korean toner for dry skin 

Best for: All skin types 

Why we love it: Loved for its multitasking abilities, the Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturiser blends the best of a toner and moisturiser to deliver a surge of intense hydration with a lightweight, milky texture. Powered by Cerapeptide™, it not only drenches your skin in moisture but also helps boost elasticity and strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier. It’s the perfect choice for those craving deeply nourished, firmer-feeling skin without the heavy feel. 

Name: Rachel Brown 

Skin type: Dry 

Rachel’s review: The Laneige Cream Skin Toner and Moisturiser is my ride or die! I was always nervous to use toners because I thought they would irritate my dry skin, but this hybrid product is perfect. On warm days, I often use this alone because it’s so light but hydrating, sinking in quickly and giving my skin a moisture boost. On days where I need more intense hydration, it layers so well with a more traditional moisturiser. I love how glowy, firm, and healthy this product makes my skin look. This is an absolute staple, and I can’t imagine a world where I stop using it.

Rated: Best Korean milky toner

Best for: Dry, sensitive, and combination skin types 

Why we love it: Glowing skin starts with the good light Moon Glow Milky Toning Lotion. This lightweight, milky toner delivers serious hydration with a side of radiance. Powered by moisture-loving snow mushroom, nourishing meadowfoam seed oil, and barrier-boosting ceramides, this toner does it all, soothing, smoothing, and strengthening. Niacinamide helps refine pores and balance oil, while the pH-balanced formula gently supports healing and hydration. Expect calm, soft, moonlit skin that feels as good as it looks. 

Name: Brad Cunningham 

Skin type: Sensitive 

Brad’s review: The Moon Glow Milky Toning Lotion from good light cosmetics has become an essential step in my routine, especially for my sensitive skin. It has this nice lightweight, milky texture that feels instantly calming and hydrating. I really like how it balances and soothes without ever leaving a sticky or greasy feeling. My skin feels softer, more even-toned, and hydrated. I also love that I don’t need to use it every single day for it to work; the hydration really lasts, and my skin feels calm and nourished even on the off days. It’s become my go-to product after cleansing, especially when my skin needs a reset. This is a gentle, barrier-friendly toner that feels like it genuinely works, and my skin really feels the benefits!

Rated: Best Korean toner pad for clarifying texture

Best for: All skin types

Why we love it: The ANUA Heartleaf 77 Clear Pad does everything you need, and more. These double-sided toner pads are designed to gently exfoliate and calm in one simple step. One side features a textured surface with PHA to sweep away dead skin cells, unclog pores, and tackle blackheads, while the soft side is soaked in heartleaf and madecassoside to soothe irritation, calm redness, and reduce breakouts. Perfect for acne-prone, sensitive, or congested skin, these pads leave your complexion smooth, clear, and totally refreshed.

Name: Beth Humphreys 

Skin type: Combination/sensitive 

Beth’s review: Honestly obsessed with the ANUA Heartleaf 77 Clear Pad! They gently exfoliate my skin leaving it feeling super smooth and clean. Although they are an exfoliating product, they don’t feel too harsh on my sensitive skin and actually feel quite soothing upon application. I also thought that my makeup applied so much better after using them and added a lovely glow underneath. I will definitely be repurchasing them, they’re a new fave in my skincare routine! 

Rated: Best Korean toner for soothing and glow

Best for: All skin types 

Why we love it: Delivering a burst of lightweight hydration, Belif’s Aqua Bomb Hydrating Toner is perfect for skin that feels dry, tight, or dull post-cleanse. Inspired by the brand’s best-selling moisturiser, this toner uses baobab oil and sodium hyaluronate to lock in moisture and prep the skin for the rest of your routine. Its water-like texture absorbs instantly, leaving skin soft, smooth, and refreshed. Soothing honeysuckle helps calm redness, while the botanical formula gently refines texture and boosts radiance.

Name: Chloe Wise 

Skin type: Combination/breakout prone 

Chloe’s review: The Belif Aqua Bomb Hydrating Toner has been a regular in my routine for the last few months and I can confirm it’s a game-changer. I apply it with my hands (you could use a cotton pad, I’m just lazy) and tap it into my face. It’s really refreshing and absorbs quickly, but it’s the long-term benefits I’ve noticed that will keep me repurchasing. My skin looks and feels hydrated for longer, it’s smoother and more even toned, and redness has been reduced. I pair it with a good ampoule and face mist for even more hydration – I can’t get enough.

Rated: Best Korean toner for brightening and moisturising

Best for: All skin types 

Why we love it: The I’m From Rice Toner is your new fast track ticket to glowy, balanced skin. Made with organic rice extract, this brightening toner gently sweeps away impurities and excess oil while hydrating and rebalancing the skin. It works to even out tone, smooth texture, and fade dark spots, leaving your complexion looking fresh, radiant, and revitalised. Suitable for all skin types, this everyday essential is designed to make your whole routine work harder.

Name: Aimee Barlow 

Skin type: Combination/sensitive

Aimee’s review: I always have a Korean Toner in my skincare collection but I’ve never tried one with a milky consistency, so I was excited to try the I’m From Rice Toner (which has been recommended to me so many times!). It’s supposed to leave your skin feeling and looking hydrated, balanced, radiant, and smooth and after a week of using this I have already noticed those benefits. As soon as you use it it gives a glowy appearance, and over time my skin has felt brighter and smoother, and I’ve noticed less oiliness on my T-zone too. It hasn’t irritated my sensitive skin at all, so this is a new fave in my skincare routine. 

Rated: Best Korean toner pad for oily and combination skin 

Best for: Combination and oily skin types 

Why we love it: Tackling clogged pores and smoothing the skin, every routine needs the Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0. These dual-textured toner pads are powered by an AHA fruit complex and natural extracts to gently exfoliate, tone, and hydrate. They help lift away dead skin cells, control excess oil, and visibly tighten pores, while soothing botanicals keep irritation at bay. Hypoallergenic and gentle enough for daily use, these pads are your fuss-free fix for clearer, more balanced skin. 

Name: Aisha Malhi 

Skin type: Sensitive 

Aisha’s review: I tried the Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0 and was genuinely impressed. The dual-textured pads made exfoliating easy and gentle, and I loved how refreshed and smooth my skin felt after each use. They helped reduce oiliness in my T-zone and made my pores look noticeably more refined, especially around my nose. My complexion looked brighter, and blackheads were visibly reduced after a couple of weeks.

The product claims to brighten, soothe, and improve pores, and it mostly lived up to those promises. I did experience a slight tingling sensation at first, but it settled quickly. Overall, it became a convenient and effective addition to my skincare routine. I’d definitely use it again and recommend it to anyone looking for a simple way to improve texture and pore appearance without harsh scrubs.

Rated: Best Korean toner for breakout-prone skin 

Best for: All skin types 

Why we love it: Clearing breakouts, calming irritation, and smoothing texture in just 30 days, SOME BY MI’s AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner is a must-have for breakout-prone skin. This exfoliating powerhouse combines AHA, BHA, and PHA to gently remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and control excess oil without stripping moisture. With 10,000ppm of soothing tea tree extract, it helps reduce inflammation while refining texture and tone. Witch hazel and papaya speed up cell turnover and tighten pores, while lotus and lentil extracts work to nourish, brighten, and protect your skin.

Name: Lauren Shaw 

Skin type: Combination/Sensitive/Acne-prone 

Lauren’s review: I’ve recently been using the SOME BY MI Miracle Toner in my skincare routine and honestly, it’s been such a game changer. I have super sensitive, acne-prone combination skin, so I’m always nervous to try anything with acids, but this one is so gentle. It helps keep my breakouts in check (especially around my oily areas) without drying my skin out. My skin feels smoother, looks brighter, and it’s helped with texture and clogged pores. Plus, it sinks in fast and doesn’t feel sticky. I love that it has tea tree too, which really calms my skin when it’s acting up.

If you’ve got sensitive or reactive skin and need a low-key exfoliant, this is 100% worth trying. This mask is super light and refreshing and it feels like my skin is getting a big drink of water overnight. I keep getting compliments on my glowy skin – even the receptionist at the dentist even told me how great it looks the other day! No breakouts, no irritation, just smooth, glass-like skin. It layers nicely with my other products and doesn’t feel heavy or sticky.