Toners 101: Why You Need Them And How To Pick The Right One For You

If you have any skincare-obsessed friends (or if you’re that friend), you’ve probably heard about toner before, or maybe you tried one in the past but it left a very unpleasant, tight, mummy-like sensation on your skin that immediately drove you away from trying one ever again.

Whatever the case, the bottom line is that toner is a skincare-routine-must if you want to keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and young for a long time. But, you may be wondering, “What in the world is toner and why do I need it?” Let’s think about it this way: you know how when washing your dishes, you wet the sponge right before pouring liquid soap on top of it? That’s because a wet solid will better absorb other liquids if it’s wet, and our skin is the same. In order for all the products we apply on our skin to absorb better, we need to properly hydrate it first, and that’s a job for toners.

But what makes Korean toners better? While many western ones have their roots in alcohol in order to kill bacteria, Korean ones are meant to be hydrating, which at the end of the day will also take care of acne, dehydration, aging, and many, many more skin struggles. With ingredients ranging from hyaluronic acid to mineral water, kelp and aloe extract, propolis, amino acids, and more, these magic bottles are formulated so your skin never goes dehydrated, AKA, looks and feels plump.

Now that you know a little more about why you need one in your life, you may wonder “How do I pick and choose the right one for me?” Well, fear not, for here’s a list of our absolute favorite toners for every skin type.

Dry, Combo & Dehydrated Skin

If you suffer from any of these conditions, then you definitely need to find a moisturizing, hydrating, or revitalizing toner. Essential oils and hydrating/soothing ingredients such as aloe, chamomile, calendula, lavender, and rose are a go-to for you. Here are some of our faves!

Mamonde Floral Hydro Ampoule Toner

Whamisa Organic Flowers Deep Rich Essence Toner

Cosrx One Step Moisture Up Pads

Belif Bergamot Toner

Oily, Normal & Sensitive Skin

If your skin matches any of these categories, then going for pH-balancing, soothing toners is the best choice for you. Slightly astringent and antibacterial ingredients such as aloe, sage, lavender, tea tree, salicylic acid, and witch hazel will help your skin balance itself and reduce excess oil. Try one of these to start!

Missha Aqua Peptide Custom Skin Care Toner

Dermatory Hypoallergenic Hydrating Toner

Laneige Fresh Calming Toner

Belif Eucalyptus Toner

Acne Prone, Aging & Dull Skin

An exfoliating, peeling toner will work wonders on these skin types. Ingredients such as tea tree oil, green tea, bija seed oil, and cica will become your best friends when trying to calm down and detox your skin.

Whamisa Glow Studio Green Tea Serum Toner

AmorePacific Treatment Toner

Innisfree Blemish Care Toner with Bija Seed Oil

RE:P Cell Calming Cica Tonic

Do you have a go-to toner, Soompiers? Let us know in the comments!

Caromalis is a K-pop and K-beauty obsessed vlogger and writer. You can find her interviewing some of yours (and her) favorite groups when they visit NYC, trying the latest K-Beauty trends or testing idols’ skincare routines. Say hi to Caro on Instagram and Twitter!