Final Up to date on January 17, 2026 by Giorgia Guazzarotti
Individuals are continually sliding into my DMs asking: “What are the very best Korean toners for greasy pores and skin?!?” It’s like toners have grow to be the Holy Grail of skincare, as if discovering the proper toner will immediately unlock glass pores and skin and three needs. And truthfully? I’ve a confession: I don’t truly imagine you want a toner in any respect. Not within the “burn the toner and sleep on a mattress of vitamin C” means.
Simply within the reality-based, dermatologist-friendly means that almost all fashionable cleansers are light sufficient that they don’t wreck your pores and skin’s pH and most of the people’s routines don’t require an additional step only for the sake of it. However hear me out earlier than you roll your eyes: there are causes individuals attain for toners (particularly Korean ones), and there are toners value writing house about. In case you hold studying, you’ll discover a deep dive into what toners truly do, why they aren’t important (however would possibly nonetheless be enjoyable or useful), and most significantly: the very best Korean toners for greasy pores and skin that truly do one thing your pores and skin can really feel.
What Toners Are For (and Why You May Not Want One)
Let’s begin with the fundamentals: within the early 2000s, toners in Western skincare had been largely alcohol bombs designed to strip your pores and skin, take away each final hint of oil and make-up, and go away your face feeling squeaky and tight. That’s … not splendid for a wholesome pores and skin barrier and truthfully most likely brought about extra issues than it solved. However Korean toners? They’re an entire completely different vibe. In Okay-beauty, toners are extra like a light-weight, hydrating primer on your pores and skin than a medieval alcohol swab. As an alternative of “scouring away every thing,” they often:
- Restore and keep your pores and skin’s pH after cleaning: Harsh cleansers disrupts your pores and skin’s protecting barrier, leaving to dryness and dehydration. What nobody tells you is that your pores and skin returns to its regular pH stability inside a matter of minutes, so why spend extra cash on a toner?
- Ship deep hydration: They use components like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or fermented extracts, which makes pores and skin softer, plumper, and smoother. However these components are in just about each moisturiser and serum on the market. Do you really want so as to add a toner to your skincare routine too?
- Soothe irritation and redness: That is due to centella asiatica extract or different soothing ingredient. However once more, each skincare product with these components can soothe pores and skin. You don’t particularly want a toner to do the job.
- Prime your pores and skin for what comes subsequent so serums and lotions can take up extra deeply: Yeah, that is simply advertising truthfully.
- Exfoliating acids: These can unclog pores, deal with pimples, and stop blackheads. Salicylic acid is the acid you need for this… and most Korean toners barely use it. They use derivatives, or they’ve tiny concentrations that don’t work nicely… Simply saying…
Right here’s the twist: you don’t want a toner to have wholesome pores and skin. Fashionable cleansers are designed to be pH-balanced, and in case you’re utilizing efficient serums and moisturizers, they’ll do the heavy lifting themselves. Many dermatologists and skincare professionals will let you know {that a} toner is non-compulsory, not obligatory – form of like dessert in a very good meal (and in case you ask me, the dessert is extra obligatory than a toner). Good to have, however not required for a balanced routine. It’s one cause some individuals skip toners totally and are simply fantastic. However – and this can be a huge however – in case your pores and skin is dry, delicate, reactive, or simply loves the feeling of additional hydration, a Korean toner can really feel like giving your pores and skin a cool drink of water proper after a exercise.
Associated: Do You Really Need Toners?
Prime Korean Toners For Oily Pores and skin: Which Are Value Including To Your Skincare Routine?
Wanting so as to add a facial toner to your Korean skincare routine? There are a lot of which can be marketed to your pores and skin sort, however not all are nearly as good as they declare to be. So let’s discover out which of them can actually do away with extra oil and which of them are higher left on the cabinets:
Purchase: Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner (£18)
That is mainly like in case your face might sigh and loosen up and simply… exist with out flaring up at each little factor. You place it on and it’s watery, tremendous mild, slides over your pores and skin, disappears, however someway your pores and skin is immediately calmer. Redness? Chill. Irritation? Again off. It’s not sticky, it doesn’t go away a bizarre movie, it simply… blends in and does its quiet factor. You’ll be able to layer your serums, oils, moisturisers on prime, no pilling, no bizarre reactions. It looks like giving your pores and skin permission to cease freaking out. However don’t get it twisted: it’s not a miracle. Your pimples isn’t going anyplace. Your pores gained’t vanish. Your texture isn’t instantly going to be good. That is consolation, hydration, calm. It’s delicate, it’s quiet, it’s unsexy in the very best means. Nevertheless it works. Your pores and skin is calmer, softer, much less reactive. And truthfully, that’s large. It layers superbly below every thing.
Accessible at: Asos, Beauty Bay, Boots, Look Fantastic, Superdrug, and Yes Style
Key Components: Glycerin and panthenol.
Advantages: Calms redness, reduces irritation, hydrates, layers simply.
Cons: Doesn’t repair pimples or texture.
Pores and skin Sorts: Delicate, reactive, regular and dry pores and skin.
Perfume-Free: Sure.
Purchase: Benton Aloe BHA Pores and skin Toner ($17.10)
Image this: your pores and skin is screaming for assist, however you don’t need something aggressive. That is aloe in a bottle with a whisper of BHA (salicylic acid, such a rarity in a Korean toner) going, “Hey… sit back, pores.” It’s mild, easy, comforting, like somebody gently patting your face and saying, “It’s fantastic, it’s fantastic.” There’s zero sting, zero burn, zero drama. The BHA is there, nevertheless it’s well mannered. Doesn’t peel, doesn’t scream at your pores and skin, doesn’t promise in a single day miracles. However your pores really feel quieter over time. Blackheads? Slowly behaving. Pores and skin? Softer, hydrated, calmer. Layer it below every thing (serums, moisturisers, oils), it disappears however nonetheless does its quiet magic. Now, in case you’re used to hardcore acid toners that make your face tingle after which glow like a filter, it will really feel… boring. Like, virtually too delicate. Use this solely if you want one thing gentler than a daily salicylic acid exfoliant. Chances are you’ll even get away with every day use (so long as your pores and skin isn’t tremendous delicate).
Accessible at: Sokoglam, Stylevana, and Yes Style
Key Components: Aloe vera, salicylic acid, snail secretion filtrate (snail mucin).
Advantages: Soothes, hydrates, and gently exfoliates.
Cons: Too light if you would like hardcore exfoliation, delicate outcomes on pimples or texture.
Pores and skin Sorts: Delicate, dry, regular, mixture.
Perfume-Free: Sure.
Skip: COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Therapy Toner ($14.00)
That is extra hydrating than exfoliating. The Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) is a by-product of salicylic acid that hardly exfoliates pores. Actually, don’t depend on this to do away with pimples. The AHA is glycolic acid, however there’s barely any of it in right here, so once more don’t anticipate an excessive amount of. It’s light sufficient to make use of each day with out freaking out delicate pores and skin which is an efficient factor for that pores and skin sort, but additionally implies that it doesn’t work that nicely, know what I imply? What this does is hydrate pores and skin. It’s watery, doesn’t stick and makes your pores and skin softer and suppler. It layers below every thing, preps your pores and skin, and doesn’t combat along with your serums or moisturisers. The one draw back is it’s so delicate that impatient individuals will shrug and assume it’s ineffective. And for many pores and skin sorts, it’s.
Key Components: Glycolic acid and willow bark extract.
Advantages: Light chemical exfoliation, smooths texture over time, brightens dullness, layers nicely, preps pores and skin for different merchandise.
Cons: Barely exfoliates pores and skin.
Pores and skin Sorts: Regular, mixture, delicate (introduce slowly).
Perfume-Free: Sure.
Skip: Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner ($18.81)
This toner is the definition of “I would like exfoliation however I don’t belief myself with actual acids.” It has AHA, BHA, PHA, all exfoliating acids that, in principle, dissolve the glue that holds lifeless pores and skin cells collectively and reveal softer, brighter pores and skin and unclog pores too. In apply, there’s so little of this acids in right here that the one miracle is in case you truly get some exfoliation! It additionally smells like tea tree instantly. Like, there’s no pretending in any other case. Not splendid. The feel is watery, easy, and simple to splash on. You’ll be able to layer your serums, moisturisers, oils, no matter, and nothing fights with it. It’s fairly hydrating, however total, what a letdown! Oh, you should utilize it with fingers or cotton pads, although cotton makes it really feel a bit harsher.
Key components: AHA, BHA, PHA, tea tree extract.
Advantages: Hydrates pores and skin and makes it softer.
Cons: Tea tree odor, doesn’t exfoliate a lot.
Pores and skin sorts: Oily, mixture, acne-prone pores and skin.
Perfume-free: Sure (no added perfume, however tea tree is current)
Purchase: Fantastic thing about Joseon Inexperienced Plum Refreshing Toner ($19.25)
This one feels prefer it’s pretending to be tremendous light whereas quietly doing a bit of labor within the background. Texture-wise, it’s watery however barely… slick? Not heavy, not thick, simply that cut up second the place your pores and skin feels cheesy earlier than it sinks in. That tackiness goes away, however yeah, it’s there. If that stuff annoys you, you’ll discover it. If you put it on, it feels refreshing. Not minty, not cooling, simply recent in a “clear pores and skin, we’re awake now” means. There’s a faint fruity odor. Nothing loud, nothing perfumey, nevertheless it’s there. It’s nice, however delicate pores and skin individuals will clock it instantly.
Outcomes-wise, this isn’t an aggressive exfoliant. It’s not meant to be. That is extra like light every day upkeep. Over time, pores and skin feels smoother, a bit brighter, a bit extra balanced. Oil manufacturing chills out barely. Texture improves quietly. You don’t peel, you don’t tingle, you don’t freak out. It’s the form of toner you employ if you need your pores and skin to behave, not carry out.
It really works very well as a prep step. Like, every thing you placed on after simply goes on higher. Serums unfold nicer. Moisturiser sinks in higher. Your routine feels smoother total. In case your pores and skin is tremendous congested or acne-heavy, this alone gained’t lower it. However for on a regular basis maintenance? It’s stable with out being dramatic.
Accessible at: Beauty Bay, Superdrug, and Yes Style
Lively components: Glycolic acid and Salicylic acid.
Advantages: Brightens, hydrates, and helps unclog pores.
Cons: Want it contained a better focus of exfoliating acids.
Pores and skin sort: All pores and skin sorts bar delicate.
Perfume-free: Sure.
Skip: Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner ($13.99)
Let’s simply get this out of the best way: this toner is boring as hell. Like, it does nothing thrilling, nothing stunning, nothing that makes you go “wow, my pores and skin!” However – and that is the tiny win – it doesn’t do something dangerous both. Pour it on, it’s watery, disappears immediately, layers below your serum or moisturizer and not using a combat. No sticky gross movie. No bizarre response. You’ll be able to actually overlook it’s there after patting it in. That’s… fantastic, I assume. However right here’s the factor: in case you’re shopping for this anticipating hydration, glow, or “miracle” barrier restore, cease proper there. Your pores and skin is simply going to take a seat there wanting again at you want, thanks, I assume? It’s calm, impartial, well mannered… and that’s it. It gained’t soothe redness, it gained’t plump your cheeks, it gained’t easy out texture. You would possibly really feel such as you’re doing one thing wholesome, however truthfully, it’s largely psychological. Texture? Water. Absorbs quick. Can layer as a lot as you need. So mainly, this can be a protected, impartial toner that does precisely what it says on the field: nothing dramatic, nothing thrilling, and nothing dangerous.
Lively components: Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract.
Advantages: Layers nicely, doesn’t irritate, impartial scent.
Cons: Minimal impact on hydration or barrier assist, boring, overpriced for what it does.
Pores and skin sort: All pores and skin sorts.
Perfume-free: Sure.
The Backside Line
Look, oily pores and skin doesn’t want a toner. It wants salicylic acid – and good lucking using excessive concentrations of it in Korean toners. At greatest, they’ve light doses appropriate sufficient for delicate pores and skin. They simply don’t do a lot. Mentioned that, in case your pores and skin wants the additional burst of hydration or you possibly can’t fathom the concept of not utilizing a toner in your skincare routine, now you already know what the very best toner of the bunch is.
