Meet the Best Korean Toner and Essence for Your Complexion
My name is Iain and I've worked in the Beauty Industry for 8 years now. I've been on the front line in store helping people navigate the world of skin, as well as worked in education, artistry and marketing. When I'm not writing about skincare, you can find me over at Instagram talking about beauty or working on my PhD.
Anyone who lived through the ‘90s and early 2000s may remember toners as strange, alcohol-based liquids that burned the skin and left it feeling tight.
We didn’t quite understand what they were or why we needed them, but we used them anyway.
While the K-Beauty skin routine can sometimes be confusing, toners and essences help you get the maximum benefit from all your products.
Let’s delve into this magical world and break down the best Korean toners!
Firstly, What Is Korean Essence?
A Korean beauty essence is usually a highly concentrated, lightweight formula that penetrates the skin deeply.
This product acts as a delivery system for everything you layer on top.
In effect, a Korean essence is the ‘efficiency expert’ of all your beauty business!
What's the Difference Between Toner, Essence, and Mist?
Korean skin toners, Korean hydrating essences, and mists look alike but serve different functions.
- Toners tend to work on the surface of the skin.
- Essences penetrate more deeply.
- Mists add a boost of hydration.
Watch Amelia’s video for an in-depth guide to these mists, essences and toners...
Meet the Best Korean Toner and Essence for Your Complexion
1. Snails: The Unsung Heroes of Skincare
- A Korean hydrating essence formulated with 96% snail secretion filtrate.
- Although this might seem—ahem—*unusual*, snail slime is used regularly in K-Beauty because of its ability to hydrate, repair, and give the skin a glass-like glow.
Who it’s for: All skin types, but this is the best essence for those who are sensitive.
Why it’s so good: Snail secretion is naturally rich in amino acids and hyaluronic acid.
This hydrating formula targets scarring while repairing and maintaining the skin’s delicate barrier function.
Mucin Power Essence also helps rebuild collagen, making it a true multitasking favourite.
Shop COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence here:
2. Sometimes, You Just Need a Miracle…
- A gentle exfoliating toner that balances oil production to help reduce pimples and blemishes.
- The alcohol-free formula won’t dry out skin while it tackles congestion, so it keeps your skin happy and healthy.
Who it’s for: As this is one of the best Korean toners for acne, it’s perfect for those with oily or combination skin prone to blemishes.
Why it’s so good: With a combination of 3 chemical exfoliants and everyone’s favourite multitasking ingredient, niacinamide, this product really does perform miracles.
The formula removes dead skin cells, balances, brightens and reduces acne. I’m adding this one to my own cart!
Shop SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner here:
3. When You Need a Fragrance-Free Toner
What it is: KLAIRS Supple Preparation Unscented Toner 180ml
- A supremely effective toner that hydrates, nourishes, and soothes inflammation.
- Supple Preparation is free of fragrance and essential oils, so even the most sensitive skin can experience the magic of this calming Korean skin toner.
Who it’s for: This is one of the best Korean hydrating toners because it’s suitable for everyone.
But the low-irritant formula makes it a great Korean toner for sensitive skin.
Why it’s so good: Formulated with a blend of hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and beta glucan, this powerhouse toner hydrates deeply without heaviness or stickiness.
It rapidly calms inflamed skin too, so if you’re sensitive, this is the one for you.
Shop KLAIRS Supple Preparation Unscented Toner here:
4. Softens Like a Toner, Hydrates Like a Cream
What it is: Laneige Cream Skin 150ml
- Born out of the K-Beauty ‘skip-care’ trend, which strips your skincare routine down to the bare essentials, Laneige Cream Skin does double duty.
- This unique product softens the skin like a toner does and hydrates deeply like a cream.
- It’s a great way to simplify your skincare routine if the standard 10 steps aren’t for you.
Who it’s for: Due to its lightweight nature, this is the best Korean toner for combination skin. But everyone can benefit from this one!
Why it’s so good: This 2-in-1 is a real treat for stressed-out skin.
White leaf tea water, which is rich in amino acids and antioxidants, pairs with meadowfoam seed oil, which nourishes without heaviness.
Shop Laneige Cream Skin here:
5. The Toner That’s Causing a BUZZ
What it is: COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner 150ml
- A nourishing toner composed of 72.6% propolis extract and 10% honey extract.
- Propolis Synergy Toner strengthens the skin while boosting elasticity and improving the appearance of blemishes. The bees really have our backs with this one!
Who it’s for: This is the best Korean toner for those who have combination skin that’s prone to blemishes.
Why it’s so good: Propolis and honey, rich in nourishment and anti-inflammatory properties, are ideal ingredients to look for if you’re prone to breakouts.
This non-oily toner formula works hard to calm and hydrate skin.
Shop COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner here:
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
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