If I were ever to name one underrated skincare product, it would be a face toner, hands down. (For the uninitiated, toners usually have a thin consistency and come packed with skin-clarifying ingredients that you apply after cleansing.) While the need for a toner is a topic of debate and some might consider my declaration a hot take, I’m in the “yes” camp because using toner has changed my skin.
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Over the years, I’ve dealt with skin barrier damage, acne, inflammation and dehydration. None of those things are ever fun to deal with, but adding a hydrating toner to my skincare routine truly transformed my skin. My favorite type is a K-beauty milky toner. I’m a huge advocate for Korean skincare because it’s affordable, often uses innovative technology and ingredients, and most of all, truly gets the job done. Milky toners come in all shapes and sizes — from lightweight options to heavier-hitting ones, depending on what your needs are.
Board-certified dermatologist and Lightsaver founder Dr. David Kim shared a little more information on this type of toner. ”[A milky toner] is a lightweight, watery product that gently hydrates and exfoliates the skin,” he explains. “It also helps other skincare products absorb better.” He also explained that there’s a milky toner out there for nearly every skin need: “There are many different types of toners and essences, and the ingredients vary depending on their goals. There are brightening ones with niacinamide and tranexamic acid, and there are also exfoliating ones with acids like glycolic, lactic acid and polyhydroxy acid [PHA].”
The type of toner you choose will ultimately come down to your skin’s particular needs. Whether you’re struggling with barrier damage, dehydration, dark spots or acne, look for ingredients that support each of these issues. Although this hydrating step is fantastic for all skin types, Kim thinks it’s especially great for acne-prone skin due to its lightweight yet extremely hydrating nature.
I can tell you first hand that it’s worth adding to your routine. To see my favorite K-beauty milky toners, keep scrolling — I’m sharing them all ahead.
This black rice- and probiotic-rich essence
You can think of an essence as an even more viscous and hydrating version of a milky toner. Kim and I are a fan of both. Essences are especially great for those who are struggling with dehydration and barrier damage. This Haruharu Wonder option is infused with nutrient-rich black rice and probiotics to help protect the skin barrier, making it a perfect product for winter. It also contains a mix of ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids to plump, calm and firm the skin. On top of that, it provides a serious glow without clogging your pores.
This irritation-soothing milky toner
Many K-beauty lovers swear by Illiyoon’s Ceramide Ato Concentrate cream ($25), but don’t sleep on the brand’s toner version of this product. The essence-like formula is rich in nutrients and moisture but is designed to remain non-sticky and lightweight. The brand’s signature phytoceramides strengthen and repair the skin barrier. It’s also sensitive- and acne-prone skin friendly.
This barrier-repairing formula
This milky toner from Anua is one of my all time favorites because it’s perfect for dehydrated, acne-prone skin. It contains rice bran water, a ceramide-protein complex and niacinamide to support deep hydration within the skin without being heavy or comedogenic. It’s also great for darker skin tones because it simultaneously helps with hyperpigmentation and post-acne marks.
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This refreshing milky toner
This refreshing milky toner from TirTir is cult-loved amongst K-beauty fans. It’s a great option for all skin types because it’s designed to hydrate, brighten and strengthen the skin barrier all while keeping a lightweight texture. Star ingredients include 2% niacinamide, panthenol and cica to help calm redness and rice bran extract and ceramides to support the skin barrier.
This sensitive skin-friendly essence
This super lightweight essence has a milkier feel to it. While you can definitely use both a toner and an essence for deeper hydration, I loved using this option on its own to help repair the skin barrier. It’s lightweight but perfect for dehydration. The hypoallergenic formula is also great for extremely sensitive skin featuring barrier moisturizing factors, a triple lipid complex, squalane, glycerin and vitamin E.
This creamy, ceramide-rich option
This is a true milky toner enriched with ceramides and peptides to give you a “glass skin” effect that’s so popular in Korean beauty. Additional ingredients like white leaf tea contain rich, moisturizing amino acids to help soothe the skin and keep it moisturized for long periods of time. It’s also non-comegodenic and great for all skin types.
This antioxidant-rich milky toner
Innisfree’s light and refreshing milky toner is designed with acne-prone skin in mind. It helps calm redness, firms the skin and restores the skin barrier all in one. It’s also the perfect daytime skincare step because it contains green tea liposomes, an ingredient rich in skin-protecting antioxidants.
This oily-skin friendly option formulated with amino acids
Featuring popular Korean ingredients like rice extract and rice amino acids, this milky toner supports radiance and contains sebum control powder to help those with oilier skin. Although it helps control oil, it’s designed to be refreshing and hydrating enough to help keep skin moisturized for the entire day.
This dual-barrier formula with peptides
With a patented peptide complex that strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier, cholesterol and ceramides, this is a classic milky toner designed for barrier repair and hydration. Pair it with the brand’s Dual Barrier Skin wearable cream ($22) for the perfect non-comedogenic routine.
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