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If you have dry skin, or you just don’t have the glow you might like, you’d probably benefit from a hydrating toner.
And if you have oily skin that you struggle to keep in check…you still might need a hydrating toner.
(Believe it or not, oily skin is often dehydrated — where it’s overproducing oil to try to compensate for not having enough water.)
Hydrating toners have been an absolute game-changer for me in my skincare journey, and I can’t wait to tell you about them.
Not All Toners Are Hydrating Toners
Like in every other skincare post ever, I gotta start with my Proactiv trauma.
Not every toner is hydrating! For example, acid toners will give you a gentle exfoliation, suitable for daily or regular use.
Some other toners are a type called “astringent” — meaning their job is to decrease oil in the skin. For some people, this is beneficial! It can shrink the appearance of pores, and if the oil is too much, it can pull you back in balance.
But astringent toners can also be quite drying. In the 2000s, when the skincare philosophy was ‘remove oil at all costs’, I used the Proactiv toner like every other teenage girl. And that toner was so drying that you could hear your pores making a sucking noise as you applied it.
This seemed like a great thing at the time! But I realize in retrospect that it was harshly drying with no hydration to balance it out.
Astringent toners totally have their benefits for very oily skin. The popular Thayer’s Witch Hazel is an astringent toner, for example.
- Witch Hazel: proprietary extract contains 195% more tannins than competitors, tightens pores, controls acne and oil production, reduces redness and inflammation
- Beneficial Tannins: mild antioxidant properties, reduces irritation, balances skin pH, clears skin
- Conveniently Sized: 12 ounce bottle
- Thayers: Withstanding the test of time, since 1847
And a lot of astringent toners are much better balanced than the rubbing alcohol Proactiv stuff of my youth. The Thayer stuff above adds glycerin and aloe to balance the witch hazel, for example. So there’s some hydration happening there!
But in my modest opinion — nobody does a hydrating toner like the Korean skincare companies do.
Why I Love Korean Skincare
Korean skincare is all about healthy, glowing, and smooth skin. It focuses on nourishing the skin instead of stripping it.
The American/Western skincare philosophy can be very focused around beating our skin into submission. We reach for harsh actives to get the outcomes we’re looking for. And sometimes these actives backfire on us.
I write often about my brush with significant acne in my teens, and my brother’s struggle with Accutane. But when I think about the harsh stuff we used, it’s pretty easy to see that the products were causing dehydration. The dehydration was causing overcompensation with oil, and the oil-stripping products were also leading to near-constant skin peeling and flaking.
(I also think a lot of the sun damage I’m battling now in my late thirties is the result of such harsh, stripping, scrubbing products. When you’re scrubbing your top layer of skin off every day and only wearing sunscreen at the beach? That’s gonna catch up with you.)
The Korean philosophy is simple—hydration and care over harsh solutions. This approach has made K-beauty products a holy grail for skincare enthusiasts worldwide, including me. It’s a total breath of fresh air to turn your attention to nourishing your skin instead of beating it down.
I got interested in K-Beauty in my early thirties, during my last pregnancy. I was starting to see the first signs of early aging, and my sun damage had gotten a lot worse. Korean products were pregnancy-safe, so I gave them a try. I had never been someone who had beautiful glowing skin in pregnancy, but all of a sudden my skin looked beautiful.
Not perfect, not poreless. My sun damage wasn’t gone. But it just looked so bright and bouncy. I think, really, that I had properly hydrated skin for the first time in my adult life!
That’s what a Korean hydrating toner will do for you!
Hydrating Toners vs Sheet Masks
Mostly, a hydrating toner is the substance that goes into a sheet mask. Like, they soak the mask in a hydrating toner.
And sheet masks are a great way to get the deepest possibly hydration! I love a sheet mask. But from an expense perspective and a time perspective, it isn’t usually possible to do a sheet mask daily.
So a hydrating toner is like a mini-sheet mask pick-me-up that fits into your daily skincare routine. Sheet masks are for your self-care Sunday….hydrating toners are for your simple nightly routine.
Best Korean Hydrating Toner Options for Dry Skin
Dry skin needs toners that provide deep hydration without causing irritation.
Here are the best Korean hydrating toners for dry skin:
Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner:
![Pyunkang Yul [PKY] Essence Toner for Deep Hydration, Highly Concentrated Essence Facial Toner, Minimal Ingredients, Zero-Irritation, Korean Skincare (6.8 Fl. Oz, 200ml)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41yok6cYqeL._SL160_.jpg)
- [Highly Concentrated Essence Toner for Deep Hydration] The highly concentrated essence penetrates deeply into the skin layers, providing intensive hydration from within and leaving the skin thoroughly moisturized
- [Clinically Proven Effects] Provides 24-hour hydration, reduces dead skin cells by 41.46%, improves skin radiance by 7.8%, and decreases sebum production by 32.7%
- [Suitable for All Skin Types, Especially the Most Sensitive] Composed of essential ingredients, rated excellent in dermatological tests, and passed low-irritation tests
- [Herbal Ingredient Skincare with 50 Years of History] Skincare that focuses on fundamental causes rather than temporary effects. Contains Astragalus root extract instead of water for superior hydration and enhanced skin vitality
- [Over 3 Million Units Sold Globally] A best-selling product chosen by customers in 100 countries
This award-winning toner contains naturally-derived ingredients to soothe and moisturize dry skin. It’s perfect for maintaining a strong skin barrier.
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner:
- BOOST SKIN HYDRATION: Say goodbye to dryness and hello to silky-smooth skin with our cutting-edge formula.
- MAGIC FOR YOUR SKIN: Crafted with Fermented Black Rice & Bamboo Shoot Barks, experience the magic of skin elasticity restoration and soothing resilience.
- HYALURONIC HEAVEN: Immerse your skin in luxury with Enriched, High-Quality Hyaluronic Acid. The secret to a fortified skin barrier and continuous hydration for that radiant glow.
- GLYCERIN GOODNESS: Derived from vegetables, our Glycerin’s humectant properties draw moisture like a magnet. Revel in skin that stays moisturized and fortified against the elements.
- VEGAN-FRIENDLY ASSURANCE: Committed to ethical choices, we are vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and EWG-safe, ensuring a responsible skincare regimen.
Made with rice bran water and types of hyaluronic acid, this toner offers long-lasting moisture and smooth skin. This is one of my favorites, but it’s a little pricier than my other standards.
Round Lab Dokdo Toner:
- GENTLE EXFOLIATION AND HYDRATION: This 1025 Dokdo Toner provides a gentle exfoliating effect that helps remove dead skin cells while deeply moisturizing, leaving your skin soft and refreshed without irritation. Perfect for daily use on sensitive skin
- OIL CONTROL AND SEBUM REDUCTION: Formulated to effectively reduce excess sebum and oil production, this toner helps maintain a balanced complexion and keeps your skin feeling fresh and clean throughout the day, ideal for those with oily or combination skin types
- LIGHTWEIGHT WATER-TYPE TEXTURE: Enjoy a lightweight, water-type texture that absorbs quickly without any sticky or greasy residue, providing a comfortable, smooth finish that preps your skin perfectly for the next steps in your skincare routine
- DEEP SEA WATER FOR INTENSE HYDRATION: Enriched with nutrient-rich deep sea water, this toner deeply hydrates and revitalizes, delivering essential minerals and moisture to leave your skin looking healthy and vibrant
- SOOTHING CARE WITH PANTHENOL, ALLANTOIN, AND BETAINE: Infused with soothing ingredients like Panthenol, Allantoin, and Betaine, this toner calms tired and irritated skin, helping to relieve redness and restore comfort to your complexion
Known for its gentle formulation, this toner delivers hydration and helps with gentle exfoliation by removing dead skin cells.
Cosrx Hydrium Watery Toner:
- Hydrating Watery Toner: A glass of refreshing water for your skin to renew and balance.
- Cleanse and Recharge: Remove impurities and rebalance your natural skin condition.
- Key Ingredient: 6 types of Hyaluronic Acids, 0.1% Allantoin, 0.1% Panthenol
- Targets Sensitive Skin: Allow your sensitive skin to breathe again.
- COSRX Standards: All COSRX products are formulated with skin-friendly ingredients that alleviate irritated skin. Hypoallergenic, Dermatologist tested, Animal Testing-FREE, Parabens-FREE, Sulfates-FREE, Phthalates-FREE
A lightweight toner that provides deep hydration and relief from skin irritation without clogging pores. Cosrx was one of the first Korean brands I tried and their products never miss.
Best Korean Hydrating Toner Options for Aging Skin
Aging skin often faces issues like fine lines, dark spots, and water loss.
Here are some top picks:
Blanc Doux Hyaluronic Acid Facial Toner:
- 💦 ADVANCED HYALURONIC ACID FORMULA: Experience deep skin hydration with our unique hyaluronic acid that penetrates the lower layers of the skin, stimulating cell regeneration and collagen production, reducing fine lines, and enhancing skin health.
- 💦 LONG-LASTING HYDRATION: Our non-alcoholic, naturally-derived ingredient-based toner offers day and night hydration. Its fast-absorbing formula delivers moisture without clogging pores, ensuring your skin stays refreshed and hydrated.
- 💦 GENTLE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: Designed for everyone, our formula is free from artificial fragrances and harmful chemicals. Ideal for dry, sensitive, oily, acne-prone, and aging skin, it leaves your skin as soft and smooth as a baby’s.
- 💦 ULTRA-HYDRATING WITH EFFICIENT ABSORPTION: Enjoy the benefits of low-molecular-weight (5,000 Da) hyaluronic acid for superior absorption. Our ultra-hydrating toner deeply moisturizes for a youthful, radiant complexion.
- 💦 COMPLIMENTARY PREMIUM COTTON PADS: Each bottle comes with Credithink cotton pads, enhancing the application experience. These pads aid in effective toner application and gentle skin exfoliation.
With its high concentration of hyaluronic acid, this toner brightens skin and plumps up for a youthful appearance.
Anua Heartleaf 77% Relief Toner:
This gentle toner provides hydration and helps with skin issues related to irritation and sensitivity.
Cosrx Propolis Synergy Toner:
- Propolis-Powered Hydration: Infused with 72.6% Black Bee Propolis Extract, this toner delivers intense moisture and nourishment to your skin
- Honey’s Nourishing Touch: Enriched with 10.7% Honey Extract, it soothes and hydrates, leaving your skin soft and glowing
- Alcohol & Fragrance-Free: Gentle on skin, this toner is alcohol-free and fragrance-free, making it suitable for all skin types
- Synergistic Boost: Designed to complement COSRX’s Propolis Light Ampoule, it creates a powerful skincare duo for enhanced results
- Versatile Use: Can be used as a standalone toner or as part of your skincare routine, morning and evening, for a healthy, radiant complexion
Enriched with propolis extract, it delivers intense hydration and smooths fine lines for a youthful glow.
Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner:
- [BRAND PHILOSOPHY] At our brand, we believe in ‘Clean Beauty’ that relies on nature-derived ingredients. We go the extra mile by testing and implementing materials and structures that are easily separable and recyclable, starting from the product planning stage. Join us in our mission to make a positive impact on the environment with our eco-friendly practices.
- [INGREDIENTS] A perfect blend of 80% Aloe Vera, rich in Polysaccharides, along with skin-smoothing ingredients. This combination is crafted to help provide hydration, soothing comfort, and gentle exfoliation. This product contains less than 0.5% of Salicylic Acid (This is not an OTC product)
- [LIGHT & HYDRATING] Experience the perfect balance with our toner that combines a light texture with hydrating benefits. Designed to offer a refreshing feel and lasting moisture, this toner is an essential part of your daily skincare routine, helping to enhance your skin’s appearance.
- [EXFOLIATION + SOOTHING] Our formula not only hydrates but also helps to smooth the skin and gently exfoliate.
- [FROM JEJU] Extracted from Jeju Island, known for its ideal climate and natural beauty, our aloe is obtained using safe and effective methods. This ensures our toner is of the highest quality, offering you the finest skincare products sourced exclusively from Jeju.
Great for gentle exfoliation, this toner combines aloe and BHA to soothe skin while promoting smoother texture.
Best Korean Hydrating Toner Options for Combination Skin
Combination skin requires balancing hydration without making the oily parts greasy.
Here are some excellent choices:
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner:
- BOOST SKIN HYDRATION: Say goodbye to dryness and hello to silky-smooth skin with our cutting-edge formula.
- MAGIC FOR YOUR SKIN: Crafted with Fermented Black Rice & Bamboo Shoot Barks, experience the magic of skin elasticity restoration and soothing resilience.
- HYALURONIC HEAVEN: Immerse your skin in luxury with Enriched, High-Quality Hyaluronic Acid. The secret to a fortified skin barrier and continuous hydration for that radiant glow.
- GLYCERIN GOODNESS: Derived from vegetables, our Glycerin’s humectant properties draw moisture like a magnet. Revel in skin that stays moisturized and fortified against the elements.
- VEGAN-FRIENDLY ASSURANCE: Committed to ethical choices, we are vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and EWG-safe, ensuring a responsible skincare regimen.
Suitable for all skin types, including combination skin, thanks to its lightweight yet hydrating formula.
Tony Moly Wonder Ceramide Mocchi Toner:
- Our hypoallergenic, alcohol-free, and irritant-free toner is formulated with ingredients that are all rated EWG Green, making this gentle formula perfect to use on all skin types.
- The nourishing ceramides work to penetrate deep into the skin for longer-lasting hydration and more transformative results.
- Vitamin B and Hyaluronic Acid provides an additional burst of hydration, so skin looks stronger and healthier with each use.
Another brand that has gotten super popular in the West! This toner provides hydration without overwhelming oily areas, making it ideal for combination skin types.
Blanc Doux Hyaluronic Acid Facial Toner:
- 💦 ADVANCED HYALURONIC ACID FORMULA: Experience deep skin hydration with our unique hyaluronic acid that penetrates the lower layers of the skin, stimulating cell regeneration and collagen production, reducing fine lines, and enhancing skin health.
- 💦 LONG-LASTING HYDRATION: Our non-alcoholic, naturally-derived ingredient-based toner offers day and night hydration. Its fast-absorbing formula delivers moisture without clogging pores, ensuring your skin stays refreshed and hydrated.
- 💦 GENTLE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: Designed for everyone, our formula is free from artificial fragrances and harmful chemicals. Ideal for dry, sensitive, oily, acne-prone, and aging skin, it leaves your skin as soft and smooth as a baby’s.
- 💦 ULTRA-HYDRATING WITH EFFICIENT ABSORPTION: Enjoy the benefits of low-molecular-weight (5,000 Da) hyaluronic acid for superior absorption. Our ultra-hydrating toner deeply moisturizes for a youthful, radiant complexion.
- 💦 COMPLIMENTARY PREMIUM COTTON PADS: Each bottle comes with Credithink cotton pads, enhancing the application experience. These pads aid in effective toner application and gentle skin exfoliation.
Cruelty-free and vegan options make this toner a gentle yet effective choice for combination skin.
Where to Buy Korean Hydrating Toners
Okay, I linked these items on Amazon above because whenever I don’t link Amazon, someone asks if they can get it on Amazon.
But! Even though these products are generally pretty affordable, they’re frequently counterfeited, and Amazon does have struggles with counterfeit products. So if you want to be sure that you have a 100% authentic product, you’re better off with a site that sells directly from suppliers. Soko Glam is my favorite and one of the most popular Western-facing sites.
From their website: they ship to
Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and the UK.
You can find these toners on sites offering free international shipping and free standard shipping for U.S. orders. Some retailers even provide free travel-size beauty water or other products. Sales are frequent if you sign up for their emails or follow their social media accounts. Popular stores like Soko Glam often have skin consultations and skin quizzes to help you find the perfect toner.
Layering Korean Hydrating Toners
A while back there was a social media trend called the seven layer method, where users would apply seven layers of hydrating toner. (You can use one toner several times, or several different toners combined.)
It got popular because it works!
To me personally, seven is overkill. But if I’m feeling dry, especially in winter, I do often add on the three layers of toner. The effects definitely build on each other to plump up the skin.
Just apply a layer of toner, pat it into your skin, and let it feel like it’s all soaked in. Then, repeat as many times as you want to. If there’s some special magic for you in seven layers, go for it!
Final Thoughts
Korean hydrating toners are a must-have for achieving smooth skin and tackling skin concerns like dryness, fine lines, and irritation. With award-winning toner options, cruelty-free choices, and effective ingredients, you’re sure to find a toner that fits your daily routine and skincare goals. Whether it’s your first time exploring K-beauty or you’re a seasoned fan, these toners can elevate your skincare game.
