8 Korean Toners to Hydrate, Smooth, and Repair the Skin Barrier

While standards state that toner should be an astringent that removes dirt and grime while balancing pH, Korean toners work by providing instant hydration to the skin after cleansing. In the past, “the role of a toner was to ensure that no trace of makeup was left behind after washing the face, but also to balance the pH of the skin, because most facial cleansers in the past were soap-based, which could be alkaline,” cosmetic chemist Ginger King previously said. Fashion.

Even so, beautician Emma Jin confirms that Korean formulas are in their own category and cannot be compared to Western formulas. “[Korean toners] Typically more hydrating and skin-friendly, with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, fermented extracts, centella asiatica and rice water,” says Jin Fashion. “These formulas are designed to add moisture, not remove it. Also, many Western toners have historically relied on alcohol and astringents, which can damage your skin barrier over time.”

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This isn’t just limited to toners, but all Korean skin care products. “K-beauty is nurtured around [the skin] Dr Christine Hall, GP, Medical Aesthetics, says: “Barrier – optimizing internal hydration and blocking out pollutants and environmental stressors. The entire regimen focuses on maximizing skin hydration or ‘skin flooding’, using products designed to restore the skin barrier and lock in hydration.”

With that in mind, the best Korean toners make exfoliating and hydrating feel more comfortable—shop 8 of our favorite formulas below. Consider some of our favorites below, many handpicked by experts.

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