Gone are the days when toners were used as astringent to kill bacteria and address acne. Today, those with dry skin can enjoy the gentle formulations of toners, especially Korean ones, as they're loaded with hydrating and moisturizing properties. They even balance the skin, leaving it smooth, plump, and radiant.
That's why we did the homework for you and found 10 great Korean toners to moisturize your dry skin! On our 10 best list, there are excellent Korean toners formulated for dry skin and enjoyed by many users. We've also included a buying guide reviewed by a board-certified dermatologist to get you acquainted with all there is to know about Korean toners.
Quick List - Top Korean Toners for Dry Skin
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
With the advent of K-beauty in America, it is becoming increasingly challenging to pick out a product that is guaranteed to be safe, gentle, and effective. What's more, using topical products on dry skin is not straightforward, given its sensitive nature. That's why we've come up with these tips to help you find the best one for you on your own!
When it comes to toners for dry skin, the main goal is hydration. The formulation must boost hydration as this skin type has a weak moisture barrier that doesn't effectively lock hydration in the skin and keep irritants out.
Environmental factors such as the sun, weather, aging, lifestyle, and skincare habits all play a part in causing the natural moisture barrier to weaken. Even tap water used for cleansing the face has drying salts and chlorine, which may not bother other skin types but can leave dry skin parched.
Go for a toner loaded with hydrating and moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. Glycerin is another humectant that prevents more moisture loss from the skin.
Furthermore, the toner should be water-based and not alcohol-based. Water-based toners enhance the absorption capabilities of dry skin to accept whatever comes next. The moisturizer, serum, essence, and other skincare products you apply next would be absorbed more efficiently because of the toner's added layer of water.
Many people associate toners with being drying or irritating. Toners have come a long way from the sting you would get from Sea Breeze (anyone who grew up in the 1990s knows exactly this feeling).
Many toners are made with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid which provides skin hydration. Using a toner that is alcohol-free is also a way to prevent drying the skin and these could even be used on sensitive skin.
Ingredients to avoid in your toner are alcohol, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and retinoids, especially in high concentrations, as these only leave your skin feeling taut, tight, and even more dry. These may work for acne-prone or oily skin types because of their exfoliating properties, but they're often too potent for more sensitive dry skin.
When talking about alcohol, here are a few of the other names it can be presented as in a toner: ethanol, methanol, and anything that ends in the word alcohol! You may come across a particular toner with these alcohol types which are included to prepare the skin for the other ingredients.
A rule of thumb would be to test out the product first on a small area to check if it's too drying. Often, the added alcohol is overpowered by the other hydrating ingredients and poses no problem.
If you have acne or oily skin, you probably can tolerate a toner with salicylic or glycolic acid. Both of these ingredients can help with active acne lesions, remove sebum and oil, and exfoliate the skin.
Those with oily skin may be able to use these nightly, while those with combination skin should probably use toners with these ingredients only a few times a week.
Also, avoid using toners with AHAs the same night as using a retinol or retinoid, as the skin could become very irritated and dry from this combination.
Now for the added benefits, because you can be sure that Korean skincare products are packed with extra goodies for the skin. You can look for toners that soothe and calm irritated skin, moisturize, or make the skin firmer and healthier.
Beyond hydration, a good toner does so much more, such as protecting, balancing skin pH, soothing redness and irritation, and prepping the skin for what's next.
Rosewater, aloe vera, green tea, chamomile, and other plant and fruit extracts are a few examples of natural ingredients that hydrate and soothe at the same time. These are also very mild and can be used for dry, sensitive skin.
For a toner that has added moisturizing and brightening properties, look for vitamin B3 (or niacinamide), phospholipids, and omega 3-, 6-, and 9-rich oils from flax seeds, walnuts, plant oils, raspberry and blackberry seeds, among others. Bringing dry skin and extra essential fatty acids together is a formula for healthy and radiant-looking skin.
Another ingredient to look out for is ceramides. These are the skin's natural lipids that protect the surface by keeping it strong at a cellular level. They're like the glue that maintains skin cells and keeps them intact.
In turn, ceramides slow down the signs of aging and ensure the skin's protective barrier is unimpaired. Toners can include ceramides to complement the natural production of lipids as it decreases with age.
Korean toners often include plant extracts, essential oils, and even snail secretion to give the formulation added benefits. Prolonging signs of aging is one of the standards K-skincare brands strive to offer. Therefore, they boast of brightening, tightening, hydrating, smoothing, and soothing effects.
Toners with ceramides are great for those with sensitive skin, eczema, or other dermatitis. Ceramides help repair the skin barrier.
Using a toner with ceramides followed by a moisturizing cream can help leave the skin feeling clean and refreshed without damaging the skin barrier.
If you have eczema or sensitive skin, I recommend avoiding products with essential oils as these can often be triggers for eczema or contact dermatitis.
With K-skincare, it's important to note that layering is another factor to consider, given the routine includes at least seven steps. The product description often mentions if the product works great in a team, meaning the formulation can be used with moisturizers, essences, serums, and the like.
With their layering capabilities, you can rest assured that Korean toners are gentle, lightweight, and easily absorbed by the skin.
If the toner is the only skincare product offered by a particular brand, check to see if it works just the same when mixed with other brands. The product details and reviewer comments would often give you the needed information.
On top of using your toner in the morning and before bed, you can also grab one in a spray bottle. This works as a nice pick-me-up during the day and is especially helpful for those who experience their skin getting parched in hot or dry weather. The extra moisture and hydration ensure your skin has enough to last through the day.
Spray-type toners are known to be extra helpful during summertime or hot weather when evaporation is on overdrive. The added hydration from the mist ensures your skin's pH remains balanced. Check the consistency and reviews to see if a particular toner can be transferred to a spray bottle for misting.
Spray toners are also beneficial for extra sensitive dry skin as it does not need any wiping motion from a cotton pad or finger. The rubbing can irritate the skin further. You can opt to spray the solution over the face and gently tap to dry.
Spray toners are great for those with acne who need extra treatment or product application during the day. Additionally, you do not have to use your hands (which may be soiled) to touch your face.
Spray toners that contain AHAs are especially helpful for those who feel like their oil production is constant throughout the day. An extra application can help reduce oil and sebum build-up over the course of the day.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Volume | Main Ingredients | Vegan | Cruelty Free | Alcohol Free | |||||
1 | TIRTIR Milk Skin Toner | ![]() | Milk Your Way to Glass Skin | 5.07 fl. oz. | Rice Bran Extract, Chamomile Flower | ||||
2 | Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner | ![]() | Hydration and Balance for Radiant Skin | 8.45 fl. oz. | Heartleaf Extract | ||||
3 | Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner | ![]() | Glass Skin Starts Here | 8.45 fl. oz. | Rice Water | ||||
4 | I'm From Rice Toner | ![]() | Hydrate And Brighten Your Skin With A Nourishing Rice-Infused Formula | 5.07 fl. oz. | Rice Extract, Natural Extracts (Common Purslane extract, Rice bran extract, Japanese elm bark extract, Amaranthus caudatus seed extract), Adenosine | ||||
5 | LANEIGE Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer | ![]() | Nourish and Hydrate Your Skin With a Cream-Toner Hybrid | 5.7 fl. oz. | Ceramide, Peptide, White Leaf Tea | ||||
6 | EQQUALBERRY Eqqualberry|Swimming Pool Protease Facial Toner | ![]() | Gentle Enzyme Exfoliation and Deep Hydration for Sensitive Skin | 10.14vfl. oz. | Hyaluronic Acid | ||||
7 | Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner | ![]() | Hydrate and Refine Pores With Gentle Exfoliating Care | 5 fl. oz. | PHA + BHA, Watermelon Extract, Cactus Water | ||||
8 | Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water | ![]() | Achieve Deep Hydration and Balanced Skin With Ginseng-Infused Care | 5 fl. oz. | Ginseng Water 80%, Niacinamide 2%, BHA 0.5% | ||||
9 | Peach Slices Snail Rescue Blemish Busting Toner | ![]() | Glow, hydrate, and restore—snail mucin at its best | 4.05 fl. oz. | Snail Mucin, Hyaluronic Acid | ||||
10 | ISNTREE Green Tea Fresh Toner | ![]() | Pure Balance, Green Tea Bliss | 6.76 fl. oz. | Green Tea Extract |
Main Ingredients | Rice Bran Extract, Chamomile Flower |
---|---|
Alcohol Free |
Transform your skincare routine with TIRTIR Milk Skin Toner, the ultimate solution for achieving luminous "glass skin." Infused with Niacinamide and Rice Bran Extracts, this luxurious formula deeply hydrates, brightens, and revitalizes your complexion, combating dryness and fatigue. Panthenol and Ceramide work in harmony to fortify the skin's barrier, locking in moisture while soothing irritation and protecting against external aggressors.
Enriched with Chamomile Flower and nature-derived ingredients, this alcohol-free, fragrance-free toner is gentle yet potent, making it ideal for all skin types. Whether day or night, TIRTIR Milk Skin Toner prepares your skin for flawless makeup application, leaving it refreshed, nourished, and glowing with health.
Volume | 5.07 fl. oz. |
---|---|
Vegan | |
Cruelty Free |
Main Ingredients | Heartleaf Extract |
---|---|
Alcohol Free |
Anua's Heartleaf 77% Soothing Face Toner is crafted with a high concentration of Korean-grown Heartleaf Extract, celebrated for its calming and hydrating properties. This gentle toner works to soothe irritated skin, balance pH levels, and prepare your complexion for the rest of your skincare routine. The lightweight, paraben-free, and vegan formula ensures a clear and even skin tone without causing irritation, making it suitable for all skin types.
Perfect as the first step in your regimen, this toner enhances the absorption of serums and moisturizers while promoting the coveted "glass skin" glow. Loved by skincare enthusiasts worldwide, it's a viral sensation featured in top Korean beauty stores and TikTok trends alike. Experience the harmony of natural ingredients with Anua.
Volume | 8.45 fl. oz. |
---|---|
Vegan | |
Cruelty Free |
Main Ingredients | Rice Water |
---|---|
Alcohol Free |
Achieve the coveted glass skin look with ANUA’s Lightweight Milky Toner. This deeply hydrating formula is powered by 70% ANUA Rice Water+ and Niacinamide, delivering essential nutrients to brighten and revitalize dull skin. Its unique blend of Ceramides and Protein reinforces the skin's natural barrier, ensuring long-lasting protection and moisture retention.
Enhanced with soothing ingredients like Panthenol, Glycerin, and Allantoin, this fragrance-free toner calms irritation while providing a refreshing, non-sticky finish. Ideal for all skin types, it fits seamlessly into your AM and PM routines, leaving your skin radiant, smooth, and hydrated every day.
Volume | 8.45 fl. oz. |
---|---|
Vegan | |
Cruelty Free |
Main Ingredients | Rice Extract, Natural Extracts (Common Purslane extract, Rice bran extract, Japanese elm bark extract, Amaranthus caudatus seed extract), Adenosine |
---|---|
Alcohol Free |
The I'M FROM Rice Toner is formulated to deeply hydrate and revitalize dry skin, using a blend of 77.78% rice extract to provide multiple skin benefits. Known for its high water retention, rice extract helps to plump the skin by boosting collagen production, while its antioxidant properties protect the skin from free radicals, potentially slowing the visible signs of aging. This toner is also enriched with vitamin E, which nourishes the skin, leaving it soft and smooth. Additionally, rice extract’s brightening properties work to lighten pigmentation and even out the skin tone.
Free from artificial fragrances, colors, and harmful ingredients like parabens and sulfates, this toner is vegan, cruelty-free, and gentle on sensitive skin. With a pH of 6.9, it supports the skin's natural barrier while delivering a clean and effective skincare experience. For enhanced results, it can be paired with the Rice Serum and Rice Cream from the same line.
Volume | 5.07 fl. oz. |
---|---|
Vegan | |
Cruelty Free |
Main Ingredients | Ceramide, Peptide, White Leaf Tea |
---|---|
Alcohol Free |
The LANEIGE Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer offers a unique 2-in-1 formula that combines the deep nourishment of a cream with the lightweight texture of a toner. Designed to provide intensive hydration, this hybrid product is enriched with ceramides and peptides to help strengthen the skin's moisture barrier, visibly firm the skin, and enhance overall radiance. Suitable for normal, dry, and sensitive skin types, it has been dermatologist-tested and shown to increase hydration levels by 8 times immediately after use, with effects lasting up to 120 hours.
This product’s milky consistency absorbs quickly into the skin, providing long-lasting hydration without leaving a heavy residue. In clinical studies, users reported smoother, more radiant skin that felt bouncier and less flaky after two weeks of use. With its hypoallergenic formulation, it is particularly beneficial for those with sensitive skin, offering soothing and softening benefits for a healthier complexion.
Volume | 5.7 fl. oz. |
---|---|
Vegan | |
Cruelty Free |
Main Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid |
---|---|
Alcohol Free |
Unlike harsh chemical exfoliants, this toner uses the naturally derived enzyme PROTEASE to gently remove dead skin cells and minimize pores, promoting a healthier-looking complexion without irritation. The inclusion of 8 Stacked Hyaluronic Acid penetrates deeply to keep your skin moist all day.
Volume | 10.14vfl. oz. |
---|---|
Vegan | |
Cruelty Free |
Main Ingredients | PHA + BHA, Watermelon Extract, Cactus Water |
---|---|
Alcohol Free |
The Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner is a dual-purpose formula designed to hydrate the skin while refining and tightening pores. Inspired by the Korean Aqua Peel Facial, this toner combines a 62% blend of watermelon extract and cactus water to deliver deep hydration, essential vitamins, and amino acids, leaving the skin soft and nourished. The inclusion of 3% PHA and 2% BHA gently exfoliates the skin, unclogging pores and smoothing the skin’s surface without causing irritation.
This alcohol-free toner is free of harsh chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, and silicones, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. The toner also helps balance the skin’s pH levels, preparing it for the next steps in your skincare routine. Clinically effective and recognized by several beauty awards, this vegan and cruelty-free toner is an effective choice for those looking to achieve hydrated, smooth, and clear skin.
Volume | 5 fl. oz. |
---|---|
Vegan | |
Cruelty Free |
Main Ingredients | Ginseng Water 80%, Niacinamide 2%, BHA 0.5% |
---|---|
Alcohol Free |
Volume | 5 fl. oz. |
---|---|
Vegan | |
Cruelty Free |
Main Ingredients | Snail Mucin, Hyaluronic Acid |
---|---|
Alcohol Free |
Give your skin the hydration it craves with Peach Slices Snail Rescue Lotion—a lightweight yet powerful formula featuring 95% snail mucin. This Korean skincare favorite binds moisture to the skin, gently exfoliates, and helps fade dark spots, fine lines, and blemishes for a radiant, smooth complexion.
Infused with cica and hyaluronic acid, this formula soothes irritation, promotes collagen production, and enhances skin elasticity. Safe for all skin types and free from alcohol, sulfates, and parabens, it’s a clean, cruelty-free way to achieve deep hydration and a healthy, dewy glow.
Volume | 4.05 fl. oz. |
---|---|
Vegan | |
Cruelty Free |
Main Ingredients | Green Tea Extract |
---|---|
Alcohol Free |
Refresh and revitalize your skin with IsNtree Green Tea Toner, featuring premium green tea extract from Jeju Island. This alcohol-free formula is designed to control excess sebum while delivering soothing hydration, making it ideal for all skin types, including sensitive and combination skin.
Clinically proven for its non-irritating properties, this toner balances pH levels and calms irritation, leaving your skin refreshed and smooth. Whether you need oil control or a gentle hydrating boost, this toner offers the perfect harmony for a clear and healthy complexion.
Volume | 6.76 fl. oz. |
---|---|
Vegan | |
Cruelty Free |
Do cleanse before applying toners to get the best results from the formulation. Once toned, follow up with a moisturizer. Toners work to prep the skin for the next product, meaning the surface is now ready to absorb whatever nutrition you have in store.
Pro tip: don't wait for the toner to dry before applying your serums, moisturizers, and essences to give your skin that hydration boost. This is especially helpful during cold and dry weather, where the air is too quick in stealing the humectants meant for your skin.
Lastly, you can consider applying the toner by other means such as spraying, pouring it on a face mask, or patting to use, in case you have extra sensitive skin and rubbing with a cotton pad is too harsh.
If you feel your toner may be drying out, but you still like the benefits of the clean and refreshed skin, try using the toner a few times a week to start.
Eventually, you may be able to use it nightly as your skin builds up a tolerance to it. Don't forget to moisturize after using a toner. You can try using a cream-based moisturizer with emollients after the toner to help with dryness.
We won't leave you hanging with just toners! Here are a few more K-beauty steps to add to your routine.
No. 1: TIRTIR|Milk Skin Toner
No. 2: Anua|Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
No. 3: Anua|Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
No. 4: I'm From|Rice Toner
No. 5: LANEIGE|Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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