The word "toner" is misleading: it covers products that do quite different things. A hydrating toner adds moisture, a soothing one calms irritation, and an exfoliating one (with acids) renews the skin. So there is no single best toner — only the one that suits your concern. We have gathered seven popular options (five Korean and two Western) and set out what each does and whom it suits.
In brief: for hydration — Round Lab or Beauty of Joseon Rice. To calm irritation and redness — Anua Heartleaf 77%. For pores, blackheads and oiliness — exfoliating toners with acids: COSRX AHA/BHA (mild) or Paula's Choice 2% BHA (stronger). For a mild everyday option without acids — the alcohol-free Thayers. One rule matters: do not use two exfoliating toners at once, and always wear sunscreen by day when using acids.
01First — which type of toner you need
The main mistake is choosing a toner by popularity without understanding its purpose. Hydrating ones (hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol) add moisture — suited to dry and dehydrated skin, and fine for daily use. Soothing ones (centella, houttuynia, allantoin) calm redness — for sensitive and reactive skin. Exfoliating ones (AHA/BHA/PHA acids) renew the skin and clear the pores — for oily and blemish-prone skin, but not every day and only with sunscreen. Identify the concern, and the choice becomes simple.
02The Korean options — five of them
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing (soothing). One of the best-known toners, at 77% houttuynia extract — it calms redness and irritation, regulates oiliness and adds a little hydration. A thin, watery texture that absorbs instantly. Good for sensitive, combination and blemish-prone skin. It is often used as a second step after cleansing.
Beauty of Joseon Rice (hydrating, brightening). Built on rice water: it hydrates, lends radiance and evens out tone thanks to B and E vitamins. A slightly denser, milky texture. It suits dry, normal and dull skin that is looking for radiance.
Round Lab 1025 Dokdo (hydrating). A light hydrating toner built on mineral-rich sea water with a well-judged pH, and fragrance-free. It balances moisture without over-drying. It suits most skin types, including sensitive skin, and offers good value.
COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying (exfoliating, mild). It combines AHA and BHA at a low concentration — gently renewing the skin and clearing the pores without harshness. A good way into acid care for oily and combination skin. Use it not every day, in the evening, with sunscreen by day.
Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating (exfoliating, gentle). A toner with 2% BHA, plus ceramides, hyaluronic acid and panthenol to support the barrier, and tea tree extract to calm — it exfoliates gently without over-drying. It suits oily, combination and blemish-prone skin, newcomers to acids included. From our editorial team's own experience: it does not irritate the skin, feels gentle, and cleans well.
03The Western options — two of them
Paula's Choice 2% BHA (exfoliating, stronger). One of the most widely recommended products among dermatologists: 2% salicylic acid cleans the pores deeply, smooths texture and reduces blackheads. Visible results usually within four to six weeks. For oily, blemish-prone and pore-prone skin. Begin two to three times a week, with sunscreen by day. A milder 1% BHA version is available for sensitive skin.
Thayers alcohol-free (a mild basic). A classic witch hazel toner, alcohol-free and with aloe — mild, refreshing and without acids. It suits sensitive skin and anyone who wants a simple basic step without actives. Affordable, and fine for daily use morning and evening.
- Choosing a toner by popularity rather than by concern. Soothing and exfoliating toners address different problems — identify yours first.
- Using two exfoliating toners at once. A double dose of acids overloads the skin and disturbs the barrier.
- Using an acid toner every day from the very start. Begin two to three times a week and watch how the skin responds.
- Forgetting sunscreen when using acids. Acids increase sensitivity to sunlight — sun protection by day is essential.
- Choosing a toner with alcohol high in the ingredient list. Alcohol-based astringents give a false sense of cleanliness, but they dry the skin and disturb the barrier.
04What to buy for your concern
Hydration (dry / normal)
Calming (sensitive / redness)
Exfoliation (oily / blemish-prone / pores)
COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying
A mild acid toner, a way into exfoliation; not every day.
Смотреть на YesStyle TonerAnua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating
2% BHA + ceramides, gentle; does not irritate, cleans well.
Смотреть на YesStyle TonerPaula's Choice 2% BHA
Salicylic acid, clears pores; use with sunscreen.
Смотреть на YesStyleThese are affiliate links. Buying through them does not change the price for you, but it supports the project. The selection is based on the concern and skin type, not on the size of the commission.
05Common questions
Do I even need a toner?
Not necessarily. A modern toner addresses a specific concern — hydration, soothing or exfoliation. If something is missing between cleansing and moisturiser (dryness, pores, redness), the right toner helps. Simply "for balance", it is not needed.
Can an exfoliating toner be used every day?
Usually not, especially at first. Acid toners (COSRX, Paula's Choice) are begun two to three times a week, increasing in frequency only if well tolerated. Hydrating and soothing ones (Round Lab, Anua, Thayers) can be used daily.
Which toner for oily skin and pores?
Exfoliating ones with acids: the mild COSRX AHA/BHA to start, or the stronger Paula's Choice 2% BHA. Both clear the pores and smooth texture. Sunscreen by day is essential.
Details of formulas and purpose are drawn from openly available sources and brand pages:
This material is educational and does not replace a consultation with a dermatologist.