8 Best Korean Toners For Combination Skin That Are An Absolute Must

These Korean toners have just the right formula for all combination skin!

Reviewed by Heather Davis, Certified Medical Esthetician
Written by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Edited by Krati Darak, MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach
Fact-checked by Medha Deb, Integrated MA  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

This is your right stop if you are looking for the best Korean toners for combination skin. Combination skin can be a real pain in the neck, especially while finding the right skincare products. Your face alone can be a combination of oily and dry skin types, which changes through the seasons. You also have to make sure your skin is supplemented with the right products that maintain its pH levels. Thankfully K-beauty products have foreseen the problems, and some products target the skin patches and treat them specifically. Loaded with the best botanical ingredients, these toners solve combination skin problems like dull skin, sallow complexion, oily T-zones, itchy foreheads, and dry cheeks. Scroll through these 8 highest-rated toners and choose your favorite one.

Top Picks
CHECK PRICE
Best Soothing:Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
Price on Amazon
Best Exfoliating:COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Price on Amazon
Best Long-Lasting Hydration:simplyO Natural Glow Toner
Price on Amazon
Best pH-Balanced:Saranghae Perfect Balance Toner
Price on Amazon
Best Refreshing:Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner
Price on Amazon
Best Alcohol-Free:COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner
Price on Amazon
Best Oil Control:Enough Project Essential Skin Toner
Price on Amazon
Best Moisturizing:COSRX Hydrium Watery Toner
Price on Amazon

8 Best Korean Toners For Combination Skin

1. Best Soothing: Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner

4.4
 Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner Image: Pyunkang Yul

The gentle Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner is perfect for your combination skin. Its formula contains seven natural and rigorously tested essential ingredients to add a youthful glow to the skin while protecting it from environmental aggressors. Its essence-like dense texture seeps into the skin and adds a layer of moisturization. Antioxidant-rich isoflavonoids from milk vetch roots improve skin elasticity. The toner’s non-sticky and mild formulation with zero residue improves your overall skin texture, and gives a supple, soft, and radiant complexion. Eden, a beauty blogger, uses this product every single day. She says, “The Essence-Toner applies quite smoothly and if you do not apply a humongous amount, there will be no dripping down your face. It is fast drying too, so it is a perfect part of a routine for people who do not have much time in the mornings or get home really late. … Actually, I started using this one whenever I am not wearing makeup and feel like toughening up my skincare just because it feels so nice and refreshing. (i).” Here’s a video to help you know more about this facial toner.

Key Ingredients: Milk vetch root extract

Also Recommended By:The Skincare Enthusiast and We Heart This have also listed Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner in their top 10.[1]17 Best Korean Toners for All Skin Types. The Skincare Enthusiast. https://theskincareenthusiast.com/best-korean-toners/[2]9 Best Korean Toners For Different Skin Types. We Heart This. https://weheartthis.com/best-korean-toners/
Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Acne, Sensitive, Dry

Pros

  •  Non-sticky
  •  Non-greasy
  •  Zero-irritation
  •  Cruelty-free
  •  Dye-free
  •  Fragrance-free
  •  Absorbs easily
  •  Dermatologically tested
  •  Comes with money-back guarantee

Cons

  •  Contains silicones
  •  Expensive

2. Best Exfoliating:COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

4.4
Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner Image: Cosrx

Gentle exfoliation of dead skin cells helps remove dirt, grime, and oil lodged into the pores, improving skin texture and skin vitality. The COSRX Clarifying Treatment Toner is scientifically formulated with 0.1% glycolic acid and 0.1% betaine salicylate to cleanse the skin and improve skin tone while offering deep hydration. Natural ingredients such as apple fruit water and willow bark water hydrate and revitalize the skin. The skin texture-refining toner also controls sebum production and reduces the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads. It is also a sebum-regulating toner that helps minimize the appearance of pores by improving skin elasticity. Prep your skin and create a clean base as you restore its ideal pH balance. This toner is a social media sensation with thousands of positive reviews. A beauty blogger has reviewed this product for her readers and has stated, “While the toner doesn’t help to deep exfoliate, meaning I’ll still have to use the scrubs to fully get rid of dead skin and blackheads (which I do once a week), it helps to get rid of some every day, so the dead skin is not accumulated and less likely to form blackheads. Just a few squirts and my skin feels fresh and prepped for the makeup routine (ii).” This video takes you through this pore-minimizing product’s details.

Note: This toner can make your skin extremely photosensitive. During daytime use, top it up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or above.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal | Product Dimensions: 6 x 3.5 x 0.5 inches | Weight: 5.07 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, Betaine salicylate, Apple fruit water, and Willow bark water

Pros

  •  Hypoallergenic
  •  Fades pigmentation
  •  Improves skin elasticity
  •  Dermatologist-tested
  •  Cruelty-free
  •  Paraben-free
  •  Sulfate-free
  •  Phthalate-free
  •  Vegan

Cons

  •  Mildly scented

protip_icon Quick Tip
If you wish to be more environment-friendly and skip the cotton pad, you may apply a few drops of toner to your palms and gently dab them on your face. Use a toner in the morning and at night for optimum results.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has garnered over 5,193 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.

3. Best Long-Lasting Hydration:simplyO Natural Glow Toner

4.3
simplyO Natural Glow Toner Image: Simplyo

SimplyO’s Natural Glow Toner is made from rich plant-based vitamins and minerals that help rejuvenate irritated skin. The formula is infused with sea buckthorn extract that works as a natural moisturizing agent to improve your skin texture. Hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant and enhances the skin’s moisture retention capacity. The extracts from white flowers – peony, magnolia liliiflora, and lily of the valley – add a natural glow to the skin while fading dark spots. Add this cruelty-free toner to your skin care routine and watch your skin shine in all its glory.

Skin Type: Combination, Sensitive, Normal to Dry

Key Ingredients: Sea buckthorn, Hyaluronic acid, Peony, Magnolia liliiflora, and Lily of the valley

Pros

  •  Instant hydration
  •  Restores natural glow
  •  Budget-friendly
  •  Cruelty-free
  •  Alcohol-free
  •  Synthetic color-free
  •  Synthetic fragrance-free
  •  SLS-free
  •  SLES-free

Cons

  • None
Our Tester's Experience

"This toner is a perfect match for my slightly oily skin. The formula leaves my face looking radiant and hydrated. It has a fluid texture that glides easily on my skin and absorbs into it. It strengthens my skin barrier and I can feel how healthy my skin is getting after regular use of this product. I also like its mild scent."

Attribute
Best Soothing
Best Exfoliating
Best For Long-Lasting Hydration
Product Name Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner simplyO Natural Glow Toner
Skin Type Combination, oily, and sensitive Combination, oily, and acne-prone Combination, dry, and sensitive
Texture Dense Lightweight and watery Lightweight but slightly viscous
Key Ingredients Milk vetch extract and Pyunkang Yul’s unique formula AHA and BHA Sea buckthorn extract, hyaluronic acid, and betaine
Primary Functions Hydrates, soothes, and balances skin Exfoliates and clarifies the skin to prevent breakouts Nourishes the skin to improve radiance
Additional Benefits Reduces inflammation and redness on the skin Brightens the overall skin tone Calms and soothes skin
Fragrance Fragrance-free Fragrance-free Refreshing citrus scent
Amazon Reviews 1,233 5,694 133
Amazon Ratings 4.5 4.5 4.4
Buy Now Check Price Check Price Check Price

4. Best pH-Balanced:Saranghae Perfect Balance Toner

4.4
Saranghae Perfect Balance Toner Image: Saranghae

The Saranghae Perfect Balance toner has a results-driven formula that deeply cleanses the skin and helps maintain its natural pH balance. The licorice root and peony flower extracts in the formula are rich in antioxidants that even out the skin tone. Hyaluronic acid binds and seals skin moisture for visibly plump skin, while allantoin helps reduce redness and irritation for a more soothing effect. This toner boosts glow and keeps skin hydrated for a fresh, dewy look.

Skin Type: All

Key Ingredients: Licorice root extract, Hyaluronic acid, Peony flower extract, and Allantoin

Pros

  •  Prevents drying
  •  Rebalances pH levels
  •  Irritation-free
  •  Suitable in humid weather
  •  Vegan
  •  Cruelty-free
  •  Paraben-free
  •  Phthalate-free
  •  Sulfate-free

Cons

  •  Stings on application

Our Tester's Experience

"This toner is a treat for my skin. It moisturizes my dry patches, deep cleans my pores, and soothes itchiness. It minimizes the appearance of the pores and lends my skin a clear look. I love that it absorbs quickly and never makes my skin greasy. It also feels lightweight on my skin."


5. Best Refreshing:Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner

4.5
ISNTREE Green Tea Fresh Toner Image: Isntree

A splash of the refreshing Isntree Green Tea Face Toner is all you need after a hectic day outdoors. This quick-absorbing, light brown, and liquidy toner moisturizes and refreshes your skin. The nutrient rich Jeju green tea, white willow bark, and blueberry extracts contain amino acids, minerals, polyphenols, and proteins that help revitalize the skin. The toner also helps manage skin greasiness by controlling sebum production. It also reduces the appearance of pores. The antioxidant-rich ginkgo tree extract offers anti-aging benefits and irons out fine lines. The hyaluronic acid offers 24-hour hydration without clogging pores.  All the natural healthy ingredients work in tandem and are tested for relief against skin stress and irritation. For a more detailed review of this product, here’s a video.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 1.95 x 1.9 inches | Weight: 6.17 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Green tea extracts, Hyaluronic acid, Ginkgo tree extract, Asiatic pennywort extract, White willow bark extract, Blueberry extract, Longleaf pine lea extract, David elm root extract, and Evening primrose extract

Pros

  •  Controls oiliness
  •  Provides anti-aging benefits
  • Ensures sebum control
  •  24-hour hydration
  •  Hypoallergenic
  •  Quick-absorbing
  •  Cruelty-free

Cons

  •  May stain garments

protip_icon ProTip
Using a toner containing an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) like glycolic acid or a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) such as salicylic acid will assist in revealing healthy skin hidden behind acne-prone skin.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 2,658 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.

6. Best Alcohol-Free:COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner

4.5
Cosrx Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner Image: Cosrx

This gentle toner from Cosrx comes with a minimal yet effective ingredients list. The lightweight natural formula rebalances the skin’s natural oils and preps up the skin for the next routine. The Centella asiatica leaf water extracts and Jeju Island mineral water calm inflamed skin and redness. It is a cooling mist toner that can be used in the morning, over makeup, and any time of the day when you need some skin refreshment. Pija Ramli, a beauty blogger, recommends this product to people with dry, oily, and sensitive skin. She exclaims, “With just one application, my stubborn pimples dry out, including my cystic acne around my jawline. Besides that, I can feel that my skin is very smooth, and my pores are getting smaller each day. As it has centella extracts, it also repairs my skin textures which is awesome. (iii)”

Product Dimensions: 2.8 x 1.4 x 3.2 inches | Weight: 7.05 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Centella asiatica leaf water and Jeju Island mineral water

Pros

  •  Lightweight formula
  •  Balances natural oils
  •  Calms inflammation
  •  Fragrance-free
  •  Easy to use
  •  Alcohol-free

Cons

  • None

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 1,703 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.

7. Best Oil Control:Enough Project Essential Skin Toner

Tired of an oily T-zone? Pick the Enough Project Essential Toner and say goodbye to oily patches. This gentle toner blends the best ingredients to create long-lasting hydration for your skin while controlling oil production. The beta-hyaluronic acid and panthenol regenerate and rejuvenate your skin while the pro-vitamin B5 soothes and calms the facial skin. This pH-balancing formula is chemical-free, cruelty-free, and added tint-free.

Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, and oily skin

Key Ingredients: Beta- hyaluronic acid and Provitamin B5

Pros

  •  Controls oiliness
  •  Quick-absorbing
  •  Vegan
  •  Cruelty-free
  •  Added tint-free
  •  Value for Money

Cons

  •  May dry the skin out in some

protip_icon Remember
Try to find a toner that does not contain irritants like alcohol, witch hazel, menthol, an artificial or natural scent, or citrus oils.

8. Best Moisturizing:COSRX Hydrium Watery Toner

4.5

The COSRX Hydrium Watery Toner is packed with vitamin B5, hyaluronic acid, and allantoin. These ingredients work to smoothen, hydrate, and refresh skin with every use. The panthenol in the formula moisturizes and regenerates your skin and protects it from irritation and redness. The six types of hyaluronic acids, d-panthenol, and allantoin in this product promote skin recovery. This easy-to-absorb formula seals skin moisture for longer-lasting hydration.

Product Dimensions: 2.83 x 1.5 x 3.39 inches | Weight: 0.01 Ounces.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin B5, Allantoin, and hyaluronic acid

Pros

  • Light formula
  • Quick absorbing
  • Moisture-replenishing
  • Versatile usage
  • Dermatologist-tested

Cons

  •  Texture could be too thick
*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

Investing in a Korean toner seems the best way forward if you are looking for the best products to manage combination skin. It will effectively cleanse the oily areas of your skin without stripping the dry parts. To ensure you choose the best Korean toner for combination skin, we have listed a few features to keep in mind.

How To Choose The Best Korean Toner For Combination Skin

  • Check the Ingredients

As with all skincare products, check the label for the ingredients. Look for ingredients that have both hydrating and oil-absorbing properties, such as green tea and lactic acid. Licorice root extract, hyaluronic acid, and allantoin are some other ingredients that have proven efficacy as soothing and calming agents.

  • pH Levels

The natural pH level of our skin is 5. Look for a hydrating toner that will help to maintain this balance. It will help combat premature aging while keeping your dermis well hydrated. It is important to maintain the natural pH balance so that the skin barrier is intact and helps protect the skin from various environmental aggressors.

  • Free of Chemicals

While checking for the best ingredients, it is important to know which ones to avoid. Alcohols, synthetic fragrances, parabens, sulfates, dyes, phthalates, and SLS should be left out of your toner. These can be overly drying and cause irritation and damage to the skin barrier.

  • Non-Greasy & Quick Absorbing

To help your skin prepare for the next steps in your skincare regime, your toner should absorb quickly into the skin and not leave any residue. In addition, it should seal in the moisture in the dry areas for long-lasting hydration.

  • Hypoallergenic

Choose a hypoallergenic toner that is clinically verified and dermatologically approved for combination and sensitive skin types. A gentle toner will restore the skin’s moisture barrier while removing any leftover residues.

Your combination skin needs to be treated with great care and attention as it has dry and oily skin issues. Add good Korean toner for combination skin to your skin care routine that will provide balanced protection to soften and prep your skin.

Infographic: Key Ingredients & How To Use Korean Toner Effectively

Whether your skin type is oily, combination, dry, sensitive, or normal, a toner helps add layers of hydration to your face and neck. It keeps your skin healthy, moisturized, plump, supple, and youthful. A Korean toner is typically formulated with key ingredients that serve as hydration boosters for your skin. These ingredients work to replenish and lock in moisture and help improve the overall health and appearance of your complexion. Check out our infographic to understand more about the key ingredients of a Korean toner and how to use the product on combination skin. Scroll down for more information.

Key Ingredients & How To Use Korean Toner Effectively (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

The Bottom Line

This sums up the list of best Korean toners for combination skin loved by the online community for its skin-rejuvenating benefits. These refreshing toners prep and soften your skin and add a radiant, dewy, glistening glow to your face! We recommend the Pyunkang yul essence toner for its antioxidant-rich ingredient list that offers skin hydration while adding a natural glow. Or you can choose the COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner to reduce blemishes and improve your skin elasticity. If you want to hydrate your skin and make it plump, use the simplyO Natural Glow Toner. However, make sure to conduct a patch test before using any of these products on a regular basis, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is toner good for combination skin?

Yes, toners are excellent for combination skin. They balance your skin’s oil production and dryness.

What does combination skin look like?

Combination skin has an oily T-zone and dryness on the rest of the face.

Is Korean or Japanese skincare better?

While Korean beauty skin care focuses on achieving dewy and luminous skin through thorough hydration, Japanese skincare focuses on cleansing the skin and keeping skincare minimal. You can choose one based on your goals and what works best for you.

Which toner is the best for acne-prone combination skin?

A toner that has skin-clarifying properties and helps control oil production on the skin is the best for combination acne-prone skin. The Enough Project Essential Skin Toner is the best pick for this skin type.

Is hyaluronic acid good for combination skin?

Yes. Hyaluronic acid is great for combination skin as it provides intense hydration and softens skin. Toners infused with hyaluronic acid get quickly absorbed into the skin, relieving dry areas.

Is rose water toner good for combination skin?

Yes. Rose water is an excellent toner for combination skin as it balances the oily and dry parts of the skin.

Is a toner necessary?

Toners are an excellent addition to any healthy skincare regimen. You can use them to manage oily skin and combination skin while treating acne and other skin problems. It is especially important to make your skin receptive to the benefits of the following skincare items.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Shiboli Chakraborti is our in-house skincare coach who loves staying in tune with the latest and promising products in skincare that is easily available and affordable. She believes that investing in the right Korean toner can work wonders for your skin. She tried out various Korean toners from reputed brands and collated this list of the top Korean toners for combination skin available in the market. These toners consist of a unique blend of organic ingredients that solve several skin woes such as dull skin, itchy foreheads, and oily T-zones

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

    (i) Alchemiin
    https://alchemiin.wordpress.com/2018/01/21/pyunkang-yul-essence-toner-review/
    (ii) undercoversg
    https://undercoversg.wordpress.com/2018/03/24/cosrx-aha-bha-clarifying-treatment-toner-review/
    (iii) Pija Ramli
    https://pijaramli.wordpress.com/2016/11/25/7-reviews-cosrx-centella-alcohol-free-toner/

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