12 Best Makeup Artist-Approved Korean Toners For Oily Skin (2024)
Rejuvenate your oily skin with the Korean beauty secret everyone's talking about.
Shawnda DorantesMSN, APRN, FNP-C 
Shawnda Dorantes, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is the founder and Master Injector at Beauty Lounge Medical Spa. She has 15 years of experience in the beauty industry and 13 years as a registered nurse. Dorantes began her career as a Beaut... more
kirtana divakarMA (Journalism & Mass Communication) Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after read... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
monomita chakrabortyMA (Journalism & Mass Communication) Experience: 4 yearsMonomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global Univers... more
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Sometimes, a single product is all you need for enhanced oil absorption from your skin. That is when you turn to the best Korean toners for oily skin for help! Unlike the rest of the toners out there, Korean toners are full of organic ingredients that exfoliate, hydrate, and heal your skin. If you have oily skin, then the right toner will balance the pH level of your skin while reducing the extra greasiness. It can also control acne and prevent any irritation from developing on your skin. What’s more? Korean toners cleanse your skin so well that they leave it with a shiny and radiant finish.
We have made a list of the best Korean toners out there to help you combat oily skin and give you the lovely skin you want. Scroll down to check them out right now!
In This Article
What Exactly Does a Toner Do?
Facial toners for oily skin are responsible for removing any traces of dirt, sweat, grime, or makeup clogged in your pores. When used regularly, you will notice visible changes in tone, texture, and complexion. Consistent use will result in a glowing complexion without dark spots and acne scars. With the right toner, smooth and firm skin is only one skincare step away.
Look Radiant With The 12 Best Korean Toners For Oily Skin
1. Best Hypoallergenic:Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
This Korean toner for oily, combination skin is a crowd favorite, and for the right reasons! Its formula is filled with exfoliating ingredients like AHA and BHA acids and botanical ingredients like apple fruit water and willow bark water that hydrate and nourish the skin. Shawnda Dorantes, a skin care expert says, “Apple fruit water is rich in natural sugars and vitamins that can help attract and retain moisture in the skin, leaving skin hydrated and plump. It also contains natural antioxidants, such as vitamin C and polyphenols, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote skin elasticity and firmness.” This toner soothes and balances oily skin without overdrying it. It is hypoallergenic, sloughs off dead skin cells gently, making it a suitable option for oily skin. You can check this review to view the tester’s experience with the product before adding it to your skin care regime.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Balances pH levels
- Reduces excess sebum production
- Opens clogged pores
- Keeps moisture barrier intact
Cons
- May not be best suited for sensitive skin types
Caution
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 5,193 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
2. Best For Inflamed Skin:Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
How can we not bring up Klairs when we talk about Korean products for oily skin? With its enhanced formula, this cleansing toner is filled with anti-inflammatory properties that are suitable for oily and sensitive skin, too. It is crafted with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, licorice root extract, and natural essential oils that your skin will love. Not only does it balance your skin’s pH levels, but it also rejuvenates and restores the skin barrier, tone, and texture. This hydrating toner for oily skin contains no synthetic fragrances, alcohol, or toxic chemicals, that make it a suitable option for all skin types. Watch this video of the tester’s experience on YouTube for a detailed analysis of the product.
Pros
- No alcohol
- Astringent
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- No synthetic fragrances
Cons
- In rare cases, it may cause skin irritation.
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 3,321 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
3. Best Alcohol-Free:Mamonde Rose Water Toner
This Korean hydrating toner for oily skin is known for its gentle and refreshing formula that contains ingredients like organic rose water and lactic acid. It results in a glowing and exfoliated complexion. There are many benefits of adding this cleansing toner to your daily skincare routine, including calming inflammation and redness and its antioxidant-rich formula that hydrates and nourishes the skin. If this wasn’t all, it also smoothes out your skin’s texture and evens skin tone. If you need more information before purchasing, check this video to view the tester’s experience with this product on YouTube right now!
Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner Best Hypoallergenic | Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner Best For Inflamed Skin | Mamonde Rose Water Toner Best Alcohol-Free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal | Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Normal | Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Normal |
| Dimensions | 6 x 3.5 x 0.5 inches | 19.69 x 19.69 x 11.02 inches | 8 x 5 x 5 inches |
| Weight | 5.07 Ounces | 0.01 Ounces | 10.41 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 5,193 | 3,321 | 1,050 |
| Price | $18.59 | $15.33 | $22.99 |
Pros
- Provides skin hydration and exfoliation
- Organic ingredients
- Eliminates uneven skin tone
- Alcohol-free formula
- Reduces dead skin cells
- Vegan
Cons
- The smell may be overwhelming for some
"This rose water toner soothes my skin and lends it a moist feel. It removes dead skin cells from my skin’s surface and eliminates excess sebum. It evens out my complexion and leaves my skin feeling refreshed. I like its floral scent as well."
Quick Tip4. Best Dermatologist-Tested:IsnTree Green Tea Fresh Toner
Not only is this a good toner for oily, acne-prone skin because of its ability to soak up excess sebum, but it also provides 24-hour skin hydration. The formula is filled with active ingredients like green tea extract, white willow bark, hyaluronic acid, minerals, amino acids, and cica extract that relieve skin stress and provides a refreshing feeling. Shawnda Dorantes, a skin care expert explains, “Green tea extract contains natural antioxidants, which can help protect the skin from free radicals that can cause damage and premature ageing.” The natural ingredients are non-irritating and can moisturize your skin without adding to the oiliness.
Pros
- Offers pore refinement benefits
- Non-toxic
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- No synthetic fragrances
- Organic ingredients
- Dermatologist-tested
- Provides 24-hour hydration
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Some may find the texture of this toner to be a bit watered-down.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 2,658 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
5. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Some By Mi Miracle Toner
This Korean toner for oily, sensitive skin is a triple threat that exfoliates, cleanses, and nourishes your skin. You achieve smooth and glowing skin with the consistent use of this skin care product. This exfoliating toner contains glycolic acid and BHAs that make for excellent exfoliants, and its astringent properties are perfect for cleansing oily skin and controlling excess oil production. The BHA component unclogs pores, prevents breakouts from occurring, and ensures skin is cleansed deep within.
Pros
- Prevents breakouts
- Exfoliates skin
- Controls sebum production
- Improves skin texture
Cons
- It may be too harsh for sensitive skin
6. Best Skin-Brightening:Skinfood Peach Sake Toner
Skinfood is considered one of the best Korean toner for oily skin brands in the market. This is because it is known for using organic ingredients like fermented rice wine, peach extracts, and vitamins A and E, which improve the skin’s overall health and brighten your complexion. The clinically backed skincare toner contains kojic acid that offers a mild exfoliating effect that provides a smooth skin texture that is adored by all. It also contains ingredients with antioxidant properties that prevent free radical damage and protect the skin against environmental stressors.
Pros
- Prevents free radical damage
- Provides a brightening effect
- Minimizes enlarged pores
- Controls excessive oil production
Cons
- Slightly expensive
7. Best Hydrating:Secret Key Aloe Soothing Moist Toner
This is a must-have Korean skincare for oily skin because of its cleansing and hydrating properties. The gentle formulation includes aloe vera, snail mucus filtrate that helps boost collagen production, usnea extract, and guava extract. To apply this cleansing toner, you have to soak a cotton pad in it and rub it all over your face. Wait until the skin has absorbed it before moving on with your usual moisturizer. Within no time, you will have a refreshed, cleansed face that is smoother and firmer. Many reviewers also feel that the toner is easily blendable, leaves the skin hydrated, and can be used with other skin care products.
Pros
- Hydrating properties
- Paraben-free
- No mineral oils
- Contains 13 botanical extracts
Cons
- May contain ingredients that are not cruelty-free
8. Best For Shrinking Pores:Thank You Farmer Pure Essential Toner
If you’ve been on the lookout for the best toner for oily skin and enlarged pores, you can breathe a sigh of relief. We bring you this toner from Thank you, Farmer, which includes a concentrated formula that removes dirt, enhances skin texture, and balances its pH levels. It’s filled with hydrating and nourishing ingredients like lotus flower extract, rice water, and cica extract that have proven efficacy in soothing, refreshing, and preventing irritation. It imparts a smooth textured skin and a luminous glow.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Paraben-free
- No artificial colors
Cons
- Some may not prefer the thick consistency
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 457 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
9. Best Moisturizing:Feuillete Smooth Water Essence Toner
Your skin will thank you for adding this refreshing toner to your skincare routine. You can slather on this toner during the day and stay hydrated without looking greasy. This hydrating toner for oily skin does not over-dry the skin. It includes nourishing ingredients like sake rice water, niacinamide, licorice root, cica extract, and prebiotic complex that make skin soft. All of them work together for firm, spot-free, soft, healthy, and supple skin. Reviewers have mentioned that the toner helps calm the flaring eczema’s reaction and imparts visible results.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- No mineral oils
- Alcohol-free
- Moisturizing
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May not yield immediate results
"This toner offers multiple benefits to my skin. It fades my dark spots, refines my rough skin texture, and shrinks my pores. It feels lightweight on my skin. The formula leaves my skin feeling clean and moisturized. It absorbs quickly into my skin and works its magic from within."
10. Best Fragrance-Free:Etude House Soon Jung Relief Toner
The Soon Jung toner from Etude House is a Korean brand that heals damaged and irritated skin. The formula contains panthenol and madecassoside that have a cooling effect and naturally balance the skin’s pH levels. The toner is especially suitable for sensitive skin as its pH level calms and soothes the skin. It is made from 97% natural ingredients.
Pros
- Reduces breakouts
- Controls excess oil
- Non-drying formula
- Refines skin tone
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologically-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Artifical Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Synthetic perfume-free
- Silicone-free
- Paraben-free
- Surfactant-free
- Color additive-free
Cons
- May cause tingling on the skin
11. Best Anti-Aging:One Thing Centella Asiatica Extract Toner
This brand has a growing fan-following when it comes to Korean skincare for oily skin. Its main ingredient is cica extract, which helps calm the skin and balance its pH levels. It is also packed with antioxidants that protect the skin from free radical damage while preventing the onset of early aging signs like fine lines and wrinkles. The reviewers have mentioned how this product has calmed their skin and delivered visible results. The ingredients are plant-based, and there are no synthetic dyes or fragrances added to the formula, making it perfect for all skin types.
Pros
- Vegan
- Provides lightweight hydration
- Cruelty-free
- No synthetic dyes or colors
- All ingredients are EWG Green-Grade
Cons
- May not be as hydrating as expected
"This toner soothes my inflamed skin and lends it a glowy look. Its hydrating composition leaves my skin looking plump and feeling nourished. The formula has gradually reduced my skin’s sebum production. I only need a small amount of this product every time, so one bottle will last me months."
12. Best Non-Irritating:Pyunkang Yul Mist Toner
Pyunkang Yul is a 46-year-old Korean brand treating skin-related issues. It focuses on the fundamental solution for long-term results. This mist toner is light on the skin and works deeper to provide the necessary nutrition for a healthy, glowy complexion. The key ingredient is milk vetch root extract that has powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties that improve skin elasticity.
Pros
- EWG-safe ingredients
- Pore-tightening
- Color-free
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan
- Certified as zero-irritation
- Non-sticky
- Suits sensitive skin
Cons
- None
Those were our top 12 picks of the best Korean toner for oily skin. Many factors can influence your purchase and help you decide on the best Korean toner for oily skin. Here is a buying guide that will help you understand the main elements to look for when shopping for a toner.
How To Choose The Best Korean Toner For Oily Skin?
- Ingredients
When you are looking for the best Korean toner for oily and acne-prone skin, you have to look for ingredients that will help keep your skin healthy and oil-free. Look for exfoliates like AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) and BHA (beta hydroxy acid) or citrus extracts that will clean pores and reduce excess sebum production. Witch hazel, green tea, aloe vera, and tea tree oil inclusion in your toners prevent inflammation, hydrate the skin, and leave you with a healthy glow. Always go for products that have natural ingredients.
- Skin type
When you are looking for the perfect Korean toner, you need to keep your skin type in mind. If you have oily or sensitive skin you must select products that will cleanse your skin and hydrate it as well. The toner should be mattifying and not clog your pores or cause an allergic reaction.
- Harmful chemicals
It is best always to steer away from harmful chemicals, regardless of what the skincare product is. Parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, and petroleum may strip your skin from its natural oils, bleeding it dry. Hence, stick to natural formulas that are hydrating and nourishing without the use of these chemicals.
Infographic: Key Ingredients In Korean Toners For Oily Skin
Korean toners are in high demand due to their efficacy, innovation, and potent skin-benefitting ingredients. These ingredients tackle almost all oily skin problems with ease. To know which ingredients are commonly used in Korean toners for oily skin, check out the infographic below. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Toning your skin is an important step of any skincare routine. The best Korean facial toners are made of natural ingredients that can exfoliate your oily skin to prevent clogging of pores and acne and balances the pH levels of skin. They help in restoring the tone and texture of the skin, and some even hydrate the skin to make it soft and supple. The Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner retains moisture in the skin and enhances skin elasticity, while the Mamonde Rose Water Toner soothes inflammation and promotes deep exfoliation. The IsnTree Green Tea Fresh Toner works wonders in reducing signs of premature aging and infuses hydration. These Korean toners are non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and vegan. However, some products may be harsh on sensitive skin. Check out the buying guide and product reviews to choose the best Korean toner that suits your skin type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are toners good for oily skin?
Yes, but you have to look for toners with antibacterial properties and ingredients like salicylic acid that won’t cause breakouts, clog pores and are paraben-free.
Should you use a toner every day?
If you want to see desired results, then yes, you need to use it daily. You can use them once or twice a day, after cleansing. If you notice that your skin is drying out, then reduce the usage to once a day.
Can toner cause acne?
Yes, some toners with harsh chemicals, alcohol, or allergens can cause skin irritations, breakouts, and acne.
What are the benefits of toners?
• Moisturizes the skin.
• Removes greasiness from the skin.
• Balances the pH level of the skin.
• Cleanses excessive sebum and dirt from the skin.
What is the best way to use a toner?
Wash your face with a cleanser and pat your skin dry. Apply toner to your skin with the help of a cotton pad. Finally, moisturize your skin with a cream or serum.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Kirtana Divakar, who wrote this article, is a zealous skin care fiend with a passion for Korean products. Korean products, like toners, have overtaken the skin care industry because of their natural ingredients and skin-enriching formulations. If you want to tone your oily skin, the author recommends using the products on this list. She studied each of these products and reviews across forums. Each of these toners offers benefits such as pH balancing, pore minimizing, sebum control, skin tightening, managing acne breakouts, and all of these without the use of harsh elements.
