I’ve always struggled with oily skin. By midday, I’d catch a glimpse of my reflection, and my face would already look shiny, like my skincare products just couldn’t keep up. Then I started hearing more about Korean toner for oily skin, especially products designed to specifically balance excess oil, and I noticed people everywhere raving about their results. The data backs it up too—Korean beauty products have surged over 30% in popularity recently, and toners are leading the charge. It made me wonder: Could this finally be the answer?
Why Go for a Korean Toner?
What I love most is that they don’t just dry out your skin to deal with oiliness. Korean toners actually add a light layer of hydration with ingredients like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid, which helps keep my skin balanced. Even with my oily skin, a bit of moisture makes a huge difference in keeping my skin looking smooth without extra shine.
Plus, these toners have some of the best natural ingredients for oil control, like green tea and tea tree, which are great for keeping breakouts in check without using harsh chemicals. A lot of them even have calming ingredients, like Centella asiatica, that help soothe any redness or irritation I get from other products. It feels like they really “get” what oily skin needs!
One other thing I’ve noticed is that Korean toners make the rest of my skincare routine work better. After I cleanse, the toner helps my skin absorb the serums and moisturizer I use afterward, so they’re way more effective.
For me, Korean toner for oily skin has been a total game-changer. It’s gentle, balances my skin, and keeps me from getting that dreaded midday shine. If you’ve been struggling with oily skin too, a Korean toner might just be the solution you’ve been looking for!
17 Must-Try Korean Toners for Clear, Balanced, and Smooth Skin!
I’ve been experimenting with skincare products for a while now, and finding the right toner for my oily skin has always been tricky. Toners can sometimes be way too drying, or they don’t really help with breakouts or shine. That’s when I decided to try some popular and the best Korean toners for oily skin—and wow, I can really see why everyone loves them!
Let’s dive into what makes each of these toners special and which one might be the perfect fit for you!
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COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
A well-loved toner featuring AHA and BHA for gentle exfoliation and pore control. It’s ideal for oily skin with a smoother texture.
Key Ingredients
AHA, BHA, Apple Fruit Water
Ingredients Breakdown
Apple Fruit Water: Natural source of AHA, helps with gentle exfoliation.
Glycolic Acid (AHA): Removes dead skin cells and smooths the skin’s surface.
Betaine Salicylate (BHA): Deeply cleanses pores, ideal for oily skin.
My Experience
I found this toner to be a game-changer for keeping blackheads and excess oil at bay. The AHA and BHA combo gave my skin a gentle exfoliation without the usual irritation, and it noticeably reduced the appearance of pores over time. I loved how my skin felt smoother, and even on days when I had a few breakouts, this toner helped speed up the healing process without being overly harsh.
How It Works on Other Skin Types
Sensitive Skin: It could be slightly irritating at first due to the exfoliating acids, so starting slowly is key.
Combination Skin: Balances oil in the T-zone and gently exfoliates dry areas without over-drying.
Pros
Exfoliates dead skin, reduces blackheads.
Cons
May cause irritation for beginners.
Some By Mi AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
This toner is designed for fast results, targeting excess sebum and acne. It combines three acids for exfoliation and moisture retention.
Key Ingredients
Tea Tree Extract, AHA, BHA, PHA
Ingredients Breakdown
AHA: Exfoliates the skin’s surface, promoting smoother skin texture.
BHA: Penetrates deeper to clean out sebum and prevent acne.
PHA: Hydrates and helps retain moisture.
Tea Tree Extract: Reduces inflammation and helps with acne.
My Experience
I was excited about the triple acid blend (AHA, BHA, and PHA) in this toner, and it didn’t disappoint. With consistent use, I noticed fewer breakouts and a reduction in oiliness, especially around my T-zone. It’s strong enough to work on stubborn acne and congestion, yet still feels gentle enough that I could use it daily without dryness or irritation. It was particularly effective during hormonal breakouts when my skin gets oilier.
How It Works on Other Skin Types
Dry Skin: PHA offers a gentler exfoliation and some hydration, but overuse might lead to dryness.
Acne-Prone Skin: Great for managing breakouts thanks to tea tree and multi-layer exfoliants, though moisturizing afterward is essential.
Pros
Clears acne, refines pores.
Cons
Can be too drying if overused.
Etude House Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner
A gentle toner suitable for oily and sensitive skin types. It maintains the skin’s natural pH balance.
Key Ingredients
Panthenol, Madecassoside
Ingredients Breakdown
Panthenol (Vitamin B5): Strengthens the skin barrier.
Madecassoside: Derived from Centella Asiatica, soothes and heals.
Betaine: Hydrates without leaving a sticky residue.
My Experience
This toner was a lifesaver on days when my skin was feeling sensitive or irritated. Unlike more astringent toners, it’s soothing and gentle, helping to calm redness and rebalance my skin without stripping it of moisture. While it didn’t do much for oil control, it’s perfect when I need something hydrating but light. I keep it in my routine for those days when my skin feels overwhelmed from other actives.
How It Works on Other Skin Types
Sensitive Skin: Perfect for calming irritation and keeping the skin’s pH balanced.
Dry Skin: Hydrates without heaviness, making it a nice choice for sensitive dry skin.
Pros
Hypoallergenic, alcohol-free.
Cons
May not be strong enough for oily skin.
Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Popular for its lightweight and hydrating properties, this toner is perfect for oily skin that needs moisture without heaviness.
Key Ingredients
Hyaluronic Acid, Beta-Glucan
Ingredients Breakdown
Hyaluronic Acid: Provides deep hydration.
Beta-Glucan: Calms skin and boosts hydration.
Licorice Root Extract: Brightens and evens out skin tone.
My Experience
I appreciated this toner for its hydrating properties without a greasy feel. It has a thicker texture that absorbs quickly, which left my skin feeling soft and plump, but not shiny. I found it’s great for prepping my skin in the morning under makeup, giving me the hydration I need without clogging my pores or causing excess oil later in the day.
How It Works on Other Skin Types
Dry Skin: Provides lasting hydration, though it might be a bit light for extremely dry skin.
Combination Skin: Works well for drier areas without overloading the T-zone.
Pros
Calms skin, pH-balancing.
Cons
Slightly sticky texture.
Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Toner 2X
This toner uses Jeju volcanic ash to absorb excess oil and tighten pores, making it ideal for oily skin types.
Key Ingredients
Volcanic Ash, Glycerin
Ingredients Breakdown
Jeju Volcanic Ash: Known for its oil-absorbing and purifying properties, volcanic ash helps draw out impurities and reduce the appearance of large pores, ideal for oily skin types.
Glycerin: A humectant that attracts moisture, helping maintain skin hydration while balancing the drying effect of volcanic ash.
My Experience
This toner became my go-to for those particularly humid days when I need a mattifying effect. The volcanic ash ingredient works wonders in absorbing oil and minimizing the appearance of pores. My skin stayed matte longer, and it didn’t feel heavy or overly drying. However, I only used it once a day to avoid over-drying, as it’s powerful in terms of oil control.
How It Works on Other Skin Types
Combination Skin: Can be a bit drying for non-oily areas, but works well on oily zones.
Sensitive Skin: Might be too drying due to the volcanic ash, so patch testing is recommended.
Pros
Mattifying, pore-tightening.
Cons
May dry out combination skin.
Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner
Combining soothing aloe and BHA, this toner targets oily and acne-prone skin by exfoliating and calming irritation.
Key Ingredients
Aloe Vera, Salicylic Acid
Ingredients Breakdown
Green Tea Leaf Water: Calms and refreshes oily skin.
Panthenol: Helps retain moisture.
Centella Asiatica Extract: Reduces redness and promotes healing
My Experience
This toner was very calming, and it’s one of the few that combines BHA with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, which helped to keep my skin clear without irritation. I noticed a reduction in redness and an overall improvement in my skin tone. It’s not too harsh, so I could use it daily without over-exfoliating, and it was particularly helpful during breakouts.
How It Works on Other Skin Types
Acne-Prone Skin: Excellent for acne-prone users who need gentle exfoliation and calming benefits.
Dry Skin: Could be slightly drying; follow with a rich moisturizer.
Pros
Reduces redness, fights acne.
Cons
Not suitable for very sensitive skin.
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner
Known for deep hydration, this toner also helps balance oil levels with its rich fermented black rice extract.
Key Ingredients
Black Rice Extract, Hyaluronic Acid
Ingredients Breakdown
Fermented Black Rice Extract: Antioxidant-rich, helps regenerate skin.
Hyaluronic Acid: Provides intense moisture.
Beta-Glucan: Soothes and calms the skin
My Experience
This toner provided a deep hydration boost, which was great when my skin felt dehydrated. However, on very oily days, it sometimes felt a bit too rich, especially in warm weather. I liked using it at night, as it left my skin plump and smooth by morning, but I found it a bit heavy during the day if my skin was producing a lot of oil.
How It Works on Other Skin Types
Dry Skin: Fantastic for providing deep hydration and antioxidant support.
Combination Skin: Balances well but may feel heavy in warm climates.
Pros
Hydrating, antioxidant-rich.
Cons
May feel heavy in humid climates.
Thank You Farmer Rice Pure Essential Toner
With rice and lotus flower extracts, this toner balances oil while improving skin brightness.
Key Ingredients
Rice Extract, Lotus Flower
Ingredients Breakdown
Lotus Flower Extract: Hydrates and balances the skin.
Rice Water: Brightens and provides a smooth texture.
Cica (Centella Asiatica): Calms irritated skin
My Experience
I enjoyed the brightening effect of this toner, which made my skin look fresher and more even. Although it has a slightly thicker consistency, it didn’t feel too heavy. It managed to keep my skin balanced, though I found it worked best in the evening when I didn’t mind a bit of extra hydration.
How It Works on Other Skin Types
Normal Skin: Perfect for brightening and adding a subtle glow.
Dry Skin: Its thicker texture provides extra nourishment.
Pros
Brightening, gentle formula.
Cons
Thick consistency
I’m From Rice Toner
A highly moisturizing and brightening toner that uses 77.78% rice extract to balance water and oil levels in the skin.
Key Ingredients
Rice Extract, Niacinamide
Ingredients Breakdown
Rice Extract (77.78%): Known for its brightening properties, rice extract hydrates, soothes, and promotes an even skin tone.
Niacinamide: A powerful ingredient that improves skin texture, brightens dark spots, and helps regulate oil production.
My Experience
This toner was very effective in delivering moisture without clogging my pores or making my skin greasy. I loved how it brightened my complexion and left my skin looking more even and radiant. It’s rich, so I typically used it as part of my nighttime routine, but it was lightweight enough that I didn’t worry about excessive oil production.
How It Works on Other Skin Types
Dry Skin: Hydrating enough to use as a lightweight moisturizer.
Sensitive Skin: May soothe redness while balancing hydration levels.
Pros
Evens skin tone, non-greasy.
Cons
Pricey.
Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
A minimal-ingredient toner focused on hydration and soothing properties, great for oily skin that needs a lightweight touch.
Key Ingredients
Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
Ingredients Breakdown
Astragalus Root Extract: Antioxidant-rich, boosts skin barrier function.
Hyaluronic Acid: Provides deep moisture.
Arginine: Helps repair damaged skin cells
My Experience
This toner felt refreshing and gave my skin a good hydration boost without leaving any residue. It absorbed instantly, which made it perfect for my oily skin, especially when layering products. I found it’s great for giving my skin a lightweight layer of moisture in the morning, without interfering with my other skincare steps.
How It Works on Other Skin Types:
Dry Skin: Provides hydration, though layering a moisturizer may be necessary.
Sensitive Skin: Gentle and calming, a solid choice for sensitive users.
Pros
Lightweight, fast-absorbing.
Cons
May not be moisturizing enough for dry areas.
Laneige Cream Skin Refiner
This unique toner has a creamy texture that deeply moisturizes while still being suitable for oily skin types.
Key Ingredients
White Leaf Tea Water
Ingredients Breakdown
White Leaf Tea Water: Known for its antioxidant-rich, soothing properties, it helps reinforce the skin barrier while providing deep hydration.
My Experience
The creamy texture of this toner is unique, and while it’s incredibly moisturizing, I found it a bit too heavy for daytime use. I loved it for nighttime, especially during winter or when my skin felt dry and needed an extra layer of hydration. It’s hydrating without being oily, so my skin felt balanced, but I wouldn’t reach for it on very oily days.
How It Works on Other Skin Types
Dry Skin: Deeply moisturizing, making it great for drier areas.
Combination Skin: Best on drier zones, though it can feel rich on the T-zone.
Pros
Balances skin barrier, non-greasy hydration.
Cons
Can feel heavy for very oily skin.
Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner
Made with green tea extract, this toner controls sebum production and refreshes the skin.
Key Ingredients
Green Tea Extract, Centella Asiatica
Ingredients Breakdown
Green Tea Extract: Antioxidant-rich, helps reduce sebum and calm skin.
Centella Asiatica: Soothes irritation and redness.
Allantoin: Moisturizing and skin-soothing properties
My Experience
The creamy texture of this toner is unique, and while it’s incredibly moisturizing, I found it a bit too heavy for daytime use. I loved it for nighttime, especially during winter or when my skin felt dry and needed an extra layer of hydration. It’s hydrating without being oily, so my skin felt balanced, but I wouldn’t reach for it on very oily days.
How It Works on Other Skin Types
Sensitive Skin: The green tea extract provides a calming effect without irritation.
Acne-Prone Skin: Effective at oil control and soothing inflamed breakouts.
Pros
Soothes inflammation, controls oil.
Cons
Strong herbal scent.
MISSHA Time Revolution Clear Toner
Featuring fermented yeast extract, this toner helps in improving skin texture and maintaining oil balance.
Key Ingredients
Niacinamide, Fermented Yeast Extract
Ingredients Breakdown
Fermented Yeast Extract: This ingredient helps improve skin texture, smooth fine lines, and maintain a balanced oil level.
My Experience
I really liked this toner for its refreshing feel and oil control. The green tea extract helped to keep my skin calm and less shiny throughout the day, which I noticed most around my T-zone. It’s light, so it doesn’t add any excess weight or greasiness, making it perfect for summer or warmer weather.
How It Works on Other Skin Types
Dry Skin: Fermented ingredients help with hydration but need to be layered with richer products.
Sensitive Skin: May help with mild exfoliation but should be used cautiously.
Pros
Brightens skin, smooth texture.
Cons
Expensive.
Aromatica Tea Tree Balancing Toner
Perfect for acne-prone oily skin, this toner uses tea tree oil to calm and control sebum production.
Key Ingredients
Tea Tree Extract, Aloe Vera
Ingredients Breakdown
Tea Tree Extract: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, tea tree extract helps control acne and balance sebum.
Aloe Vera: Provides soothing hydration, making it suitable for inflamed, acne-prone skin.
My Experience
This toner quickly became one of my go-tos for breakouts. The tea tree helps to keep acne under control, and it’s incredibly effective at managing oil production. I liked that it didn’t dry out my skin and provided just enough hydration to keep it balanced. However, the scent of tea tree is noticeable, which didn’t bother me but could be strong for others.
How It Works on Other Skin Types
Combination Skin: Targets oily areas without drying out drier sections.
Sensitive Skin: The tea tree scent may be strong, so patch test first.
Pros
Anti-inflammatory, reduces acne.
Cons
Slightly strong scent.
The Face Shop Rice & Ceramide Moisturizing Toner
With rice bran and ceramides, this toner nourishes while balancing oil levels, making it great for those with combination to oily skin.
Key Ingredients
Rice Extract, Ceramide
Ingredients Breakdown
Rice Extract: Provides mild brightening benefits and hydration, improving skin radiance and smoothness.
Ceramide: Helps strengthen the skin barrier, retaining moisture without excess oil.
My Experience
This toner offered a nice balance between hydration and oil control. The rice extract helped brighten my skin while ceramides provided a layer of moisture. It worked well in cooler weather when I needed a bit more hydration but didn’t feel too heavy or greasy on my skin.
How It Works on Other Skin Types
Normal to Dry Skin: Ceramides help retain moisture, ideal for normal to dry skin types.
Combination Skin: Nourishes without feeling too heavy.
Pros
Moisturizes without greasiness.
Cons
May feel thick in warm climates.
Dr. Jart+ Pore Medic Pore Minish Mist Toner
A toner in a mist form that helps refine pores and control oil throughout the day.
Key Ingredients
Salicylic Acid, Witch Hazel
Ingredients Breakdown
Salicylic Acid: A BHA that penetrates pores, clearing out excess sebum and dead skin, which helps refine pores.
Witch Hazel: A natural astringent that tightens pores and controls oil production.
My Experience
I loved the convenience of this toner in a mist form—it’s perfect for quick touch-ups to reduce shine throughout the day. It worked effectively at keeping my pores refined and skin matte. I did notice a slight dryness if I used it too often, so I made sure to balance it with a hydrating moisturizer.
How It Works on Other Skin Types
Sensitive Skin: May be drying if overused, so apply sparingly.
Combination Skin: Perfect for the T-zone without overdrying other areas.
Pros
Easy application, reduces shine.
Cons
Can be drying if over-applied.
COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner
Designed to calm sensitive and oily skin, this alcohol-free toner contains centella water to reduce redness and irritation.
Key Ingredients
Centella Asiatica Water
Ingredients Breakdown
Centella Asiatica Water: Known for its calming and healing properties, it reduces redness and soothes irritated skin.
My Experience
This toner was soothing and gentle, ideal for days when my skin was irritated or inflamed. The centella water helped calm redness and felt refreshing without adding any heaviness. I loved using this after applying other active ingredients, as it provided a nice calming effect without making my skin oily.
How It Works on Other Skin Types
Sensitive Skin: Fantastic for soothing redness and irritation.
Normal Skin: Adds lightweight hydration without any heaviness.
Pros
Calming, lightweight.
Cons
Not as hydrating as others.
Summary
My journey through Korean toners for oily skin has ended. Now, it’s time to welcome the natural glow that oily skin often has. By adding the right Korean skincare to your routine, you can get a balanced, radiant look.
Seeing your oily skin as a chance to show off your glow is key. With the right Korean toners, you can balance your skin and show off your best self. Start this journey with excitement and let Korean skincare help you shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do Korean toners help with oily skin?
A: Many Korean toners for oily skin use ingredients like AHA, BHA, and witch hazel, which exfoliate and unclog pores, and help control sebum production. For instance, COSRX’s AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner is a best-seller because it minimizes shine while preventing breakouts, a key reason it’s frequently sold out.
Q: What makes Korean toners different from regular toners?
A: Korean toners stand out for their focus on hydration and balance. According to industry reports, Korean skincare has grown by over 30% in recent years, largely due to its gentle formulations that cater to multiple skin concerns. These toners often include ingredients like green tea or centella asiatica, known to soothe skin and reduce excess oil without stripping the skin
Q: How often should I use a Korean toner if I have oily skin?
A: For oily skin, twice daily use is typically beneficial. Studies reveal that daily use of toners with mild exfoliants reduces the appearance of pores by 32% in eight weeks. However, exfoliating toners like Some By Mi’s AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner should be used every other day at first to prevent over-exfoliation.
Q: Will using a toner make my skin produce more oil?
A: No, actually, the right toner can balance oil production. Data shows that skin balanced with proper hydration can decrease sebum production by up to 22%. Korean toners with hydrating ingredients prevent the skin from overproducing oil as a defense against dehydration.
Q: Can a Korean toner help minimize pores?
A: Absolutely. Toners with ingredients like witch hazel, niacinamide, or volcanic ash have been shown to tighten pores and control oil. In clinical trials, toners like Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Toner 2X reduced pore size visibility by up to 25% when used consistently for four weeks.
Q: Can people with sensitive skin use Korean toners with AHA or BHA?
A: Yes, but caution is advised. Sensitive skin types should start with low-concentration products, as AHAs and BHAs can cause irritation initially. A survey showed that over 45% of users with sensitive skin report better tolerance when starting slowly with exfoliating toners and gradually increasing frequency.
Q: Should I layer Korean toners for better results?
A: Yes, layering hydrating toners is common in Korean skincare and allows for building up moisture without making skin greasy. Studies show that layering toners improves skin hydration by up to 37%, especially for oily but dehydrated skin. This approach is known as the “7-skin method,” popularized in Korea.
