Toners & Essences
Does your skin feel tight after cleansing, or does your cream spread less easily? A toner after cleansing adds light hydration and prepares your skin for the next step. Choose by texture and what your skin needs. How to choose ↓
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How to choose a face toner
A Korean toner is a light liquid applied after cleansing. It adds moisture, evens out how your skin feels after washing and prepares it for serum or cream. It is not the alcohol-based astringent many people know. Choose by texture: watery for oilier skin, milky for drier skin, with gentle acids for rougher texture.
Skin feels tight after cleansing
A fragrance-free hydrating toner keeps your skin from feeling bare. The light ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Toner or Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner also suit oilier skin.
Skin is dry and wants more comfort
Milky toners with ceramides feel more nourishing, for example ANUA Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner or Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk.
Skin turns red easily
Choose a simple watery toner with soothing ingredients, such as ANUA Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner or the Wonder Releaf Centella Toner mini to try first.
Texture is rough and pores are visible
Introduce a toner with gentle acids (AHA, PHA), such as MARY & MAY Cica Tea Tree AHA PHA Toner, gradually according to the maker's instructions, and use SPF in the morning.
Not sure whether your skin needs a watery or a milky toner? The personal skincare consultation recommends one first step based on how your skin feels after cleansing and during the day. It takes about 3 minutes and is not a medical diagnosis.
Toner or essence?
A toner is the first layer after cleansing and is usually very light. An essence usually goes on after toner, before serum. The names toner and essence are not standardised across brands, so choose by ingredients, texture and the maker's instructions rather than the name. For a simple routine, one of the two is enough. Fermented essences such as mixsoon Bean Essence or Dr. Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence suit you if you want hydration with a smoother skin feel.
How to use a toner
Apply it with your palms and press it in gently, or use a cotton pad without rubbing. You can apply a hydrating toner in two thin layers. Then continue with serum or go straight to cream.
Frequently asked questions
Is a toner necessary?
No. If your skin does not feel tight after cleansing and your cream spreads well, your routine works without it. A toner makes sense when you want to add light hydration or calm your skin after cleansing.
Can I use a toner on oily skin?
Yes. Oilier skin usually prefers a watery toner that leaves no film. Milky toners tend to be unnecessarily rich for oily skin.
How often should I use a toner with acids?
Introduce it gradually according to the specific product’s instructions, and do not start several exfoliating products at once. If your skin stings, burns or turns very red, reduce the frequency or stop using it. Use SPF in the morning.
Does toner go before or after serum?
Before. The rule is from the lightest texture to the thickest: toner, essence, serum, cream.
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