Collection: Toners

In K-Beauty, a toner is considered an absolute non-negotiable step. Its primary function is to instantly rehydrate the skin barrier after cleansing, bringing your skin back to its optimal, slightly acidic pH level. Think of your skin like a dried sponge: when completely dry, it cannot absorb moisture efficiently. By saturating the skin with a toner first, you create an open, receptive pathway that allows your subsequent serums, ampoules, and moisturisers to absorb significantly deeper and work far more effectively.

Depending on the formula, they can also deliver additional benefits such as soothing irritation, gently exfoliating dead skin cells, balancing excess oil, or brightening the complexion.

Both methods are effective, and the choice depends on the type of toner you are using and the result you want to achieve. Applying toner with your hands is the preferred K-Beauty method for hydrating and milky formulas, such as the Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk. Simply dispense a few drops into your palms and gently pat the product into your skin. This helps maximise hydration while ensuring every drop of product is absorbed. 

Cotton pads are often better suited to exfoliating toners, like the SOME BY MI AHA.BHA.PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner. Sweeping a toner-soaked pad across the skin provides gentle physical exfoliation while helping to remove any remaining impurities and dead skin cells from the surface. This method also allows exfoliating ingredients to be distributed more evenly across the face.

Choosing between these two textures comes down to your specific skin type and current barrier concerns:

• Watery Toners: These are ultra-lightweight, fast-absorbing liquids, like the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner. They are exceptional for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin types because they deliver deep hydration and control shine without any heavy feeling or clogging pores.
• Milky Toners: These have a richer consistency and are often packed with ceramides, rice extracts, or panthenol, such as the SOME BY MI Beta Panthenol Repair Toner. They are a saviour for dry, dehydrated, or compromised skin barriers, as they supply a comforting blend of both hydration and essential lipids to lock in moisture and soothe flakiness.

Yes, you can definitely apply multiple layers of toner in a single routine. In fact, the ‘skin flooding’ technique has long been a viral favourite within the skincare community due to its ability to rapidly boost hydration. It involves applying several layers of a lightweight toner to achieve supple, plump skin. While it might not be necessary regularly, it is definitely something you should opt for if your skin is feeling particularly dry or dehydrated. 

If you are trying this technique for the first time, we would recommend incorporating it into your evening routine because at night your skin undergoes its repairing process and can’t be affected by environmental stressors like pollution or sun exposure. 

* Malkn Tip: Avoid any formulas containing active acids (AHAs/BHAs) or strong essential oils, as layering them repeatedly will overwhelm and irritate your skin barrier.

Korean toners can do much more than simply hydrate the skin. In K-Beauty, different types of toner are designed to serve different purposes. While hydrating toners are the most well-known, certain types include active ingredients such as AHAs and BHAs to exfoliate dead skin cells and leave the skin looking smoother. Moreover, you can also explore toners in the convenient form of pre-soaked pads, which can help hydrate, calm or exfoliate your skin. In the same way as toner, they serve as the second step right after cleansing.