A toner is a liquid skincare product applied after cleansing and before serum or moisturiser. Its main job is to rebalance and rehydrate your skin (cleansers can leave skin slightly dehydrated) and to prep it so the rest of your routine absorbs better.

Beyond hydration, different toners offer additional benefits. Brightening toners use niacinamide or vitamin C, exfoliating toners use AHA, BHA or PHA, and soothing toners use centella or heartleaf. Korean toners tend to be lighter and more watery than Western ones, which is what makes them ideal for layering.

Cult-favourite Korean toners in our community: ANUA Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner for sensitive and blemish-prone skin, Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk for hydration with a subtle glow, and Pyungkang Yul Essence Toner for those who want a one-product hero.

Apply toner immediately after cleansing (and exfoliating, if you're exfoliating that day) while your skin is still slightly damp. The damp skin helps the toner absorb better and seal in hydration.

The Korean approach favours hands over cotton pads. Pour 2 to 4 drops into your palms, gently pat the toner into your face and neck, and let it absorb for 10 to 30 seconds before your next step. Patting is gentler than swiping with a cotton pad and uses less product.

If your skin needs serious hydration, try the 7-skin method: apply 7 thin layers of hydrating toner one after another, patting each in. It sounds extreme, but it's genuinely transformative for dehydrated or dry skin. You don't need to do this daily, just when your skin needs a hydration reset.

Cult favourites in our community: ANUA Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner, Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk, and Pyungkang Yul Essence Toner.