5 Types of Korean Toners & Their Benefits
Ever feel like your toner isn’t doing much? Chances are, you’re using the wrong type for your skin. Toners aren’t one-size-fits-all — they come in different formulas designed for specific needs like dryness, dullness, or breakouts.
If you live in the UAE, where heat, sun exposure, dust, and air-conditioning constantly challenge your skin barrier, choosing the right toner is essential.
Here’s your expert guide to the 5 main types of Korean toners, how they work, and which dermatologist-approved K-beauty toners (all available at ThePrettyPicks.com) are worth adding to your routine.
🔹 1. Hydrating Toners
Best for: Dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin
Why it works:
Hydrating toners are packed with hyaluronic acid, rice extract, and glycerin, which draw moisture into the skin — a must in the UAE’s AC-dry indoors and hot outdoor climate.
Top Pick:
Haruharu wonder - Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner
- Deeply hydrates and plumps the skin
- Fermented black rice + hyaluronic acid for antioxidant protection against sun damage and pollution
- Lightweight and absorbs quickly — perfect for layering
Pro Tip: Try the 7-skin method — layering toner up to 7 times for glass-skin hydration.
🔹 2. Exfoliating Toners
Best for: Acne-prone, textured, or dull skin
Why it works:
These toners use gentle acids like AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs to remove dead skin, clear pores, and improve texture without harsh scrubbing.
Top Pick:
COSRX - AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
- Gently exfoliates without stripping moisture
- Refines uneven texture and prevents breakouts
- Balances skin’s pH for better serum absorption
UAE Note: Limit to evening use 2–3 times per week, and always apply sunscreen in the morning.
🔹 3. Soothing Toners
Best for: Sensitive, irritated, or sun-stressed skin
Why it works:
Formulated with calming botanicals like heartleaf, centella asiatica, and green tea, these toners reduce redness and discomfort — perfect after UAE sun exposure.
Anua - Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
- 77% heartleaf extract to calm irritation and redness
- lances oil and water for healthier skin
- Lightweight, refreshing, and perfect for calming sensitive, heat-irritated skin — also gentle enough for acne-prone types.
Fun Fact: Heartleaf is one of Korea’s hottest skincare trends, loved for its natural anti-inflammatory benefits.
🔹 4. Balancing (pH-Regulating) Toners
Best for: Oily, combination, or breakout-prone skin
Why it works:
Restores skin’s natural pH after cleansing, preventing excess oil production while supporting skin barrier health.
Top Pick:
Anua - Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
- 70% rice extract for brightening & barrier repair
- Lightweight milky texture hydrates without heaviness
- Helps even out rough patches caused by UAE climate changes
UAE Skin Tip: Ideal for combination skin that gets both dry patches and oily zones due to indoor AC and outdoor heat.
🔹 5. Brightening Toners
Best for: Dull skin, dark spots, and pigmentation
Why it works:
Brightening toners with niacinamide, rice extract, or vitamin C target discoloration, fade post-acne marks, and restore a radiant glow.
Top Pick:
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water
- 80% ginseng root water to brighten and strengthen skin
- Gently improves elasticity and fades dark spots
- Ideal for post-acne pigmentation and tired-looking skin
Alternative:
I'm From - Rice Toner – A gentle rice-based brightening toner that smooths and hydrates.
✨ Quick Comparison Table
| Toner Type | Best For | Top Product Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrating | Dry, sensitive skin | Haruharu Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner |
| Exfoliating | Oily, acne-prone skin | COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Toner |
| Soothing | Redness, irritation | Anua Heartleaf 77% Toner |
| Balancing | Combination/oily skin | Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner |
| Brightening | Dark spots, dullness | Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water |
💡 Final Thoughts: Which Toner Should You Use?
In the UAE’s harsh climate, a toner isn’t just another skincare step — it’s your skin’s first line of defense against dryness, sun exposure, and pollution.
Whether you want to hydrate, soothe, brighten, or control oil, there’s a Korean toner designed for your needs. Choose wisely, apply consistently, and pair with sunscreen for the best results.
🛒 Shop K-Beauty Toners in the UAE
Find all these toners and more at ThePrettyPicks.com – your trusted store for 100% authentic Korean skincare in the UAE.
📲 Follow @theprettypicks_official on Instagram for expert tips, skincare routines, and product updates.