Are you trying to find the best Korean toner for acne-prone skin?
In that case, you’ll love reading the review of the ten best products that I put together!
I did all of the research for you to create the ultimate easy buying guide, with the benefits and drawbacks of all the top brands.
Let’s start with a quick look at my top picks of the best Korean toners, then keep reading for all the glorious details.
Table of Contents
Best Korean Toner for Acne Prone Skin Top Picks at a Glance
If you see the value in these products and choose to purchase via my referral links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
- Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner -WINNER
- ETUDE HOUSE Wonder Pore Freshner– Best Budget
- COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner– Best For Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin
- BENTON Aloe BHA Skin Toner– Best for Irritated Skin
- Banila Co Dear Hydration Toner– Best For Acne Scars
Check the table below for a side-by-side comparison of our favorites!
Table could not be displayed.10 Best Korean Toner for Acne-Prone Skin (With In-depth Review)
The Korean beauty market is expected to reach over $13.9 billion by 2027!
Their focus on natural ingredients and healthy skin, together with the implementation of unique ingredients that gently target skin concerns has helped many brands rise to popularity.
If you’re obsessed with their skincare, you already know how excellent Korean toners are. If not, this is your chance to give them a try.
People with acne-prone skin can benefit a lot from Korean products formulated to gently exfoliate the skin, treat acne scars and promote healing. Here are my top ten favorite alternatives with reviews:
1. Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner -WINNER
No products found.All hail the ultimate Korean toner for acne-prone, oily, and combination skin!
The Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA Miracle toner combines three types of chemical exfoliation, three types of acids that remove dead skin cells and provide superficial and deep exfoliation.
The active ingredients of this toner are gentle but still do a fantastic job at purifying your skin without causing skin irritation.
Physical Attributes
This Some By Mi toner comes in a cute transparent green bottle with an opening on top.
You only need a few drops for your entire face; however, you should be a little careful when pouring it because it’s not a pump or a spray product.
Quantitative Measurements
In one bottle, the brand packs 150 ml of a skincare product. Since you won’t be using a lot of this toner and you won’t be using it every day, but a few days a week, it will last you for months.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Three types of exfoliation that leave the skin smooth and glowing | You have to be careful with application because it’s a little hard to control how much liquid will get out of the bottle |
| The tea tree extract calms skin down, especially active breakouts | In a handful of people, it actually caused more breakouts. |
| It brightens skin, especially dark spots from acne | |
| Smoother skin texture and improved appearance of acne scars |
How it Compares to Others and Why
This is the only product that contains three types of acids that exfoliate on different skin levels.
Expert Tips
This Miracle skin toner is a best-selling product I’ve been using for so long! Although I have dry skin, it’s been a refreshing addition to my Korean skincare routine.
I don’t use cotton pads; instead, I add a few drops on my palms and dab them on my skin just like Koreans do. All my friends who’ve struggled with acne are obsessed with this product.
No products found.
If you have dry skin and are searching for the perfect Asian toner, be sure to check out our article on the best Asian toner for dry skin.
2. ETUDE HOUSE Wonder Pore Freshner– Best Budget
No products found.The Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner was my go-to toner whenever I felt like my pores were too much to handle.
I might have dry and sensitive skin, but I also struggle with enlarged pores, so this toner has been a true savior.
Physical Attributes
The bottle and packaging are very cute, in a gorgeous turquoise color. The bottle’s opening is simple, but it can be tricky if you want to apply the toner to your palms.
Quantitative Measurements
I love that this toner comes in a packaging of 500 ml, which means it will last you for a very long time. One of my friends bought it last year, and she still has quite a lot of product left, so she decided to share it with her sister.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Clears the pores | It contains peppermint extract, so it’s fragranced, which can be a problem for sensitive skin types |
| Refreshes the skin | |
| Improves skin texture |
How it Compares to Others and Why
This is the largest toner on the list that comes at a great price, which makes it the most affordable purchase.
Expert Tips
Aside from using it on my face, I also love applying the toner on a cotton ball and swiping them on my neck and décolletage whenever I feel like my skin is too dull. This is the best Korean toner for oily skin.
No products found.
3. COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner– Best For Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin
No products found.This best-selling Korean toner is perfect for acne but will work wonders for people with sensitive skin prone to irritation.
Physical Attributes
The design of the COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner bottle is simple, with a spray that releases a fine mist. It’s really convenient to use it because there is no waste of product.
Quantitative Measurements
For this price, you’ll get 150 ml of toner. It’s the average amount for this type of product, and thankfully there is no waste because of the spray applicator.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| It’s very gentle to the skin, and I’ve never noticed irritation while using it | It doesn’t provide intense exfoliation some people can expect |
| Contains willow bark that reduces pores and fine lines | On the other hand, a few felt it OVER-exfoliated their skin. |
| Significantly reduces blackheads, blackheads, and dry patches | |
| Improves skin tone and texture by reducing acne scars |
How it Compares to Others and Why
Not many toners with acids are gentle, but this one is perfect even for the most sensitive skin types.
Expert Tips
I use the COSRX AHA/BHA cleansing toner two to three times a week by spraying it directly on my face and neck, then going over the skin with a cotton pad. You can also spray it directly on a pad.
No products found.
4. BENTON Aloe BHA Skin Toner– Best for Irritated Skin
No products found.The Benton Aloe BHA skin toner is an all-time favorite Korean product for many women thanks to its soothing effects.
Physical Attributes
The toner is packed in a dark green pump bottle, which makes it very easy to use
Quantitative Measurements
The size of the bottle fits 200 ml of aloe BHA toner.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| The high content of aloe vera calms skin irritation instantly | Not the best product for people searching for intense exfoliation |
| Doesn’t clog pores, instead purifies them | Some call it a “safe” choice, saying it didn’t do much either way for them. |
| Perfect for acne-prone skin that’s been treated with too many actives | |
| Minimizes acne scars |
How it Compares to Others and Why
Thanks to the high aloe vera concentration, this is not a typical toner for oily skin. It’s very soothing, calming, and people with acne, dehydrated skin, and irritations will benefit the most.
Expert Tips
Add a pump or two on your palms and apply the toner to your face.
No products found.
5. Banila Co Dear Hydration Toner– Best For Acne Scars
No products found.If you want to get rid of acne scars and skin imperfections, the Banila Co Dear Hydration toner should be your go-to product.
Physical Attributes
This is one of the prettiest toner bottles with a girly pink color.
Quantitative Measurements
You get a decent amount of toner in the gorgeous bottle. It can fit 280 ml, which is on the upper scale for toner sizes.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Reduces acne scars and improves skin texture thanks to the fermented lotus water | Not the ideal choice for people with fungal acne |
| Provides deep skin hydration | The odor may be a bit much for sensitive noses. |
| Repairs a broken skin moisture barrier | |
| Doesn’t contain parabens, mineral oil, sulfates, so it’s suitable for sensitive skin |
How it Compares to Others and Why
The toner contains fermented lotus water that brightens skin and promotes skin restoration.
Expert Tips
I sometimes have acne breakouts when I’m going through significant life changes. So, when I noticed that I have a few marks and spots, I started using this toner recommended by a friend.
It significantly improved the appearance of the spots. However, it’s not a suitable option for people with fungal acne because it contains fermented products.
No products found.
6. SIORIS Feel So Fresh Face Toner– Best For Skin Healing
No products found.The Sioris Feel So Fresh toner does leave the skin fresh and promotes skin healing when you need it.
Physical Attributes
The Sioris Feel So Fresh toner bottle is simple, transparent; however, it looks luxurious.
Quantitative Measurements
If you opt for this toner, you’ll get 150 ml of product.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Very refreshing and soothing to the skin | Not suitable for people that expect intense exfoliation |
| Intensifies skin healing | A smidge on the pricier side compared to others. |
| Revitalizes the skin because of the high vitamin content |
How it Compares to Others and Why
Sioris is a brand that focuses on using organic ingredients that are also very gentle to the skin.
Expert Tips
After washing my face, I dab this toner on my face using my palms. Since my skin is dry and sensitive, I only use it twice a week.
Thankfully this toner is very gentle and helps me when I need to heal my skin after a harsh skincare product.
No products found.
7. Benton PHA Peeling Toner – Best For Uneven Skin Texture
No products found.This Benton toner is very useful in getting rid of uneven skin texture.
Physical Attributes
The bottle is white, with a pump, which makes the user experience much better. I love when brands add pumps and sprays to their bottles because it saves product and allows more precise application.
Quantitative Measurements
One bottle of the Benton PHA Peeling toner fits 150 ml of product.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Thanks to the hyaluronic acid as an active ingredient, the toner is not drying and leaves the skin well moisturized | While not the most expensive, it is among the costlier options. |
| The polyhydroxy acids provide a more even texture, brighter skin tone, and a glowing complexion | Although it’s “minimally” irritating, it can still cause redness on super sensitive skin. |
| It’s lightweight and easy to absorb |
How it Compares to Others and Why
The polyhydroxy acids work hard to leave your skin with a more even texture and a brighter skin tone.
Expert Tips
Apply the toner on a cotton pad and gently go over your face and neck. This is a peeling toner, so you don’t need too much product.
No products found.
8. Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner- Best Unscented Toner
No products found.The Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner is another best-selling product that is suitable for people who struggle with acne.
It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and leaves your skin dewy and hydrated.
Physical Attributes
This is another product packed in a minimalist, simple bottle.
Quantitative Measurements
The Dear Klairs Supple Preparation bottle fits 180 ml of unscented toner.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| The plant extracts calm and nourishes the skin | Not the best choice for extremely oily skin |
| It’s unscented, so perfect for people sensitive to artificial fragrances | Compared to others, it’s pretty pricey. |
| Has anti-inflammatory properties | |
| Brightens the skin |
How it Compares to Others and Why
This is one of the most hydrating toners on the list. It’s also unscented, which makes it the best choice for people with eczema and rosacea.
Expert Tips
I recently had an allergic reaction to a product, so I had to minimize my routine and only use unscented products.
This toner saved my life and calmed my skin within days. I pat it with my palms on my face, and if I notice dry areas, I apply it in several layers.
No products found.
9. I’m From Rice Toner– Best Hydrating
No products found.Even acne-prone skin needs a boost of hydration. Get that deep moisturizing effect with the I’m From Rice Toner.
Physical Attributes
If you love Korean skincare products, you already know that they focus primarily on including the right ingredients and not on the packaging.
That’s why all the toners on this list come in simple bottles but are very efficient. For example, the I’m From Rice Toner is packed in a basic transparent plastic bottle.
Quantitative Measurements
The bottle fits 150 ml of product.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| A very gentle formula that treats dehydrated skin with ease | It’s more expensive than most other toners on the list |
| Deeply nourishing to the skin | |
| Renews damaged skin barrier | |
| Treats hyperpigmentation from acne |
How it Compares to Others and Why
The toner is based on organic rice that works great for all skin types and won’t clog pores.
Expert Tips
Shake the bottle well before you apply the toner. You can apply it on a cotton pad and then on the skin or directly with your palms.
No products found.
10. Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Toner– Best For Aging Skin
No products found.The Mizon Snail Repair Intensive toner is the best toner for acne-prone, mature and aging skin.
Physical Attributes
The Mizon Snail Repair Intensive toner is packed in a dark brown bottle with a pump.
Quantitative Measurements
You’ll get 100 ml of the toner in the bottle.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Although it’s based on snail mucin, the facial toner won’t clog your pores but will leave your skin hydrated | It’s not the best choice for very oily skin types |
| Provides a youthful look by plumping up fine lines | This is another one in the pricier range. |
| Centella Asiatica calms and soothes irritated skin |
How it Compares to Others and Why
This toner has a plumping effect with a high concentration of snail mucin that can have anti-aging effects.
Expert Tips
Add a few pumps of toner to your palms and gently apply them to your face.
No products found.
How to Choose The Best Korean Toner for Acne-Prone Skin
How can you find the best toner for acne? Are there any specific ingredients you should look for, and what other factors should influence your decision?
Although skincare is a personal experience, certain tips and tricks will help you make the right choice.
Exfoliation
Although exfoliation is important for dry skin types, combination skin types, and oily skin types, it’s imperative when looking for a toner that will treat acne-prone skin.
Chemical exfoliation done with acids such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid gets rid of the dead skin cells, impurities, buildup, makeup, etc.
Oil Control
Excess oil production and excess sebum are some of the main reasons why some people struggle with acne.
So, the Korean toner you’ll choose should control the oiliness without leaving your skin dry, dehydrated, or with dry patches.
Most people with acne think they shouldn’t hydrate their skin since it’s usually oily, so they end up with extremely dry skin or inflamed skin.
Therefore, my advice is to stick to gentle ingredients that don’t promote oiliness and avoid ones such as glycerin, shea butter, and jojoba oil. These are more suitable for dry skin types.
Ingredients
Opting for harsh ingredients and alcohol-based toners just because you have acne-prone skin is a huge no!
I’m such a huge fan of Korean products because of their gentle approach to skincare.
One of their core values is to always opt for gentle but effective ingredients that will improve the skin appearance and leave the skin healthy.
Some of the most beneficial ingredients for acne-prone, oily skin types are acids, including AHAs, BHAs, PHAs, aloe vera, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, and more.
This video will help you even more to decide:
FAQs
Is Korean skincare good for acne?
Should I use a toner if I have acne?
Conclusion
Finding the best Korean toner for acne-prone skin shouldn’t be a problem now that you have read the reviews of these ten fantastic products.
Each one is best in a specific category, while the winner is the one I’ll repurchase repeatedly.
People who struggle with acne should stick to gentle ingredients that gently exfoliate their skin, remove impurities, promote skin healing, and are soothing.
Acids such as AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs are the perfect addition to skincare because they remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and remove impurities.
Final Recommendation
No products found.
References
- “Allied Market Research.” 2021. Allied Market Research. 2021. https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/k-beauty-products-market.
- Cherney, Kristeen. 2018. “Everything You Need to Know about Using Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs).” Healthline. Healthline Media. February 2018. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/alpha-hydroxy-acid#:~:text=Alpha-hydroxy%20acids%20%28AHAs%29%20are%20a%20group%20of%20plant,well%20as%20occasional%20concentrated%20treatments%20via%20chemical%20peels..
- Sharkey, Lauren. 2020. “Acne-Prone Skin? Here’s How to Identify and Create the Right Routine.” Healthline. Healthline Media. January 27, 2020. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/acne-prone-skin.
For you, what is the best Korean toner for acne-prone skin on the given list? Please share with us your favorite below!
