Top 10 Favorite Korean Toners for Acne-Prone Skin

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.

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.

Check the table below for a side-by-side comparison of our favorites!

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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

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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.

BenefitsDrawbacks
Three types of exfoliation that leave the skin smooth and glowingYou 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 breakoutsIn 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
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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.

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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

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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.

BenefitsDrawbacks
Clears the poresIt contains peppermint extract, so it’s fragranced, which can be a problem for sensitive skin types
Refreshes the skin
Improves skin texture
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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.

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3. COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner– Best For Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin

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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.

BenefitsDrawbacks
It’s very gentle to the skin, and I’ve never noticed irritation while using itIt doesn’t provide intense exfoliation some people can expect
Contains willow bark that reduces pores and fine linesOn 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
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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.

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4. BENTON Aloe BHA Skin Toner– Best for Irritated Skin

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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.

BenefitsDrawbacks
The high content of aloe vera calms skin irritation instantlyNot the best product for people searching for intense exfoliation 
Doesn’t clog pores, instead purifies themSome 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.

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5. Banila Co Dear Hydration Toner– Best For Acne Scars

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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.

BenefitsDrawbacks
Reduces acne scars and improves skin texture thanks to the fermented lotus waterNot the ideal choice for people with fungal acne
Provides deep skin hydrationThe 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. 

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6. SIORIS Feel So Fresh Face Toner– Best For Skin Healing

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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.

BenefitsDrawbacks
Very refreshing and soothing to the skinNot suitable for people that expect intense exfoliation
Intensifies skin healingA smidge on the pricier side compared to others.
Revitalizes the skin because of the high vitamin content
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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.

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7. Benton PHA Peeling Toner – Best For Uneven Skin Texture

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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.

BenefitsDrawbacks
Thanks to the hyaluronic acid as an active ingredient, the toner is not drying and leaves the skin well moisturizedWhile not the most expensive, it is among the costlier options.
The polyhydroxy acids provide a more even texture, brighter skin tone, and a glowing complexionAlthough 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.

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8. Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner- Best Unscented Toner

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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.

BenefitsDrawbacks
The plant extracts calm and nourishes the skinNot the best choice for extremely oily skin
It’s unscented, so perfect for people sensitive to artificial fragrancesCompared 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.

check price

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9. I’m From Rice Toner– Best Hydrating

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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.

BenefitsDrawbacks
A very gentle formula that treats dehydrated skin with easeIt’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. 

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10. Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Toner– Best For Aging Skin

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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.

BenefitsDrawbacks
Although it’s based on snail mucin, the facial toner won’t clog your pores but will leave your skin hydratedIt’s not the best choice for very oily skin types 
Provides a youthful look by plumping up fine linesThis 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.

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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?

Yes, Korean brands have a wide range of products that are meant to help acne. It’s a well-known fact that these companies invest a lot in formulating products for various skin types with key ingredients that actually work.

Should I use a toner if I have acne?

Yes, you can use toner if you have acne. Look for facial toners that will exfoliate the dead skin cells, improve the texture of your skin, remove impurities, and also hydrate it.

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

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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.
woman holding two cotton pads with the best Korean toner

For you, what is the best Korean toner for acne-prone skin on the given list? Please share with us your favorite below!

About Martina Todorovska

Martina is a graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine with a huge obsession for anything beauty-related. Her freelance writing started out as a creative outlet and turned out to be a full-time job. If you have any beauty questions, the chances are Martina has the answers. READ HER LATEST ARTICLES . Follow her on LINKEDIN , INSTAGRAM. Learn more about her HERE.