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Best Korean Toner for Oily Skin: Top 10 Picks to Control Shine for 2024

By: Author Mutasim Sweileh

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best korean toner for oily skinOily skin? You are not alone. So, choosing the best Korean toner for oily skin can dramatically change your routine.

In 2024, K-beauty is in the lead with inventive formulas to control shine and rebalance your complexion.

We summarize the top picks for you that will score that matte look without compromising on hydration.

From oil-free to natural ingredient-filled, these toners will leave you feeling refreshed, cleansed, and completely primed for the rest of your routine

Key Takeaways

  • Korean toners are like a cool drink for your thirsty, oily skin – they balance, hydrate, and keep that shine at bay without turning you into a greaseball. Talk about having your cake and eating it too!
  • The crème de la crème of Korean toners, like COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner, are packed with ingredients that’ll make your pores say "안녕히 가세요" (goodbye) to excess oil and hello to that coveted matte look.
  • Don’t be afraid to play the field with your skincare routine – mixing and matching Korean toners with other brands can be like finding the perfect dance partner for your complexion. Just remember to take it slow and steady to avoid any skincare faux pas.
  • Consistency is key, folks! Using your chosen Korean toner daily (but not going overboard) is like training a puppy – stick with it, and you’ll see those adorable results in no time. Your skin will be so balanced, it could teach a yoga class!

Top 10 Korean Toners for Oily Skin

We’ve rounded up our top 10 suggestions for Korean toners to help you control shine and manage oily skin, with products like the Acwell Licorice PH Balancing Toner and COSRX Snail Mucin Power Essence. These selected toners carefully balance ingredients in aid of oil production while dealing with other common skin concerns such as acne and redness.

1. Acwell Licorice PH Balancing Toner

ACWELL Licorice pH Balancing KoreanView On Amazon
The Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Toner is an excellent choice for oily skin. This brightening toner features a high percentage of licorice root, known for its multifaceted benefits like reducing hyperpigmentation and balancing your skin’s pH levels.

It’s alcohol-free, making it gentle and non-irritating, perfect for daily use. Plus, it can double as a makeup remover, adding convenience to your routine. Its user reviews highlight its effectiveness and gentle nature, making it a stellar option for managing oily skin

Best For: Oily skin

Pros
  • Reduces hyperpigmentation
  • Balances skin’s pH levels
  • Alcohol-free and gentle

2. COSRX Snail Mucin Power Essence

COSRX Snail Mucin 96% PowerView On Amazon
The COSRX Snail Mucin Power Essence is a veritable bestseller for applying hydration that lasts but feels weightless, especially on oily skin. With a 96.3% Snail Secretion Filtrate, it repairs and revives skin, improves vitality, diminishes dullness, and calms down dehydration symptoms.

It’s lightweight, but the provision of moisture is potent, which makes it ideal for balancing oily skin. It’s hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested and is free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, ensuring it’s safe for skin application. Use underneath your moisturizer for added effects

Best For: Oily skin prone to dryness and dehydration.

Pros
  • Repairs and rejuvenates skin from dryness and aging.
  • Improves skin vitality by reducing dullness and soothing dehydrated skin.
  • Lightweight essence that absorbs quickly into the skin.
Cons
  • May feel slightly slimy to some users.
  • Use a cotton exfoliating pad before applying to remove leftover makeup.
  • May take 10 minutes to apply

3. Cosrx Aha Bha Clarifying Toner

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner,View On Amazon
You will fall in love with all the voltage of the Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Toner if you have oily skin. It’s a gentle blend of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids to reduce oil and exfoliate dead skin cells. Some key ingredients include glycolic acid and betaine salicylate.

Moreover, it’s combined with 10% apple fruit water and willow bark water for light, soothing, and refreshing hydration. This hypoallergenic formula makes it suitable for everyday use and satisfies the needs of those who wish to improve skin texture, enhance skin vitality, and control pores without irritation

Best For: Oily skin types looking to reduce oil and exfoliate dead skin cells.

Pros
  • Gentle blend of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids
  • Contains soothing apple fruit water and willow bark water
  • Hypoallergenic and suitable for everyday use

4. IOPE Antioxidant Essence Toner

IOPE Antioxidant First-Step Essence FaceView On Amazon
The IOPE Antioxidant Essence Toner is a stellar pick for oily skin, packed with Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate and Bio-Redox α for potent antioxidant benefits.

This water-based essence, lightweight and fast-absorbing, hydrates and revitalizes without greasiness. Niacinamide helps balance oil levels, while probiotics support clear, healthy skin.

Use both morning and night to reduce pores, fine lines, and improve skin texture. This toner offers long-lasting hydration, making it an essential step in your skincare routine

Best For: Oily skin types seeking antioxidant protection and hydration without greasiness

Pros
  • Potent antioxidant formula with Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate and Bio-Redox α
  • Hydrating and revitalizing without a greasy finish
  • Niacinamide and probiotics support clear, balanced skin
Cons
  • N/A

5. Haruharu Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice HyaluronicView On Amazon
The Haruharu Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner offers deep hydration, essential for oily skin without causing breakouts. Utilizing fermented black rice extracts and hyaluronic acid, it locks in moisture, soothes irritation, and enhances skin texture.

Ideal for daily use, this toner absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy residue. It’s fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Consistent application can lead to softer, smoother skin and balanced oil production, contributing to a healthy, radiant complexion

Best For: Oily skin looking for hydration without breakouts.

Pros
  • Locks in moisture with fermented black rice extracts and hyaluronic acid
  • Soothes irritation and enhances skin texture
  • Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
  • Some people may be sensitive to fermented products or rice
  • May be sticky for some users
  • Unscented version available

6. Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water:View On Amazon
The Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water is ideal for those seeking anti-aging benefits. Packed with Panax ginseng, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, it hydrates, repairs, and fights fine lines while improving elasticity and firmness.

Despite its high price tag of $100 per bottle, its luxurious feel, lovely packaging, and significant skin improvements make it a worthwhile investment. Users appreciate its quick absorption and smooth finish, but be mindful of its polarizing scent and heavier consistency.

Apply directly on the skin for best results

Best For: Those seeking anti-aging benefits and improved skin elasticity and firmness

Pros
  • Hydrates, repairs, and fights fine lines
  • Luxurious feel and lovely packaging
  • Quick absorption and smooth finish
Cons
  • High price tag ($100 per bottle)
  • Polarizing scent
  • Heavier than most toners

7. Good Light Milky Toner

Good Light Moon Glow MilkyView On Amazon
Try the Good Light Milky Toner; it’s wild regarding hydration and soothing. This toner is packed with hyaluronic acid, snow mushroom, and ceramides to feed your skin while creating a solid barrier that won’t inflame.

Lightly exfoliating, this is great for oily skin types to deliver balanced hydration that won’t irritatingly bank on Vegan and also cruelty-free; the pH-balanced formula ensures comfort to the skin.

Although it may seem a little overpriced at $20 for the size, it’s worth every drop. Some users feel that at $20, the bottle could be bigger, but for others, it’s well worth every penny

Best For: All skin types, especially those prone to dryness and inflammation

Pros
  • Super hydrating and nourishing
  • Promotes a robust skin barrier function
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
  • May be overpriced for the size
  • Contains urea, which may be an irritant for some
  • Some users find the bottle to be small

8. Anua Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner

Anua Heartleaf 77 Soothing TonerView On Amazon
The Anua Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner stands out for its 77% Heartleaf Extract, grown and harvested in Korea. Ideal for all skin types, it soothes, tones, hydrates, and balances your skin’s pH, making it perfect for oily skin. It’s free from irritating ingredients and enhances absorption of serums and moisturizers. Plus, it’s cruelty-free, vegan, and paraben-free. Ranked #1 in Olive Young & Lalavla, and popular on TikTok, this toner offers a gentle yet effective approach to skincare

Best For: All skin types, especially oily skin

Pros
  • Soothes, tones, hydrates, and balances the skin’s pH level
  • Free from irritating ingredients
  • Enhances absorption of serums, ampoules, and moisturizers

9. Son & Park Beauty Water

Son & Park Beauty Water is a multi-functional toner that’s perfect for oily skin. It’s packed with natural ingredients like lavender and rose extracts, which gently exfoliate and cleanse without irritation.

You’ll love how it removes makeup and impurities while balancing your skin’s pH. It’s suitable for all skin types, but oily skin folks will appreciate its oil-controlling properties.

Use it as a toner or even as a sheet mask for added benefits. While it may leave your skin feeling a bit tight initially, it’s highly recommended by users for its effectiveness in managing oily skin

Best For: Oily skin types looking for a gentle and effective toner that exfoliates and cleanses without irritation.

Pros
  • Multi-functional product that cleanses, exfoliates, and tones
  • Contains natural ingredients like lavender and rose extracts
  • Suitable for all skin types, especially oily skin
Cons
  • May feel a bit tight after use
  • Can be expensive
  • Not as effective at removing heavy makeup

10. Then I Met You Cleansing Tonic

Then I Met You LivingView On Amazon
Looking for a multi-tasking toner that’ll keep your oily skin in check? Then I Met You Cleansing Tonic might be your perfect match.

This award-winning formula is packed with 86% Deep Sea Water and papaya enzymes to gently cleanse and exfoliate. It’ll remove makeup and impurities while hydrating your skin, leaving it pristine, soft, and plump.

Free from harsh ingredients like artificial colorants and parabens, it’s suitable for all skin types. Use it morning, noon, or night to revitalize and rehydrate your skin.

Just remember, it may leave a slight tacky feel on some skin types

Best For: Oily skin types looking to cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate their skin.

Pros
  • Deeply cleanses and exfoliates with Deep Sea Water and papaya enzymes
  • Hydrates and revitalizes skin
  • Suitable for all skin types
Cons
  • May leave a tacky residue on some skin types
  • Not as effective at removing heavy makeup as a dedicated makeup remover
  • PH is slightly acidic, which may not be suitable for all skin types

Criteria for Selecting the Best Korean Toners

Criteria for Selecting the Best Korean Toners
When choosing a Korean toner for oily skin, look for oil-free and non-comedogenic formulas to prevent clogged pores. You’ll want to seek out ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil, while avoiding harsh alcohols and fragrances that can irritate your skin

Oil-Free and Non-Comedogenic

When choosing a Korean toner for oily skin, you’ll want to look for oil-free and non-comedogenic formulas. These won’t clog your pores or contribute to excess shine. Look for toners that promise to balance pH, hydrate, and soothe while minimizing pores and preventing acne. They’ll help control oil without stripping your skin

Ingredients to Look For

When choosing a Korean toner for oily skin, look for these key ingredients:

  1. Green tea extract: Reduces inflammation and sebum production
  2. Lactic acid: Gently exfoliates and balances pH
  3. Licorice root extract: Brightens and soothes skin
  4. Hyaluronic acid: Hydrates without clogging pores

These powerhouse ingredients offer deep cleaning and skin barrier protection

Avoiding Harsh Ingredients

While seeking beneficial ingredients, don’t forget to steer clear of harsh ones. Avoid comedogenic ingredients that clog pores, alcohol-based formulas that strip your skin, and synthetic fragrances that irritate. Ditch harsh surfactants and parabens too. For combination skin, focus on natural ingredients that balance your complexion without causing concern

Benefits of Korean Toners for Oily Skin

Benefits of Korean Toners for Oily Skin
Korean toners for oily skin offer key benefits in controlling excess oil and reducing redness, helping to keep your complexion balanced and shine-free. They’re also effective in treating acne and other skin problems common to oily skin types, thanks to their carefully formulated ingredients that target these specific concerns

Controlling Oil and Redness

Korean toners are your secret weapon for controlling oil and redness. They’ll minimize pores, balance pH, and leave you with a clear complexion.

By using these powerhouses, you’ll prevent breakouts and reduce inflammation, giving your skin a refreshed look. These toners work wonders to keep excess sebum in check, so you won’t have to worry about that midday shine.

With regular use, you’ll notice a more balanced, radiant complexion that’ll make you feel confident and in control of your skin

Treating Acne and Skin Problems

Korean toners aren’t just for balancing oil; they’re multitasking powerhouses for treating acne and other skin woes.

You’ll love how they minimize pores and prevent breakouts while soothing irritation.

These wonder-workers offer deep hydration and gentle exfoliation, reducing inflammation without breaking the bank.

With their ability to tackle multiple issues, you’re getting the best bang for your buck.

The best Korean toner for oily skin will leave you feeling confident and in control of your complexion

How to Use Korean Toners for Oily Skin

How to Use Korean Toners for Oily Skin
To get the most out of your Korean toner for oily skin, apply it twice daily after cleansing. Choose a toner that’s specifically formulated for oily skin types, containing ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil to help control excess sebum and minimize pores

Applying Twice Daily

Now you’re perfectly aware of how Korean toners are beneficial for oily skin; now it’s time we apply them. After cleansing, this is the second step.

Work your toner twice a day—once in the morning and once at night. Get your cotton pad and gently swipe it across the face, focusing more on the oilier portions but never missing out on the dry patches.

This will prepare your skin for all the other products you’ll be using in your Korean skincare routine

Choosing the Right Toner for Your Skin

When selecting a Korean toner for oily skin, focus on your specific needs. Look for ingredients that target skin preparation, pore reduction, and hydration balance. Analyze the ingredient list, avoiding harsh alcohols and fragrances.

Consider toners with combination benefits, like those that control oil while hydrating. Don’t be afraid to experiment – what works for others may not work for you

Common Concerns for Oily Skin

Common Concerns for Oily Skin
Now that you’ve got your toner routine down, let’s tackle some common concerns for oily skin. You’re not alone if you’re battling dehydration, enlarged pores, blackheads, excess sebum, and breakouts. It’s a tricky balance, right? Your skin’s producing oil like it’s going out of style, but it’s still thirsty for hydration.

Don’t worry; Korean toners have got your back. They’re like a magic potion for your pores, helping to shrink them down while keeping your skin’s moisture barrier intact. And those pesky blackheads? They’ll be running for the hills.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the number one toner for oily skin in Korea?

Like a cool breeze on a hot day, COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner reigns supreme for oily skin in Korea. You’ll love its gentle exfoliation and oil-control properties, leaving your complexion refreshed and balanced

What toner is best for oily skin?

For oily skin, you’ll want a toner that balances pH and controls excess sebum. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid, witch hazel, or tea tree oil. CosRx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner is a top choice

Can oily skin use toner everyday?

Oh, the joys of oily skin! You can use toner daily, but don’t go overboard. Choose a gentle, alcohol-free formula and apply it once or twice a day. It’ll help balance your skin without stripping it

Is toner good for greasy skin?

Yes, toner’s great for greasy skin! It’ll help control excess oil, balance your skin’s pH, and minimize pores. You’ll notice a fresher, less shiny complexion. Just choose one with oil-controlling ingredients like salicylic acid or witch hazel

Which Korean toner is best for oily skin?

You might think all toners are the same, but for oily skin, Korean options shine. Try COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner or Some By Mi 30 Days Miracle Toner. They’ll balance your skin without over-drying, leaving you feeling fresh and confident

What is the best oil to take for healthy skin?

For healthy skin, you can’t go wrong with omega-3 rich fish oil. It’s packed with anti-inflammatory properties that’ll keep your skin glowing. Alternatively, try coconut oil for its moisturizing and antimicrobial benefits. Your skin will thank you!

Which toner is best for oily skin?

Think of the best toner for oily skin as a breath of fresh air—salicylic or glycolic acid will completely renew your skin. It will balance your skin’s pH, control excess oil, and minimize pores in the bargain. Be sure to seek oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas if you expect desired results.

What is the best rice toner for oily skin?

For oily skin, try I’m From Rice Toner. It’s infused with rice extract to control excess sebum, brighten your complexion, and hydrate without clogging pores. You’ll love its gentle, non-irritating formula that leaves skin balanced and refreshed

How long does a bottle of Korean toner typically last?

You’d think a tiny bottle would last forever, right? Surprisingly, a typical Korean toner lasts about 2-3 months with regular use. You’ll go through it faster than you’d expect, so stock up!

Can Korean toners be used with other skincare brands?

Yes, you can use Korean toners with other skincare brands. They’re designed to complement various routines. Just make sure to patch test and introduce new products gradually to avoid potential reactions. Mixing brands can offer diverse benefits for your skin

Are Korean toners safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

You’ll want to check with your doctor before using Korean toners during pregnancy or breastfeeding. While many are safe, some ingredients mightn’t be suitable. Always read labels carefully and prioritize gentle, fragrance-free options for your skincare routine

Do Korean toners have expiration dates?

Yes, Korean toners do expire. You usually can find them printed on the bottle or box. Typically, they last 6-12 months after opening, and it’s best to use them within this time frame for the best effect.

Can men use Korean toners for oily skin too?

Korean toners aren’t gender-specific. Men with oily skin can benefit from their oil-controlling and pore-minimizing properties. You’ll find these products effective for balancing your skin’s pH, reducing shine, and prepping your face for moisturizer. Give them a try!

Conclusion

Picture your skin as a delicate ecosystem. The best Korean toner for oily skin acts like a gentle rain, nourishing without flooding.

By incorporating these top 10 picks into your routine, you’ll balance your complexion and control shine effectively.

With consistent use and the right product for your unique needs, you’ll achieve that coveted matte look while maintaining essential hydration.

Your journey to radiant, balanced skin starts here

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Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is a published author and software engineer and beard care expert from the US. To date, he has helped thousands of men make their beards look better and get fatter. His work has been mentioned in countless notable publications on men's care and style and has been cited in Seeker, Wikihow, GQ, TED, and Buzzfeed.

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