Toners #2
You've no doubt heard all about the wonders of Korean skincare: how it's the key to the smoothest, brightest, dewiest, most radiant skin of your life. ( FYI, this is true .) And you've no doubt heard all about how complicated Korean skincare can be. ( FYI, this is true .) I guess that's why you're here.
Fear not! I'm here to help demystify the mysteries behind K-beauty so you can get the complexion of your dreams.
K-Beauty Toners: What Do They Do?
In a multi-layered Korean skincare routine, the toner step typically comes right after cleansing and can be used morning and night. The basic function of a Korean toner is to quickly restore moisture to the skin, thereby reducing any water loss caused by cleansing. Keeping the skin moisturized also helps it absorb subsequent products more effectively.
If it were that simple, of course, there wouldn't be so many toner options to choose from. The real magic of a K-beauty toner lies in the variety of varieties available: Korean toners are formulated with all sorts of special ingredients that support the rest of your routine and help you achieve your skin goals. No matter your skin type or skin concerns, there's a toner to suit your needs, even as they change from day to day. Let's take a look at three different ones and what each one can do for you.
Penetrates quickly and provides the skin with deep hydration.
What it is used for:
Dehydrated skin that lacks elasticity and vitality. I find myself reaching for this (and sometimes dabbing on multiple layers) on particularly dry days when my skin feels like it could soak up several liters of water and come back for more.
What makes it special:
Don't be fooled by this toner's thin, light, and fast-absorbing texture. It's packed with six different types of hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it binds water. Different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid can penetrate different layers of the skin, with lower molecular weights reaching deeper below the surface, while higher molecular weights stay closer to the skin's surface. They formulated this toner with six molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to deliver moisture to multiple layers of skin at once for a deeply soothing effect.
In addition to all these types of hyaluronic acid, Hydrium Water Toner contains allantoin and panthenol, which further moisturize and soften the skin. Hydrium Water Toner does not contain alcohol, artificial fragrance or fragrant essential oils, three ingredients that many people find drying, sensitizing or downright irritating. This lack of common irritants helps make this moisturizing product suitable for as many people as possible.
What it does:
Gently exfoliates while helping to reduce hyperpigmentation
What it is used for:
Dull, rough skin with uneven texture and tone. I find it useful as a gentle booster for my acids, giving them a little extra oomph when I've neglected exfoliation.
What makes it special:
Issues like dark spots and uneven skin tone often benefit from a multi-product approach that tackles excess pigmentation from multiple angles. Exfoliation can help remove hyperpigmented skin on the surface, while actives like vitamin C and niacinamide work to suppress melanin production and disperse existing melanin deeper within the skin.
The toner’s niacinamide and low concentrations of glycolic acid and vitamin C support your brightening routine without increasing the risk of over-exfoliation or irritation. Meanwhile, the anti-inflammatory properties of betaine salicylate and willow bark water help reduce blemishes. This toner uses a blend of fruit extracts as a base that provides lightweight hydration and an extra boost of fruit enzymes to further loosen dead skin cells for gently accelerated skin renewal. And it’s extra lightweight, making it the perfect consistency to layer under stronger active ingredients.
What it does:
Nourishes and protects the skin in depth against external stress factors and cell damage.
What it is used for:
Dry or aging skin that needs improved elasticity and resilience. I use this toner the most, of all their toners – it’s my default, and an extra layer when I’ve overexfoliated or otherwise compromised my skin, it helps rebuild and repair it.
What makes it special:
The deep moisturizing and healing effects of honey pair beautifully with the soothing and smoothing properties of propolis. In the right product (like this one), they combine to provide long-lasting moisture and an unmistakable dewy glow. With regular use, the antioxidants in both honey and propolis also help protect the skin from free radical damage, which can lead to earlier visible skin aging.
Propolis Synergy Toner is the thickest of the three toners we've mentioned here, with generous amounts of propolis and honey, as well as some caprylic/capric triglyceride, which adds an extra touch of oily moisture to skin that leans more towards the dry side. But despite its deeply nourishing effects, it penetrates completely, leaving skin soft, clean and ready to enjoy the full benefits of the rest of your skincare routine.
Tips for getting the most out of your toners
Sometimes we only have time for a short routine (and sometimes that's all our skin needs), while other times our skin craves multiple layers of moisture. The great thing about K-beauty toners is how flexible they are.
When you're in a rush to get ready, a layer of toner under your moisturizer and sunscreen will help keep your skin plump and hydrated all day long. Moisturizer is essential: Without an emollient and sealing layer on top of your moisturizer, water will escape from your skin faster than it can be replenished from within.
When you have more time or feel the need for even more moisture, try applying multiple layers of your toner. Just pat each layer lightly with your palms and repeat until you feel your skin has absorbed its saturation. And when your skin needs an intensive treatment, try dipping some cotton pads in toner and leaving them on clean skin for 15 minutes. These DIY masks can save dry areas!
I know K-beauty can be confusing, but taking the time to figure out what works for your skin and what to look for in your products will pay off in the long run. Buy the small sizes, try them out, switch between brands, and when you find the right ones, buy the full size.
Dab yours on and enjoy!
