Toners & Essences

Toners and essences provide an extra layer of hydration after cleansing. Discover our selection to prep your skin and find the perfect place for these textures in your routine.

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Toners & Essences

Toner, essence or pad: which one to choose?

In the Korean routine, toner and essence are applied right after cleansing. They add a first layer of hydration and prepare the skin for serums and cream. They are not alcohol-based astringent lotions: most are designed to hydrate and soothe.

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Toners

Watery textures to apply with your hands or a cotton pad. The 1025 Dokdo Toner by Round Lab and the Wonder Releaf Centella Toner by Purito are suited to daily use, morning and evening.

Essences

Slightly more concentrated, they target a specific need: radiance, comfort or suppleness. The No.3 Super Glowing Essence Toner by Numbuzin, rich in ferments, is designed for radiance; the Ginseng Essence Water by Beauty of Joseon for hydration.

Pads

Discs soaked in toner, handy in the morning or to target one area. Some soothe, such as the Heartleaf Spot Pad Calming Touch by Abib; others exfoliate gently with acids. Those are best used a few times a week; see our AHA/BHA skincare.

For your skin type

  • Sensitive or reactive skin: toners with centella or mugwort, such as the Mugwort Calming Toner by Round Lab; see also our centella skincare.
  • Dull skin: essences with ferments or niacinamide.
  • Oily skin: very light textures and gentle exfoliating pads, without stacking several acids in the same routine.

How to use it

Pour a few drops into your palms and pat onto slightly damp skin. For very dehydrated skin, you can layer two thin coats.

Read more: The 10-step Korean routine: the myth and what really matters

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