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What does a toner do for your face?
A toner is the bridge between cleansing and care: it soothes, hydrates and prepares the skin for serums and creams. The great thing about Korean toners is that they are almost always gentle on the skin. In this blog, we’ll share our favorites and answer the most frequently asked questions about toners.
How do you use a toner in your routine?
- After cleansing (morning & evening) → toner → serum → cream → SPF (daytime).
- Apply with hands or a cotton pad; do not rinse off.
- Choose a toner based on your skin type (hydrating, soothing, or with mild acids).
Our 4 favorite (hydrating/soothing) toners
Frequently asked questions about toners
Is a toner the same as a tonic?
A toner is not the same as a tonic: tonics were often alcohol-based in the past and could dry out the skin, while modern toners actually hydrate, soothe, and prepare your skin for serum and cream.
How often should you use a toner and in what order?
You can use a toner daily, morning and evening, directly after cleansing: order = cleanser → toner → serum → cream → daytime SPF.
Should you apply toner with hands or a cotton pad?
A toner can be applied with either your hands or a cotton pad: “press & pat” with your hands for hydration; use a cotton pad if you want to remove leftover dirt. Tip: try a toner pad as an alternative.
Does a toner really shrink pores?
A toner does not structurally shrink pores, but it can make them look refined: by balancing sebum and hydrating, pores can appear calmer and less visible. Check out our tips for large pores.
Which toner suits my skin type?
The right toner depends on your skin type: choose soothing (heartleaf or mugwort) for sensitivity, hydrating (hyaluronic acid) for dryness, and a lightweight, sebum-regulating, or mildly exfoliating formula for oily/blemish-prone skin.
