Korean skincare brands have a reputation for being ahead of the curve when it comes to trends and ingredients, and that extends to their facial toners.
If you’re struggling with acne and breakouts, you might want to give one of these best 10 Korean toners for acne-prone skin a try, as most are specifically designed to target blemishes and breakouts.
This post contains affiliate links, and any purchases made through these links will result in a commission for me at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclosure for additional information.
Jump Ahead To:
Best Korean Toners For Acne Prone Skin
The ten toners below from Korean skin care brands are great options for acne-prone skin.
They’re packed with acne-fighting, calming, and nourishing ingredients and will help to keep your skin clear and healthy.
1. Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner is formulated with an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) in the form of malic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) in the form of salicylic acid, and a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) in the form of lactobionic acid.
This combination of exfoliating acids (chemical exfoliants) works to effectively exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, remove dead skin cells, and control sebum production.
Just what you need if you have oily or acne-prone skin!
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is included in the toner to help brighten the skin, balance sebum (oil) production and improve the overall appearance of skin tone.
Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf water is also included to help fight acne-causing bacteria, soothe, and calm inflamed skin. Hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) extract is an astringent that helps tone and tighten the pores.
Sodium hyaluronate helps keep the skin hydrated, as it is a salt form of hyaluronic acid, a natural moisturizing factor (NMF) that helps bind moisture to the skin.
Allantoin is an ingredient that helps to soothe and calm the skin. Adenosine is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that supports a healthy skin barrier.
The toner has a light watery consistency and contains peppermint oil for a light minty fragrance.
NOTE: Be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher during the day when using this, and all toners that contain alpha-hydroxy acids and for a week after, as AHAs can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
2. COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner is an 11-ingredient toner formulated to target acne and breakouts with AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids).
AHAs are in the form of 10% Pyrus malus (apple) fruit water, glycolic acid, and a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) in the form of 10% Salix alba (willow) bark water to reduce breakouts and post-acne scars.
Betaine salicylate combines salicylic acid and betaine, a moisturizing humectant, to exfoliate the skin, balance oil production, and target congested pores.
Allantoin, which comes from the comfrey plant, is included to soothe and calm the skin.
Panthenol is also known as pro-vitamin B5 and helps to keep the skin hydrated and moisturized. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
This Korean toner for acne prone skin comes in a convenient spray bottle, which you should spray onto a cotton pad before applying to your face.
Related Post: Best COSRX Products for Oily Acne-Prone Skin
3. Pyunkang Yul Acne Toner
Korean beauty brand Pyunkang Yul has formulated its Acne Toner to balance excess sebum production while moisturizing the skin.
The recipe for the toner is based on Pyunkang Oriental Medicine Clinic’s 40-year philosophy.
The facial toner contains the astringent and anti-inflammatory willow bark extract while brightening and balancing oil production with an oily skin favorite: niacinamide.
Niacinamide also helps reduce the look of enlarged pores while targeting the visible signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. Centella asiatica extract calms, soothes, and heals acne-prone skin.
Licorice root extract contains glycyrrhizin, which helps to brighten and even out skin tone, while chamomile extract is an anti-inflammatory with antioxidant benefits.
Rosemary leaf extract is an antioxidant with antibacterial benefits that make it helpful in the fight against acne.
Green tea extract is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. This clinical study found that a 2% green tea lotion was effective at treating mild to moderate acne.
Glycerin is a humectant that helps to keep the skin moisturized by drawing water from the air into the skin.
This thin textured toner sinks into your skin quickly and improves skin texture and softness. Excellent for breakouts and troubled skin.
4. Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner
Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner is a best-selling Korean toner that uses salicylic acid to target breakouts and other skin concerns like dehydration and sensitivity.
It contains 80% aloe ingredients in the form of aloe barbadensis leaf water, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, and aloe barbadensis leaf juice. Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory that soothes and calms the skin while helping it to heal.
It also contains 0.5% BHA (beta hydroxy acid), which is the maximum allowed amount in South Korean products. The BHA in the formula is in the form of salicylic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells, prevent breakouts and fade acne scars.
Snail secretion filtrate, also known as snail mucin or snail slime, is a popular skincare ingredient in Korea for its reparative and regenerative benefits.
Sodium hyaluronate is a humectant that binds moisture to the skin and helps to keep it hydrated.
Portulaca oleracea extract is a plant rich in vitamins A, B1, and C and minerals like iron and calcium. It soothes and calms the skin while helping to repair the skin barrier.
Beta-glucan is a yeast-derived sugar that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps to strengthen the skin barrier and protect the skin from environmental aggressors.
The toner has a thicker texture that doesn’t leave your skin feeling sticky but supports a healthy skin barrier. It’s ideal for acne prevention, and it removes pore-clogging dead skin cells and blackheads.
5. Peach Slices Acne Exfoliating Toner
Peach Slices Acne Exfoliating Toner is clinically proven to help clear and prevent acne and unclog pores. This salicylic acid acne treatment tones, exfoliates, and balances the skin’s oils for smoother skin with improved clarity.
The formula contains 2% salicylic acid to clear and prevent blemishes and breakouts.
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil soluble, which means it can penetrate deep into the pores to dissolve sebum and dead skin cells that can cause acne.
It also contains glycolic acid and lactic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that exfoliate the skin’s surface to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. This helps to keep the pores clear and prevent blemishes from forming.
Arginine is an amino acid that is a building block of collagen, which keeps our skin firm. It also hydrates and promotes wound healing.
The toner also contains cica (Centella asiatica extract) and allantoin to soothe and calm irritated skin and reduce redness.
Acerola extract and cucumber fruit water are antioxidants that help to protect the skin from environmental stressors, including free radical damage from UV rays.
This alcohol-free toner is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin, but is formulated especially for acne-prone skin.
6. innisfree Pore Clearing Toner 2X With Volcanic Clusters
Innisfree formulated the newest version of their Pore Clearing Toner with 2X the volcanic clusters from Jeju Island in South Korea.
This island is well-known for its nutrient-rich volcanic soil, and the volcanic clusters in this toner are sourced from there.
This unique toner is formulated to control oil in the skin, thanks to mineral-rich Jeju Volcanic Clusters, to help provide a shine-free complexion.
The toner removes impurities that can lead to blemishes and leaves skin soft and smooth.
The toner also contains tocopherol, better known as vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental aggressors. Silica is a natural absorbent that helps to control excess oil and sebum.
It’s made for all skin types, but the toner is ideal for combination and oily skin prone to breakouts.
The bi-phase toner comes in two layers, with the volcanic clusters on the bottom of the bottle. You shake it well to mix all ingredients before dispensing.
Please note that there is added fragrance in this Korean toner.
7. I’m From Rice Toner
I’m From Rice Toner is formulated with 77.78% rice extract to remove dead skin cells for clearer skin, prevent water loss, and moisturize dehydrated and dry skin.
Rice bran extract is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that help to brighten the skin and even out skin tone.
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that has been shown to be effective in treating acne, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles.
The toner also contains Portulaca oleracea extract, a natural anti-inflammatory and soothing agent. Amaranthus caudatus (amaranth) seed extract is a natural moisturizer that helps keep the skin plump and hydrated.
This is a dual-layer toner, which means that it has two different layers that you need to shake before using. The first layer is the watery layer, and the second layer is the emulsion layer.
Although the toner would be ideal for dull, dehydrated skin that suffers from breakouts, the ingredients in this toner are also great for oily acne-prone and combination skin types.
The lightweight moisture it provides results in glowing skin without leaving it too dewy.
Related Post: I’m From Toner Review
8. Skinfood Peach Sake Toner
Skinfood Peach Sake Toner is formulated with rice sake and peach extract to control excess sebum production and reduce the look of enlarged pores.
If you have oily skin that deals with acne and breakouts, this toner and all of the products in the Peach Sake line could be beneficial for your complexion.
Sake is a type of rice wine that is made from fermented rice. It is an antioxidant and contains minerals like zinc, magnesium, and potassium that are beneficial for the skin.
Peach extract is rich in vitamins, minerals, and moisturizing fatty acids and supports cell turnover for a clear complexion.
The toner also contains allantoin, which is a natural compound that is found in plants. It is anti-inflammatory and helps to soothe the skin.
Licorice root extract is also included in the toner and is a natural brightener. It helps to lighten dark spots and acne scars.
Centella asiatica extract is an antioxidant that helps to calm and heal the skin.
This toning skincare product has a watery consistency and is very lightweight. It has the scent of fresh peaches and is very refreshing on the skin.
9. Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner
Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner is all about controlling the excessive oil that can lead to breakouts, as this toner deep cleans the skin, removing dirt, oil, and debris.
The toner also removes dead skin cells that can clog pores and balances pHs levels while minimizing enlarged pores.
Wonder Pore Toner contains betaine and sugarcane extract to moisturize the skin. Sodium hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid, helps keep the skin hydrated.
Citrus fruit extracts provide a mild and gentle exfoliation.
Pore minimizing is often a goal for people with acne-prone, oily, or combination skin, and this toner does a great job at that.
The ingredients in this toner also help to moisturize your complexion and replenish dehydrated skin.
10. Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner
Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner is formulated with multiple plant extracts and botanicals, including 80% Camellia sinensis leaf (green tea) extract to help balance, soothe and calm acne-prone skin.
The green tea is sourced from Jeju Island in South Korea, known for its volcanic soil rich in minerals and nutrients.
Green tea is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and other environmental aggressors.
Green tea contains compounds called catechins that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
The toner also contains Centella asiatica extract that helps to soothe and calm the skin, as well as allantoin to help reduce inflammation.
Willow bark extract is a tonic and astringent that helps to tighten pores and control oil production.
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid has a low molecular weight and can penetrate the skin to provide long-lasting hydration.
Beta-glucan is a moisturizing active that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps to promote collagen production, improves skin texture, and keeps the skin looking plump and youthful.
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate is a salt derived from licorice root that acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. It helps to soothe and calm the skin. It also balances sebum production, making it perfect for problem skin.
Blueberry fruit extract is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that relieves stressed skin.
This hydrating toner has a watery consistency and is very lightweight. It has a refreshing, slight scent from plant extracts and botanicals but does not contain any artificial fragrances.
The toner has the brown shade of tea.
Choosing A Toner For Acne Prone Skin
These days, the market is flooded with all kinds of toners, from hydrating and glow-boosting ones to clarifying and acne-fighting options.
So, how do you choose the right one for your skin type and needs?
If you have acne-prone skin, it’s important to look for a toner that contains active ingredients like BHA salicylic acid and AHAs like glycolic acid.
These ingredients can help exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and fight bacteria, which can lead to fewer breakouts. Niacinamide helps balance oil production, while actives like green tea help reduce acne.
Also, look for soothing ingredients like Centella asiatica extract, aloe, panthenol, and allantoin to calm inflammation and redness from breakouts.
How To Use A Korean Toner For Acne Prone Skin
Apply a Korean toner for acne prone skin in your morning and evening skincare routines after cleansing your skin.
Soak a cotton pad with the product and sweep it over your face, avoiding the eye area.
Alternately, you can apply these toners with your fingers by pouring some of the liquid into the palm of your hand and then gently patting it onto your skin.
Follow with any serums or treatment products and light gel-cream or moisturizer for acne prone skin.
Don’t forget to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher in your AM skincare routine to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, which can worsen acne and breakouts. Here are some excellent Korean sunscreens for acne-prone skin.
For more of the best Korean toners, check out these posts:
Final Thoughts on The Best Korean Toners for Acne Prone Skin
If you are looking for the best Korean toner for acne prone skin, one of these Korean toners should fit the bill.
These toners are formulated with active ingredients that can help clear and prevent acne, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation.
Thanks for reading, and until next time, here’s to your good skin health!