If you have oily skin, then you know the important role your skincare products play in controlling sebum (oil) production in your skin. Using a toner can be a helpful step in your skincare routine, especially if you have oily skin.
Toners work to remove any oil or dirt that might be left on your skin after cleansing. They can also balance your skin’s pH and help to prepare your skin for the next steps in your skincare routine.
Korean skincare brands offer many products targeted at oily skin, and toners are no exception.
I’ve compiled this list of the best Korean toners for oily skin that are formulated with ingredients to help control oil production and balance your skin for a radiant and healthy-looking complexion.
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12 Best Korean Toners For Oily Skin
If you are looking for an excellent Korean toner for oily skin, then here are 12 options to consider:
1. innisfree Pore Clearing Toner 2x with Volcanic Clusters
Innisfree Pore Clearing Toner 2x with Volcanic Clusters is a pore-clearing toning solution formulated to absorb 2x excess sebum than its original formula.
Due to its unique and effective formula, this is my pick for the best Korean toner for oily skin and large pores. Just shake well before using to mix the Volcanic Clusters.
Formulated for all skin types but ideal for combination and oily skin, this Korean toner helps remove any residual dirt, oil, cleanser, or other impurities that can clog your pores and lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and other blemishes.
This toner is enriched with Jeju Volcanic Clusters and silica micro-particles that help control sebum production and mattify the skin for a shine-free complexion.
Jeju Volcanic Clusters are solidified hot lava fragments from the volcanic island of Jeju, South Korea.
The porous clusters are rich in minerals that help to absorb excess oil, purify and detoxify the skin and improve skin texture and softness.
Lactic acid exfoliates dead skin cells for a brighter complexion and helps to reduce the look of pores.
Please note that there is added fragrance in this oily skin toner.
2. Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner
Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner hydrates the skin while soothing and clarifying it with beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) salicylic acid.
Aloe vera is known for its skin-soothing and healing properties, which is helpful for inflamed, irritated skin due to acne and blemishes.
Sodium hyaluronate is the salt form of the superstar hydrator hyaluronic acid and is ideal for dry skin types. It’s a molecule that helps bind moisture to the skin and hydrate it.
Snail secretion filtrate, better known as snail mucin or snail slime, is rich in proteins, elastin, glycolic acids, and anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents that help to improve the appearance of skin elasticity while repairing skin damage.
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil soluble and helps dissolve sebum and dead skin cells in the pores while also acting as an anti-inflammatory agent to help soothe and calm the skin.
The toner contains other soothing moisturizers like beta-glucan, polyglutamic acid, and Portulaca oleracea (purslane) extract.
This Korean toner is made for all skin types, but it is perfect for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin, as it helps to clarify and soothe the skin while controlling sebum production, providing hydration, and prepping the skin for the rest of your skincare products.
3. Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner
Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner has a pH level of 5.5-6.0 to balance your skin while brightening and deep cleaning it.
It uses peony extract and a high concentration of licorice water to reduce dullness and create a more radiant complexion.
Camellia sinensis leaf extract, better known as green tea extract, is a natural antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from free radicals and environmental stresses.
It also helps soothe inflammation and reduce pigmentation marks like acne scars and dark spots.
This toner won’t leave your skin feeling dry or tight but leaves it feeling clean, hydrated, and balanced.
It is formulated for all skin types but is especially good for acne-prone, oily, and combination skin as it helps to clarify and brighten your skin and help the rest of your skincare products absorb better.
4. Skinfood Peach Sake Toner
From Skinfood’s bestselling Peach Sake line comes Skinfood Peach Sake Toner, a toner that combines Japanese sake and peach fruit extract to control excess oil production and reduce the look of pores.
The toner contains sake (rice ferment filtrate), a natural astringent that helps tighten the pores and reduce sebum production.
Peach fruit extract is rich in vitamins A and C, which help nourish and revitalize the skin while also reducing the appearance of pores and dark spots.
Allantoin is a natural ingredient from the comfrey plant that soothes and protects the skin while providing a softening effect.
Centella asiatica extract is an anti-inflammatory and healing agent that helps repair any damage the skin has suffered.
Glycine is an amino acid that helps to hydrate, nourish and protect the skin.
Chamomile extract helps soothe and calm the skin, while argan oil provides essential fatty acids and antioxidants to help protect and nourish the skin.
This toner is perfect for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin as it helps control sebum production, reduce the appearance of pores and brighten the complexion.
The toner leaves the skin feeling clean, hydrated, and balanced.
Please note that this toner has added fragrance (a mouth-watering, fresh peach scent).
5. COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner contains an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), plus botanical ingredients to gently exfoliate, hydrate, remove impurities and improve skin texture.
Salix alba (willow) bark water is an astringent and natural source of anti-inflammatory salicin, a compound related to the famous salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). BHAs help dissolve sebum and dead skin cells in the pores while also soothing and calming the skin.
Pyrus malus (apple) fruit water contains vitamins, minerals, proteins, and salts that moisturize and provide a gentle exfoliation.
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that sweeps away the top layer of dead skin cells, leaving the skin looking brighter and smoother and reduces the look of uneven skin tone.
Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) and sodium lactate, the sodium salt of lactic acid, moisturize the skin. Allantoin softens and soothes the skin.
This toner comes in a convenient spray bottle and is perfect for oily, acne-prone skin that struggles with blackheads, whiteheads, and enlarged pores. It’s super affordable, too!
6. Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner
If you have oily and dehydrated skin, Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner is an excellent choice as it is all about balancing the skin’s pH level and moisturizing the skin.
It contains betaine, an amino acid derived from sugar beets, that helps bind moisture to the skin and prevent it from evaporating.
The toner is also enriched with sodium hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and plump the skin.
Centella asiatica extract is an anti-inflammatory and healing agent that helps repair and soothe the skin. Licorice root extract helps to brighten and even out the skin tone.
Panthenol, arginine, beta-glucan, and amino acids help to nourish and moisturize the skin and support a healthy skin barrier.
Aloe soothes the skin, while purslane extract is an antioxidant that has healing properties.
This super hydrating toner contains essential oils for added fragrance and also comes in a fragrance-free version, which is perfect for sensitive skin.
7. Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner
Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner contains a blend of natural ingredients and plant extracts to control excess oil, making it ideal for oily and combination skin types.
This toner is formulated with 80% green tea extract sourced from Jeju Island in South Korea. Jeju green tea extract is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that help to protect and nourish the skin.
The toner also contains 0.01% Centella asiatica extract, an anti-inflammatory and healing agent that helps repair the skin barrier.
White willow bark extract is a natural source of salicin, related to the beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) salicylic acid that helps dissolve sebum and dead skin cells in the pores.
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is a chopped-up form of hyaluronic acid that helps retain moisture in the skin for lasting hydration.
Allantoin softens and soothes the skin. Blueberry fruit extract is an antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from free radical damage from environmental stressors like UV radiation.
8. Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner is a best-seller and cult favorite, as one of these toners is sold every 3 seconds somewhere in the world!
The toner contains an alpha-hydroxy acid (citric acid), a beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic acid), and a polyhydroxy acid (lactobionic acid) along with papaya fruit and witch hazel extracts to gently exfoliate the skin and increase cell turnover for a brighter, more youthful complexion.
Tea tree water extract helps to control oil and has anti-inflammatory properties.
This Korean skincare product also contains niacinamide to help brighten the skin and control oil production, as well as adenosine to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
This toner is perfect for oily, acne-prone skin as it has a lightweight water-like texture and absorbs quickly without leaving any film or greasiness on the skin.
This is one of my personal favorite toners for oily skin!
It’s been dermatologically tested for sensitive skin, but please note that it does contain peppermint oil that provides a very light fragrance.
9. Secret Key Aloe Soothing Moist Toner
Secret Key Aloe Soothing Moist Toner is enriched with aloe vera water, juice, and extract to soothe and moisturize the skin.
Aloe is an excellent ingredient for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin as it helps reduce inflammation and soothe and heal redness from blemishes. It even has some antibacterial benefits.
The toner also contains sodium hyaluronate that acts like a sponge to help the skin retain moisture, and beta-glucan to moisturize and repair the skin.
Snail secretion filtrate, better known as snail mucin, is also in this toner to help promote collagen production, reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
Portulaca oleracea extract is included to help soothe and calm the skin, while allantoin helps to promote healing.
Green tea extract is a potent antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from environmental stress.
This watery toner has a light, refreshing texture and a light green tea scent that comes from added fragrance.
10. Pyunkang Yul Essence Tonerner
Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner is a hydrating toner formulated with Astragalus membranaceus root extract.
Also known as Huangqi or Astragali Radix, this medicinal herb is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and has antiviral benefits.
It contains over 100 compounds, including flavonoids, saponins, amino acids, and polysaccharides to heal and protect the skin.
This fragrance-free toner also contains arginine, an amino acid that helps to improve skin elasticity and acts like the skin’s natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) that provide hydration and support a healthy skin barrier.
This toner contains only 7 ingredients, which helps minimize irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
For more details on this Korean toner, please see my complete Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner review.
11. COSRX AHA BHA Vitamin C Daily Toner
COSRX AHA BHA Vitamin C Daily Toner is an exfoliating toner formulated with skincare actives like AHA, BHA, and Vitamin C to sweep away dead skin cells and improve the look of skin texture tone.
This daily COSRX toner controls excess oil production and reduces the look of enlarged pores, making it perfect for oily skin.
A concentration of 17% white willow bark water (BHA) controls oil and calms redness, while betaine salicylate helps decongest clogged pores while fighting bacteria.
A 16% concentration of apple water (AHA) helps even skin tone and improves the look of uneven skin texture.
Niacinamide balances oil production, helps even skin tone, and reduces the appearance of dark spots while also calming redness.
62% COSRX GOLDEN-RX Complex contains fruit peels (pitahaya extract, kiwi extract) that are rich in skin-protective antioxidants and moisturize your skin. Allantoin and panthenol soothe your skin.
The toner also contains a low concentration of glycolic acid that gently exfoliates to further help improve skin tone and texture.
Ascorbyl glucoside, a brightening vitamin C derivative, helps reduce the look of dark spots and dullness for a glowing complexion.
12. Cos De Baha Niacinamide Facial Toner
Cos De Baha Niacinamide Facial Toner contains 5% niacinamide plus 1% panthenol to control oil, reduce the look of pores, and calm redness.
Niacinamide helps regulate oil production, leaving skin balanced and hydrated. Plus, it’s potent enough to visibly reduce the appearance of pores.
Panthenol, also known as pro-vitamin B5, is an effective hydrating ingredient that also helps soothe and condition the skin.
Witch hazel leaf extract is an astringent that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Licorice root extract calms redness and has skin-brightening benefits. Aloe vera and allantoin soothe and hydrate skin.
Sodium hyaluronate, the salt form of hyaluronic acid, is a powerful humectant that helps skin retain moisture.
This toner, which contains 85% organic ingredients, has a light, watery texture that absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky residue behind.
How To Use These Korean Toners
You can apply these Korean toners to the skin with a cotton pad. Gently swipe across your face and neck and then follow with any serums/treatments, moisturizer, and SPF 30 or higher sunscreen (in your morning skincare routine).
Alternately, use the toners as a toning pack: soak multiple cotton pads with toner and then apply to your face, avoiding the lip and eye area.
Leave on for a few minutes before removing the cotton pads. Do not rinse.
This will help the ingredients better absorb and provide more hydration and toning benefits.
How Korean Toners Can Help Oily Skin Types
Korean toners, a staple in the Korean skincare routine, are crafted to address various skin concerns, including those of oily skin. Here’s how Korean toner ingredients can assist an oily skin type:
Deep Cleansing and Pore Tightening
Some Korean toners contain ingredients like witch hazel or salicylic acid, which help in cleaning deep-seated dirt and tightening pores.
pH Balancing
Restoring the skin’s natural pH after cleansing prevents it from producing excess oil as a response to being stripped of its natural oils. Korean toners for oily skin can help balance your skin’s pH levels, prepping it for the rest of your skincare products.
Hydration
Hydrating the skin is key, even for oily types. Dehydrated skin can produce even more oil to compensate. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin ensure skin stays moisturized without being greasy.
Calming and Soothing
Ingredients like tea tree, Centella Asiatica, and chamomile can help soothe inflammation and reduce redness, making them ideal for acne-prone, oily skin.
Exfoliation
Some Korean toners come with mild exfoliating properties, often from ingredients like AHA or BHA, which help in removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores.
Antioxidant Protection
Many Korean toners are rich in antioxidants which can protect oily skin from environmental aggressors that may worsen oil production and breakouts.
When choosing a Korean toner for oily skin, look for non-comedogenic formulas that are free from heavy oils or alcohol. Opt for toners that provide hydration and balance without adding a heavy layer of oil to your skin.
Looking for more Korean toners? Check out these posts:
Best Korean Toners for All Skin Types
Best Korean Toners For Acne Prone Skin
Best Korean Toners for Dry Skin
Final Thoughts On The Best Korean Toners For Oily Skin
Korean beauty brands have some of the best toners for oily skin on the market. These toners are formulated with targeted ingredients to help soothe and hydrate the skin while minimizing oil production.
Combine one of these toners with a skincare routine that controls oil production, and you’re on your way to a more balanced, healthy, and radiant complexion.
Thanks for reading, and until next time, here’s to your good skin health!