Hydrating Toners That Actually Work: 6 Game-Changers for Every Skin Type
I tried a real hydrating toner and my skin drank it like it was the first glass of water after a long flight. Softer. Plumper. Calm. If your face feels tight after washing, this is for you.
Quick note: I picked six toners that are loved, easy to buy, and gentle. All skin types. I'll explain what they are, what's inside, how they feel, and exactly which skin type each one loves most.
What is a hydrating toner?
Simple version: it’s a thin liquid you use after cleansing to add water back into your skin. Think of it like a primer for moisture so your serum and moisturizer work better. If your skin gets tight, flaky, or looks dull, you probably need more water. A hydrating toner helps with that.
How to use
- Cleanse
- Toner: pour a little into your hand, pat onto face and neck
- Serum (optional)
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen in the morning
Use twice a day if your skin likes it. If you feel sticky, use less.
Reality check
Hydrating toners won’t erase dark spots or deep lines by themselves. But they do make skin look fresh, bouncy, and calm. They make your other products work better. You’ll feel the difference in a week.
The Toners
1. Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion
What it actually is: A no-fragrance, no-fuss hyaluronic acid water layer. Country of origin: Japan
Key ingredients:
- Hyaluronic acid complex - pulls water into skin
- Glycerin - water magnet
What makes it special: Simple, gentle, crazy hydrating for the price.
The texture: Watery-gel, slightly slippery, sinks fast.
Best for: Dehydrated, sensitive, combo skin.
Price: ~$12–15 for 170 ml
Where to buy: Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion on Amazon
2. Isntree Green Tea Toner
What it actually is: Soothing green tea water for oil control and hydration. Country of origin: South Korea
Key ingredients:
- Green tea extract - calms redness
- Hyaluronic acid - hydration
What makes it special: Balances oil while keeping skin comfortable.
The texture: Watery with a soft slip.
Best for: Oily, acne-prone, easily irritated skin.
Price: ~$16–19 for 200 ml
Where to buy: Isntree Green Tea Toner on Amazon
3. I'm From Rice Toner
What it actually is: Milky toner that brightens and hydrates. Country of origin: South Korea
Key ingredients:
- Rice extract - glow and moisture
- Niacinamide - evens tone
What makes it special: Milky finish that makes skin look glassy.
The texture: Lightweight milk, bouncy finish.
Best for: Normal to dry, dull skin.
Price: ~$20–28 for 150 ml
Where to buy: I'm From Rice Toner on Amazon
4. Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Toner
What it actually is: Light, watery toner with ginseng that wakes up tired skin. Country of origin: South Korea
Key ingredients:
- Ginseng - nourishes
- Niacinamide - smooths and brightens
What makes it special: Glow without heaviness.
The texture: Very watery, layers well.
Best for: All skin types, especially dull or tired.
Price: ~$16–22 for 150 ml
Where to buy: Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Toner on Amazon
5. Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
What it actually is: Gentle, fragrance-free toner that calms and hydrates. Country of origin: South Korea
Key ingredients:
- Beta-glucan - soothes
- Hyaluronic acid - hydrates
What makes it special: No essential oils, great for sensitive skin.
The texture: Cushiony water, no stickiness when used lightly.
Best for: Sensitive, reactive skin.
Price: ~$18–23 for 180 ml
Where to buy: Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner on Amazon
6. Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
What it actually is: Minimalist, slightly thicker toner that feels very comforting. Country of origin: South Korea
Key ingredients:
- Astragalus root extract - soothing
- Humectants - hydration
What makes it special: Short ingredient list, very gentle.
The texture: Essence-like, bouncy.
Best for: Dry, sensitive, barrier support.
Price: ~$12–16 for 200 ml (also available in 100 ml)
Where to buy: Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner on Amazon
Our recommendations by skin type
Oily skin
Pick: Isntree Green Tea Toner
Why: Oily skin still gets dehydrated. This toner balances oil production while adding water back. Green tea calms redness and controls shine without drying. The watery texture won't add heaviness.
How to use: Pat on after cleansing. Layer twice if your skin feels tight. Works great under lightweight serums.
Dry skin
Pick: I'm From Rice Toner or Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
Why: Dry skin needs layers of hydration. I'm From gives that milky, nourishing feel that makes skin look glassy. Pyunkang Yul is more minimalist but deeply comforting. Both work well for sensitive dry types.
How to use: Use as the first step after cleansing. Layer two to three times, letting each layer sink in. Follow with a rich serum and moisturizer.
Combination skin
Pick: Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion or Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Toner
Why: Combo skin needs hydration that doesn't add oil to your T-zone. Hada Labo is super simple and won't overwhelm oily areas. Beauty of Joseon adds glow without heaviness.
How to use: Focus hydration on dry areas (cheeks). Use lighter application on your T-zone. These layer well with other products.
Sensitive skin
Pick: Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner or Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
Why: Both are fragrance-free and minimal. Klairs has beta-glucan for calming. Pyunkang Yul has a tiny ingredient list that won't trigger reactions. If your skin throws tantrums, these are safe bets.
How to use: Start with one layer. Patch test first. Use at night initially to see how your skin reacts.
Dehydrated skin (feels tight, looks dull)
Pick: Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion or Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Toner
Why: Dehydrated skin needs water, not oil. Both of these are watery and pull moisture in fast. Hada Labo's hyaluronic acid complex is a hydration powerhouse. Beauty of Joseon adds glow while hydrating.
How to use: Layer two to three times. Always seal with a moisturizer to prevent water loss. Use morning and night.
Acne-prone skin
Pick: Isntree Green Tea Toner
Why: Green tea soothes inflammation and calms redness from breakouts. It won't clog pores or add heaviness. The lightweight texture works well under acne treatments.
How to use: Pat on gently. Don't rub over active breakouts. Layer once if skin feels tight, but keep it simple if you're using multiple acne treatments.
Dull, tired-looking skin
Pick: I'm From Rice Toner or Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Toner
Why: Both add that "woke up like this" glow. I'm From's rice extract brightens naturally. Beauty of Joseon's ginseng and niacinamide wake up tired skin. You'll see the difference in a week.
How to use: Use morning and night. Layer twice in the morning for extra glow under makeup.
Who should buy what (quick reference)
- Best for oily or acne-prone: Isntree Green Tea Toner
- Best for very sensitive: Klairs Unscented or Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
- Best for glassy glow: I'm From Rice Toner
- Best simple hydration: Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion
- Best lightweight daily glow: Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Toner
Quick comparison
| Product | Texture | Best For | Fragrance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion | Watery-gel | Dehydrated, combo | No |
| Isntree Green Tea Toner | Watery | Oily, acne-prone | Low/None |
| I'm From Rice Toner | Milky | Dull, normal-dry | Low |
| Beauty of Joseon Glow Toner | Watery | All types | Low |
| Klairs Unscented Toner | Watery-cushion | Sensitive | None |
| Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner | Essence-like | Dry, sensitive | None |
Final thoughts
Pick based on how your skin feels after washing. Tight and squeaky? Go Hada Labo or Pyunkang Yul. Oily but dehydrated? Isntree. Want glow with moisture? I'm From or Beauty of Joseon. If your skin throws tantrums, Klairs is the safe pick.
Related reads
- See our full cleanser guide: Best Korean Cleansers Guide
- Brand battle: COSRX vs Some By Mi — Which brand wins?
Affiliate disclosure
Some links here are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we would use.