Toners

Reddit Rankings

3 Images of the Reddit Backed Routine PDF in a collage style next to each other

Get our Reddit Backed Routine (PDF)

257 discussions analyzed

Reddit Analysis

Editorial Summary: Toners range from lightweight hydrating waters and milky essence‑toners to acid exfoliants. Crowd favorites in the community: Round Lab 1025 Dokdo and Pyunkang Yul Essence. Choose hydrating milky or glycerin/HA formulas for dry skin, watery layers for oily/combination, and reserve glycolic toners for occasional exfoliation or body use.

Recommendations:

Dry or dehydrated skin: choose milky/essence toners with humectants and ceramides (eg. Laneige Cream Skin, Tirtir or Byoma milky-type toners) to add a fast hydration layer.
Sensitive or reactive skin: pick simple, soothing toners with few actives like Pyunkang Yul Essence, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented, or Round Lab 1025 Dokdo.
Oily or combo skin wanting hydration without weight: use lightweight hydrating waters or fragrance‑free milky toners (Round Lab Dokdo, HaruHaru Black Rice fragrance‑free).
Texture, dullness, KP or body bumps: consider a low‑to‑moderate AHA like The Ordinary Glycolic Acid (spot test; start 1–2×/week) and use on body for KP if facial sensitivity occurs.
Using retinoids or strong actives: prioritise gentle, hydrating toners (Pyunkang Yul, Klairs) and avoid layering glycolic acids the same night as tretinoin; if you do both, separate by time or alternate nights.
Prefer multi‑step layering: pat 1–3 thin layers of a hydrating toner/essence (eg. Pyunkang Yul, HaruHaru) to build moisture before serums and creams.
Want glow but worry about sensitivity: try COSRX Propolis for a plumping, glowing effect if your skin tolerates propolis; discontinue if irritation or breakouts occur.
Budget/body multitaskers: glycolic toners are widely used off‑label for armpits, bikini line and legs to reduce ingrowns and KP — dilute or spot‑test first.

Klairs Supple Preparation Toner

Score: 0.86

🟢 57 positive reviews
🟡 17 neutral reviews
🔴 3 negative reviews

Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner

Score: 0.80

🟢 82 positive reviews
🟡 16 neutral reviews
🔴 11 negative reviews

Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner

Score: 0.80

🟢 48 positive reviews
🟡 23 neutral reviews
🔴 5 negative reviews

Laneige Cream Skin Toner Refiner

Score: 0.72

🟢 158 positive reviews
🟡 13 neutral reviews
🔴 43 negative reviews

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Toner

Score: 0.71

🟢 83 positive reviews
🟡 16 neutral reviews
🔴 21 negative reviews

Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner

Score: 0.71

🟢 81 positive reviews
🟡 5 neutral reviews
🔴 21 negative reviews

TIRTIR Milk Skin Rice Toner

Score: 0.70

🟢 75 positive reviews
🟡 11 neutral reviews
🔴 20 negative reviews

Cosrx Propolis Synergy Toner

Score: 0.65

🟢 62 positive reviews
🟡 7 neutral reviews
🔴 20 negative reviews

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner

Score: 0.65

🟢 151 positive reviews
🟡 12 neutral reviews
🔴 60 negative reviews

I'm From Rice Toner

Score: 0.60

🟢 64 positive reviews
🟡 10 neutral reviews
🔴 27 negative reviews

Asked by Redditors

What do toners actually do?

Toners can hydrate, soothe, prep skin for serums, or chemically exfoliate depending on formula. Look at ingredients — humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid) = hydration; AHAs/BHAs = exfoliation; extracts/ceramides = soothing/barrier support.

Daily use or occasional?

Most hydrating milky or watery toners are fine daily AM/PM. Acid toners (glycolic/AHA) should start 1–2×/week and be built up slowly; avoid daily use until tolerance is proven.

Are milky toners okay for oily or acne‑prone skin?

Yes — choose lightweight, non-comedogenic milky toners or watery hydrators. Some people with oily skin prefer Round Lab Dokdo or Haruharu (fragrance‑free) while others find heavier milky formulas pore‑clogging, so patch test.

Can I use exfoliating toners with tretinoin/retinoids?

Be cautious. Many people alternate: exfoliating toner on different nights than retinoid, or wait 15–20 minutes between applications. Start slowly to avoid irritation and peeling.

Can toners be used on the body?

Yes — glycolic/AHA toners are commonly used for KP, ingrown hairs, underarms and post‑wax care; many users prefer body use if facial sensitivity occurs.

Application Tips by Redditors:

Pat or press toner into skin with clean hands instead of rubbing; dispense to palms or use a dropper to avoid cotton‑pad friction and product waste.
Layer hydrating toners on slightly damp skin (2–3 thin layers) to boost absorption and plumpness before serums.
Introduce exfoliating toners slowly: start 1–2×/week, increase only if no irritation, and avoid using them the same night as retinoids or other strong acids.