One of my favourite skincare steps is using a toner or essence, as these really help to pack in hydration, while providing targeted benefits, such as exfoliation or soothing. I have tried a lot of different toners and essences from Korean skincare brands, and these are my favourites that I use regularly on rotation. I have used multiple bottles of each of these and would buy them again when finished, so you can trust that I’m not promoting these for the sake of it!
I have combination skin that leans to the oily side, so when choosing toners and essence I want products that can hydrate without making my skin feel heavy, while offering exfoliating, soothing and oil-control benefits in particular.
I’m From Fig Boosting Essence
I’m from Fig Boosting Essence is so nourishing and hydrating to use. It has a consistency a little thicker than water, but it sinks in quickly after you pat it on. The essence has a smoothing effect on my skin and provides a good healthy glow!
The essence contains 62% fig extract, which has many benefits for skin. Not only does fig offer a deep moisturising effect and antioxidant benefits, while the enzymes in the figs also help to remove dead skin cells.
This one is great for making skin smooth and ready for the next steps of your skincare routine.
I’m From Mugwort Essence
Made from 100% mugwort extract to treat skin issues and refine texture, leaving clear and smooth skin. It is hydrating and soothing without being greasy or shiny.
Since using this, I have had a lot less blemishes develop and the ones I had have faded quickly. I reach for this essence when my skin is having problems and I want to soothe it.
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water
I fell in love with this essence the second I started using it! It made my skin so soft, and it feels hydrated and plump after I use it. It contains 80% Ginseng Root Water and Ginseng Complex to nourish dry skin and 2% Niacinamide to control sebum, reduce redness and brighten skin.
I don’t experience any sensitivity and my skin looks more even in colour and texture. I use this often in my skincare routine.
Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner
This toner contains organic green tea to calm and revitalise skin. It helps to control sebum production and nourishes the skin. This is a fantastic everyday toner that I love for keeping my oily skin under control. I usually use this one in the morning for a refreshing start to the day.
By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water
I’m now on my third bottle of the Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water – this is one skincare product I don’t want to be without!
Mandelic Acid is an AHA which acts as a chemical exfoliant; accelerating cell turnover and removing dead skin cells. The Prep Water also contains Centella Asiatica, panthenol and beta-glucan to calm and restore moisture, which is important following exfoliation.
The prep water is used like a toner, as it provides both exfoliation and moisture. As it’s an exfoliating product, I use it only 1-2 times a week during my evening routine.
It really helps to smooth skin – I get milia, so my skin is often very bumpy, but using this makes it as soft and smooth as it gets! It’s a great product and acid type for those with uneven textured skin, and is particularly recommended for dry and acne-prone skin.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner
The toner contains PHA to exfoliate, as well as 84% centella asiatica extract and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, soothe and brighten skin.
The toning toner gives my skin an instant glow boost, without looking shiny or feeling sticky. It sinks in really quickly, leaving my skin smooth and bright. This really helps to give a good hydrating boost to my skin and it is one of my favourites from this range.
Dear Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
One of the gentlest toners I have, this is unscented and super hydrating, so it is fantastic for all skin types. As it is so hydrating, without being exfoliating or irritating, I often use this toner to layer in 7 skin toner routines. It really calms and nourishes my skin.
I hope you enjoy these recommendations for toner and essence! If you’d like to read reviews of more toners, check out my previous post:
