K-beauty has done it again with these skin-refreshing toners...

TBH, with just how popular K-beauty is (read: extremely), we wouldn't be surprised if not only did you know all these skin-loving brands but you actually probably have a few sitting amongst your wishlist/collection already. How are we so certain though?

Well since it's popped off in popularity K-beauty has been constantly trending on TikTok. Our feeds are forever filled with the latest and greatest innovation, and although we haven't quite conquered the entire 10 step routine, adding few more toners to the collection cannot hurt, right? In fact, if it's clear, fresh, glowy skin you're seeking, we'd highly recommend doing so.

Here's BEAUTYcrew's guide to the Korean toners you simply need to add to cart, today if not sooner. Your skin thanks you in advance for the gifts...

2024's Top 3 Korean Toners

1. Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner, $28.98, Beauty Amora
2. Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide™ Toner & Moisturizer, $21, Sephora
3. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, $38, Adore Beauty

Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner

From $28.98 at Beauty Amora

If you're looking for that next-level step when it comes to clearing your skin of any blemish-causing bacteria, then we've found the guy for you. This toner has been developed for delicate skin, but don't think that means the formula is meek. In fact, it's also been designed to work to help address active acne. The majority of the formulation is actually made up of heartleaf extract which has been known to soothe sensitive skin; great news for your face's flush levels.

Key features:

• Designed for delicate skin
• Formulated with (unsurprisingly) 77 per cent soothing heartleaf extract
• Safe for acne-prone skin

Available at:

• $24.35 (usually $28.98) from Beauty Amora
• $26.99 (usually $28.98) from Stylevana
• $26.49 from Amazon Australia 

Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide™ Toner & Moisturizer

From $21 at Sephora

If you've taken a scroll through the 'toner' section on some of the top beauty sites, then you're bound to have seen this toner before. Mixing the worlds of balancing and hydration, this toner literally has a whole jar (basically) of moisturiser blended into the white tea leaf rich toning formula. You're ticking off two steps with one swipe and we love to see it. 

Key features:

• Enriched with a (hydrating) cerapeptide complex
• Toner and moisturiser in one
• Works to firm skin tone 

Available at:

• $21 from Sephora
• $21 from Adore Beauty

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

From $38 at Adore Beauty

Okay, so technically this one isn't actually a toner. But we hope you'll forgive us because in the 10 step routine it's the very next step. And this essence is seriously innovative. We're assuming we're forgiven and can move on to telling you all about its ingredients (and why it's included in this hard-to-score-a-spot-in list). So, you know how when snails slide on by, they leave that sticky little trail? Well it turns out that secretion is actually how they protect themselves. So, if you're here to plump up your skin and protect your barrier while you're at it (and you're happy to slather on a little snail mucin in the name of glow), this is the formula to try.

Key features:

• Powered by barrier protecting snail secretion 
• Primes skin for next skin care steps
• Highly absorbent

Available at:

• $38 from Adore Beauty
• $16.45 (usually $37.67) from Beauty Amora
• $17.80 (usually $38) from Amazon Australia 

Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner

From $39 at Adore Beauty

If you're a total K-beauty convert (relatable), you've probably got a tube of this brand's unbelievably lightweight sunscreen in your stash. So, even more reason to add their gentle exfoliating toner to the mix. It harnesses the power of green plum to assist the AHAs and BHAs with their skin-refining job, all while being seriously gentle. Like, we're talking gentle enough for daily use. 

Key features:

• Enriched with herbal medicine ingredients
• Gentle (daily) exfoliating toner
• Fragrance-free

Available at:

• $39 from Adore Beauty
• $19.45 (usually $27.13) from Beauty Amora 
• $24.24 (usually $36) from Amazon Australia 

Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Liquid

From $50.13 at Stylevana 

What happens when you combine the worlds of serum and toner? You get this barrier-strengthening, ultra-hydrating two-in-one. With the texture of a serum and the skin-prepping prowess of a toner, this rich formula is basically unstoppable. Loaded with three majorly moisturising must-haves (ceramides, panthenol and glycerine), dry skin could soon be a thing of the past.

Key features:

• Enriched with panthenol and glycerine 
• Serum-like texture 
• Ultra-hydrating formula

Available at:

• $43.59 (usually $50.13) from Stylevana
• $76 from Beauty Affairs

INNISFREE Green Tea Enzyme PHA Toner

From $29 at Sephora

You might be used to sipping green tea, but get ready for it to take over your skin care. In this toner, the anti-inflammatory ingredient is hard at work giving your skin hydration while buffing away built-up dead skin. But if you really like the sound of added hydration, then listen in to this. This toner has actually been formulated with five different types of hyaluronic acid. Plumped up, refreshed skin is calling your name. 

Key features:

• Infused with five kinds of hyaluronic acid 
• Works to refresh skin texture 
• Green tea works twofold, hydrating and exfoliating the skin

Available at:

• $29 from Sephora
• $24.65 (usually $29) from Adore Beauty
• $20.74 (usually $25.29) from Stylevana

Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner

From $13.45 at Beauty Amora

You know how sometimes when you've gone swimming at the beach your skin can feel dried out? Yeah this isn't anything like that. But it IS formulated with deep sea water of Ulleungdo maintain, which means your skin is getting loads of ultra-nourishing minerals (74 in fact). But the main incredible feat this toner pulls off is that after continuous use, it actually works to decrease the amount of sebum your skin produces. It's a game-changer for the oily. 

Key features:

• Enriched with 74 natural minerals 
• Works to decrease facial sebum (and subsequent secretion)
• Infused with nourishing water from the Deep Sea 

Available at:

• $13.45 from Beauty Amora 
• $9.79 (usually $15.07) from Stylevana
• $29.45 from Amazon Austalia

Some by Mi Miracle Toner

From $37 at Adore Beauty

With a bottle sold every three seconds in Korea it's understandable why this pick HAD to make the list. The reason for its popularity? Well it works to gently slough away your dead skin (thanks to AHAs, BHAs and PHAs – the exfoliating trifecta), which is a win in itself. But add in the pH balanced formula and the fact that it helps to balance your oil production and you've got a serious winner on your hands. Or rather, your face.

Key features:

• Infused with two per cent niacinamide 
• Cruelty-free
• Dermatologically-tested 

Available at:

• $37 from Adore Beauty
• $31.95 (usually $35) from Oz Hair and Beauty
• $36.99 from Priceline

Sulwhasoo Essential Comfort Balancing Water Toner

From $91 at Sephora 

With a unique gel-like texture, this toner manages to walk the fine line between deeply hydrating your skin without flooding it with moisture. It's a tough act, but your radiant skin will sing its praises. And as if that wasn't already a glowing (like your skin) positive, this toner is enriched with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory rich superfoods: goji berries and honey. Yum!

Key features:

• Enriched with antioxidant purslane extract
• Anti-inflammatory honey works to soothe skin
• Works to enhance your skin's glow

Available at:

• $91 from Sephora
• $91 from Adore Beauty

What is K-beauty?

K-beauty has become synonymous with top-tier skin care. The rise to popularity showcased just how impactful the skin care products coming out of Korea were, along with just how many steps were in their routines, hence the need for so many products. With a focus on innovation, skin health, hydration and ultimately giving your skin a brightened glow, picking up a Korean beauty product is bound to steer you in the right direction. 

What does a toner do?

Look, we're not going to lie, toners aren't the most necessary step, especially if you're effectively cleansing. But in saying that, is there any harm to having an often ultra-hydrating step that also works to pick up any dirt, bacteria or makeup your cleansing routine left behind? No! We think better safe than sorry! And unlike the toners of the early 2000s these picks aren't going to leave your skin feeling stripped and dry (thank God!), but ultra-nourished and seriously clear. 

Main Image Credit: @arden_cho

Need more K-beauty in your life? Here are the best Korean skin care products in Australia right now...