Milky toners have been stealing the spotlight in the beauty world, and we’re all for their rise in popularity. You might be thinking, what is a milky toner and how has it gotten so many fans wrapped around its (metaphorical) finger? Your beauty assistant is here to answer all your questions: this is your guide to the game-changing milky toner, how it helps your skin thrive, and the best milky toners on our shelves to add to your own. Read on for everything you need to know.

What is a milky toner?

A milky toner gets its name from its appearance. It’s often white in color and leans opaque, visibly different from many toners that are water-like and transparent; in short, a liquid that looks like milk. These types of toners are focused on hydration, nourishment and skin barrier-strengthening instead of clearing impurities and controlling sebum, although they may come out as secondary benefits depending on the ingredients used in the formula. Milky toners also vary in viscosity, ranging from formulations with a little body to them, to thinner, runnier liquids. There are milky toners out there for all skin types, and in general they’re great for soothing and replenishing more sensitive complexions.

Get to know the top-rated milky toners of our collection:

No. 1

I'm From - Rice Toner

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - I'm From

Let’s kick things off with an OG fave: the I'm From Rice Toner. This one drenches the skin in a nourishing concoction of 77.78% Rice extract and Vitamin E, forming a moisture barrier over the skin to prevent transepidermal moisture loss over the long term. As it rebalances the skin’s hydration levels, it protects the skin from free radical damage and keeps it soft and plump. This milky toner is especially well-loved for its lightweight texture and rapid absorption into the skin.

No. 2

TirTir - Milk Skin Toner

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - TirTir

Chances are, you’ve already seen the TirTir Milk Skin Toner all over your Explore Page and FYP. Fans are obsessed over this milky toner - made with Rice Bran extract, Niacinamide, Panthenol and Ceramide - that deeply hydrates and soothes the complexion to combat fatigue and get it to glass skin status. As it sinks in, it quells skin redness and fades dark spots to promote a more even skin tone. The Original formula is recommended for those with normal to dry skin, whereas the TirTir Milk Skin Toner Light is great for oily, acne-prone and combination skin.

No. 3

TONYMOLY - Wonder Ceramide Mochi Toner

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - TONYMOLY

Hydration is a vital aspect of mochi skin, so what better way to achieve it than with a milky toner? The TONYMOLY Wonder Ceramide Mochi Toner needs little introduction, for it has been wowing fans and skincare enthusiasts since its launch. It’s formulated with skin-loving Ceramide to strengthen the skin barrier, along with hydrating Hyaluronic Acid and calming Centella Asiatica. For a hefty 500ml bottle at a drugstore price, you definitely get the most bang for your buck with this milky toner.

No. 4

LANEIGE - Cream Skin Cerapeptide Refiner

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - LANEIGE

Consider the LANEIGE Cream Skin Cerapeptide Refiner as a milky cream in toner form: it delivers abundant moisturization and nourishment in a silky liquid formula, fortified with Ceramide and Peptide to visibly firm and strengthen the skin barrier. This hypoallergenic and derm-approved toner utilizes a Micro Blending Technology™ to fully absorb into the complexion, dramatically improving hydration levels upon and after use. We also love how it’s refillable so you can reduce plastic waste after finishing your bottle.

No. 5

Aestura - AtoBarrier 365 Cream Mist

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Aestura

At any time of year, no matter your skin condition, the Aestura AtoBarrier 365 Cream Mist is here to support your skin. An emulsifying processing method binds its key ingredient, Ceramide, to moisture particles, providing intense hydration when spritzed onto the skin. Specially designed for dry and sensitive complexions, it melts into the skin without heaviness or greasiness. Aestura suggests to spray this on the face before makeup application to add a dewy glow to your look.

No. 6

Purito SEOUL - Oat-in Silky Toner

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Purito SEOUL

Who said milky toners had to be complicated to be effective? The Purito SEOUL Oat-in Silky Toner only includes 10 essential ingredients to minimize skin irritation, over half of which are Oat-based; Oat is a star ingredient for relieving sensitivity and inflammation, as well as preventing dryness. This milky toner avoids irritants like fragrance, parabens or silicone, leaving the skin feeling smooth, refreshed, and fully hydrated.

No. 7

Isntree - Yam Root Vegan Milk Toner

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Isntree

The Isntree Yam Root Vegan Milk Toner is true to its milky toner categorization: not only does it physically resemble milk, it also incorporates a Vegan Milk Complex into its formula for intensive healing of damaged skin barriers. Yam Root has an excellent moisture storage capacity that delivers moisture to the complexion, and is rich in amino acids and phyto mucin to support skin health. Anyone suffering from sensitive or severely dry skin should reach for this formula to alleviate moisture loss, itching or rough and flaky skin texture.

Now that you’re all caught up on milky toners, grab yourself a bottle or 2 today! Make sure you’re following us on Instagram and Facebook, as well as keeping an eye on the VANA Blog, so you receive all the latest news, promos and information!