Welcome to VANA Skincare Academy, your one-stop place for learning all about skincare from the ground up. Our mission is to get you familiarized with the ins and outs of skincare, understand each step of the process, and help you build the perfect routine for your skin type and needs.

Strip a typical skincare routine back to its bare bones and you’ll identify toner as the second step. This mysterious liquid in a bottle might be unassuming, but is an integral part of the routine for maintaining skin in its healthiest state. A far cry from the formulas of the past, the toners of today are more advanced than ever and deliver a plethora of benefits for your skin. Read on to learn all why you need toner, how to use it, and which toner is best for your skin.

If you’re thinking toner looks like water, you’re not wrong. But toner goes above and beyond the basic function of water, with skincare ingredients added to its formula to hydrate and maintain moisture levels after application. In the past, toners were primarily used as astringents to clear the skin from remaining impurities, oil, or makeup post-cleanse. Nowadays there is a broader range of toners to choose from that focus more on delivering a fast-absorbing burst of hydration, soothing irritation or supporting the skin barrier as the second step of the routine.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Haruharu WONDER

A toner provides many benefits to the skin; depending on its ingredients it can be used to hydrate, soothe, or exfoliate the complexion. These are indeed functions that ampoules and serums perform as well, so why is toner so important? Toner is meant to hydrate the skin in order to prepare it for the next steps. When you apply skincare on top of damp skin, the following layers will absorb into the skin better so you can reap the full benefits of them. The common analogy used to describe this idea is a kitchen sponge: dry, it has poor absorption abilities, but douse it with water beforehand and it’s able to absorb detergent to create foam.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Round Lab

Toner is meant to be applied right after cleansing. One way to apply it is to soak a cotton pad in toner, then swipe it across the skin until the entire face has been covered. This method is sound for most skin types, and using a cotton pad has the benefit of catching any missed residue. If your complexion is more sensitive, a cotton pad may be too abrasive and lead to irritation. Instead, apply the toner to your hands and gently pat it into the skin until it fully sinks in. In terms of how much toner to use, start with 3-5 drops and adjust to your skin needs accordingly. The skin should be wet but not dripping with product.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - numbuzin

Like any other skincare product, the right toner for you will depend on your skin type and what ingredients address your particular skin concerns. Those with dry skin can opt for a toner with skin-quenching ingredients, some commonly appearing ones being Hyaluronic Acid and Panthenol. If your skin leans more towards the oily side, you might select a formula with a skincare acid (AHA, BHA or PHA) to unclog pores and clear away excess sebum. Keep scrolling to discover a selection of our bestselling toners and to learn more about the skin types they’re best for.

Round Lab - 1025 Dokdo Toner

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Round Lab

Key ingredients: Panthenol, Red Algae extract, Sugarcane extract

Benefits: Replenishes moisture, locks in hydration, soothes irritation

Skin type: All skin types, sensitive skin

Isntree - Green Tea Fresh Toner

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Isntree

Key ingredients: Green Tea extract, Centella Asiatica extract, Anti Sebum P

Benefits: Controls excess sebum, smooths skin texture

Skin type: Oily skin, combination skin, skin types that desire a refreshing finish

Haruharu WONDER - Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner (Fragrance Free)

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Haruharu WONDER

Key ingredients: Bamboo Shoot Bark extract, Beta-Glucan, Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits: Brightens skin tone, restores skin elasticity

Skin type: All skin types, sensitive skin

numbuzin - No.3 Super Glowing Essence Toner

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - numbuzin

Key ingredients: 50 fermented ingredients including Bifida and Galactomyces, Niacinamide

Benefits: Improves dullness and texture, dramatically boosts skin glow

Skin type: All skin types, sensitive skin

Etude House - Soon Jung PH 5.5 Relief Toner

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Etude House

Key ingredients: Madecassosside, Tea Leaf extract, Panthenol

Benefits: Intensely hydrates complexion, cools down skin temperature, provides inflammation relief

Skin type: All skin types, sensitive skin

Benton - Aloe BHA Skin Toner

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Benton

Key ingredients: Aloe Vera Leaf Water, Salicylic Acid (BHA), Sodium Hyaluronate

Benefits: Exfoliates skin, controls sebum production, soothes and moisturizes the complexion

Skin type: Oily skin, combination skin, acne-prone skin

Now that you’ve mastered the art of toner, pick up your perfect toner for your routine now! 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!