The Best Korean Toners for Oily Skin
Posted by Skinsider Team on 16th Jun 2025
Oily skin can be both a blessing and a curse. While the natural oils help keep the skin youthful, excess sebum often leads to clogged pores, unwanted shine, and breakouts. That’s where a well-formulated toner steps in as a crucial part of your Korean skincare routine. If you're based in the UK and struggling with oily or combination skin, this guide will introduce you to the best Korean toners available at Skinsider – all designed to refine, balance, and refresh your complexion.
What Is a Toner and Why Should You Use One?
A toner is a lightweight, water-based liquid used after cleansing and before serums or moisturisers. It helps remove leftover impurities, restore the skin’s pH balance, and prep the skin for better absorption of active ingredients. Korean toners go a step further – they're packed with hydrating, soothing, and oil-controlling ingredients that make a noticeable difference in daily skin health.
For oily skin, the right toner can:
- Control excess sebum
- Minimise the appearance of pores
- Calm inflammation
- Prevent clogged pores and breakouts
- Refresh and hydrate without heaviness
Top Korean Toners for Oily Skin in the UK
APLB Salicylic Acid BHA Arbutin Facial Toner
This multitasking toner is ideal for acne-prone and oily skin types. It gently exfoliates with BHA (salicylic acid), helping to decongest pores and reduce breakouts. Meanwhile, arbutin works to brighten and even out skin tone without irritation. It’s a powerhouse toner that fights dullness, oiliness, and blemishes in one swipe.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Clear Toner
This toner harnesses the calming power of Centella Asiatica and adds pink Himalayan salt to purify pores. It controls sebum production while being incredibly gentle on sensitive or reactive skin. If your oily skin is also prone to redness or irritation, this is your perfect match.
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner
While it’s deeply hydrating, this toner is feather-light and non-greasy – perfect for oily skin that still needs moisture. Fermented black rice extract delivers antioxidants and nourishment, while hyaluronic acid replenishes hydration without clogging pores. It helps strengthen your skin barrier, leaving your skin feeling refreshed, not overwhelmed.
Dr. Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence
This cult-favourite is technically an essence-toner hybrid but works beautifully as a toner step for oily or combination skin. Packed with vegan kombucha, green tea, and probiotics, it detoxifies the skin and keeps the microbiome balanced. It’s great for city dwellers or those exposed to pollution.
A bestseller for a reason, this toner is made with 80% green tea extract from Korea’s Jeju Island. It controls oil, soothes irritation, and helps calm inflamed skin. With added centella, blueberry, and allantoin, it’s a gentle yet effective daily toner that brings balance to oily or acne-prone skin.
When it comes to managing oily skin, adding the right toner to your Korean skincare routine can be a game-changer. From clarifying to hydrating, the best toners for oily skin don’t just remove excess oil - they support your skin’s overall health and balance. Explore these expertly curated options from Skinsider and give your skincare routine the refreshing boost it deserves.
