Best Japanese Toners – Toner is often used to provide a quick injection of moisture onto your skin. It acts as to ‘prime’ your skin with a layer of hydration so that it can effectively and efficiently absorb the subsequent skincare products.
There are many arguments for and against using primer. Those against believe that the alcohol content in traditional toners tend to strip your face of necessary oils instead, and thus do more harm than good.
However, Japanese toners hit differently. Most people who switch over to Japanese toners find that they are generally gentler on the skin. They also find that they are effective in retaining essential oils on the skin rather than drying it out.
We can appreciate that most Japanese skincare products are top-tier, but their toners are something special. They are actually known to be super moisturising and hydrating for most skin types.
With that said, we’ve found the top 10 best Japanese toners that you can use to hydrate your skin.
1. Naturie Skin Conditioner
Naturally, Naturie is number 1 on this list, purely because it is number one in the shops! This skin conditioner has long been a favourite amongst all types of toner users.
It contains extract to moisturise, smoothen, and hydrate your skin. It is commonly used daily to prep your skin for better absorption of subsequent products after cleansing.
A favourite feature amongst users is that it is super lightweight and feels like nothing when you apply it. It also doesn’t leave a sticky feeling behind.
2. Muji Sensitive Skin Toning Water
Muji is taking over the world and it’s about time we all hear about its incredibly gentle toning water formulated specifically for sensitive skin.
Muji’s Sensitive Skin Toning water sources all-natural waters from Kamaishi Japan. They infuse it with grapefruit and purslane extract to gently tone and moisturise the skin.
Rest easy knowing that this toning water is low irritation, being fragrance, colourants, mineral oil, parabens, and alcohol free. If you have sensitive skin, this is a great option to purchase and try.
3. Kikumasamune High Moist Lotion
This beautiful, highly-recognisable pink bottle is aimed at those who are acne-prone.
To target troublesome skin, ingredients in this lotion include sake rice ferment and amino acids used specifically to zone in on acne hot spots. This high moist lotion also contains ingredients to brighten up the skin as well.
However, for those who are sensitive to smell, be warned that this one has a slightly more distinctive sake smell than most!
4. Hada Labo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion
For a great all-rounder option that’s super affordable, the Hada Labo Gokujun hyaluronic lotion is a fantastic choice.
It contains a careful selection of various hyaluronic acids that are super moisturising for all skin-types. They work together to inject a deep level of moisture onto the skin after a wash.
People often use this as a base layer to then apply other skincare products on top. Because of its lightweight texture, it doesn’t feel unpleasant and absorbs pretty quickly, making it easier to apply other things.
Users love the fact that it is fragrance and oil free!
5. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
A list of Japanese skincare products wouldn’t be complete without a mention of SK-II.
The next contender on this list would be the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. It is a distinctly powerful yet surprisingly lightweight essence that gently but effectively penetrates the skin to a cellular level.
This Japanese toner contains SK-II’s most featured ingredient, Pitera, which is considered somewhat of a super-ingredient. It aims to deliver hydrated, rejuvenated and brightened skin.
Regular use will yield smooth, glowing and bright skin. A small amount goes a long way with this product, and with the price point, you wouldn’t want to be splashing generous amounts out anyway!
6. Curel Moisture Lotion III Enrich
Curel has somewhat of a cult following of people with sensitive skin, and it is no mystery why.
Their products have been formulated for those with delicate and sensitive skin in mind whilst still providing the same results as other products.
The Curel Moisture Lotion III Enrich is an alcohol-free toner that feels gentle and mild, yet freshening when applied. Instead of an instant burst, it slowly seeps deep into the protective layer of the skin and moisturises.
With its anti-inflammatory agents and eucalypt extract, it’s the perfect option for those who want to test a mild toner out first in their skincare routine.
7. DHC Mild Lotion
This plant-derived lotion is known for its super intensive moisturising abilities. It’s effective for a myriad of other things as well, including refreshing, toning, and smoothing the skin.
Whilst it sounds like a dynamite of a product, it’s actually incredibly gentle and is even popular amongst those with sensitive skin. One of its core ingredients is cucumber juice extract; this has an anti-inflammatory and thus cooling effect in the skin.
It’s said to reduce the redness of certain skin types. It’s alcohol free and so does not dry out the skin.
8. Nameraka Sana Isoflavone Lotion
This popular toner is one that is known for its ability to prep the skin to quickly and effectively absorb subsequent skin care products. It’s lightweight and watery, so once applied, it immediately works its way into your skin barrier without leaving that greasy feeling.
On the right skin type, this will make your skin feel softer and more supple after regular use.
However, please note that there is alcohol contained in this toner, and some people have commented that it can be quite strong. Those with sensitive skin and sensitive noses should use this with caution.
9. Minon Amino Moist Charge Lotion
This powerful toner packs an incredible nine different types of amino acids, all of which play a part in making your skin healthier and clearer.
From the moment you apply it, you will feel how deeply it penetrates into the skin carrier to replenish any moisture lost in the cleansing process. It will then strengthen the protective barrier of the skin.
Some of the amino acids work towards hydrating the skin and improving its elasticity. Others will work to smooth out any spots and bumps on the skin for a clearer, cleaner look.
Best thing about all this is that it provides all of the above whilst being alcohol, fragrance, colorants, and paraben free!
10. Melano CC Medicated Whitening Moisturising Lotion
Melano has created a fairly unique toning lotion in that it uses vitamin-c as a main ingredient.
This medicated whitening moisturising lotion still offers the benefits of a typical toner whereby it moisturises on a deep level.
However, its high concentration of vitamin-C extract also penetrates deeply into the outer layer of the skin to target sunspots and freckles. It fights against melanin and works hard towards transparent, clear, and brighter skin.
Given that the Japanese standard of beauty has always been pure, clean and bright skin, this toner will assist in achieving that!
Read More: Best Japanese Skin Whitening Products
How to choose the best Japanese toner for you?
Toning is often confusing for people to begin looking into; however, it needn’t be. To assist you in narrowing down the possibilities, there are a few factors you should look at before making a decision:
- Skin Type – This is possibly the most important factor! Are you acne-prone? Sensitive? Or normal? This will assist you in selecting a toner that will work best to benefit your skin. Often choosing one that has been formulated for the opposite of your skin type will cause breakouts and damage instead.
- Ingredients – If you know you are allergic to certain ingredients, make sure you do your research beforehand to vet the ingredients list before you purchase!
- Fragrance – On a lesser note, fragrance is something that should be considered. Whilst it’s generally not the make-or-break factor, it does make it unpleasant for those who prefer fragrance-free products.
- Texture – Some people prefer lightweight textures, others prefer heavier, more moisturising textures. That’s completely up to you! However, one thing to note would be the weather. During winter, when it’s super cold and your skin is suscept to dryness, we recommend that you change your routine to include a thicker toner to retain moisture.
We hope this post about the best Japanese toners was as informative for you as it was fun for us to write! The Japanese skincare industry is a globally leading one and once you begin to use their toning products, you will be able to see why. After a few uses, you’ll start to see some wonderful results! Good luck with your search.
By the way, you are looking to find more interesting beauty products from Japan, you can also read these blog posts: Best Japanese Facial Masks, Best Japanese Face Washes and Best Japanese Eyedrops.