The four new moisturizing toners that my dry skin loves to drink
Toners aren’t at the foreground for me when it comes to building up my skincare roster. What with my dry skin woes, I tend to pay way more attention to potent serums and rich moisturizers to get the job done. However, I’ve learned that this post-cleansing step is a necessary one, as the moisturizing toning products I use are workhorses that get the hydration ball rolling!
Modern toners are no longer the acrid, alcohol-laden products they used to be. Nowadays they aim to hydrate the skin while also providing some nourishing ingredients to boost up the rest of your routine. Now since the last time I shared some solid picks, I’ve discovered some new go-to’s that IMHO are totally underrated. Here’s my current Fab Four! I totally skip the cotton pads for these and just pat it on with my hands directly on my skin.
It was a cousin with sensitive skin that first introduced me to the Etude House Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner (P680/180 ml from Althea Korea). This is the fuss-free stuff for folks with finicky mugs, or for those who can’t handle any sort of tackiness to their toners and essences. The formula feels like water, dries like nothing on skin, and has no scent. But you get lightweight hydration from propanediol and glycerin, as well as the soothing effects of madecassoside and green tea leaf extract. It’s basically super water for the skin.
Now, Althea Korea is a one-stop shop for a lot of popular Kbeauty names, but their in-house brand feels like it has flown under the radar of so many. Seriously. We’ve previously reviewed their Bare Essentials line and was a fan of the Althea Primer Water (P710 for 200ml from Althea Korea). I share those sentiments. This is the type of product recommended for those who savor each step of their skincare application as a sensory experience. The liquid-gel has a mild, frosted green tea scent and a refreshing feel. The toner is readily absorbed by the skin. Afterwards, there is a subtle velvety sensation that gives credence to the primer in Primer Water. While the formulation does contain alcohol, I have not experienced any dryness.
Toners are usually straightforward things (i.e. liquid with a watery consistency that goes on before serum or moisturizer), but we all know that that definition is ever changing these days. Take the Cosrx Light Fit Real Water Toner to Cream (P1,100 for 130ml from theskincarecurator.com), for example. This curious concoction is texturally somewhere in between toner and moisturizer. As we’ve observed in a previous review, it starts out as a cream but blends away into a liquid as you smooth it on. If your skin is not particularly parched, this could already be a one-step solution
For the luxe pick, the Lancome Tonique Confort (P3,260 for 400ml from Sephora.ph) does feel as soothing as its name suggests. This mildly floral-scented toner’s runny gel texture instantly turns to liquid upon contact with the skin. Absorption is quick and easy, and there is only a hint of tackiness once it dries. While the directions for use indicate use of a cotton pad, I’ve been skipping that to conserve the precious stuff without. Still works perfectly!
What is your HG moisturizing toner?
