You are currently viewing 21 Best Toners Malaysia 2022: For Dry, Oily & Combination Skin
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  • Post last modified:November 4, 2022
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You may want to add the best toner in Malaysia 2022 to your daily skin care regime! Contrary to what some people might think, this extra step can make a difference!

Especially if you’re prone to acne and outbreaks. Or wear make-up and sunscreen on a daily basis!

Finding the right toner for your skin type is crucial. So here are the best toners in Malaysia, sorted by skin types!

Table Of Contents:

How To Choose The Best Toner For Your Skin Type

1. Identifying Your Skin Type

While it’s not as important as when you’re choosing the best face mist in Malaysia:

You need to know what your skin type is before you buy a toner!

  • Dry Skin Type – skin often feels tight and even itchy and is prone to flaking and peeling
  • Oily Skin Type – pores tend to be large; skin gets shiny quickly
  • Combination Skin Type – oily skin in the T-zone (i.e. forehead, nose, and chin), and occasional dry patches elsewhere
  • Sensitive Skin Type – skin gets irritated easily (e.g. food, alcohol, beauty products, etc); red and itchy
  • Acne-Prone Skin Type –  Not necessarily prone to acne because of excessive oil;
  • Mature Skin Type – Drier skin with fine lines and hyper pigmentation
  • Normal Skin Type – Fuss-free skin that is neither oily nor dry! Lucky you!

2. General Toner Ingredients To Avoid

Ideally, you should avoid toners that list alcohol in their ingredients. That’s drying and you don’t need that in your day or night skincare routine order.

Regardless of your skin type (*1)!

Note: Toners with more alcohol content are known as astringents.

Alas, there are very few toners in Malaysia that do not have alcohol. And our list does include some too.

For example, phenoxyethanol is a common preservative you can see on ingredient lists!

Other ingredients you don’t need include:

  • Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
  • Ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS)
  • Petrolatum
  • Mineral oil
  • Dimethicone – controversial ingredient as it does a good job of locking in moisture (*2)

With that aside, we can move on to how you can choose the best toners according to your skin type!

3. Choose A Hydrating And Moisturizing Toner For Dry Skin Type

Those with dry skin should look for ingredient lists with:

  • Essential oils like rose hip seed oil or jojoba oil
  • Peptides
  • Glycolipid
  • Glycerin
  • Dimethicone – silicones do act as a good moisture barrier on the skin
  • Glycolic acid

4. Choose A Toner For Oily Skin Type

On the other side of the spectrum, oily skin will benefit from toners with some natural active ingredients that act as astringents:

  • Bentonite clay
  • Witch hazel – some experts advise against using witch hazel
  • Tea tree oil

5. Choose A Toner For Combination Skin Type

If you have combination skin, you could always use 2 different toners…

But why would you want to do that when you can just get 1 product?

Lactic acid works well on combination skin. Adding moisture to dryer parts of your face. Without “thinning” your skin!

6. Choose A Toner For Sensitive Skin Type

Go for alcohol-free, coloring-free and fragrance-free products! Menthol can aggravate your skin too.

A shorter ingredient list is generally favorable and there can be some ingredients with calming and anti-inflammatory properties too. Like aloe vera!

Having some natural antioxidants in the formula won’t hurt either!

7. Choose A Toner For Acne-Prone Skin Type

You probably already know this but salicylic acid is good for acne-prone skin!

It works by removing dead skin cells gently to prevent breakouts and encourage new cell and collagen production to heal your skin!

Salicylic acid is one of many mild acids that are commonly included into toners (and acne creams) too. Along with AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acids) and PHA (Poly Hydroxy Acids).

However, if your toner has any of these mild acids:

It’s especially important to apply sunscreen everyday as new skin (beneath the old layers of skin) is extremely sensitive to the sun!

8. Choose Toner A For Normal Skin Type

To maintain a normal skin type, you can try a toner with Coenzyme Q10 (effective antioxidant). Or one with hyaluronic acid for softer skin!

9. Choose Toner A For Mature Skin Type

For mature skin types, there are many reasons to get a toner with vitamin C.

This antioxidant neutralizes free radicals from sun rays! Or you can just use a vitamin C serum after your toner!

Gentle oil-free toners will do just fine too. Look for ingredients with soothing and hydrating properties!

21 Best Toners In Malaysia 2022

Many of the toners listed here are made for all skin types.

So you may want to browse through this whole post if you need more options!

To summarize:

  • Best Toner For Oily/ Acne Prone Skin: COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
  • Best Toner For Dry Skin/ Anti Aging: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner
  • Best Toner For Sensitive/ Dry Skin: Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner By Paula’s Choice
  • Best Toner For Combination and Oily Skin: Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner
  • All Round Winner: Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner By Paula’s Choice
  • Best Budget Toner: SIMPLE Soothing Facial Toner

Best Toner For Sensitive Skin

1. Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner By Paula’s Choice

Dewy complexion? Yes! Minimized pores? To some extent. The Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner By Paula’s Choice also hydrates without irritating the skin.

Note: You can request a 3ml sample sachet from their website; Limited stock.

An editor’s choice product on byrdie.com and more than 2,000 raving reviews (overall score of 4.5) on Amazon back up its stellar efficacy!

Because of the ingredient list that features many beneficial and skin compatible ingredients like glycerin and adenosine, The Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner By Paula’s Choice is a safe choice for a hydrating toner regardless of your skin type.

PS: Use it once a day if you have drier skin!

It might seem pricey at first but one bottle can last a good ~9 months since you only need to use a bit at a time!

Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
  • Size: 190ml
  • Suitable For: Normal To Oily; Combination too
  • Key Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Chamomile Flower Extract, Burdock Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Sodium PCA, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
  • Price: ~RM120++

Pros:

  • Affords you some oil control
  • Many skin-safe ingredients (e.g. glycerin, adenosine, butylene glycol)
  • No stinging sensation
  • Does not smell of chemicals (fragrance free)
  • Keeps breakouts at bay with niacinamide
  • Alcohol free
  • Not tested on animals
  • Not tested on animals
  • Removes make up residue from cleansing

Cons:

  • None

2. Avène Gentle Toning Lotion

Free from the usual unwanted chemicals (aside from fragrance unfortunately), and featuring Avene thermal spring water as the base:

Users like the fresh scent and light consistency of this toner. It’s gentle on sensitive skin but still able to clean any residue leftover from cleansing. Without drying out your skin!

Aside from having some perfumehypoallergenic Avene’s Gentle Toning Lotion is one of the best toners in Malaysia for sensitive skin, dry skin, and acne prone skin.

It reduces redness and hydrates your skin!

Moreover, the Avene Gentle Toning Lotion is a notably cheaper alternative to the The Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner By Paula’s Choice (by ~RM40) as long as you’re not allergic to the fragrance in the formula!

Avène Gentle Toning Lotion
  • Size: 200ml
  • Suitable For: All Skin Types (Including Hypersensitive Skin & Acne-Prone Skin)
  • Key Ingredients: Avène Thermal Spring Water, Natural Silicates
  • Price: ~RM80

Pros:

  • Oil-free, sulfate free, paraben free, silicone free, alcohol free
  • No sticky after-feel
  • Natural silicates form a barrier to keep moisture in
  • Removes traces of make up
  • Skin does not feel dry after using this toner
  • Softens skin
  • Absorbs well
  • Does not cause stinging

Cons:

  • Contains fragrance

3. SIMPLE Soothing Facial Toner

SIMPLE is a trusted brand for sensitive skin. And their Soothing Facial Toner is free from artificial perfumes, colors and other harsh chemicals!

Combination skin and oily skin users enjoy the presence of witch hazel (astringent) in this lightweight toner!

Furthermore, it cleanses without drying out the skin – something dry skin users can appreciate!

The SIMPLE Soothing Facial Toner pretty much works for all skin typesExcept for very oily skin and acne-prone skin.

And the SIMPLE Soothing Facial Toner is highly affordable too. So if you don’t need your toner to do much else other than to calm, lightly cleanse and hydrate your skin, the SIMPLE Soothing Facial Toner is our top pick for a go-to drugstore facial toner!

SIMPLE Soothing Facial Toner
  • Size: 200ml
  • Suitable For: All Skin Types (Great For Sensitive Skin)
  • Key Ingredients: Pro-Vitamin B5, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Allantoin, Citric acid, Glycerin
  • Price: ~RM20

Pros:

  • Has glycerin to hydrate your skin
  • Allantoin, witch hazel and chamomile (soothing and antibacterial)
  • Affordable
  • Cleanses well
  • Light scent
  • No alcohol, parabens, sulfates, silicones, or fragrance
  • Scores 85% for Ingredient Safety (SkinCarisma)
  • Ingredients suit dry skin, oily skin and sensitive skin
  • Removes leftover makeup
  • Light texture

Cons:

  • Not in a spray bottle

Best Toner For Normal Skin

4. Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner

Another highly affordable face toner besides SIMPLE Soothing Facial Toner:

Neutrogena’s alcohol-free toner is one of the best face toners readily available in Malaysia!

Skin-safe moisturizing ingredient, butylene glycol is third in the minimal ingredient list, after water and PEG-4 (another moisturizer).

This toner is gentle and will not make your skin dry! It’s highly rated on both Hermo and Watsons.

It’s cheap and does the job if you just want a mild alcohol-free toner that feels cooling. The Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner is best for normal and combination skin types.

Although it’s not hydrating enough for very dry skin. And the Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner does not have ingredients to treat acne. Unlike the similarly priced SIMPLE Soothing Facial Toner.

Furthermore, the formula still contains fragrance and parabens – so sensitive skin types should proceed with caution.

Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner
  • Size: 150ml
  • Suitable For: All Skin Types
  • Key Ingredients: Butylene Glycol
  • Price: ~RM20

Pros:

  • Mild scent
  • Very affordable
  • Leaves a “fresh” feeling
  • Hydrating

Cons:

  • Contains fragrance and parabens
  • No antioxidants or additional benefits for acne prone skin
  • Wide spout makes it easy to use too much

5. Innisfree Green Tea Seed Skin

Looking for a new daily toner? This one by Innisfree Green Tea Seed Skin smells like green tea, and is hydrating as well!

Normal, dry and combination skin users find it equally hydrating. And gentle too! It gives the skin that dewy healthy glow! Even a handful of oily skin users like it!

At a reasonable price, the Innisfree Green Tea Seed Skin is a great hydrating toner for normal, dry and combination skin

It’s just a shame that it’s not fragrance free.

Innisfree Green Tea Seed Skin
  • Size: 200ml
  • Suitable For: Dry skin
  • Key Ingredients: Fresh Green Tea Water 2.0™, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Citric Acid
  • Price: ~RM80

Pros:

  • Reasonably priced
  • Contains glycerin
  • Without parabens, silicones, sulfates, or alcohol
  • Absorbs fast
  • Scores 93% for Ingredient Safety (SkinCarisma)
  • Highly rated on Hermo and Althea
  • Lightweight
  • Smells good and subtle
  • Lasting hydration for combination skin types

Cons:

  • Contains fragrance and citric acid (not recommended for sensitive skin)

6. Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner

Packed in a handy spray bottle, Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner does not have artificial fragrances or colors.

Dry skin feels softer and hydrated with this face toner that features both butylene glycol and aloe vera!

The hydrating formula also helps improve the appearance of your skin tone (i.e. less red). 

Note: You will feel some slight tingling on your face!

Moreover, the Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner smells nice, is lightweight and gentle on the skin regardless of skin type.  It does feel a bit sticky though.

There is however, no particular wow factor (e.g. ,unique ingredients) with this facial toner unless you count the price tag!

Speaking of the price, it’s a tad disappointing that the spray output is not a fine mist.

But what matters is that the Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner does not seem to irritate or exacerbate existing skin problems.

Still, tread with caution if you have sensitive skin as this toner is not without known skin irritants (e.g., lavender oil).

Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner
  • Size: 250ml
  • Suitable For: All Skin Types
  • Key Ingredients: Lavender, Balm Mint, Aloe Vera, Cucumber Extract, Sodium PCA
  • Price: ~RM219

Pros:

  • Mild scent
  • Quick absorption
  • Formulated without sulfates, alcohol, silicones, or parabens
  • 84% Ingredient Safety rating on SkinCarisma
  • Evens out skin tone
  • Hydrating enough for dry skin
  • No sticky residue

Cons:

  • A bit sticky afterwards
  • Expensive
  • Lavender oil is present (known skin irritant)
  • Spay output is not very fine

Best Hydrating Toner For Dry Skin

7. Sukin Original Hydrating Mist Toner

Whether you use it as a pick-me-up, make-up refresher, or as a toner, the Sukin Original Hydrating Mist Toner is one of Sukin’s best sellers!

Reviews from users with normal, dry, combination, and even oily skin are mostly positive. Most find the smell extremely welcoming!

Combination to dry skin types will find the Sukin Original Hydrating Mist Toner genuinely moisturizing. However, it has fragrance (i.e. rose water) and citric acid so it may not agree with sensitive skin.

The price of the Sukin Original Hydrating Mist Toner however, is a lot more agreeable than the next toner on the list, the By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water (~RM30 vs RM90).

Note that a 125ml bottle lasts for approximately a month.

Sukin Original Hydrating Mist Toner
  • Size: 125ml
  • Suitable For: All Skin Types (Except sensitive skin)
  • Key Ingredients: Rosa Damascena Flower Water (Rose), Glycerin, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract (Chamomile), Citric Acid
  • Price: ~RM30

Pros:

  • Has chamomile to calm the skin and reduce redness
  • Spray bottle is convenient to use
  • Fragrant (floral) – smell fades
  • Matte finish
  • Without silicones, parabens, alcohol, or sulfates
  • Affordable
  • Reduces redness
  • Feels refreshing
  • Hydrating
  • You can use it to set powder foundation too
  • Not heavy on the skin

Cons:

  • Common for the bottle to malfunction after a while
  • Mostly but not entirely alcohol free (i.e. has Phenoxyethanol)
  • Contains citric acid (not for sensitive skin)

8. By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water

The By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water uses mandelic acid as its AHA exfoliator to lessen pigmentation and other blemishes gradually.

A 4-star score from 250+ reviews on Hermo lend the By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water toner some credibility. That, and users find it provides gentle exfoliation without drying out the skin!

Note: AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) are naturally derived acids (e.g. milk, grapes, sugar cane, etc) that are water soluble.

Dry skin users looking for a toner with a chemical exfoliant that won’t dry them out can try this toner. You may also consider just using this toner a few times a week. Or daily if you have oily/acne prone skin.

By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water
  • Size: 30ml, 120ml
  • Suitable For: All Skin Types
  • Key Ingredients: Panthenol, Licorice Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract and Beta-Glucan, Mandelic Acid (5%)
  • Price: RM38, RM93

Pros:

  • Hydrates the skin (with Centella Asiatica Extract, Beta-Glucan and Panthenol)
  • Softer, smoother and brighter skin
  • Tingly sensation
  • Reduces skin redness
  • Not too drying for dry skin types
  • One bottle can last for months

Cons:

  • Some tingling sensation (not advisable for sensitive skin types who may experience stinging and burning)
  • Sticky on oily skin types
  • Strong smell

Best Toner For Oily Skin

Sponsored Product:

9. SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion

One of their best sellers and a perfect start to your cleansing routine to remove stubborn impurities from your skin!

The SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion incorporates their proprietary PITERA™ to provide a wealth of goodness! Such as amino acids, vitamins, and other nutrients to your skin!

While the AHAs (lactic acid, malic acid, and salicylic acid) in the formula work to gently exfoliate dead skin!  For smooth and radiant skin!

It hydrates and absorbs well even with its watery consistency!

SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion
  • Size: 160ml, 230ml
  • Suitable For: Dull Looking Skin/ Combination Skin/ Oily Skin/ Acne Prone Skin
  • Key Ingredients: Water, PITERA™, AHAs (Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Salicylic Acid)
  • Price: RM207, RM275

Pros:

  • Cleans your skin surface
  • Very lightweight
  • Has skin-safe ingredients like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate
  • No alcohol, sulfates, silicones, essential oils, or fragrance
  • Does not leave skin feeling dry
  • Subtle natural earthy scent
  • Controls oil and acne

Cons:

  • A lot of fakes around online (so we recommend that you get yours from the official flagship store!)

10. Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Toner

The Kiehl’s mild Calendula Herbal Extract Toner  is a holy grail toner for oily skin types! Or combination skin (comparable to the Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Toner)!

Notably alcohol-free, Kiehl’s mild Calendula Herbal Extract Toner calms irritated skin with ingredients like calendula flower petals and allantoin. While great burdock root reduces oil and provides moisture!

From reviews on Sephora, we can see that this product is effective on oily T-zones. And it doesn’t cause breakouts on combination or oily skin types!

Holy grail toner for oily skin types! Or combination skin (comparable to the Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Toner)!

Note: Beware of scams on Lazada & Shopee. They sell this toner for way less than the original!

Kiehl's Calendula Herbal Extract Toner
  • Size: 125ml, 250ml, 500ml
  • Suitable For: Normal And Oily Skin Types
  • Key Ingredients: Calendula Oil, Allantoin, Great Burdock
  • Price: RM95, RM160, RM255

Pros:

  • Nice smell (similar to tea)
  • Lightweight watery texture that absorbs well
  • Removes excess oil and residue make up after cleansing
  • Reduces redness
  • Controls oil
  • Not drying for combination and oily skin
  • A bottle can last for months
  • Not sticky
  • Lightens acne scars

Cons:

  • Bottle is not leak-proof
  • When you’ve almost finished the bottle, the remaining bits of flower petals always block the opening
  • Can be irritating for sensitive skin
  • Not hydrating enough for dry skin types

11. The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Mattifying Toner

One of the top selling products by The Body Shop, from their long-standing Tea Tree range:

Users admit that this is an aggressive toner. But for many, it reduces breakouts (including milia), and clears acne remarkably quickly.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Mattifying Toner is also a tad too strong for sensitive skin types. Or days when your skin is behaving!

Although it does dry out pimples fast! So it’s best to use the Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Mattifying Toner on oily skin with acne.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Mattifying Toner
  • Size: 250ml
  • Suitable For: Oily Skin (Also For Man)
  • Key Ingredients: Organic Tea Tree Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Glycerin, Limonene, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract
  • Price: ~RM60

Pros:

  • Clears acne and breakouts
  • Good at removing make up
  • Reduces blemishes
  • Vegan
  • Without parabens, sulfates, or silicones
  • Feels refreshing
  • Doesn’t smell terrible (unless you don’t like the smell of tea tree oil)
  • Controls oil

Cons:

  • Burning sensation at times
  • Contains alcohol, tea tree oil and essential oil (not for sensitive skin)
  • Strong smell

12. COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

Apple water may sound like a strange ingredient but it (and glycolic acid) serves as a gentle exfoliant in the COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner.

Which smells subtly of herbs and is made in South Korea.

Reviews consistently place this toner as a favorite among oily skin and combination skin users that have problems with acne!

Because of how gentle it is, the COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner can serve as an entry-level product for those new to chemical exfoliants (just gradually increase the frequency).

However, the COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner is most favorable for daily use on oily skin types. Or combination skin that is prone to acne.

Note: Dry skin types should try the Ordinary’s glycolic acid toner as an alternative

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
  • Size: 150ml
  • Suitable For: All Skin Types
  • Key Ingredients: Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water, 10% Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Water, Glycolic Acid
  • Price: ~RM35

Pros:

  • Alcohol-free
  • Reduces redness
  • No sticky after-feel
  • Natural ingredients
  • Minimizes appearance of blackheads
  • Fades acne scars
  • One bottle lasts for several months
  • No strong fragrance or smell

Cons:

  • Spray comes out quite strong
  • May sting at first (too strong for sensitive skin)
  • Can make your skin sensitive to UV rays (as older skin is removed)

Best Toner For Acne Prone Skin

13. Pixi Skintreats Glow Tonic

Featured on brydie.com for its effectiveness on oily and acne prone skin, Pixi Skintreats Glow Tonic touts an alcohol-free selling point too.

The speed of its effectiveness can vary between a few days to a week among users. But results are generally the same, with users seeing a reduction in acne and redness! And smoother skin gradually!

It’s an exfoliating toner (i.e. glycolic acid) so you should not be using it too often. Once a day for combination or oily skin prone to acne. Or twice a week for other drier skin types!

But you’ll want to go especially easy on the Pixi Skintreats Glow Tonic if you have sensitive skin as there can be some stinging.

Note: Beware of scams on Lazada & Shopee. They sell this toner for way less than the original!

Pixi Skintreats Glow Tonic
  • Size: 15ml, 100ml, 250ml
  • Suitable For: All Skin Types
  • Key Ingredients: Aloe Vera, Witch Hazel Leaf Extract, Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract, Glycolic Acid (5%), Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Biotin
  • Price: RM37, RM65, RM96

Pros:

  • Helps to clear acne
  • Smells nice (citrus)
  • Not sticky
  • Brightens complexion
  • Lightweight watery consistency
  • Good absorption
  • Removes leftover makeup
  • Gives skin a radiance over time
  • Rating of 4/5 from 2,400+ reviews on Sephora

Cons:

  • Contains fragrance and coloring
  • Stings a bit
  • Too harsh for sensitive skin
  • Expensive

14. Acwell Licorice PH Balancing Cleansing Toner

Licorice water and root extract in this toner has brightening and anti-acne benefits! And the Acwell Licorice PH Balancing Cleansing Toner will remove any impurities your cleanser missed too!

The 1,500 reviews (score of 4.5/5) on Sokoglam.com are highly encouraging. Users find it gentle and calming for oily skin. And see a reduction in breakouts and acne scars after regular use!

On another note, the Acwell Licorice PH Balancing Cleansing Toner is a gentler alternative to the Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30Days Miracle Toner.

But if you have any other skin type other than oily skin, it may be too drying for you!

Acwell Licorice PH Balancing Cleansing Toner
  • Size: 150ml
  • Suitable For: All Skin Types (Especially Dry And Sensitive skin)
  • Key Ingredients: Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Water, Licorice Water, Peony Flower Extract, Green Tea, Citric Acid
  • Price: ~RM40

Pros:

  • Lightens acne scars (after long term use ~1 year)
  • Smoothes skin
  • Smells good
  • Hydrating (for oily skin)
  • No greasy feel
  • Bottle lasts for about 3 months
  • Hardly any smell
  • Cleans dirt and oil off well
  • Thin watery texture

Cons:

  • Has fragrance and citric acid (may irritate sensitive skin)

15. Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30Days Miracle Toner

Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30Days Miracle Toner is a mild everyday toner with chemical exfoliants and niacinamide for acne-prone skin!

Note: At least 1-2 months before you notice significant improvement.

Some see effects with a few days. Other users need 2 weeks before they see their skin clearing up! Skin looks more radiant too!

Hence, the Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30Days Miracle Toner must-try for serious acne prone skin – you can try this if the Cosrx AHA-BHA toner does not work for you!

And if the Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30Days Miracle Toner starts irritating your skin, try cutting down on the frequency of use!

Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30Days Miracle Toner
  • Size: 30ml, 150ml
  • Suitable For: Acne-prone Skin
  • Key Ingredients: Tea Tree Leaf Extract, Papaya Fruit Extract, Witch Hazel, Salicylic Acid, Lactobionic Acid, Citric Acid
  • Price: ~RM18 – RM45

Pros:

  • Mild pleasant smell (like peppermint)
  • Light texture
  • Exfoliating effect (AHA)
  • Moisturizing (PHA)
  • Reduces oil (BHA)
  • Stronger effect than the Cosrx AHA-BHA toner
  • Does not sting
  • Lightens hyperpigmentation due to acne scars
  • Minimizes pores
  • Cooling sensation
  • Clears whiteheads and blackheads
  • Good oil control
  • Effective even on cystic acne and hormonal acne

Cons:

  • Causes breakouts for some people (there may be a purging period)
  • Has fragrance
  • Can be drying

Best Toner For Combination Skin

16. Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner

Hailing from South Korea, Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner has a thicker consistency than other toners. So you would be wise to use your fingers to apply it instead of cotton pads to be less wasteful!

Note: They have recently changed their packaging to be more sustainable.

Raving reviews on gobloomandglow.com show that the Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner is very agreeable to both combination and oily skin types! Despite its thicker consistency!

It’s also hydrating enough for combination and oily skin types that are sensitive!

For these skin types, the Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner is great as a light toner for daily use that absorbs without making the skin feel greasy, sticky, or oily.

Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner
  • Size: 180ml
  • Suitable For: All Skin Types
  • Key Ingredients: Phyto-Oligo, Wheat Amino Acids, Licorice Root Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Beta-Glucan, Natural Essential Oils
  • Price: ~RM70

Pros:

  • Delicate floral scent
  • Improves acne-prone skin
  • Moisturizing
  • Not sticky
  • Cleans off any remaining residue from cleansing
  • Reduced breakouts
  • One bottle lasts months
  • Offers oil control

Cons:

  • Has a fragrance

17. Thayers Witch Hazel Rose Petal Facial Toner

Made in the US:

Thayers Witch Hazel Rose Petal Facial Toner is not entirely alcohol-free (from 2018, there is phenoxyethanol – an ether alcohol used as a preservative). But it still smells pleasantly of roses!

Users mark this cult-favorite (4.5 stars, ~42,000+ ratings on Amazon) as helpful for combination skin and oily skin with acne (even cystic acne).

It leaves skin feeling clean and not greasy.

This popular toner with witch hazel seems to do the trick for oily skin or acne prone skin.

However, you should definitely stay away from the Thayers Witch Hazel Rose Petal Facial Toner if you have dry skin, eczema, or sensitive skin in general.

Thayers Witch Hazel Rose Petal Facial Toner
  • Size: 335ml
  • Suitable For: All Skin Types
  • Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera, Rose Flower Water, Citric Acid
  • Price: ~RM50

Pros:

  • Calms irritated skin
  • Cruelty-free
  • Doesn’t smell strongly of witch hazel
  • Scores 4.1 out of 553 reviews on makeupalley.com
  • Minimal ingredient list
  • The formula has certified organic ingredients (witch hazel and aloe vera)
  • Removes make up too
  • Light rose smell

Cons:

  • With fragrance, alcohol and citric acid
  • Drying
  • Bottle is not fully leakproof

18. Laneige Essential Power Skin Refiner Light

Laneige Essential Power Skin Refiner Light absorbs quickly into your skin. Without any sticky residue. Daily use brings sebum production under control.

The liquid consistency of this toner provides normal to oily skin users with enough moisture. While preventing breakouts with continuous use.

Delightful to use on normal, combination and oily skin types even if it doesn’t do much! Can’t overlook the presence of alcohol and fragrance though!

Note: Beware of scams on Lazada & Shopee. They sell this toner for way less than the original!

Laneige Essential Power Skin Refiner Light
  • Size: 200ml
  • Suitable For: Combination / Oily Skin
  • Key Ingredients: Hydro-ion Mineral Water, Vitamin B3, Water Essential Activator™
  • Price: ~RM120

Pros:

  • Cooling sensation
  • Nice subtle smell
  • Spray bottle
  • 170+ reviews on Hermo (average score of 4/5)
  • Fast absorption
  • Light comfortable consistency
  • Not sticky
  • Skin looks radiant

Cons:

  • Contains alcohol and fragrance
  • Expensive

Best Toner For Anti-Aging

Anti-aging toners can contribute to younger looking skin! Or at least, help to slow down the aging process!

But like collagen drinks, toners don’t give immediate results!

19. AHC Premium Hydra B5 Toner

Very hydrating yet lightweight, the Premium Hydra B5 Toner by AHC has hyaluronic acid, adenosine, vitamin C, vitamin E and other goodies!

Forgiving the strong smell and high price tag, combination and dry skin types seem to do best with this toner.

Because the AHC Premium Hydra B5 Toner is hydrating enough for combination and dry skin types. While affording some oil control too!

Another reason you might hesitate on getting the AHC Premium Hydra B5 Toner is the high price tag!

AHC Premium Hydra B5 Toner
  • Size: 120ml
  • Suitable For: Sensitive Skin
  • Key Ingredients: Vitamin B5, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C
  • Price: ~RM110

Pros:

  • Not sticky
  • Absorbs fast
  • Smells a bit like sandalwood (fragrance fades)
  • Free from alcohol, sulfates, and parabens
  • Soothing (feels refreshing on the skin)
  • Lightweight

Cons:

  • Has a fragrance, silicones, and essential oil (cananga odorata flower oil)
  • Some users don’t like the smell (find it strong)
  • Pricey

20. Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner is a brightening (e.g. niacinamide) and anti-aging toner. With centella asiatica extract (gentle exfoliant) and hyaluronic acid to promote faster healing.

The consistency is watery but hydrating and soothing on the face, according to reviews on Amazon. The  Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner brings down redness in your skin too.

And more importantly, the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner is yet another chemical exfoliator (with PHA) that suits most skin types.

Although proceeding with caution (I.e. gradual use) is highly advisable for sensitive skin.

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner
  • Size: 210ml, 400ml
  • Suitable For: Mature or Prematurely-aging Skin
  • Key Ingredients: Centella Asiatica Extract, Hyaluronic Acid
  • Price: RM69, RM105

Pros:

  • Reduces inflammation in skin
  • Odorless/ mild scent
  • Lightweight feel
  • Not sticky
  • Free from fragrance, alcohol, or essential oils
  • 100% Ingredient Safety rating on SkinCarisma
  • Skin feels clean and softer
  • Improves skin texture
  • Non comedogenic

Cons:

  • Quite expensive
  • Chance of breaking you out if you have very sensitive skin

21. Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist Toner

Dermalogica’s Antioxidant Hydramist Toner has antioxidants and peptides that help to ease the effects of mature or prematurely-aging skin by boosting hyaluronic acid and collagen production!

It provides immediate hydration (even for dry skin users) with a dose of natural antioxidants. Users particularly like how convenient the application of this face toner is too!

However, the hefty price tag will make you think twice about Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist Toner.

But for now, the Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist Toner is the one of the best anti-aging toners (without alcohol) that money can buy!

Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist Toner
  • Size: 150ml
  • Suitable For: Mature or Prematurely-aging Skin
  • Key Ingredients: Pea Extract, Rose and Clove Extracts, Bamboo Extract, Aloe Vera, Arginine, Glucosamine
  • Price: ~RM257

Pros:

  • Smells good (like flowers and cloves)
  • Spray form with a super fine and even mist
  • Cruelty-free brand
  • Hydrating with no greasy after-feel
  • 4.7/5 score for 1,000+ ratings on Amazon
  • No silicones, parabens, alcohol or sulfates
  • Soothing (green tea and aloe vera)

Cons:

  • Has a fragrance and essential oils (not for sensitive skin)
  • Pricey

What Do You Use Toner For?

Toner can remove any leftover impurities that linger on your skin after you have washed your face with your facial cleanser or cleansing oil.

This prevents dirt from accumulating in your pores and thus, reducesthe chances of acne. Toners can also restore the pH balance of your skin too.

And because their consistency is watery and thin, they do absorb into your skin faster than other moisturizers and whitening creams.

Which is why it’s worth investing in a high quality toner with other beneficial ingredients!

In a full 7-step or even 10-step K-beauty routine, a toner is an absolute must as it helps other products (like face serums and essences next in the routine after toner), to absorb into your skin better.

How To Use Toner

Before you apply sunscreen or eye cream:

  1. Pour a little toner onto a cotton pad or your palm
  2. Dab lightly (or press in the case of fingers) over a clean dry face in upward
  3. Avoid your eyes and lips.
  4. If there’s extra, use it on your neck and chest
  5. Give your toner a minute to soak into your skin before applying anything else (like a face serum).

You can use most toners once in the morning, and again in the evening. Or once a day if your skin is sensitive (*3)!

Note: To save on toner, transfer it to a spray bottle so you don’t accidentally pour out too much!

Conclusion

Knowing your skin type will is the first step in choosing the best toner in Malaysia for you!

A suitable toner should not dry out your skin or cause breakouts! But absorb easily, providing adequate hydration!

Further reading:

Janice

Janice is the founder & editor for BestBuyGet.com. Wanted to be an author as a kid, got a D in English (First Language), but somehow now a content writer with an engineering background. Bakes, does yoga, plays the piano, reads, and most other introverted indoor hobbies.