You may want to add the best toner in malaysia 2021 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!
How To Choose The Best Toner For Your Skin Type
1. Identifying Your Skin Type
Know what your skin type is before you buy a toner!
- Dry Skin Type – skin feels tight and even itchy; prone to flaking and peeling
- Oily Skin Type – pores are large; skin looks shiny
- 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.
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:
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
- Ammonium lauryl sulfate (SLS and ALS)
- Petrolatum
- Mineral oil
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
Look for ingredient lists with:
- Essential oils like rose hip seed oil or jojoba oil
- Peptides
- Glycolipid
- Glycerin
- Dimethicone
- Glycolic acid
4. Choose A Toner For Oily Skin Type
Oily skin will benefit from toners with some natural active ingredients that act as astringents:
- Bentonite clay
- Witch hazel
5. Choose A Toner For Combination Skin Type
You could 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. But gentle enough for sensitive skin.
And 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.
There should instead, be some ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties. Like aloe vera! And some antioxidants 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 encourage new cell and collagen production to heal your skin!
Salicylic acid is one of many mild acids that are commonly included into toners too.
Along with AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acids) and PHA (Poly Hydroxy Acids).
However, if your toner has any of these:
It’s more important than ever to apply sunscreen everyday as new skin is especially 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
There are many reasons to get a toner with vitamin C.
Which neutralizes free radicals from sun rays! And vitamin C is an antioxidant too! 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 2021
Many of the toners listed here are made for all skin types.
So you may want to browse through the whole list if you need more options!
Bonus: 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 hydrates without irritating the skin.
One bottle can last a good ~9 months! Since you only need to use a bit at a time!
Note: You can request a 3ml sample sachet from their website; Limited stock.
- 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
Cons:
- None
Best Hydrating Toner For Dry Skin
1. Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner
Neutrogena’s alcohol-free toner is one of the best face toners readily available in Malaysia 2021!
Despite the name however, this is not alcohol-free. As the key ingredient, butylene glycol is an alcohol. Still, this toner is gentle and will not make your skin dry!
- Size: 150ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Key Ingredients: Butylene Glycol
- Price: ~RM19.9
Pros:
- Mild scent
- Very affordable
- Leaves a “fresh” feeling
Cons:
- Contains fragrance
- Wide spout
2. Innisfree Green Tea Seed Skin
Looking for a new daily toner? Try this one by Innisfree Green Tea Seed Skin.
Not only does it smell like green tea, but it is hydrating as well!
- 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: RM84
Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- Contains glycerin
- Absorbs fast
Cons:
- Contains fragrance
- Not alcohol-free
3. 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!
- 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: RM72
Pros:
- Delicate floral scent
- Improves acne-prone skin
- Moisturizing
- Not sticky
Cons:
- Not as available in Malaysia
- Has a fragrance
Pros:
Cons:
Sensitive to fragrances/essential oil?
Check out this Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner (unscented version) – See Price
4. Sukin Original Hydrating Mist Toner
Dry skin types will find the Sukin Original Hydrating Mist Toner to be genuinely moisturizing.
The fact that it has fragrance (i.e. rose water) may not sit well with those with sensitive skin though.
- Size: 125ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- 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
- Fragrant
- Matte finish
Cons:
- Common for the bottle to malfunction after a while
- Mostly but not entirely alcohol free (i.e. has Phenoxyethanol)
5. 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.
- 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
Cons:
- Not alcohol-free
- Some tingling sensation
- Strong smell
Best Toner For Oily Skin
6. Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Toner
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!
- 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
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Bottle is not leak-proof
- When you’ve almost finished the bottle, the remaining bits of flower petals always block the opening
7. The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Mattifying Toner
All that tea tree oil does make the The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Mattifying Toner a tad too strong for sensitive skin types. Or days when your skin is behaving!
Although it does dry out pimples fast!
- 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: RM58
Pros:
- Clears acne and breakouts
- Good at removing make up
- Reduces blemishes
Cons:
- Burning sensation at times
- Contains alcohol
- Strong smell
- Alcohol-Free with fragrance: The Body Shop Vitamin E Hydrating Toner – Check Price
- For Combination/ Oily Skin (Alcohol-Free and with fragrance): The Body Shop Seaweed Oil-Balancing Toner – Check Price
- For Sensitive Skin (No alcohol, additional colors, fragrance or preservatives): The Body Shop Aloe Calming Toner – Check Price
8. Clinelle Purifying Toner
Clinelle’s Purifying Toner treats pimples and acne with tea tree leaf oil and salicylic acid.
While cleaning off remaining makeup residue!
- Size: 150ml
- Suitable For: Oily Skin
- Key Ingredients: Chamomille Extract, Panthenol, Lavender Oil, Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid
- Price: ~RM30
Pros:
- Does not smell unpleasant
- Refreshing feeling
Cons:
- Stings sometimes
- Sticky feeling
- Not alcohol free
9. 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.
Suitable for daily use on oily skin types, it has a slight scent of herbs and is made in South Korea.
- Size: 150ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Key Ingredients: Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water, 10% Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Water, Glycolic Acid
- Price: RM43.5
Pros:
- Alcohol-Free
- Reduces redness
- No sticky after-feel
- Natural ingredients
Cons:
- Spray comes out quite strong
Best Toner For Acne Prone Skin
10. Pixi Skintreats Glow Tonic
Pixi Skintreats Glow Tonic touts an alcohol-free selling point too. Even though it uses both butylene glycol and hexylene glycol.
It’s an exfoliating toner (i.e. glycolic acid) so you should not be using it too often. Twice a week will suffice!
- 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
Cons:
- Contains fragrance
- Stings a bit
- Too harsh for sensitive skin
11. Acwell Licorice PH Balancing Cleansing Toner
Licorice water and root extract has brightening and anti-acne benefits!
And the Acwell Licorice PH Balancing Cleansing Toner will remove any impurities your cleanser missed too!
- 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
- No greasy feel
Cons:
- Has fragrance
12. Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30Days Miracle Toner
Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30Days Miracle Toner is a mild everyday toner for acne-prone skin! Skin will gradually improve with long term use.
- Size: 150ml
- Suitable For: Acne-prone Skin
- Key Ingredients: Tea Tree Leaf Extract, Papaya Fruit Extract, Witch Hazel, Salicylic Acid, Lactobionic Acid, Citric Acid
- Price: RM89
Pros:
- Mild pleasant smell (like peppermint)
- Light texture
- Exfoliating effect (AHA)
- Moisturizing (PHA)
- Reduces oil (BHA)
Cons:
- Causes breakouts for some people
- Has fragrance
13. NARUKO Tea Tree Shine Control & Blemish Clear Toner
NARUKO Tea Tree Shine Control & Blemish Clear Toner uses 3 different ingredients to fight acne.
Along with brightening ingredients and sodium hyaluronate for fading scars and blemishes!
- Size: 150ml
- Suitable For: Acne-prone Skin & Oily Skin
- Key Ingredients: Tea Tree Oil, Witch Hazel, Salicylic Acid, Tranexamic Acid, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Lentil Seed Extract
- Price: RM40.5
Pros:
- Cleans well
- Refreshing effect
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not for dry skin types
- Strong smell
- Has alcohol
Best Toner For Combination Skin
14. Thayers Witch Hazel Rose Petal Facial Toner
Made in the US, Thayers Witch Hazel Rose Petal Facial Toner is not entirely alcohol-free either. But the lovely fragrance of flowers is natural!
And the formula includes certified organic ingredients (e.g. witch hazel and aloe vera)!
- Size: 335ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera, Rose Flower Water, Citric Acid
- Price: RM52
Pros:
- Calms irritated skin
- Cruelty-free
- Softens skin
Cons:
- Quite expensive
- Stings a little
15. 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.
- Size: 200ml
- Suitable For: Combination / Oily Skin
- Key Ingredients: Hydro-ion Mineral Water, Vitamin B3, Water Essential Activator™
- Price: RM120
Pros:
- Cooling sensation
- Nice smell
- Spray bottle
Cons:
- Contains alcohol
- Has fragrance
- Expensive
For Normal To Dry Skin (Contains Alcohol): Laneige Essential Power Skin Refiner Moisture – Check Price
Best Toner For Sensitive Skin
16. Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner
Packed in a handy spray bottle, Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner does not have artificial fragrances and colors.
Dry skin feels softer and hydrated!
- 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
Cons:
- A bit sticky afterwards
- Expensive
17. Avène Gentle Toning Lotion
Aside from having some perfume, hypoallergenic Avene’s Gentle Toning Lotion is one of the best for sensitive skin.
For reducing redness and hydrating your skin!
- 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
- No sticky after-feel
- Natural silicates to form a barrier to keep moisture in
Cons:
- Contains fragrance
18. 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!
- 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: ~RM19.7
Pros:
- Has glycerin to hydrate your skin
- Allantoin, witch hazel and chamomile (soothing and antibacterial)
- Affordable
- Cleanses well
- Light scent
Cons:
- Not in a spray bottle
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!
- Size: 120ml
- Suitable For: Sensitive Skin
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin B5, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C
- Price: ~RM112.9
Pros:
- Not sticky
- Absorbs fast
- Smells a bit like sandalwood
Cons:
- Has a fragrance
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.
- 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
- Lightweight feel
- Not sticky
Cons:
- Quite expensive
21. Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist Toner
The hefty price tag will make you think twice about Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist Toner.
It’s expensive because of the antioxidants and peptides that help to ease the effects of mature or prematurely-aging skin!
By boosting hyaluronic acid and collagen production in your body!
For now, this is the one of the best anti-aging toners money can buy!
- 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)
- Spray form
- Cruelty-free brand
- Hydrating with no greasy after-feel
Cons:
- Has a fragrance
- 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.
Preventing dirt from accumulating in your pores and thus, controlling acne. They 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!
How To Use Toner
Before you apply sunscreen or eye cream:
- Pour a little toner onto a cotton pad or your palm
- Dab (or press in the case of fingers) lightly over a clean dry face in upward
- Avoid your eyes and lips.
- If there’s extra, use it on your neck and chest
- 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.
Conclusion
Knowing your skin type will is the first step in choosing the best toner in Malaysia for you! It should not dry out your skin or cause breakouts! But absorb easily, providing adequate hydration!
- Best Toner For Oily/ Acne Prone Skin: COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
- Best Toner For Dry Skin: Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner
- Best Toner For Sensitive Skin: Avène Gentle Toning Lotion
- Best Toner For Combination Skin: SIMPLE Soothing Facial Toner
- All round winner: Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner By Paula’s Choice
