Everybody desires to have even, blemish-free skin. But searching for the best toners in Malaysia in 2021 can be a huge dilemma.
Toners which have dual function to deep cleanse and moisturise are highly sought after. Beware of certain products that may be too harsh. And leave your skin looking parched!
Read our reviews on the best toners in Malaysia to see which suits you best. Including the best drugstore toner in Malaysia.
Can I Skip Using Toner?
Do you use micellar water? It removes lingering makeup and dirt. Do you use face mists? They hydrate and shrink your pores.
Answered yes to one or both these questions? You can skip the toner.
What Does A Toner Do For You?
The main role of toners is to balance the pH of your skin. It is the undervalued step between using a facial cleanser and a moisturizer.
Toners mildly exfoliate and remove dirt and make-up after cleansing. They even out and prep your skin for serum. Plus, the effects of a moisturizer or subsequent skincare are enhanced if you use a toner!
11 Best Toners in Malaysia 2021
- Best For Dry Skin – Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner
- Best For Sensitive Skin – COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
- Best For Acne Prone Skin – COSRX AC Collection Calming Liquid Mild
- Best For Oily Skin – Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Toner or Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner
- Best Drugstore Toner – AHC Hyaluronic Toner
- Best For Cystic Acne – COSRX AC Collection Calming Liquid Intensive
1. Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner
This toner uses actual rose petals – something that sets it apart from the Fresh Rose Toner. It comes in a travel-sized bottle, making it convenient to bring around.
Reviewers note that it has an alluring light fragrance. And appears to help make pores less visible. While leaving the skin well-hydrated, soft, and glowing!
Dry to combination skin types are compatible with this toner.
Note: A common issue among users is that the rose petals can block the toner from coming out.
Size: 250ml | Price: ~RM140
What We Like:
- Alcohol-free formula
- With antioxidants – angelica keiskei extract and damask rose flower oil
- Ingredients include hydrating sodium hyaluronate, glycerin and butylene glycol
- Nice subtle fragrance
- Does not sting
- Suitable as a base for make up
- Don’t need to use a lot at a time
What We Don’t Like:
- Contains citric acid (may irritate sensitive skin)
- Rose petals occasionally block the opening
- Not in a glass bottle
2. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner
A milky fragrance-free toner that contains avocado oil, a natural emollient. Kiehl’s Ultra toner hydrates well. It leaves the skin looking smooth and well-nourished.
Users often comment that this product has a thick creamy texture, which is highly-moisturizing. It clears pores but is not harsh on skin. Because of this, they find it comforting on dry skin.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner is suitable for most skin types that need a little more hydration. It keeps dry skin soft but may produce a mild stinging sensation upon application.
Note: Thicker consistency from other toners, similar to an essence
Size: 250ml | Price: ~RM80
What We Like:
- No-alcohol formula
- No silicones or sulfates
- PH-balanced
- Unlike many other toners, it doesn’t strip your skin of natural oils
- Smells subtly like rice
- Not greasy
- Removes leftover makeup
- Without essential oils or fragrance
- Has antioxidant vitamin E
What We Don’t Like:
- Not paraben free
- Comedogenic ingredients (e.g. avocado oil, sweet almond oil, sorbitan oleate)
- Slight stinging sensation upon application
- Can’t easily see how much product is left
3. AHC Hyaluronic Toner
One unique trait of this toner is its contents. Its ingredients have antioxidant, calming and anti-acne properties.
Surprisingly, reviewers note that this toner leaves their skin well-moisturized and glowing. This effect lasts an entire day even though it has alcohol. The toner quickly absorbs into the skin as well.
If you have dry skin, you could give this a try. Apply up several layers as a remedy for dry skin! Combination and normal skin types find this toner compatible too.
Size: 100ml | Price: ~RM130
What We Like:
- Without fragrance or essential oils
- Antioxidants present (e.g. panax ginseng root extract, rosemary leaf extract, etc)
- Tea tree extract and allantoin for treating and soothing acne
- Calming ingredients included (e.g. allantoin, chamomile, aloe leaf water)
- Anti-acne
- Quick absorption
- Does not feel sticky
- Helps makeup to last longer
What We Don’t Like:
- Contains ethanol
4. Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner
On a budget, but searching for quality? Use a few drops daily, and one bottle could keep your skin fresh and hydrated for up to a year!
Besides reducing acne problems, this toner also nourishes and evens out skin. Users added that layered application can help those with ultra-dry skin without leaving a sticky feel.
Considerably cheap, but makes your skin feel like a million bucks! A great candidate for those with dry sensitive skin prone to breakouts.
Size: 180ml | Price: ~RM70
What We Like:
- Made without parabens, silicones, alcohol, sulfates
- Anti-acne (sodium ascorbyl phosphate)
- Many soothing ingredients (e.g. aloe, licorice extract, panthenol, centella asiatica)
- Hydrates skin
- Watery consistency that spreads easily and absorbs fast
- Subtle natural fragrance
- Budget-friendly (Since you only require a few drops at a time)
What We Don’t Like:
- Lavender oil eucalyptus and citric oils may irritate sensitive skin
5. COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
This antibacterial toner is gentle and hydrating. It has a non-greasy feel upon application, and you do not need to fret about any stinging sensation.
With just the right consistency, it is not too thick or watery. Plus, many reviewers call it the holy grail as it gives your skin a natural velvety glow. All this without irritating skin or causing breakouts.
It is perfect for sensitive problematic skin. People who are acne or eczema-prone can have a worry-free experience with this this gentle toner too!
Size: 150ml | Price: ~RM40
What We Like:
- 100% skin safe formula according to skincarisma
- Formula is free from alcohol and essential oils
- Hydrating with moisturizing ingredients include panthenol, sodium hyaluronate and glycerin
- Without strong fragrance
- Good absorption
- Calms the skin (less red)
- Gives makeup a dewy look
- Not irritating on sensitive skin
- Non-greasy feel (for maximum comfort) and look
- Boosts skin elasticity
- Heals dry patches of skin – with healing properties
- No stinging sensation upon application
What We Don’t Like:
- None
6. Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner
Alcohol-free with a soothing smell, this toner locks in moisture. It removes residue dirt and grime off your precious face.
This toner is potentially drying for those without oily skin, according to user experience. But many reviewed that it helps with tightening, cleansing and calming acne-prone skin.
You might not see distinct improvements in your skin. But this alcohol-free may prove useful for mild breakouts! Suitable for combination to oily skin types.
What We Like:
- No fragrance, alcohol, silicones, sulfates, or essential oils
- Soothing formula with natural ingredients (calendula, allantoin, ivy leaf extract, and arctium lappa root extract)
- Anti-aging properties from calendula and arctium lappa root extract
- Smells pleasant (like herbal tea)
- Controls oil in your T-zone
- Gentle tingling sensation
- Fast absorption
What We Don’t Like:
- Not free from parabens (According to skincarisma)
- Calendula matter is an off-putting sight
- Potentially too drying for non-oily skin
- Petals occasionally obstruct opening or fall out (annoying)
- Not particularly good at removing make up residue
7. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Toner
Boasting a lightweight and non-greasy texture, this toner deeply cleanses. This leaves your skin feeling fresh and clean. Besides that, it also hydrates the skin well.
Decent for those who have combination-type skin. It reduces oil while adding moisture. This helps to calm acne and soothe red inflamed skin according to multiple user experience.
While this product has helped many users control oil and acne, it is better be safe than sorry (Patch test first). A few negative reviews state that this product may irritate or aggravate acne.
Size: 250ml | Price: ~RM100
What We Like:
- Formula does not have silicones, alcohol, parabens, fragrance, essential oils, or sulfates
- Uses mostly low risk ingredients (87% according to skincarisma)
- Cucumber extract is calming
- Has a light, non-greasy texture
- Mild enough for daily use
- Can remove leftover residue from cleansing
- Controls oil (T-zone) without drying out skin
- Not heavily scented
- No stinging sensation
What We Don’t Like:
- Citric acid may irritate sensitive skin
- No anti-aging benefits besides hydration
- May exacerbate acne
8. Thayers Alcohol Free Original Witch Hazel With Aloe Vera Toner
Do you have oilier skin, or struggle with acne?! This alcohol-free product reduces excess oil from the skin and may be the solution!
Users find this toner refreshing with a subtle scent of rose. Many users praise its ability to clear up their acne problems and even help with acne scars.
Suitable for oilier skin as witch hazel has oil-striping effects. Use on dry skin may irritate the skin or exacerbate acne. Hydration effects are not as long-lasting compared to other toners though.
Size: 355ml | Price: ~RM50
What We Like:
- Witch hazel is soothing for acne-prone skin
- There are no sulfates, parabens, alcohol, or silicones in the formula
- One bottle lasts for months (economical)
- Helps to clear breakouts (for oily skin types)
- Refreshing sensation
What We Don’t Like:
- Formula contains citric acid (may irritate sensitive skin)
- Witch hazel may not be suitable for dry skin
- Hydration effects are short-lived
9. COSRX AC Collection Calming Liquid Mild
Struggle with pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads? This alcohol-free product promises to improve acne-prone skin quickly.
Many reviewers conclude that this toner soothes their inflamed skin. And clears up acne for problematic skin types. It does not strip your skin dry but leaves it clear and moisturized.
Beware of its subtle herbal smell that may put you off at first. But this comforting toner is definitely a must-try for those who struggle with acne. You can even try this if you have sensitive skin!
Note: Watery gel like consistency
Size: 125ml | Price: ~RM80
What We Like:
- Alcohol free
- Free of parabens, sulfates, silicones
- Non-comedogenic
- Calming (ingredients like allantoin and camellia)
- Improves acne condition (skin can clear up within 2 weeks)
- Reduces whiteheads and blackheads alike
- Suitable for oily skin types
- Does not sting
What We Don’t Like:
- Tea tree oil may irritate sensitive skin
- Herbal scent (some may not like it)
10. COSRX AC Collection Calming Liquid Intensive
Well-liked for its gentle exfoliating properties, this product helps to shrink pimples. It brightens the face by removing dead skin cells.
Many reviews suggest that it aids in keeping the skin moisturized and refreshed. Users are amazed at its ability to help with serious acne cases (cystic acne). And even lighten acne scars.
Take caution. A strong displeasing smell may greet you when you open the cap. It’s a great help for acne-prone skin. But those with sensitive skin may experience inflammation due to the alcohol.
Size: 125ml | Price: ~RM80
What We Like:
- No parabens, silicones, or sulfates
- Gentle exfoliation (glycolic acid and lactic acid)
- Calms the skin and feels refreshing
- Hydrating enough for combination to oily skin types
- One bottle lasts for months
- Keeps breakouts under control
- Can improve cystic acne
- Can help with acne scars
What We Don’t Like:
- Has alcohol, glycolic acid, lactic acid, tea tree oil – all can irritate sensitive skin
- Alcohol is one of the main ingredients (second in the list)
- Too strong for daily use
- Off-putting smell
- May sting upon application
11. SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Highly popular in Malaysia, this Some By Mi toner is alcohol-free. It exfoliates, hydrates, and cleanses the skin. Not to forget its unique and soothing minty scent due to the tea tree oil extract.
Some reviewers note that its exfoliating effects may be too harsh. They recommend use every few days instead. But many suggest that it improves their acne problems .
In the first week of use, you may experience a sudden breakout (purging). Those who struggle with zits and pimples may reap its benefits in the long run though. Best for combination to oily skin types.
Size: 150ml | Price: ~RM55
What We Like:
- Ingredient safety ranks 86% (skincarisma)
- No alcohol
- Formula targets acne (ingredients like niacinamide, salicylic acid, witch hazel, allantoin, etc)
- Can improve acne (dries breakouts with 4-5 days’ use)
- Removes dead skin to reduce clogged pores
- Soothing subtle minty scent
- Blackheads and whiteheads take a shorter time to come to head/ clear
- Not sticky after application
- Acne scars fade gradually
- Reduces redness
What We Don’t Like:
- Citric acid and salicylic acid may be too harsh for sensitive skin
- Can cause acne flare-up in the first week of use
- Exfoliating effects may be too harsh
- May cause an allergic reaction (Tea tree oil can irritate sensitive skin)
How To Use Toner
Use a toner after cleansing your face and before applying a serum or moisturizer. Soak the cotton pad with the toner, then thoroughly swipe it over your entire face. Don’t forget your neck and chest.
The go-green option is to place a few drops of toner onto your palms. Then, press them onto your face. Make sure your hands are washed well before application.
Final Verdict
With hundreds of products in the market, it is a daunting task to choose the best toner in Malaysia in 2021. Some toners are considered cheap and affordable. While others come at extravagant prices.
Beyond the cost price, always consider your own skin type! Know which common ingredients you are allergic to. This will aid you massively in selecting the most suitable toner to try out!
