Toners – do you really need them? For skincare newbies, toners are like an in-between step to use after your cleanser and before your serums, essences, and moisturiser. You can either spray it on your face, apply the toner to a cotton pad and swipe it across the skin, or just add a few drops to your hand and pat it onto your face. Some toners even come in pre-soaked pads! They’re an easy way to add a little boost of hydration or even address skin concerns like excess oil, pigmentation issues, and enlarged pores. If you use a cotton pad, the swiping motion of the cotton pad can also gently exfoliate away dead skin cells and any buildup, making your skin smoother for your makeup application.

Japanese toners, on the other hand, are on a whole new level. Also known as lotion, they typically aim to deeply hydrate the skin, whilst also nourishing the dermis for healthier, more resilient skin. Simultaneously, these Japanese toners also help to strengthen the skin barrier, which will lead to fewer breakouts, diminished appearance of pores, and less redness and inflammation, too. Japanese toners are particularly great if you have dry or sensitive skin, so carry on reading to find out the best Japanese toner for you!

Best Japanese Toners & Lotions

1. Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Lotion

Is it a surprise to anybody that the top spot goes to the Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Lotion? Truly one of the best Japanese toners on the market, this product absolutely deserves the hype it’s been getting on social spaces. It’s exactly what it sounds like – it’s a conditioner, for your skin! Its star ingredient is Hatomugi, also known as Job’s tears or adlay millet, which offers superior hydration and nourishing properties. This skin conditioner will be especially helpful if you have dryness, redness, irritation issues or even eczema, because it’s sure to calm any inflammation.

Why we love it:

  • Deeply nourishing
  • Can be used as a face mask
  • Soothes irritation and redness

Price: RM 33.90

Where to buy: Guardian

2. Hada Labo Premium Hydrating Lotion

If you want baby soft skin, you should definitely give the Premium Hydrating Lotion by Hada Labo a go! It’s made with seven types of Hyaluronic Acid to penetrate every layer of the skin, ensuring that your skin will be hydrated from the inside out. Free from fragrances, mineral oils, alcohol, and paraben, this is a great Japanese toner for all skin types. Plus, it’s pH-balanced, mild, and gentle on skin, making it a great addition for your daily skincare routine. It has a slightly thicker texture than most toners, but it’ll absorb really into the skin.

Why we love it:

  • Contains seven types of Hyaluronic Acid
  • Deeply hydrates the skin
  • Reduces moisture loss

Price: RM 70.90

Where to buy: Watsons

3. SKII Facial Treatment Clear Lotion

Add a touch of luxury with the SKII Facial Treatment Clear Lotion! One of the best Japanese toners in Malaysia to get soft, smooth skin, this toner is best used with cotton pad to swipe away impurities and excess oil. It’s formulated with SKII’s proprietary PITERATM, which contains over 50 micro-nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, as well as organic acids that facilitate the skin’s natural functions for healthier, more resilient skin. Use this toner both day and night consistently, and watch how your skin transforms into the smoothest, most supple skin of your life.

Why we love it:

  • Formulated with PITERATM
  • Removes stubborn impurities
  • Leaves skin smooth and radiant

Price: RM 250

Where to buy: Lazada

4. MOMOPURI Peach Moist Barrier Lotion

If you’ve got dry, dehydrated skin, or acne-prone skin, then you definitely need to try the MOMOPURI Peach Moist Barrier Lotion. Its ingredient list is phenomenal – it’s not only formulated with lactic acid that can exfoliate the skin, maintain the skin’s hydration levels, and enhance skin elasticity, it also contains Amino Acid, Vitamin C and Vitamin A, in addition to ceramides! However, it does have a peach scent, which might not be suitable for sensitive skin. Overall, we definitely think that it needs more love!

Why we love it:

  • Reduces appearance of pores
  • Supports a healthy skin barrier
  • Nourishes and hydrates the skin

Price: RM 41.90

Where to buy: Shopee

5. MUJI Sensitive Series Moisturizing Toning Water

We all know and love MUJI for their household products, but their health and beauty section is super slept on. One of our favourite items from them is their Moisturizing Toning Water – one of the best Japanese toners, hands down. It’s lightweight, sinks really quickly into the skin, and does an amazing job at keeping the skin hydrated and supple. This toner contains natural water from Kamaishi, in the Iwate Prefecture, and really gentle on the skin. It’s also free from ethanol, parabens, fragrances, artificial colouring, and mineraloils, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin.

Why we love it:

  • Suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive
  • Super lightweight
  • Contains natural water from Kamaishi

Price: RM 41.90

Where to buy: Shopee

6. Bioré Witch Hazel Pore Clarifying Toner

If you’ve got acne or congested skin, then quiet up and listen down. The Bioré Witch Hazel Pore Clarifying Toner will do wonders for congested pores, thanks to its infusion of Witch Hazel. It’s an amazing clarifying ingredient that easily gets rid of grime and excess makeup, tightens pores, and reduces irritation. Not only that, this toner is also formulated with Salicylic Acid, which can really help to reduce acne and inflammation. It’s also oil-free and and lightweight, but it may not be suitable fro those with sensitive skin.

Why we love it:

  • Suitable for oily or congested skin
  • Contains Salicylic Acid and Witch Hazel
  • Diminishes appearance of pores

Price: RM 57.45

Where to buy: iHerb

7. Shiseido Treatment Softener

Yeah, we know the name is really basic, but the Shiseido Treatment Softener really is one of the best Japanese toners in Malaysia. Best for normal or combination to oily skin, this toner will moisturise the skin for up to 24-hours for all day freshness! This is a particularly great toner for mature skin, as it’s able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as create a more refined and radiant complexion. Dermatologist-tested, it’s formulated with Kirishima mineral spring water, mugwort, Lempuyang Extract to brighten the skin, as well as Witch Hazel, which can also reduce signs of ageing.

Why we love it:

  • Dermatologist-tested,
  • Improves fine lines
  • Refines skin texture

Price: RM 240

Where to buy: Shiseido


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