As a longtime beauty editor who tests Korean skin care products for a living, I’ve tried some of the best rice toners on the market. Though, they’ve been around long before K-beauty took over TikTok. Centuries ago they were already an essential step in Joseon-era Korean skin care routines. “Historically, Korean women would rinse their faces with rice water for a luminous, even-toned complexion,” says Charlotte Cho, a licensed esthetician based in New York City and cofounder of skin care brand Then I Met You and online retailer Soko Glam. Of course, today’s options look a little different than just plain rice and water. “Modern ones take this tradition to the next level, often incorporating fermented rice extracts to boost antioxidant benefits and deeply nourish the skin,” says Cho. “They’re loved for their gentle yet effective approach, making them a go-to for hydration, brightening dull skin, and soothing irritation.”
To make sure we’re sharing the best picks, I spoke with dermatologists and sought out real reviews from K-beauty experts about their standout formulas. Below, the best ones for any skin type and concern.
The best rice toners, at a glance
- Best Overall: I’m From Rice Toner, $24
- Best Affordable Rice Toner: The Face Shop Rice Ceramide Moisturizing Toner, $11
- Best for Dry Skin: TirTir Milk Skin Toner, $20
- Best for Oily Skin: Aprilskin Artemisia Rice Essence Toner, $18
- Best for Dull Skin: Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner, $22
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner for Sensitive Skin, $18
- Best for Mature Skin: House of Dohwa Rice Makgeolli Toner, $30
- Best for Pores: Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk, $18
- Best for Skin Barrier: Goodal Vegan Rice Milk Moisturizing Toner, $18
- Best for Firming: DK Refreshing Rice Water Toner, $32
Best Rice Toner Overall: I’m From Rice Toner
The I’m From Rice Toner is a K-beauty cult favorite for its unique two-layer formula. “It’s a well-formulated hydrating and brightening toner,” says Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City. “It contains 77.78% rice extract, which is rich in amino acids, antioxidants, and vitamins to brighten and nourish the skin. It also contains niacinamide, a well-researched antioxidant beneficial for brightening, regulating sebum, and repairing oxidative damage.” While the separate layers aren’t immediately visible in the bottle, Dr. Chang says you should shake it up to combine them. “The milky emulsion layer requires shaking each time before application,” she explains.
Cho loves this formula for its “beautifully milky texture that feels light but deeply hydrating, never heavy.” Dr. Chang especially recommends it for combination skin types. “I love its lightweight, nongreasy feel that leaves my skin with a dewy finish—without feeling heavy in the oily parts of the skin,” she says. “It’s great for combination skin because it hydrates without clogging pores, all while balancing sebum.” While the formula looks thick in the bottle, combining the layers results in a lightweight texture. “On drier days, I layer it for extra moisture, and when my skin feels more balanced, just one application gives me that healthy, bouncy glow,” says Cho. “The rice extract is incredible for brightening and evening out skin tone over time. If you want that signature K-beauty glow but don’t want anything too rich, this is it.”
What our reviewer says: Glamour contributor Sarah Y. Wu also has seen impressive results from the iconic formula. “I brought this little travel size back from Seoul because I couldn’t fit the full size in my suitcase,” she says. “But the formula was so comfortable and hydrating, I knew I had to at least make room for the mini.”
Best Affordable Rice Toner: The Face Shop Rice Ceramide Moisturizing Toner
If you want to get in on the benefits of rice toner without spending a lot, one of our favorite affordable options is The Face Shop Rice Ceramide Moisturizing Toner, which blends rice bran oil and rice extract together with popular hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramide NP. Plus, you’ll get the benefits of rice in every drop. “Rice contains powerful antioxidants that can protect against oxidative stress caused by UV exposure and environmental pollutants, as well as anti-inflammatory properties that help calm and soothe the skin,” says Dr. Chang. “In addition, rice extract has been shown to help stimulate collagen production for possible antiaging benefits.”
What our reviewer says: Glamour testers say it holds up well in testing too. “I use rice toners whenever I want a formula that gently brightens, hydrates, and softens in one step,” says Wu. “You can apply them with a saturated cotton pad after cleansing, but I usually just pour the formula straight onto my hands and pat all over my face. This is a great entry rice toner if you’re new to the category, and I love how soft my skin feels after using it. It does have a mild ‘clean’ scent, so I’d recommend trying one of the fragrance-free options on this list if you’re sensitive to that.”
Best Rice Toner for Dry Skin: TirTir Milk Skin Toner
TirTir’s Milk Skin Toner won a spot on our list of best Korean skin care products for its intensely hydrating benefits. While it’s TikTok-famous as a milk toner (the category of creamy-hued Korean toners that look like a glass of milk), the formula also features rice bran extract. This rice toner is made for all skin types, but we found that its mix of hydrating ingredients (including hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and panthenol) make it an especially good pick for dry and sensitive skin. If you’re used to traditional toners, this will feel more nourishing and a little thicker than formulas you’ve used before. “The milky texture feels like a soft hug for my skin, instantly soothing and plumping it up with hydration,” says Cho. “I love how it preps my skin for the rest of my routine without feeling heavy or sticky. It’s perfect for days when my skin feels tight or needs extra nourishment, and it layers beautifully under serums and moisturizers.”
What our reviewer says: Wu also keeps a bottle in rotation. “I have the mini size here—the full version looks like a much bigger glass of milk,” she says. “My favorite thing about this formula is how it leaves my skin looking instantly plumper and dewier. I like to pat an extra layer over my midface where I get the most dry.”
Best Rice Toner for Oily Skin: Aprilskin Artemisia Rice Essence Toner
Most of the rice toners we tested had a thicker, nourishing consistency. But for those with oily skin who want the most lightweight formula possible, we loved the Aprilskin Artemisia Rice Essence Toner, which feels like a refreshing splash of water. “This is a soothing and hydrating toner that works especially well for oily and acne-prone skin,” says Dr. Chang. “It’s formulated with rice extract as well as artemisia (mugwort) extract, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It also contains niacinamide, which regulates sebum production and soothes the skin.” In testing, we loved the soothing, refreshing effects of this rice toner.
What our reviewer says: “The cooling sensation feels incredible on my skin, especially when my face gets red or the rosacea on my midface flares up,” says Wu. “I also like that this toner is lightweight and absorbs in seconds but still gives me plenty of hydration. I avoid applying heavy skin care in my T-zone where I get oily throughout the day, but I can’t imagine this formula feeling too heavy for anyone.”
Best Rice Toner for Dull Skin: Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Any rice toner can give you radiant skin thanks to rice’s inherent glow-boosting properties. “Rice contains ferulic acid, phytic acid, and niacinamide, which are known for their brightening effects, making them beneficial for treating hyperpigmentation and dull complexion,” says Dr. Chang. For a true glass-skin glow, the Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner takes that to the next level by pairing the ingredient with additional brighteners like vitamin C, arbutin, and niacinamide—plus hyaluronic acid and ceramide NP for moisture.
What our reviewer says: “Whenever I want my skin to look extra glassy and radiant, I use this rice toner as a first step before any of my other skin care,” says Wu. “It looks like a translucent milk toner, but the texture is a true liquid, so it absorbs in seconds. It immediately makes my complexion look brighter and so healthy. It’s also a nice way to gradually brighten dark spots after breakouts. If I want to really maximize the glowy finish, I layer it under a vitamin C serum for a double dose of brightening that still stays gentle on my sensitive skin.”
Best Rice Toner for Sensitive Skin: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner
Haruharu Wonder makes two versions of this excellent Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner. If your skin is sensitive or gets easily dry and irritated, we recommend the one for sensitive skin, which feels extra nourishing and gentle. “What makes it so special is the black rice extract, which is packed with antioxidants, and the hyaluronic acid, which deeply hydrates without overwhelming sensitive skin,” says Cho. “I love that it’s fragrance-free and absorbs instantly, leaving behind this soft, dewy finish.” Cho likens the effect to a “glass of water for thirsty, irritated skin” and says this is her “perfect toner for soothing redness and irritation while still giving that signature K-beauty glow.”
What our reviewer says: Wu says this rice toner is perfect for keeping her complexion hydrated throughout the night. “I reach for this rice toner often in my evening skin care routine,” she says. “It keeps my skin hydrated while I sleep, even if I have the heater on. It’s on the thicker side and leaves my face feeling plump and bouncy. When I have dry patches on my cheeks and around my nose, this instantly softens and smooths them out without causing further irritation.”
Best Rice Toner for Mature Skin: House of Dohwa Rice Makgeolli Toner
Makgeolli, or Korean rice wine, is the hero ingredient in House of Dohwa’s Rice Makgeolli Toner, which includes adenosine, ceramide, and niacinamide alongside yeast-fermented rice extracts derived from the popular drink. “Fermentation has been shown to enhance the benefits of rice extract,” explains Dr. Chang. “Fermentation amplifies the production of beneficial compounds of rice extract, including amino acids, antioxidant polyphenols, polysaccharides, organic acids and vitamins. This process enhances its skin care benefits, including moisturization, antioxidation, anti-inflammation, brightening, and antiaging effects.”
All skin types can get in on the enhanced benefits of a fermented rice toner, but it’s particularly great for mature skin types that want to target dryness, dullness, fine lines, and overall skin texture. Dr. Chang personally loves that it’s “easy to layer with serums and face moisturizers.”
What our reviewer says: “This really does smell like makgeolli as soon as you open the bottle, which is a fun touch,” she says. “The scent is mild and disappears quickly though, so don’t worry; you won’t smell like rice wine after using it. The thicker formula feels luxurious and coats my skin in a lasting layer of moisture. My face feels extra plump and bouncy after using this.”
Best Rice Toner for Pores: Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk
Beauty of Joseon is widely loved for its TikTok-viral Korean sunscreen bestseller, but this Glow Replenishing Rice Milk is just as deserving of your attention. “This toner features a unique dual-layer formula, with a moisturizing layer filled with rice extract and a powder layer formulated with kaolin clay to help with oil control,” says Dr. Chang. This dual formulation creates the toner’s split look, with a clear and white layer that you need to shake to activate. Together, they help hydrate skin while also soaking up excess oil in a single formula.
What our reviewer says: “This rice toner is the ultimate for controlling shine without making my skin feel uncomfortably dry or tight,” says Wu. “It doesn’t leave my skin looking overly matte; it just creates a very natural, smooth finish that’s hydrated without being excessively dewy. I can’t feel the powder at all once it’s on my skin, but I love that this has a slight filtering effect that makes my face look smoother and my pores look less visible. It’s the best rice toner to layer under makeup, easily.”
Best Rice Toner for Skin Barrier: Goodal Vegan Rice Milk Moisturizing Toner
Any rice toner can help boost your skin barrier. As Dr. Chang explains, “rice contains essential amino acids, ceramides, and polysaccharides that hydrate and help reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier.” But if we had to pick one that’s especially effective, we’d choose the Goodal Vegan Rice Milk Moisturizing Toner. The formula has a thicker texture for lasting hydration and combines rice extract with ceramides to support your skin barrier. It’s also especially gentle and doesn’t contain any drying ingredients that could further irritate dehydrated or inflamed skin.
What our reviewer says: “I sometimes overdo it on face exfoliants, which is when this gentle rice toner comes into play,” says Wu. “While my moisture barrier heals, this keeps it hydrated and happy. The texture is on the goopier, thicker side but it’s is still easy to apply and fast-absorbing. It’s just a great no-frills rice toner that packs a ton of hydration without anything that could irritate my sensitive skin.”
Best Rice Toner for Dewy Skin: Peach & Lily Bio Rice Wine Softening Toner
Having oily skin and wanting to look like what celebrity makeup artist Nam Vo has called a “dewy dumpling” is hard. It requires the right products that will strike that perfect balance to create glow without adding excess shine. Luckily, this lightweight toner does all that—and then some. It’s made with rice wine and rice bran extract to protect skin from environmental aggressors, but it also has ginseng and urea to hold in moisture and boost natural radiance.
What our reviewer says: “It’s super lightweight and seeps easily into my skin,” says Glamour contributor Aubrey Noble. “I’m left feeling super soft and glowy, very much like the dewy dumpling of my dreams.”
Best Rice Toner for Firming: DK Refreshing Rice Water Toner
Dr. Chung says that this is ideal for those who live in hot, humid climates as it helps balance the skin without drying it out too much. It’s made with rice, which studies have shown to increase collagen production and smooth out wrinkles, as well as rose water, witch hazel, and lavender to reduce the appearance of pores and help strengthen the skin barrier. It also helps calm any inflammation and give you a nice added glow.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of using a rice toner for skin care?
Rice toners are so popular because they offer multiple benefits beyond simple hydration. “Rice toners are a staple in K-beauty because of their incredible ability to brighten, hydrate, and strengthen the skin barrier,” says Cho. Dermatologists also love them because they’re naturally packed with nourishing ingredients and usually work well even for those with sensitive skin. “From a dermatologic perspective, the benefits of rice-based toners are thanks to their active ingredients, including antioxidants, vitamins and amino acids,” says Dr. Chang. “This is particularly beneficial for individuals with dry or sensitive skin.”
What are the top-rated rice toners for reducing pores?
If you want a rice toner that can also target pores, our top pick in testing was the Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk. Along with the multiple benefits you’ll get from rice, it contains a kaolin clay powder layer that helps control shine and keep skin balanced. For more formulas that target pores without drying out your skin, check out our complete list of the best Korean toners.
What is the difference between a toner and an essence?
According to Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, a toner has a more waterlike consistency than an essence and contains exfoliating actives, humectants to hydrate the skin, and antioxidants. Christina Lee Chung, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, agrees and adds that toners are meant to be a cleansing boost while essences prep the skin to better receive serums and moisturizers.
What does rice toner do for the skin?
Dr. Chung explains that rice toner is best known for cleansing like other toners, but it also hydrates the skin. “The rice water helps to seal in moisture and contains enzymes that help exfoliate and brighten the skin,” she says. Dr. King adds that these blends may contain antioxidant properties to protect the skin from environmental aggressors as well as have antiaging benefits.
How does one use a rice toner?
A toner should be your first step after cleansing. Dr. King says it can help take off any residual dirt, oil, and makeup that your cleanser might not have removed, and it can help restore your skin’s natural pH in case your cleanser disrupts it.
You can use your hands or a cotton pad, says Dr. Chung. (Though she says that Asian people tend to use their hands to avoid waste and to maximize contact with the skin.) It’s also safe to use twice a day.
What are the downsides of using a rice toner?
Dr. King says to avoid using a rice toner if you have a rice allergy. Dr. Chung points out that overusing toners can cause dryness and irritation, so those who have dry and/or sensitive skin should start using a rice toner a few times a week and then work their way up to a greater frequency. She also warns that rice toners may block pores, so those with acne-prone skin should be cautious.
Meet our experts
- Y. Claire Chang, MD, board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City.
- Charlotte Cho, licensed esthetician based in New York City and cofounder of Then I Met You skin care brand and Soko Glam online beauty retailer
- Hadley King, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Christina Lee Chung, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group
