7 Best Milky Toners for That Soft, Supple, Glass-Skin Finish

18.10.2025, 15:10 allure.com

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If one scroll through your social media feed is any indication, the best milky toners are having a serious moment. These creamy, opaque formulas bridge the gap between a traditional toner and a lightweight moisturizer, leaving skin soft, dewy, and balanced. “Milky toners typically contain more emollients than a clear, watery toner and leave a soft, cushiony layer on the skin to help lock in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier,” says Charlotte Cho, co-founder of Soko Glam, based in New York City. While they’re especially beneficial for dry, sensitive, or compromised skin, Cho says all skin types can benefit—just layer thinly for hydration without heaviness. Some milky toners even pull double duty as a moisturizer replacement, which is perfect for those who live in humid climates or anyone with naturally oilier skin.

You’ll spot a few Korean skin-care favorites on our list (and that’s no coincidence). “K-beauty has popularized the idea of hydration-first skin care, so milky toners are a natural extension of that philosophy—deeply nourishing formulas designed to condition and restore the moisture barrier,” says Cho.

Up ahead, our editors and pros spill on the milky toners they can’t stop swiping or spritzing in their skin-care routines.

I'm From

Amazon

Ulta Beauty

Revolve

Why it's worth it: In a move that shocks absolutely no one (especially here at Allure HQ), this viral K-beauty favorite takes the crown for its glow-boosting, hydration-locking powers. I’m From Rice Toner stars rice extract from South Korea’s Yeoju region—celebrated for its crystal-clear water and nutrient-rich soil that produce some of the country’s most skin-loving rice. It’s this very rice that not only nourishes and hydrates but also gives the toner its signature milky, opaque color. “This best seller uses rice extract, rich in natural starches and proteins, to brighten and soften, and gives me that lit-from-within glow,” says Cho, who reaches for it when her skin looks tired or feels dehydrated. A few layers of this toner instantly bring bounce and radiance.

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the I’m From Rice Toner

Han after applying the I’m From Rice Toner

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

"A hydrating toner or essence is a non-negotiable step of my daytime and nighttime routines. I'm From Rice Toner is so gentle and great for all skin types: It instantly plumps my skin, giving it a brighter, refreshed look and prepping it for the serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens to follow. Now that we're in the office four days a week, I can't be bothered to wear makeup every day—but, with the help of this toner (which is so worth the hype), at least my skin looks nice and glowy." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

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Thayers

Walmart

Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Thayers Hydrating Milky Toner

Why it's worth it: You may know Thayers best for their iconic Witch Hazel Toner, but the Hydrating Milky Toner is all about delivering hydration instead of mattifying skin. This gentle, alcohol-free formula drenches skin in hydrating glycerin and sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid), while snow mushroom extract (a.k.a. tremella fuciformis polysaccharide) helps lock it all in for a long-lasting, dewy glow. Elderflower water soothes and softens, and a blend of glyceryl-based emollients smooths rough texture without any greasy residue. A few swipes are all it takes to leave skin calm, deeply hydrated, and ready to drink in the rest of your skin-care routine.

Felbin before applying the Thayers Hydrating Milky Toner

Felbin after applying the Thayers Hydrating Milky Toner

Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

“This is a major upgrade from the Seabreeze toner my mom gave me in middle school. The texture is so satisfying—it's super-thick, almost jelly-like, and feels so cooling on my face. It also sinks in seconds and gives me the perfect amount of glow. My skin looks smooth, but not too shiny (my pet peeve underneath makeup). I use it twice a day and genuinely look forward to slathering it on after I wash my face.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor

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Kiehl's

Amazon

Nordstrom

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Kiehl's Daily Refining Milk-Peel Toner

Why it's worth it: If dull skin and rough texture are stealing your shine, try Kiehl’s Daily Refining Milk-Peel Toner. This gentle, dual-phase formula pairs exfoliation with nourishment, so you get the benefits of an at-home peel without the sting. Lipohydroxy acid (a derivative of salicylic acid) and lactic acid lightly resurface to smooth uneven texture and reduce the appearance of pores, while squalane, sweet almond seed extract, and safflower oil replenish moisture and soften skin. A soothing mix of chamomile and mandarin oils adds a subtle, calming touch (and a pretty scent). Give it a quick shake to mix the milky layers, swipe it on, and watch rough, uneven skin do a 180.

Lee before applying the Kiehl's Daily Refining Milk-Peel Toner

Lee after applying the Kiehl's Daily Refining Milk-Peel Toner

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

“I’ve been fighting off a cold, complete with redness and irritation around my nose and cheeks, so trying this milky toner couldn’t have come at a better time. Despite the word ‘peel,” it feels incredibly gentle without any hint of sting. I wouldn’t call it drying, but it’s also not the most hydrating toner I’ve tried. What it does incredibly well is gently buff away dull, flaky skin—leaving a smoother surface so your moisturizer can actually sink in and get to work.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

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Chanel

Why it's worth it: Chanel’s Éclat Premier Bright Milky Essence takes a three-pronged approach to tackling dark spots and hyperpigmentation by addressing their intensity, size, and shape. The formula works not just to lighten discoloration, but also to visibly shrink and smooth the look of spots for a more even, luminous complexion overall. Ylang-ylang delivers antioxidant-rich radiance, while pure niacinamide brightens and refines texture. “This is an undeniably silky smooth luxury product made from pearl protein for radiance and gardenia fruit for antioxidant protection, says Dr. Pierre. “It’s a milky toner essence that’s perfect for anyone chasing that luminous, even glow.”

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Dr. Loretta

Dermstore

Revolve

Dr. Loretta

Why it's worth it: If your skin feels uneven or your pores look congested, Dr. Loretta’s Barrier Enhancing Milky Essence—a 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner—is your one-step solution for a smoother, more refined complexion. In K-beauty tradition, there’s a clear distinction between toners and essences: Toners are used right after cleansing to help rebalance the skin’s pH, while essences are all about delivering an extra surge of moisture deep into the skin. And though true skin-care purists might layer both in a 10-step routine, modern formulas like this one blur the lines—offering the best of both in one silky step. Formulated with niacinamide, ectoin, and glycerin, it strengthens the barrier, smooths texture, and leaves skin softer, calmer, and glowier with pores that look nearly airbrushed.

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Dr. Loretta Barrier Enhancing Milky Essence

Han after applying Dr. Loretta Barrier Enhancing Milky Essence

Tester feedback from Han

“When you try as many skin-care products as an Allure editor does, texture plays into your testing process, big time. The Best of Beauty Award should’ve clued you in but Dr. Loretta’s Barrier Enhancing Milky Essence is pure syrupy perfection—and not in the super-sticky sense you might be thinking of. It doesn’t drip down your hands/arms like a more liquidy toner or essence and is so easily spread and pat-able. Instant glow is an understatement—it’s just as perfect for perking up my skin in the A.M. as it is replenishing moisture levels come nighttime, after a long day of running around the city.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

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Laneige

Amazon

Sephora

Why it's worth it: Not only do we love that you can simply spritz it on, but Laneige's 2023 Best of Beauty-winning Cream Skin Toner is the ultimate multitasker, acting as both a toner and moisturizer in one. “You can’t talk about milky toners without mentioning Laneige. This is a classic—an ultimate solution for dry, flaky skin that plumps and comforts in one simple step,” says Cho. With ceramides, peptides, and white tea leaf extract, it helps repair the barrier, calm irritation, and leave skin silky, smooth, and deeply moisturized. “If you’re looking for soft, supple, hydrated skin, look no further than this mist,” adds Peterson Pierre, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Thousand Oaks, California.

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Violette_FR

Sephora

Violette_FR

Why it's worth it: Another multitasker on our list is this genius three-in-one formula from Violette_FR. “The Boum-Boum Milk Rebalancing Barrier Spray stands out because it’s a hydrator, toner, and serum in one that delivers intense hydration and antioxidant protection,” says Dr. Pierre. While it works beautifully for all skin types, it’s especially a savior for stressed, blemish-prone skin. The formula’s hero ingredient is fermented birch sap, which deeply hydrates while protecting your skin’s microbiome and calming inflammation. Glacial water helps rebalance minerals, squalane restores suppleness, and olive leaf extract soothes redness and helps keep breakouts in check with its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties.

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A milky toner is pretty much what it sounds like: These formulas “have a consistency that is somewhere between a liquid and a cream with a cloudy texture,” says Dr. Pierre. “They are d

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