Gentle Yet Powerful Korean Exfoliators for Every Skin Type

Destruction of your skin starts when exfoliation of dead skin cells and oils is inhibited or minimized by external or internal stresses. Exfoliation is a phenomenon in which skin sheds old or dead cells with removal of trapped oil. 

When it comes to skincare, once again korean skincare is the best. This post is about the best Korean exfoliators with chemical bases that can suit all skin types. 

Chemical exfoliants are popular nowadays as compared to physical exfoliators, which in my opinion are not that good for skin with their side effects. But now brands are trying to introduce chemical exfoliators with little or no side effects. 

Korean Exfoliators – Peeling Pads

Korean exfoliators are famous for their peeling pad usage with more fun and aesthetics. Almost all the Korean exfoliators peeling pad has same formulation the difference can be in their packing, brand names or with one or two ingredients being less or more. 

Korean exfoliators usually contain following ingredients;

• Aloe vera
• Green Tea
• Hyaluronic acid
• Glycolic, lactic or salicylic acid
• Vitamin C

Korean beauty products use very rare ingredients that are mostly not found in western beauty products that is why they are thought to be exceptional with more demand. 

The purpose of chemical exfoliator or toner pads is to remove breakouts and provide skin an even and smoother tone. The use of such exfoliators are not limited to acne-prone skin only, any kind of skin can need a little skincare or exfoliators frequently. 

You can use them by leaving on skin for 7-10 minutes or swiping them just after applying. I mostly recommend exfoliators which are free of fragrances or essential oils. 

Torriden – Balanceful Cica Toner Pad

• Cica extract is infused with vegan pads for more relieving, hydrating and soothing effects. 
• LHA removes excess sebum, offers gentle exfoliation, stimulates new cell prodduciton and fixes acne
• Hypoallergenic, free of mineral oils, alcohol and synthetic fragrances
• Suitable for combination, acne prone and sensitive skin types.

Abib – Pine Needle Pore Pad Clear Touch

• Perfect for all skin types
• Offers a smoother finishing skin texture
• Contain pine needle extract (30,000 ppm) that help clearing pores
• Help exfoliating dead cells and extra oils with even tone

Neogen – Dermalogy PoreRaser Clear BHA Pad

• Suitable for all skin types but I recommend only for oily and non sensitive skin. 
• Formulated with salicylic acid, LHA, PHA and AHA
• Exfoliates and Clear pores 
• Limited use suggested because of the strength of acids
• Enriched with pore cleansing elements and patented sebum to control extra sebum

CareZone Skin Surface Clear Toner Pad

• Best exfoliating toner korean product
• High concentration of glycerin for hydration
• BHA and PHA benefits exfoliation of dead cell from skin surface
• Low pH formula acne clear toner pad
• Green tea extract calms skin
• CareZone Skin Surface Clear Toner Pad is gentle to all skin types

Korean Exfoliating Toner for Oily Skin

Korean toner for oily skin are often termed as treatment toner for oily skin or oily skin daily toner but for me these terms are quite confusing. It is because even if a product description says suitable for daily use or exfoliation treatment it really does not mean they do so, sometimes their usage causes more destruction. 

Whenever I am asked about toners for oily skin I mostly suggest beta hydroxy acid containing products. Such products usually contain high concentrations of BHA or a mix of strong acids ideal for oily skin exfoliation. Following are some best face toner for oily skin;

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

• Contain 4% betaine salicylate, more gentler than salicylic acid and tolerable by sensitive skin
• Willow bark water boosts exfoliation and clear pores preventing irritation
• A good toner for oily skin with natural glow properties
• COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid also contain nicotinamide for brightening benefits

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

• More gentler toner for oily skin as well as for sensitive skin as compared to COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
• With formulation of mild BHA/AHA this is prescribed as treatment toner suitable for daily exfoliation
• Exfoliating apple water works as a clarifying toner soothing peeling process and absorb completely deep in to the skin for better results
• Continuous use gives a healthier, brighter and smoother skin texture

Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner: AHA + BHA

• A perfect product to be listed as face toner for oily skin performing facial scrub toner with more gentle results
• Glycolic acid and salicylic acid deliver more natural radiance and minimize irritation
• A mixture of traditional korean remedies this toner provides clear, hydrated and healthy skin

Isntree Chestnut BHA 0.9% Clear Toner

• 0.9% Betaine Salicylate makes it a gentle exfoliating toner for oily skin promoting smoother and healthier skin
• Contains chestnut shell extract enriched with tannins to regulate oil synthesis and tightens pores
• Hyaluronic acid, panthenol and glycerin enhance hydration and reduce post exfoliation dryness
• Isntree Chestnut BHA 0.9% Clear Toner can be listed in best exfoliator korean product suitable for all skins specifically ideal for oily skin

BONAJOUR Eggplant Daily BHA Toner

• Whenever I have to rate some korean skincare products I rate this toner as best korean face exfoliator because of its concerns toward skin health and appearance
• Salicylic acid (0.5%) exfoliates dead skin cells and sebum trapped in the pores giving a smooth and soft skin
• 84.43% eggplant extract provide a clean and fair skin
• An optimum pH of 5.5 gives skin healthy balance

Pyunkang Yul Acne Facial Cleanser

• BHA removes dead skin cells and tangled sebum in the pores while AHA cares dead skin cells minimizing the need of any other peeling care
• Pyunkang Yul Acne Facial Cleanser also works as korean exfoliator for acne scars as it contains a number of ingredients used in korean skincare for acne scars
• Rice extract and rice bran extract sheds all the wastes from the skin without causing skin tightness
• Contains willow bark extract, same as salicylic acid, for gentle exfoliation

ONE THING Houttuynia Cordata Clarifying Facial Cleanser

• A very gentle exfoliating korean cleanser with a mix of ingredients used in acne-prone skincare
• Salicylic acid helps in exfoliation while heatleaf plant extract provide soothing to the skin reducing irritation
• BHA, PHA and hyaluronic acid boosts oil balance and water holding capacity with moisturizing and cleansing benefits

Korean Exfoliator for Dry/Sensitive Skin

Sometimes we also get confused for putting our skin in skin type categories. Oftenly, you get oily skin patches, not the whole skin is oily. Some people have a combination of dry and sensitive skin types. I usually say that it is not the skin type what matters but the organizing strategies for your skin matter.
Based on combination, dry or sensitive skin types I have suggested some korean exfoliator toners in following 

AXIS Y PHA Resurfacing Glow Peel

• Formulated with 10% PHA offering gentle peeling, One of my favourite ingredients to be listed in chemical exfoliators which exfoliates and brightens skin without irritation
• PHA is an ingredient that you do not find in most western products that’s why I focus on Korean exfoliator tones
• This mild exfoliating peel gel is designed for daily use without causing any irritation or destruction to natural skin barrier

Formotopia BFFECT AHA 30% + Mandelic Acid 4% Serum

• A very good korean toner for dry skin, can also be used on hands and feet
• Contain 30% AHA for refined skin tone, glycolic acid for boosting glow
• Best to use on alternative days as formulation is very strong for sensitive skin
• Provide an at home facial experience in just 10 minutes

Benton PHA Peeling Toner

• Whenever I see word peeling on products I just go away ignoring them but here is one I love to use
• This korean peeling toner help to exfoliate dead skin and sebum while keeping skin moist and hydrated
• The toner if free of fragrances, PEGs, dyes, alcohols and harsh active ingredients

ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Toner

• Extremely gentle yet mild exfoliating toner to be listed in best korean chemical exfoliators
• Exfoliates dead skin cells and sebum with relieving and moisturizing finish
• By controlling oil production this korean chemical exfoliator regulates complexions with fresh and clean skin feeling

ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Peeling Gel

• Somehow similar to the above product
• Peeling gel is a very popular trend in west as you just massage it on face and fash off like a cleanser but it actually works as acne and clog pore treatment
• Enriched formulation of deep sea waters for nourishment and 8 types of hyaluronic acid for gentle exfoliation
• Contain sea salt to exfoliate dead skin cells and impurities with enhancing skin barrier strength

Haruharu WONDER Centella 3% PHA Gentle Liquid Exfoliating Serum

• If I am asked about my favourite and best korean skincare brands I always name Haruharu because of their customer skin concerns
• This 3% PHA Gentle Liquid Exfoliating Serum sets a very good example for gentle korean toners
• Very skin friendly and hypoallergenic even to sensitive skin

Isntree Chestnut PHA 5% Clear Cream

• Featured with dual properties including exfoliation and hydration gently removing dead cells and providing a softer texture to skin
• It works as a night cream applying on skin leaving it till morning wash, So, I recommend to avoid eyes because os 5% PHA concentration
• Delivers moisture to skin with a non-sticky finish

Conclusion

I recommend Korean skincare products as always because of their gentle and natural ingredient formulation and effective results with traditional Korean skincare remedies. When going for chemical exfoliation toners use them on alternative days or thrice a week, overuse may cause irreversible damage to your skin. So, it’s actually not about products or brands but your understanding with your skin, if you know that your skin can not tolerate daily use then why overburden it. Beauty is not an appearance or looks but how you manage yourself and how much you are concerned about you.