Breadcrumbs ![The Need-To-Know Skincare Step The Beauty Team Swears By](https://media.sheerluxe.com/oy2GeigCgm0O3X5rKGd-vxKRpXo=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F03%2Fsl-email-130326-thumb-hero-milky-toners.jpg) ![The Need-To-Know Skincare Step The Beauty Team Swears By](https://media.sheerluxe.com/6FiC7LtfQ7DBUap0A24mmV0NgOk=/400x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F03%2Fsl-email-130326-thumb-hero-milky-toners.jpg) Image: Rhode [Skincare](/beauty/skincare) / 13 March 2026 # The Need-To-Know Skincare Step The Beauty Team Swears By Known to boost hydration, support barrier function and give your skin that glassy glow – there are multiple reasons everyone’s talking about milky toners. Here’s what you need to know, including the best ones to try… ByOrin Carlin / [ Save To My Favourites ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50846) Image: Rhode All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. ## What Is It? “A milky toner is essentially a lightweight, lotion-like liquid applied after cleansing that combines the refreshing feel of a toner with the comfort of a moisturiser. Unlike traditional alcohol-based toners – historically designed to remove excess oil and leave skin feeling tight – milky toners focus on replenishing hydration and supporting the skin barrier. Compared to an essence which is usually more watery and treatment-focused, a milky toner leans more towards cushioning hydration rather than delivering high concentrations of active ingredients.” *–* [*Dr Jinah Yoo*](https://www.instagram.com/drjinahyoo/)*, consultant dermatologist* ## Why Is It So Popular? “The trend is a direct export from Korean skincare philosophy, which prioritises a healthy skin barrier over harsh, quick fixes. It’s popular now because consumers are moving away from over-exfoliating with acids and toward barrier-focused routines. It also fits into the ‘Skipcare’ movement, involving simplifying your routine by combining the hydration of a toner and the nourishment of an essence into one step.” *–* [*Dr Christine Hall*](https://www.instagram.com/drchristinehall/)*, aesthetic doctor* ## The Benefits, Explained “The main benefits are hydration and barrier repair. It calms redness, reduces sensitivity and provides a subtle luminosity without clogging pores. While it’s a hero for dry or sensitive skin, it’s actually excellent for oily and combination types because it provides essential lipids without the heavy weight of a traditional cream.” *–* [*Dr Christine Hall*](https://www.instagram.com/drchristinehall/)*, aesthetic doctor* ## How To Incorporate It Into Your Routine Dr Hall advises looking out for ingredients that mimic the skin’s natural lipid structure – think ceramides, squalane and glycerin – as well as soothing agents such as panthenol, centella asiatica and fermented rice water to calm sensitivity. To get the best results out of your milky toner, pat it directly onto damp skin immediately after cleansing to maximise absorption and create a plump, glowy base. *Visit* [DRCHRISTINEHALL.COM](http://drchristinehall.com/) *&* [DRJINAHYOO.COM](http://drjinahyoo.com/) [Skip to the rest of this article](#sidebar-bottom) ## We think you might like ![These Clever Make-Up Staples Do All The Hard Work For You](https://media.sheerluxe.com/JZRtLgaZFkc0KSAymeX3gixIESY=/600x800/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Fsl-email-120626-commercial-code8-to-come-6.jpg) [Make-up](/beauty/make-up) / 12 June 2026 [## These Clever Make-Up Staples Do All The Hard Work For You ](/beauty/make-up/these-clever-make-up-staples-do-all-the-hard-work-for-you) ![The Team’s Favourite Grab & Go Make-Up](https://media.sheerluxe.com/S7-k324B9sPB7RIUWOkmGQGMrgI=/600x800/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Fsl-site-assets-110626-thumb-hero-team-grab-and-go-make-up.jpg) [Make-up](/beauty/make-up) / 11 June 2026 [## The Team’s Favourite Grab & Go Make-Up ](/beauty/make-up/the-teams-favourite-grab-go-make-up) ![How To Smooth Frizzy Hair](https://media.sheerluxe.com/YciTTttk5F8oG1C3Wncr758dreg=/600x800/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Fsl-site-assets-110626-thumb-hero-how-to-tackle-frizzy-hair.jpg) [Hair & Nails](/beauty/hair-nails) / 11 June 2026 [## How To Smooth Frizzy Hair ](/beauty/hair-nails/how-to-smooth-frizzy-hair) ## In case you missed it ![Massimo Dutti Accessories, Viral Beauty Buys & The Return Of Madonna](https://media.sheerluxe.com/eRyqK1vSJb5M5q2BXdh5OvGR7dE=/860x492/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Flandscape-1_0.jpg) ![Massimo Dutti Accessories, Viral Beauty Buys & The Return Of Madonna](https://media.sheerluxe.com/wuTs7VQBj29LA_KgdvZV7f950sk=/400x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Fportrait-1_0.jpg) [SheerLuxe Podcast](/video/sheerluxe-podcast) / 12 June 2026 [## Massimo Dutti Accessories, Viral Beauty Buys & The Return Of Madonna ](/video/sheerluxe-podcast/massimo-dutti-accessories-viral-beauty-buys-the-return-of-madonna) --- ## THE BEST MILKY TONERS TO TRY [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/rVv4Ir6PAuuU7jeejc0x8CnZA6Q=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F03%2Fnaturium-multi-bright-milky-toner.jpg) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=59805&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spacenk.com%2Fuk%2Fskincare%2Ftoner%2Ftoners%2Fmulti-bright-milky-toner-MUK200061317.html) ## Best For Brightening #### Multi-Bright Milky Toner, £19 | Naturium New from Naturium, this is a great option if you want your skin to appear brighter and more even. Formulated with an azelaic acid derivative and fermented grape extract, this milky blend exfoliates dead skin cells and boosts glow while treating dark spots. *Available at* [SPACENK.COM](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=59805&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spacenk.com%2Fuk%2Fskincare%2Ftoner%2Ftoners%2Fmulti-bright-milky-toner-MUK200061317.html) [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/-WuL9ixm96XELXXozwGzH92JKfI=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F03%2Fthe-ordinary-saccharomyces-ferment-30-milky-toner.jpg) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=29849&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Ftheordinary.com%2Fen-gb%2Fsaccharomyces-ferment-30-milky-toner-100647.html) ## Best For Sensitive Skin #### Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner, £12.40 | The Ordinary If your skin is prone to dryness or sensitivity, this will be your new best friend. Powered by saccharomyces ferment (a yeast-derived exfoliant), it gently resurfaces without the harshness of some acids. A hint of squalane helps support the barrier, leaving skin smoother, calmer and comfortably hydrated. *Available at* [THEORDINARY.COM](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=29849&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Ftheordinary.com%2Fen-gb%2Fsaccharomyces-ferment-30-milky-toner-100647.html) --- [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/e7jiYDVA3myyFqZ83y4bzmbWbxM=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F03%2Frhode-glazing-milk-ceramide-facial-essence.jpg) ](https://sephora.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l5hxvM/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.co.uk%2Fp%2Frhode-glazing-milk-ceramide-facial-essence) ## Best For Under Make-Up #### Glazing Milk Ceramide Facial Essence, £32 | Rhode Not all viral products actually live up to the hype, but this certainly does. It floods your skin with moisture and – true to its name – gives it the most incredible bouncy, glazed-like finish. Boosted by ceramides, it also replenishes essential lipids and creates the perfect ultra-dewy canvas for under your make-up. *Available at* [SEPHORA.CO.UK](https://sephora.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l5hxvM/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.co.uk%2Fp%2Frhode-glazing-milk-ceramide-facial-essence) --- [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/eVn2ypmIpWRlrb3mXx6pjUJ2pv8=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F03%2Finkey-lab-nourishing-rice-milk-toner.jpg) ](https://the-inkey-list.sjv.io/NGkaAK) ## Best For Barrier Support #### Nourishing Rice Milk Hydrating Toner, £15 | Inkey Lab Tested and refined based on consumer feedback, this Inkey Lab formula is designed with real skin concerns in mind. Lightweight and silky, it gives your skin a fresh, plump quality and supports healthy barrier function thanks to the hero ingredient, fermented rice extract. Pat into the skin using your fingertips or sweep all over using a cotton pad. *Available at* [THEINKEYLIST.COM](https://the-inkey-list.sjv.io/NGkaAK) [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/ZnDtVUfPqPFEg4RgZsK0Veu_mdk=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F03%2Fgood-beauty-of-joseon-glow-replenishing-rice-milk-toner.jpg) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=59805&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spacenk.com%2Fuk%2Fskincare%2Ftoner%2Ftoners%2Fglow-replenishing-rice-milk-UK200062576.html) ## Best For Balance #### Glow Replenishing Rice Milk, £15.50 | Beauty of Joseon Korean skincare label Beauty of Joseon is best known for its viral, feather-light suncare, but another formula worth trying is its milky toner. Full of rice extract, amino acids, panthenol and all-important nutrients, it works to hydrate while also absorbing oil and minimising shine – an easy win for combination skin. *Available at* [SPACENK.COM](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=59805&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spacenk.com%2Fuk%2Fskincare%2Ftoner%2Ftoners%2Fglow-replenishing-rice-milk-UK200062576.html) --- [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/OxjZzgyPqkchfvC_X2C4h9hSef0=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F03%2Fgood-violettefr-boum-boum-milk.jpg) ](https://liberty.prf.hn/click/camref:1110lurq/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.libertylondon.com%2Fuk%2FBOUM-BOUM-MILK-100ML-R700763006.html) ## Best For Easy Spritzing #### Boum-Boum Milk, £65 | Violette\_FR Created by French make-up artist Violette Serrat, this clever hybrid is perfect for easy spritzing. It comes out in a fine mist. Simply give it a shake and spray it all over your face for an instant refresh. Formulated with fermented birch sap, it soothes inflammation fast and leaves your skin feeling calm and comfortable. *Available at* [LIBERTYLONDON.COM](https://liberty.prf.hn/click/camref:1110lurq/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.libertylondon.com%2Fuk%2FBOUM-BOUM-MILK-100ML-R700763006.html) [Skip to the rest of this article](#sidebar-bottom) ## We think you might like ![These Clever Make-Up Staples Do All The Hard Work For You](https://media.sheerluxe.com/JZRtLgaZFkc0KSAymeX3gixIESY=/600x800/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Fsl-email-120626-commercial-code8-to-come-6.jpg) [Make-up](/beauty/make-up) / 12 June 2026 [## These Clever Make-Up Staples Do All The Hard Work For You ](/beauty/make-up/these-clever-make-up-staples-do-all-the-hard-work-for-you) ![The Team’s Favourite Grab & Go Make-Up](https://media.sheerluxe.com/S7-k324B9sPB7RIUWOkmGQGMrgI=/600x800/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Fsl-site-assets-110626-thumb-hero-team-grab-and-go-make-up.jpg) [Make-up](/beauty/make-up) / 11 June 2026 [## The Team’s Favourite Grab & Go Make-Up ](/beauty/make-up/the-teams-favourite-grab-go-make-up) ![How To Smooth Frizzy Hair](https://media.sheerluxe.com/YciTTttk5F8oG1C3Wncr758dreg=/600x800/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Fsl-site-assets-110626-thumb-hero-how-to-tackle-frizzy-hair.jpg) [Hair & Nails](/beauty/hair-nails) / 11 June 2026 [## How To Smooth Frizzy Hair ](/beauty/hair-nails/how-to-smooth-frizzy-hair) ## 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