Rice toners have quietly become a go-to step in skincare routines, especially for those looking to brighten their complexion and calm irritated skin. Made with fermented rice water or rice extract, these toners offer a lightweight way to hydrate, even out skin tone, and prep the skin for other products.
Whether your skin is oily, dry, sensitive, or somewhere in between, choosing the right formula matters. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best rice toners in 2025 covering top Korean picks, options by skin type, and formulas that users on Reddit can’t stop talking about.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Is a Rice Toner?
- 2 Best Korean Rice Toners
- 3 Best Rice Toner for Oily Skin
- 4 Best Rice Toner for Dry Skin
- 5 Best Rice Toner for Acne-Prone Skin
- 6 Best Rice Toner for Combination Skin
- 7 How to Use Rice Toner in Your Routine
- 8 What Reddit Users Say About Rice Toners
- 9 Conclusion: Which Rice Toner Is Best for You?
- 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Rice Toners
What Is a Rice Toner?
A rice toner is a lightweight liquid formula designed to hydrate, tone, and brighten the skin. Its star ingredient is rice extract or fermented rice water, known for its rich amino acids and vitamins like B and E.
Popular in Korean skincare, rice toner helps improve skin tone, reduce dullness, and prepare the skin to absorb other products. Most formulas are alcohol-free and gentle, making them ideal for sensitive and irritation-prone skin.
Rice toners often include supporting ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and centella asiatica, helping them address concerns like uneven texture, redness, or dehydration.
Best Korean Rice Toners
Korean skincare brands are leading the way in rice toner formulations. These products combine traditional ingredients with modern science for lightweight yet powerful results.
1. I’m From Rice Toner
- Contains 77.78% Goami rice extract.
- Helps brighten, soften, and hydrate the skin.
Milky texture suitable for all skin types.
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2. Beauty of Joseon Ginseng + Rice Toner
- Dual-layer formula that hydrates and controls oil.
- Contains rice extract, panthenol, and amino acids.
- Helps even skin tone and boost moisture.
- Strengthens the skin barrier against dryness and stress.
- Suitable for oily, sensitive, and combination skin.
3. Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner
- Made with fermented black rice and bamboo shoot bark.
- Boosts hydration and supports skin elasticity.
- Contains hyaluronic acid for deep, long-lasting moisture.
- Glycerin helps draw and lock in hydration.
- Strengthens the skin barrier and soothes sensitivity.
- Vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and paraben-free.
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
These Korean rice toners are ideal for anyone looking to build a gentle, effective base layer in their skincare routine.
Best Rice Toner for Oily Skin
Oily skin needs hydration without heaviness. A good rice toner for oily skin should be lightweight, quick-absorbing, and non-comedogenic.
Top Pick: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner
This toner features fermented black rice and bamboo extract to support hydration, elasticity, and skin resilience. It includes hyaluronic acid and plant-based glycerin to help retain moisture and reinforce the skin barrier. The formula is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and suitable for all skin types. It’s also free from parabens and is labeled as vegan and cruelty-free.
Pros:
- Effectively hydrates without drying the skin.
- Suitable for sensitive skin and oily skin.
- Leaves a healthy, natural glow.
- Good value for the quality.
Cons:
- Scent is described as musty by some users.
- A few customers reported irritation like redness or burning.
Best Rice Toner for Dry Skin
Dry skin benefits from thicker rice toners with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, squalane, or ceramides. Look for products that help seal in moisture.
Top Pick: I’m From Rice Toner
Formulated with nourishing rice extract, this toner features a rich, milky texture that hydrates and softens dry skin. The alcohol-free formula helps soothe irritation while supporting long-lasting moisture retention. Its smooth consistency makes it ideal for layering under heavier creams, and the fragrance-free formulation is suitable for sensitive skin. Designed to improve skin tone and overall radiance, it’s a strong option for dry or dehydrated skin types.
Pros:
- Deep hydration with a creamy, non-greasy texture.
- Fragrance-free and gentle on sensitive skin.
- Helps even skin tone and supports a healthy glow.
Cons:
- Some feel it’s not worth the price.
Best Rice Toner for Acne-Prone Skin
Acne-prone skin requires gentle toners that calm inflammation, reduce redness, and support barrier repair. Rice toner helps soothe breakouts without irritation.
Top Pick: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner (with rice bran extract)
This water-light toner is formulated for acne-prone and sensitive skin, combining centella asiatica extract with rice bran, niacinamide, and PHA. It gently exfoliates to smooth skin texture without irritation, while hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and betaine support moisture balance. Free from parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrance, it helps reduce redness and prepares skin for better absorption of follow-up products. The formula is lightweight and calming, ideal for daily use on reactive or blemish-prone skin.
Pros:
- Gently exfoliates with PHA without stripping.
- Soothes irritation and reduces redness.
- Fragrance-free and paraben-free.
Cons:
- May be too lightweight for very dry skin.
Best Rice Toner for Combination Skin
Combination skin needs a toner that hydrates dry areas while staying light enough for oilier zones. A balanced rice toner is ideal here.
Top Pick: Beauty of Joseon Ginseng + Rice Toner
This dual-layer toner blends a light milky emulsion with rice extract and panthenol to balance oil and moisture. It helps protect the skin barrier with amino acids and antioxidants while keeping pores clear. Suitable for oily, combination, and sensitive skin, it absorbs quickly and leaves the skin feeling soft and refreshed. The formula is hydrating yet non-greasy, providing a healthy glow.
Pros:
- Balances oil and moisture effectively.
- Supports skin barrier with antioxidants and amino acids.
- Lightweight and absorbs quickly.
Cons:
- Some users notice a mild or unusual scent.
- Moisturizing effect may not be enough for very dry skin.
How to Use Rice Toner in Your Routine
Rice toner is typically used after cleansing and before serums or moisturizers. Here’s how to use it:
- Cleanse your face thoroughly.
- Apply toner to your hands or a cotton pad.
- Pat into skin gently—do not rub.
- Follow with your serum, moisturizer, and SPF (AM).
Rice toner can be used both morning and night. For extra hydration, try layering it twice. Always store it in a cool, dry place, and shake if it has a milky consistency.
What Reddit Users Say About Rice Toners
Reddit skincare communities frequently recommend rice toners for their gentle, effective performance. On subreddits like r/AsianBeauty and r/SkincareAddiction, users mention benefits such as:
- Noticeable brightening after regular use.
- Reduced irritation and redness.
- Improved hydration without breakouts.
Top rice toners mentioned by Reddit users include:
- I’m From Rice Toner for dullness and dryness.
Users often describe it as deeply hydrating and calming, especially for dry or sensitive skin. Some say it helps smooth out skin texture and boost glow. - Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Toner for oily skin.
Many highlight how lightweight and fast-absorbing it feels, while still providing good moisture. The fragrance-free version is especially preferred by those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. - Beauty of Joseon Rice + Ginseng Toner for glow and texture.
Redditors appreciate how it balances oil and moisture without feeling heavy. It’s often mentioned for improving skin tone and softening rough patches.
Users emphasize patch testing and pairing rice toner with gentle serums or moisturizers for the best results. While most experiences are positive, a few users report sensitivity—so taking it slow is always recommended.
Conclusion: Which Rice Toner Is Best for You?
Choosing the best rice toner depends on your skin type and what you want to address. Here’s a quick summary:
- Oily skin: Haruharu Wonder.
- Dry skin: I’m From Rice Toner.
- Acne-prone: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella.
- Combination skin: Beauty of Joseon.
- K-beauty favorite: All of the above.
- Reddit-recommended: I’m From, Beauty of Joseon.
Rice toners offer a gentle, effective way to support brighter, healthier skin. With the right match, they can improve hydration, reduce redness, and prepare your skin for better absorption of the rest of your routine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rice Toners
Rice toner helps hydrate and brighten the skin. It’s rich in vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants from rice extract or fermented rice water. Many users find it soothes irritation, softens texture, and preps the skin for better absorption of serums and moisturizers.
Yes, rice toner is often lightweight and helps balance oil production. Look for formulas that absorb quickly and are free from heavy oils or fragrance. Toners like Haruharu Wonder are popular among users with oily or acne-prone skin.
Most rice toners are gentle, but it depends on your skin’s sensitivity and the formula. If a toner contains added fragrance, essential oils, or heavy emollients, it might not suit acne-prone skin. Always patch test first to be safe.
You can use rice toner once or twice daily—after cleansing and before applying serum or moisturizer. Many people use it in both morning and evening routines. If your skin is very sensitive, start with once a day and observe how it reacts.
Absolutely. Many rice toners have a milky texture that delivers lasting hydration. Products like the I’m From Rice Toner are especially helpful for dry or flaky skin and can be layered for extra moisture.
Toners without alcohol, added fragrance, or essential oils are best for sensitive skin. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella and the fragrance-free version of Haruharu Wonder are gentle choices that calm irritation while providing hydration.
Yes, rice toners pair well with actives like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and centella. Avoid layering it with strong acids or retinoids at the same time if your skin is sensitive. Always build your routine gradually.
Some users notice improved hydration and glow within a few days. Brightening effects and texture improvements may take 2 to 4 weeks with consistent use. For best results, use it daily and follow up with a good moisturizer.
