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Japanese Toners vs Lotions – What’s The Difference?
In Japan, what is commonly referred to as lotion is typically a hydrating and slightly thicker liquid that can resemble what we think of as a toner in Western beauty products. Japanese lotions are designed to hydrate and moisturize the skin and are an important step in the typical Japanese four step skincare routine. Japanese lotions are designed to hydrate and moisturize the skin, whilst toners are typically used for cleansing and refining the skin, addressing issues like uneven skin tone, and prepping skin for the application of moisturizers and serums.
Japanese vs Western Toners – Which Is Better?
Whilst the notion of which type of toner is better is subjective, here are a few reasons why you might want to consider using a Japanese toner over a Western one. Firstly, Japanese toners are often multifunctional products, combining toner, essence, and moisturizer in one product. This streamlines your beauty routine, saving you time and money.
Also, Japanese skincare products often incorporate traditional ingredients and combine it with the latest technology, to create unique products. Common natural ingredients found in skincare products include rice bran, green tea, sake, and seaweed, known for their antioxidants and skin-soothing properties.
Japanese skincare products are very high-quality. It’s important to note that in Japanese culture much emphasis is placed on taking a preventative approach to beauty, therefore high-quality skincare products align well with these values.
In this article, we’ll recommend some of our favorite Japanese toners. Whilst there are toners to address every skin type, consumers with dry or dehydrated skin are especially likely to benefit from incorporating a Japanese toner into their skincare routine.
How we decided
- Skin ConcernEach product targets a clear need such as hydration, acne, pores, brightening, aging, or sensitivity
- Skin TypeIncluded options for dry, sensitive, oily, acne-prone, normal, and mature skin so the list covers everyone
- Formula Quality & IngredientsFocus on effective Japanese formulations and low-irritant Japanese formulations
- Texture and UsabilityProducts absorb well and layer easily in routines
The 13 Best Japanese Toners for Every Skin Type
1. Dr.Ci:Labo VC100 Essence Lotion
Dr.Ci:Labo VC100 Essence Lotion Pore Refining Toner is a high-performance Japanese toner designed to improve pores, dullness, uneven texture, and dryness in one step. Formulated with a potent vitamin C derivative, it helps refine skin texture while supporting firmness and clarity.
The lightweight, serum-like texture absorbs quickly without stickiness, leaving skin smooth, hydrated, and refreshed. Infused with natural orange essential oil, it delivers a subtle, energizing scent during application.
Free from alcohol, mineral oil, colorants, and parabens, this toner suits daily use and works well for most skin types seeking brighter, more refined-looking skin.
Pros
- Refines pores and boosts brightness
- Lightweight, non-sticky finish
- Multi-concern care in one step
Cons
- May feel light for very dry skin
- Citrus scent may not suit everyone
2. Muji Toning Water for Sensitive Skin
Muji Toning Water for Sensitive Skin is a gentle, high-moisture Japanese toner made for dry and sensitive skin. Developed by Muji, this hypoallergenic formula uses 100% naturally derived ingredients to calm and hydrate the skin.
Ceramides, five amino acids, and plant extracts help strengthen the moisture barrier and prevent dryness. The thick yet lightweight texture absorbs smoothly, creating a protective layer without irritation.
Free from alcohol, fragrance, mineral oil, parabens, and artificial colorants, it suits daily use and layering. Ideal for skin that feels tight, reactive, or easily dehydrated.
Pros
- Very gentle and suitable for sensitive skin
- Deep, long-lasting hydration
- Alcohol-free and fragrance-free
Cons
- Thick texture may feel heavy on oily skin
- No active treatments like brightening or anti-aging
3. Rohto Obagi X Lift Lotion Beauty Toner
Rohto Obagi X Lift Lotion Beauty Toner utilizes the latest research in skin cells and aims to tackle signs of aging, making it ideally suited to consumers in their thirties and forties. Providing a deep level of hydration, this product’s unique formula contains peptides, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and platinum prescription to aid skin resilience and give your complexion a dewy look.
The toner has a thick but easily absorbed texture. It also has a relaxing floral aroma of frankincense, rosemary, and geranium for a more enjoyable and calming experience.
Pros
- Deep hydration and firming
- Rich formula with peptides, collagen, hyaluronic acid
- Absorbs well despite thick texture
Cons
- Thicker feel may be heavy for oily skin
- Contains fragrance
4. Albion Skin Conditioner Essential Toner
Albion Skin Conditioner Essential Toner is ideally suited to consumers with problem skin prone to pores by removing excess sebum. It contains carefully selected ingredients to moisturize and restore skin to its best possible condition.
The core ingredient included within this Japanese toner is an organic plant-based extract called "Kita no Hato", a variety of Job’s tears, a tall perennial grass cultivated in the cooler climate of Hokkaido, Japan.
The Albion Skin Conditioner Essential Toner has been a popular skincare product in Japan since 1974. With regular use, consumers can expect results to include clearer, dewy-looking skin.
Pros
- Calms and purifies skin
- Helps prevent pimples
- Refreshing, cooling feel
Cons
- Can feel drying for very dry skin
- Not very moisturizing on its own
5. Marna White Conc Lotion Toner
Marna White Conc Body Lotion Skin Brightening Mist Toner also doubles as a Japanese moisture mist for a quick hydration fix. The toner can be sprayed onto any skin areas in need of hydration and has a watery texture which is easily absorbed into the skin.
Unlike most other toners and lotions, this product’s spray function makes it convenient to reach difficult areas such as the back. You can also use this product to help prevent spots and freckles caused by sun exposure whilst moisturizing and nourishing the skin.
Pros
- Easy spray application
- Lightweight, fast absorbing
- Helps brighten skin tone
Cons
- Fragrance may irritate sensitive skin
- Contains alcohol
6. DHC Mild Lotion Hydrating Toner
DHC Mild Lotion Hydrating Toner for All Skin Types 180ml is a toner that can be used for any skin type, providing moisturizing benefits to all consumers, whether you have dry, oily, or sensitive skin.
This toner has a luxurious blend of moisturizing ingredients, including plant extracts rich in vitamins, that work effectively to improve skin texture and make your complexion brighter and more translucent. The DHC toner also helps to improve your skin’s natural moisturizing ability by adjusting the balance of water and oil.
DHC Mild Lotion is free from irritants such as fragrance, coloring, paraben, and has a mild acidity making it suitable for consumers with sensitive skin.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Gentle, low-irritation formula
- Balances oil and moisture
Cons
- Basic hydration only
- No active treatment benefits
7. Orbis Clearful Lotion M Hydrating Toner
Orbis Clearful Lotion M Hydrating Toner for Acne is formulated with active ingredients that target and treat the root causes of acne. This toner works deeply inside the pores to increase the antimicrobial peptides – molecules that protect against bacteria, ultimately improving the skin's resistance against acne.
Active ingredients in this toner include gromwell root extract, a plant native to Japan which restores skin balance and has soothing properties, as well as improving the skin’s protective function. This toner also contains licorice root extract which contains anti-bacterial properties to prevent acne aggravation, in addition to aloe vera, pearl barley and mugwort extracts to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
Pros
- Targets acne at the root
- Oil-free, gentle formula
- Hydrates without clogging pores
Cons
- Best for mild to moderate acne
- Results take time to show
8. Kracie Hadabisei Acne Care Tone
Kracie Hadabisei Acne Care Lotion is designed for consumers with concerns about adult acne, helping to protect your skin from further breakouts whilst improving its current condition.
The toner has a watery texture effective at retaining moisture and contains a powerful blend of hydrating ingredients including collagen, hyaluronic acid, and nine plant-based formulas. It’s also allergy tested making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Helps prevent adult acne
- Lightweight, hydrating texture
- Allergy and non-comedogenic tested
Cons
- Mild acne care only
- Limited oil control
9. Kitao Matcha Essence Toner
Kitao Matcha Essence Lotion features food-based and natural ingredients including organic matcha powder sourced from Uji in Kyoto. Matcha is known for its high content of antioxidants which are very beneficial for your health and skin.
Other active ingredients within this toner include chia seeds, quinoa seeds, and acai berries, along with plant extracts and sake lees to enhance its moisturizing benefits. This toner is kind on all skin types and is free from potential irritants like parabens and mineral oils. It’s also a cruelty-free product and does not use animal testing in its production.
Pros
- Antioxidant-rich matcha formula
- Gentle, clean ingredients
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Light hydration only
- Results are subtle over time
10. Aqualabel Cica Serum Toner
Aqualabel Cica Serum Treatment Lotion for normal skin is a serum-grade Japanese lotion that delivers deep, long-lasting hydration while helping prevent blemishes. Developed by Shiseido, this formula penetrates into the stratum corneum to replenish moisture and support skin clarity.
Enriched with cica-based care, it helps keep skin calm, smooth, and balanced. The lightweight yet nourishing texture absorbs easily, leaving skin soft without heaviness.
Suitable for daily use, it works well for normal skin types looking for hydration, improved texture, and a clear, healthy-looking complexion.
Pros
- Normal skin needing deep hydration
- Blemish-prone but not acne-heavy skin
- Daily moisture and skin balance
Cons
- Not strong enough for severe acne
- May feel basic for anti-aging needs
11. Keana Beaute Pore Tightening Toner
Meishoku Keana Beaute Pore Tightening Cruelty-Free & Halal Skin Lotion is the ideal toner for consumers concerned about enlarged pores, sebum shine, and rough skin texture. This product effectively tightens pores to prevent the skin from experiencing further issues.
This toner’s formula is completely vegan and is also halal certified with received certification from the Japan Asian Halal Association. It contains active ingredients such as vitamin C and Cica which are rich in antioxidants, helping to decrease moisture loss and aid in cellular repair.
The formula also helps the skin to absorb other nourishing ingredients from your skincare routine better than before, whilst preventing further skin troubles from arising.
Pros
- Helps tighten and refine pores
- Contains vitamin C and cica
- Vegan and halal certified
Cons
- May feel drying for very dry skin
- Focuses more on pores than hydration
12. Koh Gen Do Oriental Plants Lotion 300ml
Koh Gen Do Oriental Plants Lotion, a moisturizing and firming toner, uses the power of fermented plants to hydrate skin, alleviate sagginess, and maintain softness and resilience. 60% of the toner’s formula consists of fermented plant extracts such as rose, chamomile flower, peony root, and perilla leaf.
The Koh Gen Do Oriental Plants Lotion has a mild texture that effectively hydrates the skin and is free from irritants like aromatics, colorants, parabens, and alcohol.
Pros
- Deep hydration with fermented botanicals
- Strengthens moisture barrier
- Alcohol- and fragrance-free
Cons
- Not targeted for acne or pores
- Mild results, not instant
13. Chacott Cleansing Water
Chacott Cleansing Water Multi-Functional Makeup Removing Lotion is a hybrid facial wash and toner. Originally designed for stage performers who have difficulty removing their makeup in a dressing room, it allows you to effortlessly cleanse heavy makeup without having to wash your face with water.
Available in a generous-sized 500ml easy-to-use pump bottle, by using this product you can save time on your evening routine by using it as a makeup remover, facial wash, and toner in one. It has a weak acidity and does not contain oils, aromatics, colorants, or parabens.
Pros
- Removes makeup without rinsing
- Gentle, low-irritation formula
- Large, pump-size bottle
Cons
- Not a deep cleanser for pores
- May feel drying for very dry skin
Want to discover more Japanese skincare products? You can see our full range of Japanese toners and lotions here.
