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Preparing // The must-do step

After cleansing, you want to prepare your canvas (your face). After all, a damp canvas always absorbs better than a dry one! In the West, the toner step is often skipped simply because people don't fully understand its purpose. However, according to the Korean skincare philosophy, this is one of the most crucial steps in your daily routine!

Also known as: tonic, astringents, (re-)freshener, essence toner, skin, activating serum, skin softener, booster, or lotion tonic.

Why should we use it?

Every wash damages your skin barrier!

A healthy skin barrier is naturally slightly acidic (pH ± 5.5). However, tap water used for washing your face is neutral to alkaline (pH 7+). As a result, your skin is stripped of its natural acid mantle, leaving it unbalanced, dry, tight, and sensitive after cleansing. While your skin can restore this barrier on its own, it takes about 30 to 40 minutes. In the meantime, your skin is extremely vulnerable and unable to absorb nutrients optimally.

A pH-balancing product such as a toner soothes the skin and ensures it can quickly and efficiently absorb moisture and nourishment from subsequent steps. Think of it like a sponge: a dry sponge repels rich creams, while a damp sponge absorbs them instantly.

Western vs. Korean Toners

In the West, toners (or tonics) were traditionally viewed as an extra cleansing step to remove leftover makeup. They often contained high percentages of astringents like alcohol (20%–60%) or witch hazel, leaving the skin stripped and dry.

In Korea, toners focus primarily on hydration and strengthening the skin barrier. They are gentle, protect the acid mantle, and are packed with beneficial ingredients, humectants (like glycerin), and ceramides.

4. (Low) pH Toner

[ Apply immediately after washing your face, while skin is still damp ]

Use a low pH toner to balance your skin's natural acidity so it can repair, soothe, and prepare itself. Additionally, toners help remove any remaining cleanser residue while providing an initial layer of hydration and nourishment.

Shop pH-balancing toners →

4. Essence Toner

As the name implies, essence toners bridge the gap between two steps: balancing pH levels and deeply hydrating the skin. You can use them as your sole toner after cleansing or after an exfoliating toner as your essence step. Ideal for dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin types.

Essence toners are typically alcohol-free and perfect for the 7-skin method or DIY sheet masks.

Shop essence toners →

Tip: Paired with the Pyunkang Yul 1/3 Cotton Pads, you can easily create soothing DIY facial masks.

Application Methods

[ Apply immediately after cleansing with water, on slightly damp skin (within 30 seconds) ]

Method A — Cotton Pad:

Soak a cotton pad with toner and gently pat/press onto the face, starting with dry areas like the cheeks. Gently wipe from the inside out and bottom to top. This removes residual impurities and mildly exfoliates dead skin cells. Note for acne-prone skin: Avoid reusing the same pad on uninfected areas to prevent spreading bacteria.

Method B — Patting with Hands:

Pour a few drops directly into your palms and pat gently onto the face. For hydrating or essence toners, feel free to layer multiple times for extra hydration.

Method C — Facial Mist:

Spray directly onto your face and press gently into the skin until fully absorbed, or wipe lightly with a cotton pad.

Checkpoint: Does your skin feel moist and hydrated without feeling greasy or tacky? If so, you’ve done it right!

pH Facts

pH levels are measured on a scale from 0 to 14:

0 (Acidic) ←——→ 7 (Neutral) ←——→ 14 (Alkaline)

Tap water is generally slightly to moderately alkaline (pH 7+).
Healthy skin is naturally slightly acidic, averaging a pH value around 5.5.
Skin that becomes overly acidic can feel irritated and experience increased breakouts or excess sebum.
Highly alkaline products (pH 7+) strip oils effectively but can over-dry the skin and leave it dull.
Recommendation: If you have oily skin, a slightly alkaline cleanser/toner may help control oil. For dry or sensitive skin, acidic to neutral products (pH ± 5.5) are best.

Skin improvement requires patience! Give any new routine or product a trial period of at least 1 month, as skin cells take roughly 28 days to renew. Once you start noticing improvements, maintain the routine for 2 to 3 months for optimal results.

HARU DECODED	KOREAN 10-STEP ROUTINE
1. CLEANSING	1. Oil-based cleanser: Dissolves oil-based impurities, SPF, and makeup. 2. Water-based cleanser: Washes away sweat, dirt, and remaining debris. [MUST HAVE] 3. Exfoliator: (1–2x/week) Sloughs off dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and refines texture.
2. PREPPING	4. Toner: Balances skin pH and hydrates to maximize absorption of subsequent steps. [RECOMMENDED]
3. EYE CARE	5. Eye serum / Cream: Formulated for delicate under-eye skin to target dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines.
4. TREATMENT & BOOST	6. Essence: Hydrates deeply and aids cellular renewal. 7. Serum & Ampoule: High-potency treatments targeting acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, or dullness. 8. Sheet mask: (1–3x/week) Locks in deep moisture and delivers an instant glow.
5. MOISTURIZING	9. Moisturizer: Seals in previous layers and prevents transepidermal water loss. [MUST HAVE]
6. SPECIAL CARE	10. Sun protection (SPF): Essential daytime step to shield against UV damage and premature aging. [MUST HAVE] 11. Overnight mask / Spot treatment: Supports overnight cellular repair and targeted blemish treatment.