Milky Toner is a moisturizing skincare product that originated in K-beauty.
Unlike traditional toners, which are astringent-based, milky toners include soothing oils and lipids that create a liquid consistency that’s similar to milk.
Ingredients like squalene, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid provide lightweight hydration that soothes the skin and boosts the skin barrier.
The product is ideal for people with dry skin, but it’s suitable for all skin types.
Individuals usually apply a milky toner after cleansing the skin and follow it with a traditional, thicker moisturizer.
Some women also add a few drops of milky toner to their foundation in order to achieve
a dewy, lightweight finish.
Several brands are driving this trend.
Byoma is the top brand mentioned in keyword searches. Their milky toner brings in nearly $400K in monthly Amazon revenue.
Meanwhile, Thayer’s milky toner dominates TikTok and brings in more than $210K in monthly Amazon revenue.
What's Next
Milky Toner is part of the Toner Innovations meta trend.
Toners have a harsh history.
They were initially used to rebalance the skin’s pH after cleansing, but because of their alcohol-based formulations, they ended up irritating the skin and stripping it of its beneficial oils.
In recent years, there’s been a push for gentle, hydrating toners and new applications that target specific skin concerns.
For instance, PHA toners are formulated with polyhydroxy acid, a gentle exfoliator. It removes dirt, dead skin cells, and excess oil without irritating sensitive skin.
Glycolic acid exfoliating toners work in a similar way.
They’re made with alpha hydroxy acids that remove buildup and lead to brighter, glowing skin.
PDRN toners work differently.
The main ingredient, polydeoxyribonucleotide, is derived from DNA compounds that are extracted from salmon.
PDRN is believed to boost collagen production and decrease inflammation.