I Tried This Iconic K-Beauty Milky Toner – So Did it Really Deliver Glass Skin?
Main image – Courtesy of writer
If you’re a fan of Korean skincare, you’ve probably come across the milky toner. It is a huge part of the classic 10-step K-beauty routine, thanks to its glassy skin benefits and all-round talent for supporting the skin barrier.
Even Hailey Bieber has tried to imitate the milky toner craze with her Rhode Glazing Milk (and she succeeded – it’s amazing).
The Glow Replenishing Rice Milk by K-beauty brand Beauty of Joseon (£15.50 from Boots UK /$18 from Sephora US) is one of the many milky toners doing the rounds at the moment, partly because it’s not as expensive as its competitors, and partly because Beauty of Joseon is rapidly emerging as one of the most reliable, yet accessible, K-beauty brands.
Rice milk is the basis of most milky toners because it contains humectants, amino acids and supports the skin barrier as a milky toner should. Plus, this one is a dual layer toner to create the perfect balance – double the formula means double the skin benefits – right?
My oily, acne-prone, yet 42-year-old skin calls for *a lot* of balance – not too much moisture (because – oil!) but still, a decent amount of moisture all the same. I know, it’s confusing. But this product promises to provide the very balance I am looking for.
So how did I get on? Keep scrolling to read my honest verdict.
The product details
Aiming to maintain oil-moisture balance, intensely hydrate and absorb sebum, this toner is also clinically proven to be non-irritating so it’s ideal for sensitive skin types.
Image – Courtesy of writer
The dual-layer formula is part rice-infused moisture, part sebum-control powder which, when shaken together, promise to provide the perfect balance for your skin and leave a glowy, non-greasy finish.
How I tested it
I tested this milky toner three days in a row, after my evening cleanse and before applying my nighttime serum.
First impressions
I immediately noticed why you need to shake the bottle before use – all of the powder had sunk to the bottom when I opened the box, so do bear that in mind when you use it as you won’t get the full effects of the dual-layer formula if you don’t shake the bottle first.
The instructions tell you to pour a few drops into your hands or on a cotton pad and then press it onto your skin. I noticed the formula has zero scent – another plus for sensitive skin types – and it is incredibly runny, so watch out when pouring. I chose to use a cotton pad to apply as I hate the mess runny formulas make so I swiped it gently around my face and felt an instant cooling sensation on my skin.
Image – Courtesy of writer
I noticed a hydrating glow straight away and it was far from greasy – phew – although I must note that my glow didn’t last very long. Perhaps that was the ‘powder’ effect, which is a win for us oily skin types, but I noticed that my skin looked matte quite quickly.
When I apply my skincare I like to see a noticeable glow for hours afterwards so that I know my skin will be having a big drink while I sleep, but the brightening effect only lasted a few minutes.
I applied my usual nighttime skincare over the top and my skin felt clean and fresh. But if I’m honest, I wasn’t blown away.
My results
I continued to use the toner for the next two nights and I have to say, it’s a pleasant product to use. I experienced no irritation, there is no sickly smell involved and I definitely didn’t notice any extra grease. I am always very conscious of how much extra hydration I apply to my skin but this toner doesn’t cause me any problems in that department which is a huge win.
However, I was left feeling a little disappointed. Whilst I didn’t experience anything negative after using it, I didn’t notice any positive changes to my skin either.
The immediate glow lasted all of three minutes and, whilst it’s an enjoyable product to apply and completely inoffensive, I’m not sure I would spend any extra time or money on it again as I just didn’t see big enough results.
Image – Courtesy of writer
I’m sure it’s doing my skin some good – my skin didn’t feel tight or dehydrated after using it – but I need to see tangible results to really invest in something and it just didn’t stand out enough. My Rhode Glazing Milk instantly makes my skin firm, glowy and glassy so it would take something truly game-changing to replace it (and this isn’t it).
What other users are saying
Like me, there seem to be a lot of users on the fence. “I tried it, I think it is a good toner, but I am not blown away by it,” writes CherryDeBau on Reddit. LucieFromNorth says, “it is ok but I do prefer Aestura Cream Mist, Haruharu toner and Laneige Cream Skin.” While liyououiouioui adds, “Same, totally forgettable.”
Hahasakabeauty on the other hand likes it. “I’m a big fan, mostly because it has a relatively simple ingredients list that avoids some popular ingredients like niacinamide or ferments. For that reason I think it’s a great pick for people with acne prone or sensitive skin or if you’re still trying to figure out what works for your skin and don’t want to risk a breakout.”
I really like this point and I completely agree – the ingredients list is pretty uncontroversial so it could be a great starting point if you’re new to milky toners or are prone to breakouts when switching up products.
Overall value for money
At £15/$18, I realise this is way better value than the likes of the Rhode Glazing Milk, which is roughly twice the price. So, if it’s just a soothing, hydrating toner you’re looking for with not much else to write home about then by all means, opt for Beauty of Joseon.
I think for what it is, the price is perfectly acceptable, but I wouldn’t want to spend any more than this given that I didn’t see a huge of amount of positive difference in my skin.
The takeaway
This is a perfectly decent milky toner that feels comfortable and delivers on its promise of a providing a hydrated yet grease-free finish. It’s ideal for sensitive skin types as well as oily skin like mine, however the almost-instant matte finish was disappointing. Maybe I’m fussy, but my skin needs a thicker, glowier formula.
Get Glowing!
