Milky Toners: The K-Beauty Trend Worth the Hype

The lightweight hydration hero that's pampering my skin better than luxury products 5x the price

Hello, Gorgeous!

A reader wanted to know more about milky toners. I had an a-ha moment as I realized that they’ve somehow sneaked into my medicine cabinet and daily routine (the milky toners, not the reader).

It happened when I went exploring alternatives to my beloved Clé de Peau Beauté Refining Essence I wrote about a few months back. While I was initially skeptical of yet another another K-beauty trend, I recently tried the I'm From Rice Toner ($23), and I get the hype. This lovely textured lotion has been pampering my skin in ways I didn't expect.

What exactly are milky toners?

Unlike traditional toners that are watery and often astringent, milky toners have a creamy, almost lotion-like consistency. You know. Like milk. In fact, they're called milky because of their white, cloudy appearance and thicker texture. If anything, they’re more of a hybrid between a toner and a lightweight serum.

The difference is immediately noticeable when you apply them. Where regular toners can leave skin feeling tight or stripped, milky toners feel nourishing and substantial.

Why they're trending now

Milky toners are predicted to see a 58.9% growth in searches this year, and there's good reason for the buzz. Most of us are moving beyond harsh actives and overly complicated multi-step routines. Let’s think of this as a move to protect your skin barrier by using gentler, more nourishing products.

Why rice-based toners actually work

The I'm From Rice Toner caught my attention because it's built around rice extract - a beauty secret in Asia for centuries, especially in hair care and sometimes by way of fermented sake ingredients. Rice water contains substances that help protect and repair skin, with anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe conditions like eczema and reduce irritation.

Here's what makes rice so effective for skin:

• Brightening power: Rice peptides can help reduce hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone. It can also help brighten skin without damaging it.

• Hydration hero: The starch content in rice water acts as a natural humectant, drawing moisture into the skin and helping maintain a healthy moisture barrier.

• Anti-aging benefits: Studies show that rice wine AKA sake (fermented rice water) can help improve sun damage by increasing collagen in the skin, keeping it supple and preventing wrinkling.

$23 toner, luxury results

What I love about I'm From Rice Toner toner is how it feels substantial without being heavy. Shake the bottle, apply with a cotton pad or your hands, and immediately feel a definite hydration boost. It's fragrance-free, which is a trend I’m moving toward.

Unlike some other milky products I've tried — I’m looking at you, Fenty Fat Water Hydrating Milky Toner Essence, which felt almost tacky and heavy on my skin — this absorbs beautifully and doesn't leave any sticky residue. It's the difference between a product that sits on top of your skin versus one that actually sinks in and does the work. It's also significantly more affordable than most prestige toners $23, Amazon).

The bottom line

If you've been curious about milky toners, this rice-based option is a safe way to test the trend. It's particularly great if your skin has been feeling parched from winter weather or you've been over-exfoliating with acids and retinoids.

Sometimes the simplest ingredients, like rice water that's been used for centuries, really do work the best.

Have you tried any milky toners? Let’s meet in the comment section to discuss!

Rachel, Your beauty concierge 💋