Exfoliating toners will gently refine your skin's texture. IMAGE Instagram (L) sokoglam (R) pixibeautyph 

If you're looking to upgrade your skincare routine, exfoliation is a step worth adding. As your skin's cellular turnover slows down in your 30s, your skin is prone to accumulating dead skin cells. This is what causes it to appear dull and sometimes feel rough to touch! Regular exfoliation is key to getting rid of this buildup. And for a simple way to do it, you can try using exfoliating toners!

Unlike facial scrubs, which can be too harsh for the face, these toners are packed with acids or enzymes (think: papaya) that dissolve dead skin—no harsh scrubbing needed. All it takes is a quick sweep! 

To get you started, check out these exfoliating toners below: 

1. Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

P680, available online

This hydrating toner is formulated with 0.1% AHA and BHA to gently dislodge dead skin buildup. It helps keep blackheads and whiteheads from forming, too! 

2. Son & Park Beauty Water 

P450/60mL and P1,250/340mL, available online

This K-beauty toner may look simple but it packs a punch: it can tone, cleanse, and exfoliate the skin all at once! It contains papaya extract, which mildly sloughs off dead skin, and it's packed with hydrating ingredients such as lavender water, rose water, and orange fruit extract, leaving you with a smooth and radiant complexion. You can use it to prep your skin before applying makeup! 

3. Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner

P1,250, available online

If you're new to acids, try this mild resurfacing toner that's praised for being gentle on the skin! Formulated with 2% glycolic acid, grapefruit, and aloe vera, it brightens the skin and refines the pores without wringing your face dry.

IMAGE Mario Badescu  

4. Some By Mi Miracle Toner

P990, BeautyMNL

Struggling with acne-prone skin? This toner contains three chemical exfoliants (AHA, BHA, and PHA) to deeply penetrate pores, clearing them out of gunk, and it's formulated with tea tree water extract to soothe inflammation. Plus, it's free of artificial fragrance, parabens, sulfates, alcohol, mineral oil, and silicone. 

5. Pixi Beauty Glow Tonic

P390/15mL, available online

This Internet-famous exfoliating toner has garnered rave reviews, and for good reasons: it refines the skin's texture and fades acne marks with regular use. It also contains aloe vera to help soothe tired skin!