Welcome back to our Best of K-Beauty in 2025 blog series, where we’re breaking down the top-performing products in each skincare category – based entirely on real customer purchases and repurchase data at Skin Cupid.

For Part 3, we’re grouping toners and essences together. In modern K-beauty, the line between these two categories has become increasingly blurred. Both serve a similar role in the routine: hydrating the skin, prepping it for the next steps, and delivering targeted treatment benefits.

Here are the top three best-selling toners and essences of 2025.

No.3 – EQQUALBERRY Swimming Pool Toner

Coming in third place is EQQUALBERRY’s Swimming Pool Toner – a mild, enzyme-based toner designed for everyday use. Rather than relying on harsh acids, it uses enzymes to gently smooth skin texture while maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

The result is that fresh, refined, “clean skin” look many people associate with stepping out of a pool – clear, balanced, and polished without irritation. Because it’s so gentle, it works well for daily use and for those who want subtle exfoliation without redness or sensitivity.

Best for: Uneven texture, dull skin, daily gentle exfoliation
Why people love it: Smooths skin without compromising the barrier

No.2 – GENABELLE PDRN Rejuvenating Toner

Taking second place is GENABELLE’s PDRN Rejuvenating Toner – a standout for skin repair, recovery, and resilience. This recovery-focused toner contains a notable concentration of PDRN, an ingredient known for supporting cellular regeneration and healing, making it especially popular with those dealing with compromised or stressed skin.

In addition to PDRN, the formula includes a range of hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients that help strengthen the skin over time. Despite its high-performance ingredient list, the texture remains lightweight, watery, and highly layerable, making it easy to incorporate into both minimal and multi-step routines.

Best for: Barrier repair, post-treatment skin, weakened or sensitised skin
Texture: Lightweight and buildable

No.1 – S.NATURE Aqua Collagen Peptide Triple Gel Essence

Taking the number one spot across both categories is S.NATURE’s Aqua Collagen Peptide Triple Gel Essence, often referred to as the closest thing to “Botox in a bottle.” This essence is packed with multiple peptides, including one known for its Botox-like effect, which helps relax surface-level muscle tension and soften the appearance of expression lines over time.

Beyond firming and smoothing, this essence also delivers intense hydration and bounce, leaving skin visibly plumper, more elastic, and glassy. It’s especially popular with those looking to address early signs of ageing without irritation or invasive treatments.

Best for: Firmness, fine lines, plump “glass skin”
Why it wins: Visible results + incredible skin bounce

Notable Mention – VT COSMETICS’ Reedle Shot

While not a traditional toner or essence, VT’s Reedle Shot deserves a special mention.

This product doesn’t fit neatly into any one category – it acts more as a skin booster that mimics the effects of microneedling. Used before the rest of your skincare routine, it creates micro-channels in the skin that help maximise absorption and effectiveness of the products that follow.

It’s been one of our most consistent top sellers all year, especially among customers looking to level up their routine and see faster, more noticeable results.

That wraps up Part 4 of our Best of K-Beauty in 2025 series. Tomorrow, we’ll be finishing the roundup with the top 3 bestsellers in the serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen categories – see you there!