Toners may not be as common as facial cleansers in the average skincare routine, but they have countless benefits for everyone, regardless of skin type. Before you say, “Wait, I still have nightmares about using strong blue-toned toner in my youth,” don’t worry. The best facial toners today are no the questionable toners of yore. (I’m sure many of us can form a 90s toner trauma support group if necessary!)
In the 80s and 90s, most toners contained alcohol, which was dehydrating and sometimes irritating. Toners of the past were primarily intended to balance the skin’s pH after cleansing and removing excess dirt. Nowadays, because toners are more pH balanced (and mostly alcohol-free), the purpose of these skin-fortifying potions has changed. While still ridding your face of leftover dirt and makeup, today’s toners also refine pores, exfoliate the skin, and provide additional hydration (sometimes with the help of natural ingredients and moisture-boosting agents like hyaluronic acid).
Of course, regularly using one or two of the best exfoliants in your routine can also help with enlarged pores and rough skin texture, but the power of a good toner can’t be ignored. Here are the best toners of the year for normal to dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, and everything in between.
The best overall toner
Amazon
Key ingredients: 5% glycolic acid, ginseng, aloe vera, fructose, sucrose | Benefits: Refines pores, improves circulation | Size: 3.4 oz | Skin Type: All
In the world of toners, Pixi’s Glow Tonic is one of the most celebrated and complete. Beauty editors and experts have relied on Glow Tonic to improve their appearance for years. It has 5% glycolic acid for exfoliation and witch hazel to reduce the appearance of pores (one of my main pet peeves), but it’s gentle and soothing thanks to aloe vera and other botanicals. Interestingly, it also contains ginseng, which is believed to help improve circulation. Plus, it’s decently priced. For $15, you get 100 milliliters, and for less than $30, you get one huge bottle — 250 milliliters.
It’s always a good idea to start slowly with acids. I’m always careful when using a glycolic acid product, but Glow Tonic is incredibly gentle. I can use it every day without any problems and it is easy to apply (just a few swipes with a reusable cotton pad). My skin is smoother, my pores appear less prominent, and I have a brighter complexion overall.
- Suitable for all skin types
- Alcohol and paraben free
- Not tested on animals
- Contains added fragrances and color additives
- Some critics say it’s drying
Other Facial Toners We Tested for 2024
Amazon
Key ingredients: Witch hazel, aloe vera, rose | Benefits: Tones, balances, soothes and hydrates | Size: 12 oz | Skin Type: All
Witch hazel, the main ingredient in Thayers, is a common ingredient in toners. Not just for cleansing, it’s especially useful because it contains anti-inflammatory and antiviral compounds, which can help treat irritated, oily, and acne-prone skin. This legacy brand grows its witch hazel on a family farm in Connecticut and extracts it in a really cool way. He steeps the witch hazel shavings in water along with organic aloe vera (similar to brewing tea), creating a gentler formula.
It’s marketed as an all-in-one product, which is always a selling point for me. Not only does it hydrate your skin after cleansing, balance oily skin, reduce the appearance of pores, and improve texture, but you can also use it to soothe freshly shaved or waxed legs, sunburned skin, insect bites, and more. more. One reviewer mentions using it to clean their dogs’ ears (although you’ll probably want to get a vet’s approval before doing anything like that). Plus, it costs about $10. I consider this my runner-up for best overall toner. Plus, if you don’t like the popular rose scent, there are other options with natural scents like lavender, cucumber, and coconut water, or you can get it unscented.
- Made with farm-grown ingredients
- Will not block pores
- Cruelty free
- Multipurpose product
- Contains phenoxyethanol, which may irritate the eyes
- May not be best to use daily for supersensitive skin
Amazon
Key ingredients: Pumpkin wine, lactic acid, aminoguanidine | Benefits: Gentle exfoliation, refines pores | Size: 4.4 oz | Skin Type: All
Many of us with over 40 skin deal with dark spots no matter how much SPF we apply every day. Regular exfoliation is key to sloughing off dead skin cells and revealing healthy, brighter-looking skin. So if hyperpigmentation is your main concern, an exfoliation-focused toner is your best bet. This PCA toner contains lactic acid, which can help reduce dark spots and treat acne. There is also pumpkin wine, which looks delicious, but is rich in nutrients.
In addition to dark spots, this toner has helped reviewers with oily and breakout-prone skin. When I first started testing it, I had a stress pimple that just wouldn’t go away. He would keep coming back like a horror movie villain, and I was starting to think someone had put some kind of curse on me. After a few uses, the annoying pimple and surrounding redness finally disappeared. This toner costs almost $50, but it’s worth it.
- Fragrance-free and paraben-free
- Good for all skin types, especially mature skin
- Contains vitamins, amino acids and enzymes
- The pumpkin smell may be too strong for some
- Some users complain about bottles leaking while traveling
Sephora
Key ingredients: Sake water, sebocithin (rosa cannina extract), niacinamide | Benefits: Controls oil production, reduces the appearance of pores, brightens and evens out the skin | Size: 4 oz | Skin Type: Oily, normal, combined
I love an essence – it might even be my favorite step in my skincare routine. Essences soften the skin, which allows for better absorption of other products. The fact that this is a two-in-one treatment that combines a toner with an essence is a big deal. Anything that can save time is a winner in my book.
Another difference is that it contains sake, which can help with whitening, while rosehip extract and niacinamide control oil and reduce the appearance of pores. This mattifying product is particularly great for anyone with oily, combination or acne-prone skin, so if you have extremely dry skin you might want something more hydrating.
- Free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates and other questionable ingredients
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Great for oily skin
- It has a light scent, but some users prefer it unscented
- Some users are not fans of the pump dispenser
- Not good for dehydrated skin
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Toner
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Skin Type: Depending on your skin type, look for toners with skin-lightening ingredients like niacinamide (for drier skin) and glycolic or lactic acid (for combination or oily skin).
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Ingredients: Avoid alcohol-based products – they can be very aggressive, even for those who don’t have sensitive skin.
How we test
To find the best toners on the market for every budget or skin problem, I tested more than 15 products, ranking them according to active ingredients, skin benefits, feel, value, aroma, texture and effectiveness. I chose toners that would work for a variety of skin types, from trusted brands with a proven track record of creating high-value skin care products.
Other toners we tested that didn’t work
K-beauty brand Then I Met You brought together the best of both worlds with its Birch Milk Refining Toner, which aims to hydrate and exfoliate the skin. The unique ingredient is birch juice, which contains antioxidants, vitamins, amino acids and all kinds of good stuff. The brand is also transparent with the toner’s pH level of 4 (experts say a good toner should have a pH level of around 4 to 7) — which can’t be said for every brand. Still, this one felt more like a peel than a toner, which is why it didn’t make the list. But if you’re looking for an exfoliating toner/peel hybrid, this might be for you.
Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray It appears on many best toner lists and has a lightweight texture and handy spray bottle, but ultimately I couldn’t get over the smell. It’s very strong, almost smelling like chlorine.
Toner FAQ
What do facial toners do?
Although toners are a second option for many, Czech Joanna, celebrity esthetician and founder of Joanna Czech Skin Care, says they’re a key step in an effective skin care regimen. “Toners help prepare the skin for all your additional products. Additionally, toners restore the skin’s natural pH balance, promoting its overall health and optimal function,” she says.
Why do I need a toner?
As we learned above, toners don’t just do one thing, so incorporating them into your skincare routine depends on your needs. “Some formulas strictly moisturize the skin, while others claim to refresh, brighten, and leave skin soft,” he explains. Dr Shereene Idriss, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Idriss Skincare. “Most toners are actually chemical exfoliants with exfoliating acids. So before you ask if it’s a necessary step in your routine, what you need to know are the ingredients in the toner you’re using and the purpose you’re using it for. Toner isn’t a necessary step, but a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) toner is a great addition to an oily skin routine.
When should I use a toner?
“Toning should be the first step after cleansing,” says Czech. Toners work best after washing your face but before applying serums, lotions, and sun protection.
What ingredients should you look for in a toner?
Czech says you should avoid alcohol-based products as they can be dehydrating. In the meantime, Idriss says you should be extra cautious with any toner if you have sensitive skin and always remember to do a patch test.
Meet our experts
Czech Joannafamous beautician and founder of Joanna Czech Skin Care
Dr Shereene Idrissboard-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Idriss Skincare
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