When I spoke to dermatologists about the best toners for this story, they all said that it really depends on each person's skin goals. The days of strong, drying astringent toners are over (thankfully), and the newer toners on the market are more specific. They can rebalance the skin's pH level after cleansing, help remove residual dirt or makeup, or exfoliate to help improve skin tone and texture. To help you choose the best toner for your skin problems, I asked four dermatologists for recommendations, reviewed our skin care content file, and started trying out some of tonics by myself.
Below, you'll find formulas to control oiliness, add hydration, soften texture, and more. Usually, a toner moisturizes or exfoliates (although there are formulas listed that do both). The hydrating ingredients to consider are hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalene and ceramides. Exfoliating ingredients include AHA and BHA, such as glycolic acid, mandelic acid, lactic acid, acid salicylic and antioxidants.
I've been trying out Eadem's Cashmere Peel, an exfoliating toner that launched earlier this year. Of all the exfoliating toners I've used, this one is my favorite because it's effective yet gentle. Even if I use it for consecutive days, my skin never feels dry. Instead, it feels softer and more hydrated.
It uses AHA and PHA instead of BHA salicylic acid (more information on the differences between the active ingredients here), making it milder and better for normal to dry skin types. After months of trying it, I have noticed that my skin texture has improved. I also think that the dark spots I have had have disappeared faster than usual. Versed's affordable tonic has been on my radar ever since our beauty columnist Rio Viera-Newton called it a P50-like effect (the highest praise you can receive).
an inexpensive scrub). I have been testing it myself for the past month and I can say that it has lived up to expectations. My skin looks brighter and smoother, and a couple of persistent scars after acne seemed to disappear faster than usual. It's made with an AHA blend that includes azelaic acid, glycolic acid, kojic acid, and lactic acid, which help eliminate dead skin cells.
The biggest difference between this toner and Eadem's is that my skin felt a slightly drier after using the Versed. I attribute this to Eadem's use of soothing colloidal oatmeal, making it ideal for everyday use. With Versed, I noticed that I used it every other day and applied a thicker moisturizer for additional hydration. Ambar Pardilla, a writer specializing in strategies, has used many toners to control her oily combination skin and has considered Farmacy's Deep Sweep Toner a holy grail.
Like the Paula's Choice toner mentioned above, Farmacy's tonic contains 2 percent salicylic acid, but it's also formulated with hydrating moringa seed extract and papaya softening enzymes. This cocktail of ingredients controls oil and reduces the appearance of blackheads and visible pores. A brightening toner can help if your skin is dull or if you have dark spots or hyperpigmentation. In this case, you should look for ingredients such as vitamin C, AHAs or niacinamide to even out skin tone.
Penzi likes this one from Glow Recipe for its use of rich arctic blackberry in vitamin C. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to inflammation, Dr. Murphy-Rose likes First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Oat Moisturizing Toner. As the name suggests, it is hydrating and soothing because it contains colloidal oatmeal, honey and hyaluronic acid.
Colloidal oats and honey are natural moisturizers and have anti-inflammatory properties, and hyaluronic acid increases humidity. Our beauty experts review the best toners for all skin problems, from luxurious selections to stellar, affordable purchases. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The best toners are an often overlooked step in the skincare routine.
The best toners can help combat a variety of specific skin problems and boost other skin care products, as well as refreshing the skin first thing in the morning or late at night. These offers are checked daily and we will continue to do so to ensure that all the products listed below are still in stock, continue to be discounted and, most importantly, are the best deals of the moment. Pixi's Glow Tonic Toner is a cult skincare staple that has won legions of adorable fans, thanks to its ability to activate skin's glow in an instant. Its alcohol-free 5% glycolic acid formula effectively removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin to soften the complexion and accelerate cell renewal. This exfoliating effect is offset by the calming effect of aloe vera, which keeps the skin feeling comfortable.
All this is not only a treatment for the skin, but it also makes the application of makeup much smoother (even the best light foundation can adhere to the uneven or rough texture of the skin). After using Glow Tonic, my foundation seemed to fit my skin better with a smoother, more natural-looking finish. From the first use, my face looked much happier; within a week I woke up with noticeably brighter and healthier skin. If your complexion looks a little fatigued and dull, this is a great toner to have in your arsenal.
Are you looking for a facial toner that isn't irritating or drying and that produces baby-soft skin without costing you a fortune?We found it. Brimming with all the good things your skin needs (soothing oat milk, soothing aloe juice, detoxifying niacinamide, and hydrating hyaluronic acid), this toner does it all. In addition, it does not contain fragrance, it is not comedogenic, it is not an animal animal and it is vegan, which means that it is a true leader in its field. All skin types, even those with a sensitive complexion, can benefit from this product, which is music to our ears.
Ideal for dark spots and sun damage This toner, which absorbs quickly, has a fresh lemon scent and leaves the skin super clean. While you may feel a slight tingling sensation when you apply it for the first time, this is common with products that contain AHA and, even so, it may be suitable for sensitive skin (although we recommend that you test yourself with a patch before using it widely, in case you fly). What can't you love? I have been obsessed with this product for a long time and I would dare say that it is one of the beauty products that has changed my skin the most. This powerful formula is one of the most effective stain removal products I have tried in my life and it takes effect immediately.
While I don't use it as a tonic per se (I wouldn't use it every day or after every cleanse), if you have acne or hormonal blemishes and your main skincare goal is to learn how to get rid of acne, this is the purchase I would recommend, as it's reputed to help with blemishes. Just don't be tempted to overuse it, as it's quite powerful. But whether you decide to apply it as a tonic all over your face or to problem areas, this is one of the best toner options for blemish-prone skin. The high percentage of salicylic acid and green tea extract work in harmony to help cleanse the skin, maintain hydration levels and balance irritation. I have recommended this product to so many people that I would like to work for hire, but I will never stop praising it.
This formula acts to eliminate any feeling of tightness and discomfort after cleaning, which is a testament to its credentials for balancing pH, as it replaces stiffness with a feeling of softness and satiety. Even after double cleansing, it helped me remove a lot of excess dirt from my face. Aloe vera provides instant refreshment, while cucumber extract provides a calming and cooling effect. If your regimen is already packed with high-potency active ingredients in your serums and creams, this gentle, relaxing tonic will be the perfect combination for a spa-like experience. Glycolic acid is a brilliant ingredient because of its ability to remove dead skin cells and stimulate renewal.
As a person with acne-prone skin, I think it's best to use this toner every other day to keep breakouts at bay without drying out my skin. While it's best to use this toner at night, it's even more important that you apply your best facial sunscreen in the morning, as glycolic acid makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. PHA skin care provides a smoother exfoliation of the skin surface and is ideal for congested, dull and rough skin. PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) also have moisturizing properties, meaning they help skin attract and hold moisture. So, if you're comparing AHA to BHA, since both can cause some irritation, it might be worth trying PHAs instead.
They help to enrich the complexion, as they eliminate dead skin and cleanse pores. I'm a big fan of the BYOMA range of skincare products, thanks to its reasonable price and because it's designed to care the skin barrier. The elegant packaging is quite nice. As for the results, it really worked when I used it consistently for a week, my skin looked brighter and clearer without the pain of some of the other exfoliating toners.
The included AHAs (lactic and mandelic acid) not only gently exfoliate skin to reveal a more radiant complexion, but this formula also deeply cleanses pores, making it glowing for blemish-prone skin. However, it is worth noting that experienced users of exfoliating acid may prefer something more powerful. However, as someone who had a couple of places while researching this list, I found this true multitasking beauty heroine. The affordable price is also a big plus.
Packed with brightening AHAs and exfoliating BHAs, this toner packs a punch. This powerful solution, gentle enough for daily use but totally transformative, acts to refine, exfoliate, tighten and soften the appearance of the skin, in addition to illuminating it. My first impression of this toner was that I loved its dispenser with a nail polish remover pump, which allowed it to be applied without complications with a cotton pad. The bottle is also made from 100% recycled plastic after consumption.
I felt that the ingredients were taking effect immediately, giving a slight feeling of firmness to my face, something that, for me, is a good sign that it is a product that works very well. I put the serums and moisturizer on top as usual, and I also found that everything looked great in layers, so if you're looking to improve overall skin health, this is the best tonic for you. Imagine all the senses of a spa day bottled in an undisputed tonic champion and you've created the ELEMIS Kefir-Tea Mist superfood. Literally my all-time favorite beauty scent, this tonic is undoubtedly unbeatable to my eyes.
The refreshing four-in-one formula moisturizes, tones, prepares and fixes makeup for a healthy, radiant complexion. It was impressive (and hugely satisfying) to see the amount of residue that came off my face when using this toner after cleansing, and certainly my pores they looked less open. With a dry complexion, I may not be the target audience for this toning lotion, but my skin felt fresh, smoother, and looking more refined, proving that all skin types can benefit from gentle clarification. The toners we test have this characteristic.
Most experts will agree that a healthy complexion doesn't depend solely on using the best toner for the face; however, they offer some additional benefits, especially when you use a formula optimized for your skin type and concerns. Toners can also be referred to as essences, tonics, or waters, so any product labeled with these terms is worth paying attention to. Once you've found the best toner that works for you, make sure to apply it daily, after cleansing and before any other skin care product, by sprinkling a few drops onto a cotton pad or by spraying it directly onto the skin. The claim that gold heels for kittens are a surprisingly versatile spring staple By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published on March 28 25 The study analyzed data from tracking apps to see what foods were most likely to lead to better sleep By Kat Storr Published on March 28 25 Trust me, abandoning full coverage bases doesn't have to mean giving up perfect skin.
By Victoria Jowett Published on March 28, March 25 Suitable for handbags but from another world, Gillian Anderson's favorite perfume is a mystical mix of juniper berries and woods. By Naomi Jamieson Posted on March 28th 25 These are the timeless and surprising shades you'll see appearing on nails around the world this season. By Naomi Jamieson Published on March 27 The actress's favorite SPF not only offers protection against UV rays, but also moisturizes, brightens and minimizes dark spots By Sennen Prickett Published on March 25 The time has come to get a significant discount on some of the biggest names in beauty, such as Jo Malone and Charlotte Tilbury Halle Berry's brilliant yet subtle French-tip manicure is perfect for adding a touch of luxury to your look. By Naomi Jamieson Published on March 24 25 To clean, soften and prevent discoloration, we've discovered the exact hair care duo Victoria Beckham trusts By Sennen Prickett Published on March 24 March 25 Our beauty writer is looking for these three purchases to mimic a Christmas glow Published on March 23 25 Woman & Home is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. I'll be honest, despite taking my skincare routine very seriously with a bathroom cabinet filled with the best cleansers, serums, and moisturizers, I've never been more strict about using a toner.
I experimented with them too rigorously when I was young, when high-alcohol formulations that promised to alleviate my teenage acne simply left my skin bare and my eyes watered. However, fortunately, in 2024 the best tonic looks very different from the days of our youth and a really good tonic it can change your life. In fact, I now have a small cabinet of toners at my disposal depending on whether my skin needs to soften, exfoliate or moisturize. Trust me, once you've found the right formula for your skin type, you'll wonder how you've been able to live without it.
We're big fans of the Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue facial spray, which comes in a handy atomizer and relieves inflammation on all skin types and even prevents breakouts. If you're on a tight budget, we recommend Cerave hydrating Toner. It is formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to retain moisture and have a soft feel on the skin. There are hundreds and hundreds of options available, so to make it easier to select the right tonic, we researched the most popular toners and tested them ourselves.
We judge each one based on its touch, absorption and hydration. Then, we turned to a board-certified dermatologist to guide us in our search for the best toners for each type. of leather. The star component of the SK-II facial treatment toner is Pitera, the brand's signature ingredient that contains 50 micronutrients.
These micronutrients, in addition to alphahydroxy acids (AHA), improve the overall appearance of the skin, starting with an irregular texture. We can attest to this; in our tests, the toner was hydrating and relaxing when applied and helped to improve opacity and texture immediately. We were also impressed by the toner's ability to thoroughly clean our pores. Even though we washed our face before using the toner, it picked up more dirt and grime that would otherwise have been left on the skin. The clear, lightweight solution is slightly liquid and comes out through a small opening in the top of the chilled bottle; be sure to pour the product carefully to avoid wasting it.
It relaxes dry and tight skin after cleansing. The right toner can help oily skin types control excess shine. It combines fat-dissolving salicylic acid, papaya's exfoliating enzyme, and purifying moringa seed extract to unclog pores and refresh oily skin. We love how light and comfortable the formula feels, which is surprising given that it contains so many exfoliating ingredients.
Remember that since the toner contains active exfoliants, you may want to omit it it when applying retinoids and other active ingredients to prevent skin redness, burning and dehydration. Formulated with several hydrating ingredients To determine which are the best toners, we take dozens of products home and to the laboratory, and analyze the consistency of each of them and their ability to absorb and moisturize the skin. We also took into account the claims of each product to ensure that the formulas complied. with expectations.
After speaking with a board-certified dermatologist and discovering that your favorites matched ours, we feel confident that we prepared this list for you. Chen recommends applying the toner after cleansing the face, but before applying moisturizers or serums. Pat your face dry, then soak a cotton ball or pad with the tonic and apply it lightly to both your face and neck, he says. You can also try applying the toner to the skin with your fingertips instead of using a cotton pad, which absorbs more liquid than it actually emits.
Look for toners that contain hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and gentle exfoliants because they're good for mature skin. Avoid toners that contain harsh ingredients such as alcohol, as they can dry out and irritate mature skin. We recommend Resist anti-aging restorative facial toner as the best toner for normal to oily skin. It contains niacinamide and several peptides that help improve skin texture.
In addition, the tonic can visibly reduce enlarged pores and help alleviate skin redness. Rambhia explains that the balanced formula makes it an excellent option for those who consider that the strongest exfoliants are too aggressive and for dry and mature skin. Kim's Skkn tonic is perhaps one of the most popular products in the product range due to its effectiveness (and the aesthetics it looks on any dressing table). Let's look at the benefits of using a skin toner for mature skin and how it can improve your skincare routine at age 50.
There's nothing worse than a soaked face after spraying, but this spray dispenser evenly distributes the toner for a refreshing touch to the skin. Tower28 is known for its sensitive makeup and skincare formulas, but this toner, which comes in a red fire truck spray bottle, is also very popular for its magical ability to soothe, purify and repair stressed skin. If you're looking for an affordable way to add toner to your skincare routine, choose this hydrating option from CeraVe. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a toner formulated specifically for sensitive or reactive skin.
Most experts will agree that a healthy complexion doesn't depend solely on using the best facial toner; however, they offer some additional benefits, especially when using a formula optimized for your skin type and concerns.
