Choosing the best toners among the large number of brands today can be an intimidating and overwhelming experience. For this exact same reason, we decided to cut the process shorter for you by reviewing toners based on their ability to cleanse the skin, bring back its hydration as well as their skin friendliness. We’ve enlisted our top picks and categorized them based on what we feel your skin needs. Pick a category and find out our most recommended toners for each section.
Which is the best toner?
If you are hard-pressed to find a toner that can offer tons of benefits for your skin, we highly recommend going through this list. It contains 7 of the great performing toners in the market today.
Best Toners - Top 7 Favorites
Rankings | Brand | Editor's Rating | Award | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | ||||
#2 | Bleu Beauté | |||
#3 | Skin Food | |||
#4 | Thayers | |||
#5 | Neutrogena | |||
#6 | La Roche-Posay | |||
#7 |
If you’re having a hard time controlling grease and shine, using a toner for oily skin can be your best solution. It can mattify the skin, minimize the pores and get rid of your skin’s deep seated impurities. We have picked the best performing toners in this category based on these categories and more.
Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Toner
Clarins Toning Lotion
Amara Organics Balancing Toner
It’s true; your skin needs moisture and hydration to effectively protect itself. When it’s properly hydrated, it becomes more effective in repelling harmful irritants and environmental pollution. However, since toners differ in ingredients and benefits, picking the best one can be gruesome. The best toners we have selected in this category feature great hydrating, cleansing and nourishing properties which make them ideal for dry skin.
Rose Water Spray by Bleu Beauté
Lotion Yon-Ka PS by YonKa
Hydrating Toner by Murad
Taking care of combination skin can be tricky since you can’t pinpoint exactly which ingredients will work best for your skin type. The best toners we have selected in this category are specially formulated for those skin with oily and dry zones so you can seriously address your skin’s unique needs.
Peach Sake Toner by Skin Food
Nutrient Toner by PCA
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner by COSRX
Using toner on sensitive skin is always an intimidating decision since there’s always the risk or irritation. The best toners we have selected for this category stand out specifically for their ingredients, skin friendliness and unique benefits. They’ll give you enough reasons to finally start a good skin care routine.
Alcohol-Free Lavender Witch Hazel Toner by Thayers
Soothing Facial Toner by Simple
Xtreme XT Anti-Aging Toner by Xfacio Labs
Rosacea can make your skin extra sensitive, so choosing the right products is not only important but a must. The toners we have included in this category were carefully picked based on ingredients and ability to tone the skin without making it flush or red. From alcohol-free to fragrance-free products, this category features all the right things you should be looking for a toner for rosacea.
Alcohol-Free Toner by Neutrogena
Apple Cider Vinegar Face Toner by Restoar
Soothing Apricot Toner by Elemis
SEE ALL BEST TONERS FOR ROSACEA >>>
Struggling to find the right toner for your skin type? It’s apparent that acne prone skin needs specific ingredients that can fight the root cause of breakouts. From toners made from organic ingredients to toners infused with vitamin C, this category promises to take your skincare routine to a whole new level.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mico-exfoliating Astringent Facial Toner
Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner
Foxbrim Orange Blossom Water Toner
If you are looking for a toner that won’t make your skin feel taut and tight after use, rosewater toners are exactly for you. This category features toners that are considered crowd favorites for leaving skin glowing and hydrated.
InstaNatural Moroccan Rose Water
Poppy Austin 100% Pure Rose Water Facial Toner
First Botany Cosmeceuticals Rejuvenating Rose Water Toner
6 Reasons Why You Need To Get A Toner Now
Toners have always been a confusing topic.
Some say you don’t need one while others argue that it’s a must-have item in anyone’s vanity. Frankly, with so many benefits, it’s surprising why some people choose to skip it.
1. It picks up every bit of your makeup
Cleansing your face is one good way to remove dirt and impurities but it may not always be enough. Toners can remove traces of makeup and dirt your cleansers may have missed.
2. It takes away excess oil
Excess oil can be a problem, especially if you have acne-prone skin. Too much oil can clog your pores and attract bacteria, a combination that’s notorious for causing skin breakouts.
Toners, particularly those that contain glycolic and salicylic acid, can help get rid of excess oil.
3. It restores your skin’s pH level
When you use your cleanser, your skin’s pH level gets disrupted. And when it’s out of balance, it becomes vulnerable to damage and infection.
The skin has its own way of compensating to regain its natural pH level but it can take time. Toners can restore your skin’s pH level in an instant.
4. It shrinks your pores
Enlarged pores are more prone to dead skin cells and dirt accumulation. By tightening them, you’re not only lessening the chances of skin breakouts but you’re making your skin visibly smoother, too.
5. It boosts the skin’s hydration
If you have excessively dry skin, such as when you wash your face or when you’re traveling, you can use a toner to bring back moisture to your skin.
6. It preps your skin
Toners can revitalize your skin, making it more able to absorb the creams and serums you’re going to apply after.
The Different Types Of Toners
If there’s one skincare product that always gets questioned, it’s toners.
One good reason why a lot of people skip them is that they contain alcohol. And because they are thought to contain alcohol, they are perceived as drying and too strong for the skin.
Technically, however, there are different types of toners. So before you rule it out of your must-have list, read this first.
Astringents
These are the toners you need to be really careful of. Think twice about using them if you have dry skin.
Astringents mainly function to get rid of excess oil and tighten pores which are why they are best fitted for those with oily skin.
Astringents contain a high amount of alcohol which is usually around 20% to 60%. They are also usually formulated with antiseptic ingredients.
Tonics
Tonics contain a certain amount of alcohol. They can work with oily, normal and combination skin type.
They are commonly formulated with beneficial ingredients, like antioxidants.
Fresheners
Fresheners are considered to be the gentlest of the three. Although they can also help tighten pores, they usually contain little to no alcohol.