Uncover a Radiant Complexion With One of the 10 Best Toners
A missing ingredient in your skincare routine may be holding you back from attaining the clear, flawless complexion you want — facial toner. Toners are applied between cleansing and serums or moisturizers and have many uses. The primary benefit of toners is that they restore your skin’s pH balance. They also have your favorite cleanser’s back, clearing away dirt, oil, and other impurities missed when washing your face.
In the past, toners had a reputation for dryness and irritation. But they've come a long way — gone are the astringent ingredients that left skin feeling uncomfortably dry and tight. Modern toners are gentle and add nourishing ingredients like alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or hyaluronic acid to your regime.
The best toner for you will depend on your skin type and beauty routine requirements. Here’s our list of the 10 best toners broken down by skincare concerns.
1. Philosophy Microdelivery Solution
Best toner for all skin types. This daily liquid exfoliator instantly replenishes and resurfaces skin in one sweep. It’s packed with 4% AHAs, responsibly sourced cica, vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. The non-stripping, gentle, and replenishing formula reduces the appearance of pores and uneven skin tone while boosting hydration.
2. Alleyoop Cool It Green Tea Toner
Ideal Serum for Radiant Skin. This serum is expertly formulated for those seeking a luminous, even complexion, especially tailored for sensitive and blemish-prone skin types. Featuring a potent blend of Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Salicylic Acid, it works to gently exfoliate, diminish the appearance of dark spots, and clear clogged pores without causing any discomfort. With consistent use, it effectively reduces inflammation and unveils a smoother, more radiant finish.
3. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
One of the best exfoliating toners. This glycolic acid toner improves radiance and provides visibly clearer skin. The formula reduces the appearance of acne scarring and hyperpigmentation for improved skin texture with continued use. It also includes aloe vera to soothe irritation and amino acids to moisturize and protect skin’s hydration barrier.
4. Josh Rosebrook Daily Acid Toner
Best multi-benefit toner. This is a resurfacing, hydrating toning treatment. Designed to smooth skin and banish dullness, it improves skin texture, increasing firmness and slowing the appearance of aging over time.
5. Pixi Clarity Tonic
Ultimate Toner for Oily Skin. Tailored specifically for oily skin, this advanced liquid toner transforms your skincare routine with a single sweep. It's enriched with a potent blend of AHAs, salicylic acid, green tea extract, zinc PCA, and witch hazel, designed to purify and refine the skin's texture. The carefully balanced, non-drying formula delicately exfoliates, reducing the appearance of large pores and controlling excess sebum production. With added aloe vera and glycerin, it ensures your skin remains hydrated and calm, without any feeling of tightness. Experience a clearer, more matte complexion and visibly reduced imperfections with regular use.
6. COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Best toner for dull skin. This daily skin-boosting toner contains 72% black bee propolis extract and 10% honey extract to make skin glowy and smooth. The anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and decrease the appearance of blemishes and dark spots while brightening your skin tone.
7. e.l.f. Pure Skin Toner
Best toner for dry skin. Moisturize and smooth your complexion with this daily-use, gentle face toner. Infused with calming, skin-happy ingredients like oat milk, aloe juice, and niacinamide, this non-irritating toner gently nourishes and softens while promoting even, healthy-looking skin. It’s formulated without fragrance and is non-comedogenic, cruelty-free, and vegan.
8. Florence by Mills Brighten Up Toner
One of the most popular and the best toners for combination skin. Brighten Up is a daily brightening toner that helps skin find its light. The pore-minimizing and purifying formula includes botanicals that visibly even skin’s tone and hydrating ingredients that lock in moisture.
9. Mario Badescu Anti Aging Glycolic Acid Toner
Best toner for mature skin. This is a mild resurfacing toner that brightens and balances skin post-cleanse. Glycolic acid, grapefruit, and aloe combine for a rejuvenating formula that refines pores. AHA and glycolic acid diminish the appearance of dry, fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone to reveal a more radiant and youthful-looking complexion.
10. Avène Gentle Toning Lotion
Best toner for sensitive skin. Formulated with Avène thermal spring water combined with natural silicates, this facial toner protects skin against external aggressors that cause irritation and redness. It respects your skin's natural pH to leave it soft and fresh without over-drying. It's a feel-good product that's hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and paraben, alcohol, and oil-free.
FAQ
When should I apply toner?
When applying skincare products, the general rule of thumb is to move from lightest to heaviest. Apply toner as the second step in your beauty regime after cleansing with face wash. Soak a cotton pad with a little product, or spritz some onto your skin with an aerosol pump. Whatever method you choose, let your toner dry before applying oils, serums, or lotions.
How often should I use toner?
Depending on the ingredients in your skin toner, consider alternating products. If you’re using a general-purpose toner that focuses on hydration, it’s probably gentle enough for everyday use. Consider alternating toners with more active skincare ingredients like beta hydroxy acid (BHA) or salicylic acid with milder formulations, so you’re only using more potent products once or twice a week.
Whatever the product, always do a patch test to ensure there’s no irritation. If you develop itchy, irritated skin, discontinue use immediately. If the symptoms persist, see a dermatologist ASAP.
How do I choose a toner?
Base your toner choice on your particular skin needs.
If you have a shiny complexion prone to breakouts, look for a toner with exfoliation properties to remove blackhead-causing dead skin cells and excess oil.
Dry skin benefits from a hydrating toner with ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
If you have sensitive skin, use a gentle toner that’s alcohol and fragrance-free, without any harsh chemicals.
For mature skin, find products that include hydroxy acids, retinol, and antioxidants like vitamin C to reduce fine lines, protect against free radical damage, and improve skin texture.
Combination skin will improve with any alcohol-free toner.
Loving your new toner
Toner is a simple addition to your skincare routine that could profoundly impact your skin's appearance. It’s no wonder skin care experts and beauty editors love them.
If you’re still unsure which toner to choose, consult Flip's product reviews. Our community has tried, rated, and reviewed every product we carry, providing honest advice about every product in your shopping cart.
