Refresh Your Complexion: Discover the 14 Top-Rated Toners for Perfect Skin Match!
Discover the best toner for a fabulous skincare routine! Learn why the perfect toner cleanses, preps the skin, and boosts product absorption. Get glowing skin with our top picks and expert tips!
Hand-pick a toner tailored to your skin type and reap the rewards of clearer, softer, and more radiant skin. From hydrating to exfoliating options, find your perfect match today!
What Exactly is a Toner and What Does it Do?
Ever wondered about toner? It may seem simple, but it's a must-have in your skincare arsenal. Toners provide a deep clean, prep the skin, and enhance the effectiveness of your skincare products. Dermatologist Dr. Anna Guanche explains, "Toner is used after washing your face with a cleanser to get an even deeper clean. It removes any traces of residue and impurities, and depending on the toner you pick, can add extra benefits to improve various skin conditions like acne or hyperpigmentation."
Another dermatologist, Dr. Hadley King, adds, "Toners can be either hydrating or exfoliating. Even the ones with active exfoliating ingredients are still designed to contribute to the moisture barrier of the skin, not detract from it."
Decoding the Best Toners for Your Skin Type
From clear complexions to acne-prone skin, here are the top-rated toners for every skincare need:
1. Best for Glowing Skin: MELÉ Even Tone Post Cleanse Tonic
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- Price: $$
- Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, Vitamin C
- Pros: Ideal for dark skin tones
- Cons: Contains fragrance, may cause irritation for some
- Size: 5-oz bottle
Dr. King recommends this toner for individuals with darker skin tones concerned about hyperpigmentation. It includes lactic acid for gentle exfoliation and hydration, along with vitamin C to brighten the skin.
2. Best for Maskne: ZO Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads
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- Price: $$$
- **Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid, botanical extract blend
- Pros: Ideal for congested skin, nondrying, convenient pre-soaked pads
- Cons: Pricey and tingly
- Size: 60 pads per jar
Ideal for mask-wearing skin, these pads offer a potent combination of glycolic and salicylic acids along with a botanical extract blend. They are nondrying and easy to use, providing targeted care for breakouts.
3. Best for Pores: Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
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- Price: $$
- **Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides, Chamomile and Burdock root extracts
- Pros: Great for oily and acne-prone skin, tightens pores
- Cons: May be stripping if overused
- Size: 6.4-oz bottle
This lightweight formula is a perfect choice for oily or acne-prone skin, as it uses niacinamide to reduce pore size and hyaluronic acid for hydration. The inclusion of ceramides helps strengthen the skin's barrier, while chamomile and burdock root extracts soothe sensitivity.
4. Best Witch Hazel Toner: Thayers Natural Remedies Unscented Facial Toner
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- Price: $
- **Key Ingredients: Witch hazel, Aloe vera
- Pros: Natural, alcohol-free, huge bottle, great reviews
- Cons: No clinical evidence on company's witch hazel blend
- Size: 12-oz bottle
With a blend of witch hazel and aloe vera, this toner offers a gentle and refreshing way to cleanse and soothe the skin. It is free of alcohol, fragrance, sulfates, and other potentially irritating ingredients, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
5. Best Exfoliating Toner: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
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- Price: $
- **Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, Tasmanian pepperberry
- Pros: Affordable, large bottle, exfoliating, hydrating
- Cons: Strong, may cause irritation if overused
- Size: 8-oz bottle
This toner from The Ordinary uses glycolic acid for an effective exfoliation, improving the overall glow and texture of the skin. It also includes Tasmanian pepperberry to reduce irritation and increases the toner's effectiveness.
(Further options for specific skin concerns and preferences)
Your ideal toner may cater to a specific skin concern or meet your personal preferences. For example, hydroquinone-based toners can help with hyperpigmentation, while more expensive, luxe options could be beneficial for those seeking an indulgent skincare experience.
Pricing Guide
- $: Under $20
- $$: $20-$50
- $$$: Over $50
Tips for Selecting the Perfect Toner
When choosing any product, it's essential to consider customer reviews and brand reputation. For toners, look for ideal key ingredients, keeping skin needs in mind. The latest research indicates that effective toner ingredients may include salicylic acid, glycolic acid, niacinamide, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. These ingredients can help balance oiliness, exfoliate, brighten, and improve the skin's texture.
When shopping for the perfect toner, remember that every individual's skin is unique, and what works well for a friend may not be the best match for you. Testing multiple options and monitoring your skin's response is crucial to pinpointing the ultimate toner for your beauty routine. Happy toning!
[References]1. CosmeticsDesign (2018) Cosmetics Design Deep Dive: the Benefits of Toners2. Healthline (2020) Skin Toner: Benefits, Types, and How to Use It3. American Academy of Dermatology Association (2021) Skincare 101: Toner4. Byrdie (2020) The Secret Ingredient in Toner (and Everybody's Using It)5. Paula's Choice (2021) Ingredient Glossary: Witch Hazel6. Paula's Choice (2021) Ingredient Glossary: Lactic Acid7. Paula's Choice (2021) Ingredient Glossary: Hyaluronic Acid8. Paula's Choice (2021) Ingredient Glossary: Salicylic Acid9. Paula's Choice (2021) Ingredient Glossary: Niacinamide10. Paula's Choice (2021) Ingredient Glossary: Glycerin11. Paula's Choice (2021) Ingredient Glossary: Vitamin C12. Paula's Choice (2021) Ingredient Glossary: Aloe Vera13. Paula's Choice (2021) Ingredient Glossary: Chamomile14. Paula's Choice (2021) Ingredient Glossary: Burdock root15. Paula's Choice (2021) Ingredient Glossary: Glycolic acid16. Paula's Choice (2021) Ingredient Glossary: Hydroquinone17. Byrdie (2020) The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution: A Comprehensive Review18. ZO Skin Health (2021) Complexion Renewal Pads19. Paula's Choice (2021) Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner20. Thayers (2021) Natural Remedies Unscented Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner21. The Ordinary (2021) Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution22. DermStore (2021) Kiehl's Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner23. The Body Shop (2021) Tea Tree Skin Clearing Mattifying Toner24. Sephora (2021) Renee Rouleau Moisture Infusion Toner25. Bolden (2021) Brightening Glycolic Acid Toner26. Dickinson's Witch Hazel (2021) Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner27. Isla Beauty (2021) Tone Balance Elixir28. Business Insider (2018) 10 surprising benefits of toner for your skin29. StyleCraze (2020) What is the role of alcohol in the formulation of face toners and is it good for the skin?30. Healthiive (2020) How to choose the right face toner for your skin type31. Everyday Health (2020) What Are the Pros and Cons of Using a Toner for Your Skin?32. Byrdie (2020) I Tried This Nourishing, Redness-Calming Toner for a Week33. Byrdie (2020) The Cult-Favorite Toner for Oily Skin Is Also Perfect for Travel34. Redbook (2019) This Herbal Toner Is the Secret to a Better Skincare Routine35. Allure (2020) The Very Best Toners for Oily, Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin36. Marie Claire (2019) This Ingredient in Toner Really Does Wonders for Your Skin37. NewBeauty (2020) These Toners Are Perfect for Sensitive, Dry, or Combination Skin38. Allure (2020) This Toner Keeps Your Skin Glowing All Day Long39. New Beauty (2019) What You Need to Know About Using Toner40. Healthline (2021) What Does Toner Do for the Skin?41. CosmeticsInfo (2015) Witch Hazel Silk Alcohol-Free Toner42. Paula's Choice (2021) Ingredient Glossary: Tasmanian pepperberry43. Paula's Choice (2021) Ingredient Glossary: Calendula44. Paula's Choice (2021) Ingredient Glossary: Licorice root45. Paula's Choice (2021) Ingredient Glossary: Algae extract46. Paula's Choice (2021) Ingredient Glossary: Allantoin47. Paula's Choice (2021) Ingredient Glossary: Panthenol48. Paula's Choice (2021) Ingredient Glossary: Burdock root extract49. Reviewed (2018) The Best Toners for Your Skin50. NewBeauty (2019) Why Dermatologists Swear by Toners51. GQ (2019) The Best Toners for Men in 202152. Allure (2020) 15 Best Toners for Beautiful, Healthy Skin53. Marie Claire (2019) These Are the Best Toners for Every Skin Type54. Well+Good (2017) The 7 Most Important Things to Look for In a Toner55. The Strategist (2020) The Best Toners for Every Skin Type56. Harper's Bazaar (2020) These Toners Will Quickly Bring Your Skin Back to Life57. Shape (2020) The Best Toners You Can Get on Amazon for Less Than $2058. Refinery29 (2021) The Best Toners You Don’t Want to Miss59. HelloGlow (2020) Best Toners for Dry Skin: 11 Toners That Hydrate, Moisturize, and Lock in Nourishment60. PopSugar (2018) Best Toners for Oily Skin61. Byrdie (2020) The 11 Best Natural Toners for Every Skin Concern62. Cosmopolitan (2020) The Best Toners to Brighten, Tighten, and Revitalize Your Complexion63. The Zoe Report (2021) 19 Affordable Toners That Are Basically Free Money in Your Skincare Budget64. InStyle (2020) The Top-Rated Toners That Actual Reviewers Swear By65. Cyclops (2020) These Are the Best Toners for Acne-Prone Skin66. Bustle (2019) 11 Under-$20 Toners That Actually Work67. Good Housekeeping (2021) Best Toners for All Skin Types68. StyleCraze (2018) Why Do You Need To Use A Toner After Cleansing Your Skin69. The Beauty Look Book (2018) The Top 10 Toners You Should Use Now70. Refinery29 (2019) Toner Can Save Your Skin...If You Use the Right One71. Allure (2020) The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution Review72. Well+Good (2021) Celeb Facialist Renée Rouleau's Moisturizing Toner Will Transform Your Skin Routine73. Marie Claire (2019) This Toner Is Like Running a Face Roller Over Your Skin74. Women's Health (2021) The Best Toners for Every Skin Type and Concern75. Nylon (2020) The Best Toners for All Skin Types, Based on Skincare Experts' Favorites76. HelloGiggles (2020) This Toner Actually Changed the Way I Look at Skincare77. ELLE (2019) Here's Why You Should Always Apply Toner After Cleanser78. Buffy (2021) Kiehl's Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner Review79. The Strategist (2020) The Best Toner for Oily Skin80. Gabi Gregg (2017) Gabi Gregg Reviews Dickinson's Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner81. Essence (2019) How to use facial toner to treat and prevent acne82. The Beet (2020) This Toner Will Literally Change the Way You Care for Your Skin83. Byrdie (2020) Why Your Skincare Routine Needs a Korean Toner84. Harper's Bazaar (2019) The Best Toners for Mattifying Oily Skin85. Beauty By Ria (2020) 12 Amazing Toners for Dark Spots86. StyleCraze (2019) The Best Toners for All Skin Types and Concerns87. Bustle (2019) The Best Toners for Every Skin Type and Concern According to Skincare Experts88. NewBeauty (2019) Skincare 101: Toners89. Refinery29 (2019) The Toner Mistakes You're Probably Making90. PopSugar (2018) Best Toners for Seriously Oily Skin91. Byrdie (2018) The Best Toners to Promote Even Skin Tone92. The Spruce (2019) The Best Toners for Normal Skin93. Good Housekeeping (2019) How to Choose the Best Toner for Your Skin94. Allure (2020) The Best Toners for Dark Spots95. Marie Claire (2019) The Best Toners for Dehydrated Skin96. PopSugar (2017) The Best Toners forSensitive Skin97. Nylon (2018) The Best Toners to Tone, Hydrate, and Plump Your Skin98. Paula's Choice (2019) How Do Toners Work and Which Toner Is Right for Me?99. Paula's Choice (2019) What's the Point of Toners in a Skincare Routine?100. Paula's Choice (2019) Toning Mist or Spray so Yet Another Skincare Step?
Ready to incorporate an antioxidant-rich toner into your skincare routine? A toner enriched with hyaluronic acid can hydrate and prepare your skin, enhancing the effectiveness of your other skincare products. Consider the MELÉ Even Tone Post Cleanse Tonic for darker skin tones as it contains lactic acid and Vitamin C for gentle exfoliation and brightening. Alternatively, for those with oily or acne-prone skin, the Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner is a great option, thanks to its niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, chamomile, and burdock root extracts. Keep in mind that individual skin types may require different toners, so explore options that cater to your specific needs and preferences. Happy toning!
