Best Toners

Toners are a crucial part of many skincare routines, helping to balance pH levels, hydrate, and cleanse the skin after washing. Here’s a review of some of the best toners based on skin type, ingredients, and effectiveness.

1. Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Toner

• Key Ingredients: Witch hazel, aloe vera, rosewater
• Pros: Alcohol-free, gentle, and hydrating; available in multiple versions like rose, cucumber, and unscented.
• Cons: May not be strong enough for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
• Best For: Sensitive and dry skin.
• Review: Thayers is a classic, gentle toner that’s great for soothing the skin without stripping it. The witch hazel helps reduce inflammation, while aloe vera hydrates. It’s a favorite for everyday use and is budget-friendly.

2. Pixi Glow Tonic

• Key Ingredients: 5% glycolic acid, aloe vera, ginseng
• Pros: Exfoliates and brightens the skin, improves texture, alcohol-free.
• Cons: May be too strong for sensitive skin if overused.
• Best For: Dull or textured skin looking for a gentle chemical exfoliant.
• Review: Pixi Glow Tonic is a cult favorite for a reason. The 5% glycolic acid gently exfoliates dead skin cells, leaving the skin looking smoother and more radiant. Overuse can cause irritation, but when used correctly, it’s an excellent toner for brightening and evening out skin tone.

3. Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner

• Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, antioxidants, chamomile
• Pros: Reduces pore size, balances oily skin, anti-aging benefits.
• Cons: May be drying for those with dry or sensitive skin.
• Best For: Oily and combination skin, especially those with large pores.
• Review: Paula’s Choice is known for its science-backed formulations, and this toner is no exception. It helps to balance oil production, reduce the appearance of pores, and soothe the skin with antioxidants. It’s a favorite for those struggling with oily or acne-prone skin.

4. Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner

• Key Ingredients: Calendula flower extract, allantoin, great burdock root
• Pros: Calming and soothing, alcohol-free, great for redness or irritation.
• Cons: Pricey compared to other toners.
• Best For: Sensitive, irritated, or redness-prone skin.
• Review: This toner is incredibly soothing and ideal for those dealing with inflammation or irritation. The calendula extract helps calm the skin, making it perfect for sensitive or red-prone skin types. Although it’s on the higher end price-wise, the quality and effectiveness make it worth it for many.

5. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

• Key Ingredients: 7% glycolic acid, ginseng, aloe vera
• Pros: Strong exfoliation, affordable, improves skin texture and clarity.
• Cons: Too strong for sensitive or dry skin; needs careful use with sunscreen.
• Best For: Normal to oily skin, and those dealing with texture or dullness.
• Review: For a more intense chemical exfoliant, The Ordinary’s 7% glycolic acid toner is an excellent option. It’s highly affordable but should be used cautiously, especially for those new to acids. It leaves skin noticeably smoother and brighter, though it can cause irritation if used too frequently.

6. COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

• Key Ingredients: AHA, BHA, mineral water
• Pros: Exfoliates gently with both AHA and BHA, helps prevent breakouts, lightweight and hydrating.
• Cons: May take time to show results.
• Best For: Oily, acne-prone, and combination skin.
• Review: COSRX is known for its simple yet effective products. This toner helps with mild exfoliation and pore care thanks to its combination of AHAs and BHAs. It’s great for those with acne or clogged pores but is gentle enough for daily use without over-drying.

7. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution Acne Toner

• Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid
• Pros: Targets acne, controls oil, unclogs pores.
• Cons: Can be drying if overused; best for targeted use.
• Best For: Oily and acne-prone skin.
• Review: This toner is designed specifically for those with acne and oily skin. The salicylic acid helps clear pores, while the glycolic acid exfoliates the skin to prevent future breakouts. It’s an excellent option for acne sufferers, though it can be too drying for everyday use on normal or dry skin.

8. Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner

• Key Ingredients: Rosewater, hyaluronic acid, angelica leaf extract
• Pros: Deeply hydrating, soothing, and leaves skin plump.
• Cons: Expensive, may not suit those with very oily skin.
• Best For: Dry and dehydrated skin.
• Review: Fresh’s Rose toner is luxurious and perfect for dry skin in need of extra hydration. The combination of rosewater and hyaluronic acid deeply moisturizes the skin, leaving it soft and refreshed. It’s on the pricier side, but the hydrating benefits are well worth it for those with dry or aging skin.

Conclusion:

• Best for Sensitive Skin: Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Toner for its soothing, alcohol-free formula.
• Best for Exfoliation: Pixi Glow Tonic and The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% for their effective exfoliating properties.
• Best for Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner and La Roche-Posay Effaclar Acne Toner for controlling oil and treating breakouts.
• Best for Hydration: Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner for deep, long-lasting moisture.
• Best for Combination Skin: COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner for its balance of exfoliation and hydration.