Meet the product you can’t (and shouldn’t) live without: the exfoliating toner. Exfoliation is the key to bright, glowing skin, and it’s a step in your skincare routine that you definitely shouldn’t skip. Exfoliating toners are gentle formulas designed to increase cell turnover and dissolve dead skin tissue leaving you with glowy, radiant skin. Sounds awesome right? Exfoliating toners use ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to loosen the dead skin cells that clog pores and prevent our skin from looking its best. AHAs are acids that promote cell turnover, while BHAs cut through grime and get rid of all that oil and skin-clogging bacteria.
Using a liquid exfoliant after you cleanse your face removes the gunk that prevents products from absorbing into your skin and performing their best. However, too much of a good thing is not a good thing, and how often you use an exfoliating toner comes down to your skin type and its sensitivity. Interested? Good—keep reading. Our proprietary algorithm takes into account editorial mentions, rave reviews, and social media buzz to carefully curate and rank the Top 10 exfoliating toners you need in your skincare routine. Keep scrolling to discover the ones that made the cut. Opening image: glossier.com
Did you like our 10 Best Exfoliating Toners? Then you’ll love our 10 Best Micellar Cleansing Waters!
August 10, 2020
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Youth To The People Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner
WHAT IT DOES: This exfoliating toner is formulated with 8% lactic acid and 3% glycolic acid, and it's balanced with prebiotics like kombucha black tea and tree bark ferments to enhance the skin's microbiome, reduce shine, and unclog pores.
HELPFUL TIP: Use this product three to five times per week, gradually working your way up to nightly use. Apply sunscreen afterward to prevent damage to the skin.
Tula Get Toned Pro-Glycolic 10% Resurfacing Toner
BEST FOR: Sensitive skin
ABOUT THE BRAND: Tula is a skincare line that uses probiotics and superfoods to formulate their products.
Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Toner
USERS SAID: “Smells amazing, feels amazing, and my skin is literally like butter. After one day, I saw visible differences in the appearance of my pores and my skin is soooo bright and clean looking!”
FROM THE EXPERTS: In a clinical self-evaluation test of 30 volunteers with twice-daily application, 97% agreed skin was immediately refreshed. After 28 days, 91% agreed skin was purified. After 56 days, 83% agreed pores looked tightened.
Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner
BEST FOR: Dry skin
FUN FACT: This exfoliating toner is formulated with green tea extract to help calm hyperpigmentation like acne scars and dark spots.
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
USERS SAID: “This is the first beauty product that I am actually passionate about because it makes a noticeable difference in my skin tone. This essence has cleared up my complexion and reduced blackheads. My face is smooth and soft.”
FUN FACT: This exfoliating toner is formulated with pitera, an ingredient derived from fermented yeast that imitates the skin’s natural moisturizing factors.
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid
BEST FOR: Combination skin
WHAT IT DOES: This toner reduces fine lines and wrinkles to remove dead skin cells that contribute to aging, lackluster skin.
Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector
BEST FOR: Acne-prone skin
LOVED FOR: This solution uses AHA, BHA, and PHA to remove dead skin.
Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner
BEST FOR: Aging skin
ABOUT THE BRAND: Mario Badescu was founded in New York over 50 years ago.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
BEST FOR: Large pores
FUN FACT: This glycolic acid formula can be added to your haircare routine to remedy a dry, flaky scalp.
Olehenriksen Balancing Force Oil Control Toner
BEST FOR: Oily skin
FROM THE EXPERTS: In a consumer study on 36 women after four weeks, 100% said it removed residual dirt, makeup, impurities, and oil, and 100% said it purified the skin.
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