Our Top 10 Lists help shoppers quickly and easily find what they need. Using an intense review and approval process (which you can learn more about here), we break down the best products according to what consumers most commonly search for and want.
IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE IS MISSING SOMETHING, TRY ONE OF THESE TOP-RATED TONERS
We'll come right out and say it: toners have earned themselves a bad rap. Formulated to tame oily skin, the dehydrating astringents of the past contained overly drying ingredients and skin irritants that led to nothing but less-than-stellar skin. Although we fully acknowledge the old-school toner's faults, the new generation of formulas has so much more to offer than alcohol as a primary ingredient. Today, the best toners on the market are pumped full of active botanicals and ingredients that leave the skin feeling soft, supple, and squeaky clean.
But you might still be wondering—why use a toner? Although they may seem like an optional or excessive step, sweeping your face with a toner post-cleanse can add additional cleansing benefits and free pores of all the oil, makeup, dirt, and harmful environmental pollutants that your face wash didn't catch. No longer reserved for oily and acne-prone skin types, the toners of today boast exfoliating, brightening, and collagen-boosting benefits that all complexions can benefit from. So if you feel like your skincare routine could use a boost, look no further. We've rounded up a Top 10 list that makes a solid case for adding a toner to your routine to unclog pores, hydrate the skin, and brighten your overall complexion.
Our Method For Finding The Best Facial Toners
Whether you struggle with dry skin year-round or want to achieve a dewy complexion just in time for summer, there's a toner on this list for you. Using our data-driven algorithm that factors in rave reviews, editorial recommendations, best-seller lists, and social media buzz, we rounded up a definitive guide to the Top 10 facial toners for every skin concern and budget. From moisturizing options to formulas with anti-aging benefits, read on to shop our all-encompassing list and find the right toner for your unique skin type and needs.
Next up, check out the 10 Best Facial Serums. Opening image: sephora.com
May 24, 2021
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
Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel With Aloe Vera
BEST AFFORDABLE TONER
WHAT IT DOES: This cult-favorite facial toner uses simple yet effective ingredients like witch hazel, aloe vera, and rose petal to hydrate and calm the skin while combatting the signs of aging. It's equal parts cleansing and soothing, and it's safe for all skin types.
USER REVIEW: "I bought this because it was rated the best toner online, and I have to agree. Not only is it alcohol-free, but the rose petal scent is fresh and smells so good. I can tell the difference in my complexion already, and I've only used a quarter of the bottle. The price may be a little higher than drugstore brands, but it is a huge bottle. I will definitely buy it again."
Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer
BEST MOISTURIZING TONER
LOVED FOR: Say goodbye to dry skin. Infused with amino acid-rich ingredients like white tea leaves, this two-in-one formula preps and softens like a toner and hydrates like a cream for maximum hydration benefits.
THINGS TO KNOW: In addition to toning the skin, this moisturizing formula strengthens the skin's natural defense barrier.
Glytone Acne Clearing Toner
BEST TONER FOR ACNE
WHY YOU NEED IT: Toners formulated with salicylic acid work wonders on acne-prone skin. Thanks to its exfoliating properties, this toning solution removes any excess dirt you may have missed with your daily cleanse and leaves behind a clear, blemish-free complexion.
THINGS TO KNOW: In addition to keeping your skin squeaky clean, this toning solution unclogs pores to heal existing blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples—all while preventing new blemishes from popping up.
Revision Skincare Soothing Facial Rinse
BEST TONER FOR COMBO SKIN
WHAT IT DOES: This soothing toner contains hydrating properties that relieve tightness, refine the pores, and rebalance the skin with a proper pH level. Don't worry—it's free of any overly drying ingredients that could lead to excess irritation.
WHO IT'S FOR: Struggling with an uneven complexion or rough texture? This toning solution is packed with skin-loving ingredients like antioxidant-rich grape seed extract and soothing chamomile to deliver a soft, even, and smooth complexion.
PCA Skin Hydrating Toner
BEST TONER FOR DRY SKIN
WHY YOU NEED IT: AHAs are some of the buzziest skincare ingredients on the market, and it's not hard to see why. Formulated with lactic acid, this hydrating toner delivers gentle chemical exfoliation that alleviates damage caused by free radicals and dryness.
THINGS TO KNOW: Formulated to provide antioxidant protection, this formula slowly improves your skin's natural moisture retention with watermelon, apple, and lentil fruit extracts that support the skin's natural moisture complex.
Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
BEST PORE-REDUCING TONER
WHAT IT DOES: While you can't actually change the size of your pores, you can make them appear smaller with a good, deep cleanse. This pore-minimizing toner moisturizes dry areas and smooths oily ones to balance the complexion and remove excess oil, makeup, and gunk.
WHO IT'S FOR: If you struggle with overly red skin or chronic dryness, this toner can help. Thanks to niacinamide, the formula adds hydration, tones down redness, minimizes hyperpigmentation, and boasts anti-aging properties.
Olehenriksen Balancing Force Oil Control Toner
BEST TONER FOR OILY SKIN
WHY YOU NEED IT: This facial toner contains a powerful blend of sebum-balancing ingredients like glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acid to remove excess oil, refine pores, and whip your skin's oil production into shape. And thanks to active botanicals like green tea, eucalyptus, and algae, it will leave the skin with just the right amount of moisture—no dryness or tightness.
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.
Paula’s Choice Resist Advanced Replenishing Toner With Hyaluronic Acid
BEST ANTI-AGING TONER
WHO IT'S FOR: If sun damage has done a number on your skin, this facial toner is a must-have. Formulated to protect, nourish, and reinforce the skin's moisture barrier with hydrating ingredients like omega fatty acids and antioxidants, this toning solution improves the visible signs of sun damage fast.
THINGS TO KNOW: Formulated with hyaluronic acid, this toner delivers serious anti-aging benefits—think minimized wrinkles and firmer skin.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micro-Exfoliating Astringent Toner
BEST EXFOLIATING TONER
WHY YOU NEED IT: Whether your skin is on the oilier side or you simply want to balance your complexion, an exfoliating toner is the way to go. This dermatologist-approved formula penetrates deep into the pores to free them of pesky debris, excess oil, and dirt that contribute to a lackluster complexion.
THINGS TO KNOW: This gentle formula is safe for delicate skin types and blemish-prone skin.
Obagi Nu-Derm Toner
BEST TONER OVERALL
WHY YOU NEED IT: Safe for all skin types, this toner paves the way for incredibly soft and supple skin. With gentle, non-drying, alcohol-free ingredients, it balances the complexion's natural pH level, clears out pore-clogging debris, and resolves the premature signs of aging.
THINGS TO KNOW: This formula preps the skin and allows for better absorption of serums, topicals, and moisturizers.
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