You’re missing a critical step in your cleanse-tone-moisturize (CTM) process if you’ve been skipping the toner. However, you need to be mindful about choosing the right toner if you tend to have dry skin. Keep reading to get more insight into toners and check out our list of the top toners available on the market.

17 Best Face Toners For Clear And Hydrated Skin

1. Best Overall: Thayers Facial Toner – Rose Petal

This toner contains non-distilled witch hazel extract and rose water. It is rich in tannins that keep your skin healthy and prevent skin irritation. The organic witch hazel in the formula refreshes your skin, aloe vera promotes hydration, and glycerin moisturizes without clogging skin pores. The organic formula does not disrupt the natural skin barrier and inhibits excess oil production. The Thayers Facial Toner minimizes the appearance of pores, controls acne and oil production, and reduces redness and inflammation. If you need more convincing, feel free to check out this honest review of this toner on YouTube.Dr. Debra Jaliman, NYC-based board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine, says, “Witch hazel is a natural astringent and can decrease oil and redness. It can reduce bacteria growth on the skin, including acne-causing bacteria. It can moisturize and tighten your skin without leaving it greasy.” Suitable For: All skin types Key Ingredients: Witch hazel, Aloe vera, and Glycerin Pros

Contains organic ingredients Dermatologist-tested Non-comedogenic Alcohol-free Paraben-free Phthalate-free Gluten-free Cruelty-free

Cons None

2. Best pH-Balanced: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution contains glycolic acid that exfoliates your skin gently and improves its texture. The non-irritating formula is enriched with Tasmanian pepperberry, ginseng root, and aloe vera extracts to provide visible radiance and skin-soothing benefits. The pH level of this formula is approximately 3.6. Continuous use of this exfoliating toner improves the overall skin appearance. You can take a look at this YouTube video to understand this toner’s merits and demerits. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Stacy Marie Chimento, MD, absolutely loves the product. She says, “It improves dull skin, is gentle enough for sensitive skin, and provides a gentle exfoliation to give you a luminous glow.” Note: Avoid using it on compromised skin and use sunscreen to avoid UV damage. Suitable For: All skin types Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid Pros

Alcohol-free Water-free Oil-free Silicone-free Nut-free Vegan Gluten-free Cruelty-free

Cons None

3. Best For All Skin Types: Mario Badescu Witch Hazel & Rosewater Toner

The Mario Badescu Witch Hazel & Rosewater Toner improves skin radiance with each use. It has natural astringent properties that remove all the surface impurities. This facial toner contains rosewater, aloe vera, and witch hazel extracts. These natural astringents help improve skin texture and remove traces of residue without stripping your skin’s natural oils. This product refreshes your skin, perks it up, and minimizes the appearance of pores. Dr. Jaliman, MD, explains, “It’s anti-inflammatory, so it gets rid of redness and minimizes irritation in sensitive skin. Aloe vera contains antioxidants, feels soothing, and hydrates the skin.” Suitable For: All skin types Key Ingredients: Rosewater, Aloe vera, and Witch hazel extract Pros

Paraben-free Alcohol-free Cruelty-free Vegan Pleasant fragrance

Cons None

4. Best Hydrating: L’Oreal Paris HydraFresh Toner

The L’Oreal Paris HydraFresh Toner refreshes and softens the skin. It makes your skin appear smooth, soft, supple, and bright. This toner contains beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that gently sweeps away dull, tired skin and provitamin B5 that protects your skin against moisture loss. Suitable For: Dry skin Key Ingredients: BHA and Provitamin B5 Pros

Lightweight Non-drying Dermatologist-tested 99% alcohol-free

Cons

Overwhelming fragrance

5. Best For Regular Use: Plum Chamomile & White Tea Calming Antioxidant Toner

The Plum Chamomile & White Tea Calming Antioxidant Toner is gentle on your skin and great for regular use. It is enriched with chamomile extract with anti-inflammatory properties, white tea extract that offers antioxidant sun protection, and aloe leaf juice that soothes your skin. Suitable For: All skin types Key Ingredients: Chamomile extract, White tea extract, and Aloe leaf juice Pros

Suitable for daily use Silicone-free Alcohol-free Vegan Paraben-free Phthalate-free Cruelty-free

Cons None

6. Best For Acne-Prone Skin: PIXI Glow Tonic

This facial toner is pH-balanced and has a calming and rejuvenating effect on stressed skin. The PIXI Glow Tonic contains 5% glycolic acid to remove all the impurities from your pores, aloe vera to soothe and hydrate your skin, and red ginseng to protect and energize your skin. This face toners fades blemishes to improve your complexion. To understand the nuances of this toner in a detailed manner, make sure to take a look at this YouTuber’s elaborate review. Suitable For: Acne-prone skin Key Ingredients: 5% Glycolic acid, Aloe vera, and Red ginseng Pros

Non-drying Non-oily Alcohol-free Paraben-free Silicone-free Mineral oil-free Sulfate-free Cruelty-free

Cons None

7. Best Hypoallergenic: Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner

The Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner is gentle and helps maintain healthy and glowing skin. This specially formulated, oil-free toner refreshes your skin without stripping its natural moisture. It has mild purifiers to remove the impurities from the skin surface and make it feel tight and firm without any dryness. If you are looking for a budget-friendly toner, this one is for you. Dr. Marie Jhin, a California-based dermatologist, agrees and says, “This is a good cheap toner for acne-prone skin.” Suitable For: All skin types Pros

Non-comedogenic Absorbed quickly Hypoallergenic Mild Oil-free Alcohol-free

Cons

Contains parabens and artificial fragrance

8. Best Clean Toner: Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner

The Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner is enriched with calendula flower petals with anti-inflammatory properties to soothe your skin, burdock root extract with moisturizing benefits, and allantoin to enhance hydration. These ingredients work great together to reduce visible redness, excess oil, and the appearance of skin pores. This gentle and alcohol-free facial toner cleanses the skin to reveal a healthy glow. Suitable For: Normal, sensitive, and oily skin types Key Ingredients: Calendula flower petals, Allantoin, and Burdock root extract Pros

Alcohol-free All-natural Non-drying Non-comedogenic Paraben-free Fragrance-free Silicone-free Mineral oil-free Dye-free

Cons None

9. Best For Oily Skin: The Body Shop Tea Tree Mattifying Toner

Try this mattifying toner if you have super oily skin and need something to prevent the excess shine. The Tea Tree Mattifying Toner by The Body Shop removes all traces of impurities and makeup from your skin. It is infused with potent tea tree oil that purifies and tones the skin to minimize the appearance of pores, leaving it refreshed and visibly clear. Suitable For: Oily skin Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil Pros

100% vegan Not tested on animals Naturally derived ingredients

Cons None

10. Best For Dry Skin: Dickinson Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner

If you have extremely dry skin that needs a boost of hydration, this toner can help you out. The Dickinson Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner is enriched with vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and witch hazel extract. It keeps your skin clean and refreshed without stripping its moisture. This face toner also refines your skin pores and gently removes impurities. Suitable For: Dry skin Key Ingredients: Witch hazel extract, Vitamin E, and Hyaluronic acid Pros

Alcohol-free Recommended by dermatologists Contains natural ingredients Cruelty-free

Cons None

11. Dr.Hauschka Facial Toner

This Facial Toner by Dr. Hanuschka supports the natural cleansing and renewal process of the skin. It minimizes the appearance of pores and balances moisture. The toner contains anthyllis and witch hazel extracts, which improve skin tone and elasticity. It also doubles as a makeup setting spray. Suitable For: Sensitive, Combination, Normal, Dry, and Mature skin Key Ingredients: Anthyllis and Witch hazel extracts Pros

Contains natural ingredients Paraben-free Cruelty-free

Cons None

12. ISNTREE Green Tea Fresh Toner

The ISNTREE Green Tea Fresh Toner is suitable for oily and combination skin types. It contains green tea extract sourced from Jeju Island that protects, brightens, and balances your skin. The centella asiatica extract in the formula maintains the skin’s barrier, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid boosts hydration, allantoin soothes, and blueberry fruit extract calms the skin. This lightweight toner eliminates excess sebum to keep the skin shine-free. Suitable For: Oily and combination skin types Key Ingredients: Green tea Pros

EWG-certified Artificial fragrance-free Paraben-free Mineral oil-free Formaldehyde-free Alcohol-free Silicone-free No animal ingredients Petrolatum-free

Cons None

13. La Roche-Posay Serozinc Face Toner

The La Roche-Posay Serozinc Face Toner contains zinc sulfate solution and works as a face toner and facial mist. It has a mattifying effect and prevents shine. The toner has a watery consistency and gets absorbed quickly. Suitable For: Oily and sensitive skin types Key Ingredients: Zinc sulfate Pros

Dermatologist-tested Paraben-free Fragrance-free Oil-free

Cons None

14. Dermatologica Multi-Active Toner

The Dermatologica Multi-Active Toner has a lightweight formula. It conditions and prepares the skin for the next skin care steps. The toner contains moisture-binding humectants, which hydrate and soothe the skin. This product also claims to minimize the appearance of enlarged skin pores. Suitable For: All skin types Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, Lavender extract, Balm Mint, and Arnica Pros

Gluten-free Paraben-free Cruelty-free Vegan Artificial color-free Synthetic fragrance-free

Cons None

15. Milk Makeup Matcha Toner

The Milk Makeup Matcha Toner product is one of its kind. It is the first solid toner with a concealed gel formula. It contains kombucha, matcha green tea, and cactus extracts that hydrate and detoxify your skin and calm irritation. Suitable For: All skin types Key Ingredients: Kombucha, Matcha green tea, and Cactus extract Pros

Organic ingredients Vegan Cruelty-free Gluten-free Soy-free Talc-free Paraben-free Phthalate-free Sulfate-free

Cons None

16. Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner

This cleansing and brightening toner contains a high concentration of licorice extract and peony water. Both these ingredients are natural skin brighteners. The Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner by Acwell also contains green tea extract that calms your skin and reduces pigmentation. Suitable For: All skin types (especially dry and sensitive skin) Key Ingredients: Licorice extract, Green tea, Bergamot oil, and Peony water Pros

pH-balanced Gentle Non-irritating

Cons

May feel a bit sticky

17. Proactiv Revitalizing Toner

The Revitalizing Toner from Proactiv is ideal for balancing moisture and natural oils in your skin. It provides gentle exfoliation and helps remove dead skin cells, and clears the pores. The formula is enriched with chamomile and aloe extracts, witch hazel, allantoin, and panthenol. All these ingredients minimize irritation and stimulate skin cell regeneration. Dr. Marie Jhin, a California-based dermatologist, says, “I like this product for acne-prone skin.” Suitable For: Acne-prone skin Key Ingredients: Chamomile, Aloe vera, Witch hazel, Allantoin, and Panthenol Pros

Alcohol-free Non-drying

Cons

Contains parabens

What Is A Face Toner?

A toner is a water-based product that gently nourishes, replenishes, and refreshes your skin without stripping its natural moisture. It is the second and integral part of the CTM (Cleansing-Toning-Moisturizing) routine. Nowadays, toners have skin type-specific formulas with a variety of nourishing ingredients to perform multiple duties. Check out the best face toners suggested by the dermatologist.

What Does A Facial Toner Do To Your Skin?

Removes traces of dirt, grime, and impurities post-cleansing

Removes excess oil and improves the appearance of pores

Restores the skin’s pH balance. The skin’s pH is slightly acidic (around 5.5). Cleansers and soaps have an alkaline pH and may disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance. Licensed esthetician Jordanna Antonoff says, “The main benefit of skin toners is to balance the pH and oil production. Balancing the skin pH is incredibly important because it repairs signs of dryness, leading to increased hydration.”

Some toners contain humectants and help to bind moisture to the skin.

Tighten cell gaps after cleansing to protect your skin against impurities and environmental contaminants

May facilitate better absorption of serums and other skincare products

Toners have customized formulas to address different skin issues. If hydration is your main concern, scroll down to check our list of the17 best face toners to get clear and hydrated skin. Above are the best face toners that contain a variety of ingredients and are suitable for different skin types and issues. Before buying one, here are a few pointers to keep in mind.

How To Choose The Best Face Toners As Per Your Skin Type – Buying Guide

Picking the right toner is about two factors:

Your skin type and issues Ingredients that will work for your skin type

Therefore, before buying a toner, always:

1. Determine Your Skin Type

Schneider says, “Choose a toner customized to your particular skin type and concerns. For example, just like shampoos meant for straight hair will not work on curly hair, a toner for oily skin will not be effective on dry skin.” Therefore, always go for a toner developed to suit your skin type and issues.

2. Check The Ingredients

According to Schneider, “If you have oily skin, you will want a toner that is more drying to balance out your skin type. Look for formulations with salicylic acid, witch hazel, and AHAs. For dry, sensitive, or aging skin, choose hydrating formulas containing rose water, chamomile, aloe vera, cucumber juice, vitamin E, antioxidants, and avoid formulations with alcohol. These formulas moisturize, soothe, and retain the skin’s natural oils. Finally, if you have combination skin, look for a formulation that contains soothing ingredients like honeysuckle and aloe vera.” If you are not using a toner yet, it is time you get one as per your skin type. If you have dry skin, we recommend the L’Oreal Paris HydraFresh Toner. And if you are looking for a soothing option, your skin will love the Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner. This face toner works great for oily and sensitive skin and suits pretty much all skin types.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified skin care coach and has reviewed hundreds of skin care products. She carefully selected these face toners after reviewing their user testimonials and feedback available on multiple forums and brand websites. The products listed in this post restore the skin’s pH level, improve skin texture and tone and tighten the pores to reduce the penetration of environmental contaminants into the skin.

Frequently Answered Questions

Is it good to use toner on your face every day? Yes, you can use a facial toner twice a day after cleansing your skin. Is toner good for dry skin? Yes. Toners are great, especially for dry skin. They help alleviate dehydrated skin without altering the skin’s natural moisture balance. They also reduce redness and irritation. Do toners dry out the skin? No. Hydrating toners do not dry out your skin. They gently rehydrate your skin without hampering its moisture levels. Are there any side effects of using a toner? Toner does not have any side effects unless they contain alcohol, which can be drying on your skin. They are safe to use for all skin types. Can toner damage your skin? Yes. Overusing alcohol-based toners can cause skin irritations. Hence it is always advisable to use mild water-based toners. Does toner help with oily skin? Yes. Toners can effectively work for oily skin. They curb excess oil production, reduce breakouts, and prevent the skin from drying out.

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