facial toner vs cleanser

15 BEST TONERS FOR DRY SKIN

Dry skin can feel tight, rough, and flaky. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including weather, genetics, and aging. Toners can be a great addition to your skincare routine for dry skin, as they can help to remove impurities, balance your skin’s pH, and prepare it for moisturizer. But with so many toners on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. Here’s a guide to the 15 best toners for dry skin.

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CERAVE HYDRATING TONER

CeraVe’s soothing toner offers a refreshing dose of hydration and nourishment for your skin, thanks to its key ingredients including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides. This 6.8 oz product is particularly well-suited for individuals with active skincare routines, as it replenishes moisture and strengthens the skin’s barrier. Despite some reports of stickiness by a few reviewers, its hydrating formula leaves skin feeling soothed and revitalized.

ELTAMD SKIN RECOVERY ESSENCE TONER

This toner from CeraVe is suitable for all skin types due to its gentle formula and high-quality ingredients. Free of alcohol and fragrance, it preserves the skin’s natural oils and features a patented blend of amino acids that soothe irritation and enhance the skin barrier. Reviewers praise its effectiveness in reducing pore size and improving wrinkles, with noticeable results from the first use. However, a few users found the formula to be too drying for their skin. Available in a 7.3 oz size, this toner offers gentle and calming benefits for a variety of skincare needs.

TOWER 28 SOS DAILY RESCUE FACIAL SPRAY

Tower28’s red spray bottle toner has garnered popularity for its gentle, non-irritating formula that improves skin tone and is suitable for all skin types. Free of fragrance and housed in a convenient spray bottle, this toner contains hypochlorous acid, known for its calming and purifying properties. Endorsed by the National Eczema Association, it effectively soothes eczema flare-ups, inflamed acne, and perioral dermatitis. While some users find the spray a bit harsh, the lightweight formula quickly absorbs into the skin, leaving it hydrated, radiant, and refreshed. Despite the desire for a finer mist, the toner’s efficacy in calming irritation and promoting skin healing makes it a popular choice among skincare enthusiasts.

PAULA’S CHOICE SKIN PERFECTING 6% MANDELIC ACID + 2% LACTIC ACID LIQUID EXFOLIANT

If you’re looking for a toner that gently exfoliates while also hydrating dry skin, Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant is a great option. This unique formula combines two alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) – mandelic acid and lactic acid – to remove dead skin cells without irritation. Mandelic acid is known for being gentler on skin than other AHAs, making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin. Lactic acid, a naturally occurring AHA, helps to hydrate and plump the skin. This exfoliating toner can help to improve the appearance of dry skin by smoothing rough texture, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and brightening the complexion. It’s also formulated to be fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores.

CHARLOTTE TILBURY DAILY GLOW TONER WITH NIACINAMIDE

Charlotte Tilbury’s lightweight solution is suitable for all skin types and doesn’t contain any harsh acids. It uses niacinamide, a type of vitamin B3, which helps to brighten the skin and has multiple benefits like calming, moisturizing, and strengthening the skin. Sephora customers love it because it’s gentle, clears pores, and improves skin texture, making it great for preparing the skin before applying makeup. It’s particularly good for people using strong retinoids, as it doesn’t contain drying or irritating ingredients like BHA or AHA. Even if you’re using retinol, you can safely use this product alongside it. It’s praised for its nice texture and hydrating formula, but it’s on the pricey side. You get 5 ounces of product in each bottle.

SK-II CLEAR LOTION SKIN TONER

The SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion Toner is praised for its ability to deeply cleanse and exfoliate the skin without any fragrance. It’s suitable for all skin types. The main ingredient, Pitera™, along with AHAs, helps to improve skin texture by providing essential nutrients. Users find it hydrating and soothing, noticing immediate improvements in dullness and texture. It effectively cleans pores, even picking up dirt missed during face washing. However, some users note that the bottle can leak a bit, so caution is advised when pouring the slightly runny solution from the frosted bottle.

LA MER THE ESSENTIAL TONIC

La Mer’s The Essential Tonic is a luxurious choice for hydrating and refreshing your skin. Despite being on the pricey side, its key ingredients, including Miracle Broth and marine ferment, provide deep moisture and soothing benefits. It’s designed to complement La Mer’s Creme de La Mer moisturizer, enveloping your skin in hydration. With a perfect 5-star rating on Sephora, it’s hailed as the best splurge toner for those looking to indulge in high-quality skincare. Available in a 6.7 oz size, this tonic offers a lavish addition to your skincare routine.

CLÉ DE PEAU BEAUTÉ ESSENTIAL REFINING ESSENCE

Toners like this one, which contain alcohol and succinic acid, are adept at managing sebum production, thus diminishing surface shine and greasiness on the skin. The incorporation of hyaluronic acid and glycerin in this formula is applauded for preventing excessive dryness. Many individuals with oily skin regard this toner as a valuable investment, commending its capacity to regulate oil levels and impart a revitalizing radiance that lasts all day. Users appreciate its cooling sensation and its ability to enhance makeup application. Nonetheless, it is considered expensive, and some reviewers express dissatisfaction with the scent. Each bottle holds 5.7 ounces of product.

MURAD CLARIFYING TONER

Many people who care about their skin choose the Murad Clarifying Toner to help get rid of blemishes and make their skin clearer and healthier. This toner has special things like witch hazel extract, which makes pores smaller and reduces redness. It also takes away extra oil and dirt from your skin without making it too dry. There are good things in it like grape seed extract and vitamin E that protect your skin from things that can make it worse, like pollution. People like how it feels fresh and makes their skin clean and full of energy. It’s great for skin that’s oily or gets acne often. Using the Murad Clarifying Toner can be an important part of making your skin look better and clearer.

SKINCARE JUNKIE PORE THERAPY DAILY TONER PADS

People who love taking care of their skin really like using Skincare Junkie Pore Therapy Daily Toner Pads. These pads have a strong formula that helps make your skin look fresh, brighter, and less crowded with dirt and oil. They have important stuff like salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid that clean out your pores and make your skin smoother. They also have fruit enzymes and PHAs that make your skin look better and feel nicer, along with hyaluronic acid that keeps your skin hydrated. On Amazon, they got a perfect 5-star rating, and people say they’re the best for getting beautiful skin. Each pack comes with 50 pads, so you have plenty for your everyday skincare routine.

THE ORDINARY GLYCOLIC ACID 7% TONING SOLUTION

In the quest for clearer skin, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution steps up as a champion for blemish-prone and acne-faring complexions. This toner packs a punch with 7% glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that acts as a chemical exfoliant. By gently dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, it helps clear clogged pores, reducing the appearance of blemishes and preventing future breakouts. However, unlike some harsh acne treatments, The Ordinary’s toner boasts a formulation that prioritizes balance. Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative is included to lessen the potential for irritation that AHAs can sometimes cause on sensitive skin. This toner also aims to improve overall skin texture and tone, promoting a smoother and brighter appearance. 

INNISFREE GREEN TEA HYALURONIC ACID TONER

Innisfree’s Green Tea Facial Toner is praised for its ability to calm and soothe irritated skin, thanks to its key ingredients: panthenol, hyaluronic acid, and green tea tri-biotics™. Green tea is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can effectively alleviate skin irritation, redness, and swelling. This toner harnesses the balancing benefits of green tea leaves in a lightweight liquid formula that feels gentle on the skin. With a size of 6.8 fluid ounces, this product offers ample supply for daily use. Keep in mind that Innisfree’s Green Tea Facial Toner is not cruelty-free.

HARUHARU WONDER BLACK RICE HYALURONIC TONER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

The Haruharu Wonder’s Black Rice toner is made especially for sensitive skin, giving it a gentle but good treatment. It has ingredients like rice extract and hyaluronic acid that calm and hydrate your skin. With fermented black rice extract and other good stuff, it helps sensitive skin. K-beauty is famous for using ingredients that soothe the skin without causing irritation, and this toner does just that. But, some people say it can sometimes make your skin feel a bit dry. Each bottle has 5.1 ounces of product, so you have enough for your skincare routine.

PIXI GLOW TONIC

For those with combination skin, which can be oily in some areas and dry in others, finding the right balance is key. Pixi Glow Tonic might be your perfect match. This toner contains 5% glycolic acid, a gentle yet effective AHA that exfoliates to remove dead skin cells and excess oil. This can help to minimize the appearance of enlarged pores in oily areas, while also promoting smoother texture and a brighter tone overall. Pixi Glow Tonic goes beyond just exfoliation, though. It’s formulated with soothing ingredients like ginseng and aloe vera to calm and hydrate, addressing dryness concerns. This balance of exfoliation and hydration makes it a good option for combination skin, helping to regulate oil production without stripping away essential moisture.

RENEE ROULEAU ELDERBERRY SOOTHING TONER

Infused with elderberry fruit extract, sodium PCA, and biosaccharide gum-1, this alcohol-free toner offers anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, perfect for sensitive skin. Users appreciate its ability to balance and relax the skin, preventing post-cleanse discomfort and promoting a healthy glow. Additionally, it’s noted for reducing hyperpigmentation and is suitable for sensitive, breakout-prone skin due to its minimal ingredient list. With anti-aging benefits packed in, this toner offers a comprehensive solution for skincare needs. Each bottle contains 6 fluid ounces of product, and it’s cruelty-free.

WHAT CAN FACIAL TONER DO FOR YOUR SKIN?

In the past, toners were mainly used to control oily skin and acne, especially in teenagers. But now, they’ve changed a lot. Toners today are made for different skin types and problems to help you take better care of your skin.

Usually, toners are used after washing your face to prepare it for other skincare products like serums and moisturizers. They work quickly to get into your skin and remove any leftover makeup or dirt. Some toners have acids that help remove dead skin cells and make your skin smoother. Others focus on hydrating your skin to keep it moisturized. Basically, the type of toner you use decides what it does for your skin.

HOW DO YOU APPLY FACIAL TONER?

Applying facial toner is easy and can be done in just a few simple steps:

Start with a freshly cleansed face: Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face and pat it dry with a clean towel.

Pour or spray the toner onto a cotton pad: Shake the toner bottle if needed, then pour a small amount of toner onto a cotton pad. Alternatively, some toners come in spray bottles, allowing you to mist it directly onto your face.

Swipe the cotton pad across your face: Gently sweep the saturated cotton pad across your face, avoiding the delicate eye area. Focus on areas that may be oilier or have more impurities, such as the forehead, nose, and chin (T-zone).

Allow the toner to dry: Let the toner absorb into your skin for a few seconds to a minute before moving on to the next step in your skincare routine.

Follow with moisturizer: Once the toner has dried, apply your favorite moisturizer to lock in hydration and complete your skincare routine.

CONCLUSION

Do you really need toner? Yes, toner is really necessary for the skin. And finding the best toner for dry skin is important for maintaining hydrated and healthy skin. With many options available, it is essential to consider factors such as ingredients, hydration levels and skin sensitivity when choosing the right toner for your needs. From alcohol-free formulas infused with hyaluronic acid to soothing toners infused with plant extracts, there are toners designed to address specific dry skin concerns. (rewrite this)

LIST OF 19 THE BEST SOAPS FOR DRY SKIN

If you struggle with dry, itchy skin, you know the importance of finding a gentle cleanser that hydrates instead of stripping away moisture. Regular soap can be too harsh for sensitive skin, so opting for a specially formulated option can make a big difference. Here’s a look at some of the best soaps for dry skin that will leave you feeling soft and comfortable.

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DOVE DEEPLY NOURISHING ADVANCED CARE BODY WASH SHOWER GEL

Dove Deeply Nourishing Advanced Care Body Wash is a shower gel designed to be gentle on dry skin. It contains ingredients that mimic your skin’s natural moisturizers, so it cleanses without leaving your skin feeling tight or itchy. This body wash claims to provide 24 hours of hydration, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth for a whole day. It also has a rich lather, which can make showering more enjoyable.

NATURIUM THE GLOW GETTER MULTI-OIL BODY WASH

If you’re looking for a luxurious shower experience, Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Wash might be a good fit. This body wash is unique because it starts out as a silky oil, then transforms into a gentle lather when you wash. The special oils in this wash are meant to cleanse your skin without drying it out. They also claim to leave your skin feeling hydrated and nourished. This could be a good option for those with dry skin who want a body wash that provides a touch of moisture.

E45 BODY WASH FOR DRY, SENSITIVE & ITCHY SKIN

E45 Body Wash is a fragrance-free and gentle cleanser specifically designed for dry, sensitive, and itchy skin. Unlike some soaps that can irritate sensitive skin, E45 is free of harsh detergents and perfumes. Instead, it uses calming ingredients to soothe itchiness and redness. It also contains emollients, which are like lubricants for your skin, that help lock in moisture and prevent dryness. This can be especially helpful if you struggle with flaky or uncomfortable skin. Because it’s fragrance-free, E45 is less likely to trigger allergies or further irritate sensitive skin.

CERAVE HYDRATING BODY WASH

CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash is another great option for dry skin. This fragrance-free cleanser is designed to cleanse your skin without stripping away moisture. It contains three special ceramides, which are like tiny bricks that help rebuild your skin’s natural barrier. This barrier helps keep your skin hydrated and protects it from irritants. CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash also contains hyaluronic acid, which acts like a magnet for moisture, attracting and holding onto water in your skin. This can leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated all day long.

AVEENO DAILY MOISTURISING BODY WASH

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash is a fragrance-light option that’s gentle on dry skin. The key ingredient is prebiotic oat, which is known for its calming and moisturizing properties. It helps soothe irritation and itchiness often associated with dry skin. This body wash cleanses your skin without leaving it feeling stripped or tight. It also boasts a formula that helps maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier, which is important for keeping dryness at bay. Many users report feeling noticeably nourished skin after using Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash, making it a good choice for those seeking a simple and effective cleanser for dry skin.

BIODERMA ATODERM CLEANSING SHOWER OIL

If you have very dry or even sensitive skin, Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Shower Oil might be a perfect choice. Unlike most soaps, it’s an oil-based cleanser. This means it gently cleanses your skin without leaving it feeling dry or itchy. Instead, Bioderma Atoderm replenishes your skin’s natural oils, which helps lock in moisture and keep dryness away. It also contains calming ingredients to soothe irritation and tightness. This shower oil is suitable for the whole family, even babies, because it’s so gentle. It’s also fragrance-free, so it’s less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

CLINIQUE DISHLESS FACIAL SOAP – EXTRA STRENGTH 150G

Clinique Dishless Facial Soap – Extra Strength is a bar soap specifically designed for the face. This soap is meant to be gentle enough for everyday use, even on oily skin. However, the “extra strength” label indicates it might be more powerful than some other facial soaps. While it cleanses dirt and oil, it claims to do so without leaving your skin feeling dry or tight. It’s also hand-milled, which means it’s made using a traditional method that can sometimes create a gentler product. However, it’s important to note that some people with very dry skin might find this soap too cleansing. If you have concerns about dryness, it might be best to choose a different option on this list or speak to a dermatologist about what facial cleanser is right for you.

SEEN BODY WASH

SEEN Body Wash is designed to be gentle on all skin types, including dry skin. It’s formulated by a dermatologist, so you can trust it to be effective yet kind to your skin. This fragrance-free body wash cleanses without stripping away moisture, leaving your skin feeling fresh and balanced. It’s also non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores. SEEN Body Wash is a good option for those looking for a simple, fragrance-free cleanser that hydrates and soothes dry skin.

FENTY SKIN COCOA CLEANS’R SOOTHING ALL-OVER CLEANSING BAR

Fenty Skin Cocoa Cleans’r Soothing All-Over Cleansing Bar is a bar soap that promises to be gentle on dry skin for both your face and body. It’s made with ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, which are known for their moisturizing properties. These ingredients aim to cleanse your skin without leaving it feeling dry or tight. The soap also boasts a beach-inspired scent, so you can enjoy a tropical feel in your shower. It’s designed to be suitable for all skin types and tones. Keep in mind that bar soaps can sometimes be drying, so if you have very dry skin, you might want to consider another option on this list or try it out on a small area first.

PALOROMA CLEAN BEAN WASH

Paloroma Clean Bean Wash is a gentle and effective facial cleanser. It’s designed to clean your face thoroughly without harsh chemicals. This wash removes dirt, oil, and makeup, leaving your skin feeling fresh and smooth. Its formula includes natural ingredients that are kind to your skin, making it suitable for daily use. Paloroma Clean Bean Wash helps maintain a healthy complexion by keeping pores clear and minimizing breakouts.

AESOP RESURRECTION HAND WASH 500ML

Aesop Resurrection Hand Wash in the 500ml size is a luxurious liquid soap for your hands. It’s known for its refreshing scent and gentle cleaning power. This hand wash effectively removes dirt and grime while leaving your skin feeling soft and hydrated. Made with botanical extracts, it nourishes your hands and helps maintain their natural moisture balance. Aesop Resurrection Hand Wash comes in a convenient pump bottle, making it easy to use and a stylish addition to any bathroom or kitchen. It’s a popular choice for those who appreciate quality skincare products that also provide a pleasant washing experience.

LA ROCHE-POSAY LIPIKAR WASH AP+ GENTLE FOAMING MOISTURIZING WASH

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash is a gentle cleanser specially formulated for sensitive and dry skin. It creates a soft foam that cleanses without drying out your skin. This wash helps to restore the skin’s natural barrier and provides long-lasting hydration, leaving your skin feeling comfortable and smooth. It’s suitable for the whole family, including babies and children. With a soap-free formula and enriched with niacinamide and shea butter, it helps soothe irritation and protects against the drying effects of hard water. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ is recommended by dermatologists for its effectiveness and gentle care.

KOSAS GOOD BODY SKIN AHA + ENZYME EXFOLIATING BODY WASH

Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash is a skincare product designed to cleanse and exfoliate your skin gently. It contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and enzymes that help remove dead skin cells, revealing smoother and brighter skin underneath. This body wash is formulated with hydrating ingredients to keep your skin moisturized and nourished. It’s suitable for all skin types and can help improve the appearance of rough or dull skin over time. Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash aims to leave your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after each use.

HELLO KLEAN NOURISHING MICRONUTRIENT WASH 400ML

Hello Klean Nourishing Micronutrient Wash in the 400ml size is a gentle and nourishing body wash designed to care for your skin. It contains essential micronutrients and vitamins that help cleanse and replenish the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and healthy. This wash is formulated without harsh chemicals, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. It provides a soothing lather that effectively cleans away dirt and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Hello Klean Nourishing Micronutrient Wash aims to promote skin hydration and maintain a balanced skin barrier, leaving you with soft and smooth skin after each wash.

RED FLOWER PURIFYING BODY WASH IN ICELANDIC MOONFLOWER

Red Flower Purifying Body Wash in Icelandic Moonflower is a luxurious cleansing product for the body. It features a refreshing scent inspired by moonflowers from Iceland. This body wash is designed to gently cleanse your skin while leaving it feeling soft and hydrated. It contains natural botanical extracts that help purify and revitalize the skin, promoting a healthy glow. The formula is free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Red Flower Purifying Body Wash in Icelandic Moonflower aims to provide a spa-like experience at home, leaving your skin delicately scented and rejuvenated after each use.

L’OCCITANE SHEA LAVENDER SOAP 250G

L’Occitane Shea Lavender Soap in the 250g size is a luxurious bar soap enriched with shea butter and lavender essential oil. It gently cleanses the skin while moisturizing and leaving a soothing lavender scent. This soap is crafted using traditional methods and natural ingredients, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The shea butter helps to nourish and protect the skin, keeping it soft and supple. L’Occitane Shea Lavender Soap is ideal for a relaxing bathing experience, offering both cleansing and aromatic benefits in one bar.

WELEDA CALENDULA SOAP 100G

Weleda Calendula Soap in the 100g size is a gentle and soothing bar soap designed for sensitive skin, including babies and children. It is made with organic calendula extract, which helps to calm and nourish the skin. This soap is free from synthetic fragrances, colors, and preservatives, making it ideal for those with delicate skin. Weleda Calendula Soap produces a creamy lather that cleanses effectively without drying out the skin. It provides gentle care while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture balance. This soap is dermatologically tested and recommended by midwives and dermatologists for its mildness and effectiveness in caring for sensitive skin.

FRESH FREESIA OVAL SOAP

Fresh Freesia Oval Soap is a fragrant and luxurious soap known for its delightful scent of freesia flowers. This oval-shaped soap is designed to cleanse the skin gently while leaving a lingering floral fragrance. It produces a rich lather that effectively removes dirt and impurities without drying out the skin. The Fresh Freesia Oval Soap is crafted with care to provide a pampering experience during each use. It is suitable for daily use and is a favorite choice for those who enjoy floral-scented skincare products that leave the skin feeling refreshed and lightly perfumed.

MOROCCANOIL SHOWER GEL CLEANSING HYDRATION ARGON OIL 250ML

Moroccanoil Shower Gel Cleansing Hydration with Argan Oil in the 250ml size is a nourishing shower gel designed to cleanse and hydrate the skin. It features the benefits of argan oil, known for its moisturizing properties, leaving the skin feeling soft and refreshed. This shower gel creates a creamy lather that gently cleanses away impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. It has a luxurious scent that lingers lightly on the skin, providing a pleasant and rejuvenating shower experience. Moroccanoil Shower Gel is suitable for daily use and is ideal for those looking to indulge in a hydrating and aromatic shower routine.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SOAPS FOR DRY SKIN

Choosing a body wash for dry skin requires focusing on ingredients and scents. 

For ingredients, prioritize those that hydrate and support the skin barrier. Look for glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides for moisture retention, and emollients like shea butter, coconut oil, or jojoba oil for softening. Gentle cleansers like sodium lauroyl sarcosinate or coco-glucoside effectively cleanse without stripping natural oils. Finally, simpler formulas with minimal ingredients minimize irritation.

Regarding scent, fragrance-free is generally best for dry skin, as synthetic fragrances and foaming agents can irritate. However, some scented options exist, so we’ve noted which ones have a fragrance.

CONCLUSION

In addition to soaps, consider using additional products for dry skin such as face oil or toner. In conclusion, everyone’s skin is different, so it’s important to find a body wash that works best for you. If you have any concerns about your dry skin, be sure to talk to your doctor or dermatologist.