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.

OUR TOP PICKS 

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)

The 15 Best Toners for Face, according to experts

There is no disputing that face toners have come a long way since the startlingly irritating astringents we used to keep pimples at bay as teenagers. Today’s products assist in rebalancing your skin’s pH levels after cleansing, keeping it in balance. Facial toners, which contain the same active ingredients as serums, also have a glow-giving effect. Because this is such a vital stage, we compiled a list of the 15 best toners for face so you do not become overwhelmed by the thousands of alternatives available.

Best Toner for Exfoliation – Glamglow SuperToner Exfoliating Acid Solution

GlamGlow’s toner solution contains exfoliating and blemish-fighting ingredients such as glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids to remove dead skin cells, as well as astringent witch hazel to keep your skin smooth and breakout-free. It’s really beneficial for acne because it cleans out pores, reduces blemishes, and clarifies the skin. It’s also entertaining to use because it’s an emulsion that you shake to activate, and it looks glittery and gorgeous. However, the toner’s strong amounts of acids and astringents may be too drying for dry or sensitive skin.

Best Drugstore Toner – Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner With Aloe Vera

This accessible toner is designed with witch hazel, a natural astringent, making it suitable for all skin types, particularly those prone to oiliness or acne. It’s also infused with moisturizing aloe vera and rose water, which can help reduce inflammation. However, it took quite some time for a few improvements to appear on your face, therefore it’s excellent for people who are patient with their skincare.

Best Toner for Redness – Innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Toner

Green tea, known for its anti-inflammatory characteristics, can help reduce skin irritation, redness, and swelling, making it an excellent choice for people trying to soothe angry red skin. Green Tea Facial Toner by Innisfree incorporates the balancing benefits of green tea leaves in a liquid product that feels “extremely light and gentle” on the skin. With so much to adore, there is one drawback: the toner pours slowly from the bottle. That would normally be a good thing, But you have to use “quite a bit of muscle” to get the toner out of the bottle (thank you, small dispenser head), it’s less than ideal.

Best Toner for Sensitive Skin – Renee Rouleau Elderberry Soothing Toner

If you dislike the feeling of tight, dry skin after cleansing, you’ll appreciate Renee Rouleau’s toner. The antioxidant-rich elderberry toner, designed to be used after cleansing, helps balance and relax super-sensitive skin. This toner has only a few components yet provides significant anti-aging properties. This toner would be ideal if it was a little more moisturizing.

Best Toner for Oily Skin – Farmacy Deep Sweep 2% BHA Pore Cleaning Toner

For people with oily skin, the appropriate toner can help manage excess shine, and this one meets the bill. To unclog pores and refresh oily skin, it includes oil-dissolving salicylic acid, exfoliating papaya enzyme, and purifying moringa seed extract. Furthermore, chlorella, a natural antioxidant-rich ingredient, helps nourish and soothe the skin, preventing irritation and overdrying. To avoid overdoing it, avoid using the toner on days when you’ll be using retinoids or other active chemicals.

Best Toner for Combination Skin – Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner

The Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner will leave your skin feeling moisturized, smooth, and revitalized. While some toners contain chemicals that exfoliate and accelerate cell turnover, this one actually moisturizes the face. Formulated with, you guessed it, rosewater and hyaluronic acid (two compounds known to enhance hydration and nourish skin), people with most skin types (especially combination skin) will reap the benefits tenfold. It is, however, pretty pricey, but trust us when we say that it will go a long way.

Best Toner for Moisturization – Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer

Laneige’s creamy formula is ideal for skin that requires more moisture. As the name implies, the product has a creamy, moisturizer-like consistency that hydrates the skin upon touch. “Smooth,” “airy,” and “super gentle” are three terms our tester used to characterize the toner, noting that the moisturizing properties of the product were immediately felt by her skin. Because this toner is thicker than others, it may be too heavy for oily skin.

Best Toner for Refreshing – Belif Aqua Bomb Hydrating Toner

This product is packed with all kinds of good-for-you ingredients, including soothing honeysuckle, baobab (which helps lock in moisture), and sodium hyaluronate (which helps keep skin hydrated). Because the recipe contains alcohol, a common cosmetic component that is known to be drying, you should test a small amount on the inside of your wrist to verify no reaction.

Best Toner for Vegan – Absolute Joi Balancing PH Skin Toner with Aloe

Those looking for cruelty-free businesses and products may appreciate the Absolute Joi Balancing PH Skin Toner with Aloe. As the name implies, it is mostly composed of aloe vera leaf juice and so has a jelly-like consistency. It goes on a touch thick, but it feels light and hydrating on the skin. Because it’s thicker, there may be some residue left on the skin’s surface, but given how moisturizing and soothing it is, we’re willing to ignore that.

Best Toner for Acne – MARIO BADESCU SKINCARE Glycolic Acid Toner

This glycolic acid-based toner from Mario Badescu works wonders for achieving glowing, youthful-looking skin. The toner’s natural components make it ideal for acne-prone skin. The key to its effectiveness is its capacity to stimulate skin cell turnover, resulting in a revitalized complexion. This gentle resurfacing toner does more than just cleanse, brighten, and balance your skin. So, with the best drugstore toner for oily skin, you may reveal softer, smoother, and more radiant skin that is free of dullness.

Best Toner for Versatility – dermalogica Multi-Active Toner

Dermalogica’s revolutionary multi-active toner will refresh and revive your skin. This oily skin toner is carefully formulated to condition the skin and prepare it for optimal moisture absorption. It’s more than simply a toner; it’s a protective barrier against environmental stress, promising improved skin health with each spritz. It can be your go-to option for immediate hydration whether at home, in the salon, or on the go. You may notice visibly smoother skin after using this toner for a few weeks. This is an expensive toner, but it is still a good one.

Best Toner for Cleansing – Perricone MD No: Rinse Intensive Pore Minimizing Toner

Perricone MD introduces the No-Rinse Intensive Pore Minimizing Toner, a game-changing product. This potent face toner is formulated for oily skin and contains DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) and salicylic acid. It works as one of the best toners for oily skin by gently exfoliating and purifying the skin, removing undesirable residue and build-up. It is more than just a toner; it actively reduces the appearance of enlarged pores, making your skin noticeably smoother and cleaner. This toner works extremely effectively as a cleansing toner, thus it may not be suitable for those with dry skin.

Best Toner for pH-Balance – The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution contains glycolic acid, which gently exfoliates and enhances the texture of your skin. The non-irritating oil control solution includes clinically proven components such as Tasmanian pepperberry, ginseng root, and aloe vera extracts, which help increase skin luminosity and deliver skin-soothing effects. This refreshing recipe has a pH of roughly 3.6. The use of this exfoliating toner on a regular basis improves the overall appearance of the skin.

Best Toner for Dry Skin – Dickinson Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner

This toner can help if you have excessively dry skin that needs to be hydrated. Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and witch hazel extract are all included in the Dickinson Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner. It cleans and refreshes your skin without removing its moisture. This face toner also refines your pores and gently removes pollutants from your skin. It can, however, be a little harsh for people with sensitive skin.

Best DIY Toner – Apple Cider Vinegar Toner

Many people claim that apple cider vinegar can help balance the pH of your skin, making you less oily or less dry depending on your skin type. In other words, it could be a great alternative for individuals dealing with persistent breakouts. Mix two teaspoons of ACV with around 1/4 cup (or more, depending on how sensitive your skin is) of the Thayers (the toner we mentioned earlier) and store the DIY toner in the fridge, preferably in a dark glass container.

You may mistake a face toner for an old-fashioned skincare procedure in between cleaning and moisturizing. Remember the cleanse, tone, and moisturize instructions our mothers (and Clinique ads from the 1990s) gave us? However, there is a definite advantage to toning, particularly if you have dry skin or need a boost of radiance. You will be able to attain that glowy look in no time with our suggestions.