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.

14 BEST ANTI AGING NIGHT CREAMS

While the fountain of youth might be mythical, a good night cream can work wonders in your quest for a youthful visage. As you sleep, your skin undergoes a natural repair process, and a targeted night cream can amplify this, leaving you with visibly smoother, brighter, and firmer skin. But with a plethora of options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. This guide unveils 14 of the best anti-aging night creams, categorized to target your specific concerns.

OUR TOP PICKS

OLAY REGENERIST RETINOL24 NIGHT MOISTURIZER

In the latest night cream test conducted by the GH Beauty Lab, Olay emerged as the clear winner, showcasing its efficacy through rigorous lab tests. Olay’s light formula, enriched with gold-standard anti-aging components such as retinol, niacinamide, and peptides, demonstrated exceptional performance, earning it the top spot among its competitors. According to measurements conducted with the Lab’s Cutometer device, this night cream exhibited remarkable results, with a significant 27% improvement in skin firmness. Not only did it excel in firming the skin, but it also garnered praise for its ability to enhance skin brightness and softness. 

Some users noted a minor drawback, mentioning that the cream took a little longer to absorb compared to other products tested. Despite this slight inconvenience, Olay’s night cream proved its effectiveness, reaffirming its position as a top performer in the realm of skincare.

DIFFERIN RESTORATIVE NIGHT MOISTURIZER

Differin, known for its acne-fighting products, surprises with a night cream suitable for all skin types. Packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and allantoin, it promises to keep your skin moisturized and soothed. The texture strikes a balance—thick enough to provide moisture but not overly heavy. It’s easy to incorporate into your nighttime skincare routine and is gentle even for sensitive skin, as it’s fragrance-free and won’t clog pores. Within five minutes of application, it absorbs well, leaving no greasy residue. Testers noticed it effectively tackled dry patches and flakiness over time, leaving skin feeling smooth and nourished. Overall, it’s a straightforward yet effective option for moisturizing your skin.

CERAVE SKIN RENEWING NIGHT CREAM

The CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream stands out as an impressive drugstore skincare find with its luxurious formula. Testers were immediately drawn to its thick and creamy texture, which felt indulgent without any greasiness. It effortlessly layers onto the skin, providing nourishment without feeling heavy. Packed with potent nighttime skincare ingredients like peptides for rejuvenation, ceramides for moisture balance, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and niacinamide for calming, this cream offers comprehensive skincare benefits. Notably, it’s non-comedogenic and suitable for acne-prone skin, ensuring it won’t clog pores. Its lack of scent also makes it gentle enough for sensitive skin types. Overall, CeraVe’s night cream offers a high-quality formula at an affordable price point, making it a standout choice for those seeking effective yet gentle skincare.

ROC RETINOL CORREXION MAX DAILY HYDRATION ANTI-AGING CRÈME

Roc, a GH Seal star and GH Beauty Award winner, offers an affordable yet effective retinol-packed cream perfect for overnight use, including around the delicate eye area. In just one week, users noticed a remarkable 32% improvement in skin smoothness and radiance. Over four weeks, fine lines and eye wrinkles diminished, and by eight weeks, deep wrinkles and dark spots showed significant improvement. While highly effective, some users experienced reactions, prompting caution. GH Beauty Lab experts recommend starting with every other night use to minimize potential irritation.

FIRST AID BEAUTY ULTRA REPAIR CREAM

For those with easily irritated or sensitive skin, the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream stands out as a champion in the soothing category. This fragrance-free formula skips harsh chemicals and relies on hero ingredients like colloidal oatmeal to calm redness and irritation. It also packs a powerful punch in the hydration department with shea butter and other emollients, leaving your skin feeling comfortable and nourished. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, eczema, or just general sensitivity, the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream offers a gentle yet effective solution for achieving a calm, healthy complexion.

CLARINS EXTRA-FIRMING NIGHT CREAM

The creamy formula of Clarins provides a hydrating boost, leaving skin feeling refreshed by morning. GH Beauty Lab testing revealed impressive results, with a notable 37% increase in skin hydration levels over six hours, one of the highest among recent tests. While it may not be as effective in reducing wrinkles, it excelled in improving skin firmness, boasting a 29% increase over four weeks according to Lab Cutometer readings. Additionally, users reported minimal redness or irritation, cementing its reputation as a non-irritating option. Clarins’ night cream offers substantial hydration and firmness benefits, making it a top contender for those seeking a gentle yet effective skincare solution.

OSEA COLLAGEN DREAM NIGHT CREAM

Osea offers a standout firming option with their vegan formula night cream. Formulated with bio-retinol, a plant-derived alternative to retinol, and vegan collagen, this cream effectively targets wrinkles and fine lines while keeping the skin soft and supple. Its anti-aging properties boast hydrating and plumping effects, smoothing the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles. Despite its benefits, individuals with acne-prone skin may experience irritation. Notably, the cream features a delightful lavender scent and a rich consistency that deeply hydrates all skin types.

L’OREAL PARIS REVITALIFT NIGHT CREAM

L’Oreal Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Night Cream is special among other anti-aging products you find at the drugstore. It feels thick and luxurious, making your skin feel really nice and cared for. This cream has stuff called pro-retinol that helps with wrinkles and fine lines. But, be careful if your skin is sensitive because the retinol might cause some irritation. It also has Centella Asiatica, which helps keep your skin hydrated and protected.

It might take a little while for the cream to soak in, but the results are good. People who tried it said their skin felt really hydrated and softer in the morning. Overall, it’s a good option if you want to make your skin look and feel better, but just be cautious if your skin gets easily irritated.

DIOR CAPTURE TOTALE INTENSIVE RESTORATIVE NIGHT CRÈME

Dior’s luxurious night cream, although on the pricier side, offers exceptional benefits according to GH Beauty Lab testing. Formulated with exotic plant extracts, it effectively combats dullness while brightening, hydrating, smoothing, and firming the skin. In laboratory tests, it received the highest score for brightening the skin, showcasing its efficacy. Measurements with the Corneometer revealed a remarkable 35% increase in skin moisturization within six hours, while the Cutometer recorded a significant 33% improvement in firmness over four weeks of use. The Visia Complexion Analyzer found a notable 7% reduction in wrinkles within the same time frame. Despite its cost, Dior’s night cream proves to be a worthwhile investment for those seeking comprehensive skincare benefits and luxurious indulgence.

PAULA’S CHOICE RESIST INTENSIVE REPAIR CREAM

For those new to retinol or with dry, sensitive skin, a night cream containing retinol can be a gentle introduction to its benefits. This particular cream offers a smooth consistency and provides long-lasting hydration, making it suitable for various skin types, including dry, balanced, and combination. Formulated with a blend of key ingredients such as retinol, ceramides, green tea, and licorice root extracts, it effectively targets multiple skin concerns. Retinol aids in smoothing skin texture and firming, while ceramides support the skin barrier, ensuring hydration retention. Additionally, green tea and licorice root extracts contribute to evening out the skin tone. 

CETAPHIL RICH HYDRATING CREAM

Our quest for the best moisturizer for sensitive skin led us to the Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Cream, and it emerged victorious! This fragrance-free formula caters specifically to dry to very dry skin, offering deep nourishment with a winning combination of vitamin E and hyaluronic acid. Sensitive skin types rejoice! This gentle cream prioritizes your needs, ensuring a non-irritating experience. The creamy texture blends beautifully, allowing for easy layering with other skincare products like serums without feeling heavy or greasy.

Keep in mind that  consider your skin type. While fantastic for dryness, this rich formula might be a bit much for oily or acne-prone skin.

SKINBETTER SCIENCE ALPHARET OVERNIGHT CREAM

SkinBetter Science’s award-winning night treatment packs a serious punch against aging. This potent cocktail of retinol, glycolic and lactic acids, and peptides tackles wrinkles and uneven texture with impressive results. In a GH Beauty Lab test, users saw a remarkable 28% increase in skin firmness in just four weeks! It also aced the Visia Complexion Analyzer test, proving its prowess in smoothing texture. While this treatment is a firmness and texture champion, it might not be the ultimate hydrator. The good news? Its fast-absorbing formula ensures quick application and gets to work right away.

SKINCEUTICALS RENEW OVERNIGHT DRY NIGHTTIME FACE MOISTURIZER

For those with dry skin seeking a comprehensive solution for hydration and gentle exfoliation, this night cream appears to be an ideal choice. Its thick formula offers deep moisture throughout the night, while a blend of hydroxy acids works to delicately remove dead skin cells, promoting a smoother and healthier complexion. Unlike heavier creams, it avoids leaving a greasy or tacky residue, ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep without any discomfort or pillow stickiness.

While the slower absorption rate may not be ideal for everyone, particularly those with oily skin, it proves beneficial for dry skin types in need of prolonged hydration. This night cream offers a well-rounded approach to skincare, addressing the needs of dry skin by delivering both hydration and gentle exfoliation for a rejuvenated and smoother complexion.

THE OUTSET RESTORATIVE NIGHT CREAM

This dermatologist-tested moisturizer presents a promising solution for those dealing with bumpy or uneven skin texture without risking dryness or irritation. Formulated with key ingredients such as bakuchiol, niacinamide, and evening primrose oil, it effectively nourishes the skin without feeling heavy, keeping it smooth and hydrated. Bakuchiol, a gentle retinol alternative, plays a pivotal role in evening out texture, targeting fine lines, and promoting cell turnover similar to retinol but without the potential for irritation. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking to improve skin texture and overall complexion without the drawbacks often associated with traditional exfoliants. Despite potential limitations in noticeable improvement in radiance, this moisturizer offers a balanced approach to skincare suitable for various skin types, including balanced, dry, combination, and oily skin.

DO YOU ACTUALLY NEED A NIGHT CREAM?

Night creams aren’t essential for everyone, but they can offer some compelling benefits, especially as we age. Here’s the breakdown:

  • Enhanced Repair: At night, your skin goes into overdrive on repair processes. Night creams are often richer and contain ingredients like retinol or peptides that can further support this natural renewal, potentially leading to smoother, firmer skin.
  • Targeted Hydration: Many night creams boast thicker textures and occlusive ingredients to lock in moisture throughout the night. This can be particularly helpful for those with dry skin or concerns about dehydration.
  • Specialized Ingredients: Unlike day creams that may prioritize protection from sun damage, night creams can be formulated with concentrated ingredients to address specific concerns like wrinkles, uneven texture, or hyperpigmentation.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO USE A NIGHT CREAM?

To start your nighttime skincare routine, ensure your face is clean by thoroughly removing makeup, dirt, and oil with your regular cleanser. Optionally, you can follow up with a toner to rebalance your skin’s pH level. If you use serums with thinner consistencies, apply them after cleansing and toning, allowing them to dry completely before moving on to your night cream.

When it comes to applying night cream, remember that less is more. A pea-sized amount is usually sufficient for your entire face and neck to avoid clogged pores or a greasy feeling. For improved spreadability and absorption, consider gently warming the product between your fingertips before application.

Massage the night cream into your skin using gentle upward and outward motions. Not only does this aid in product absorption, but it can also offer a relaxing experience before bedtime. Don’t neglect your neck and décolletage, as these areas are prone to aging and can benefit from the extra care.

Allow the night cream some time to fully absorb before hitting the sack to prevent it from transferring onto your pillowcase. Aim for at least 10-15 minutes of absorption time. Lastly, consistency is key for optimal results. Incorporate your night cream into your nightly skincare routine to reap its benefits over time.

HOW TO SHOP FOR A NIGHT CREAM

When choosing a night cream, think about your skin type and what you want to achieve. Here are some ingredients to look for, suggested by dermatologists:

✔️ If you want glowing skin, look for ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, azelaic acid, retinol, vitamin C, and niacinamide. These help your skin cells renew faster, giving you a radiant complexion.

✔️ For fighting signs of aging, consider peptides, retinol, epidermal growth factors, and hydroxy acids like glycolic acid. These can help smooth out wrinkles and protect your skin from damage. Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, and niacinamide are also great for keeping your skin youthful.

✔️ If you have dark spots or uneven skin tone, go for products with vitamin C, retinol, niacinamide, licorice root extract, or acids like glycolic, kojic, lactic, azelaic, and ferulic acid. These ingredients can brighten your skin and even out its tone.

✔️ Dry skin? Look for a richer formula, like a cream or balm, with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane, aloe vera, shea butter, and coconut oil. These will replenish moisture and keep your skin soft and supple.

✔️ If you have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin, opt for a lighter formula like a lotion or gel. Ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, azelaic acid, and lactic acid can help balance oil production and prevent breakouts. Retinol is also helpful for minimizing acne.

✔️ For sensitive skin, look for calming ingredients such as allantoin, oat extract, glycerin, bisabolol, and cucumber extract. These soothe your skin without causing irritation. Avoid products with fragrance, acids, or alcohol, as these can irritate sensitive skin.

CONCLUSION

Our skin’s needs evolve. Thankfully, the world of night creams offers a plethora of options to combat wrinkles, dryness, and loss of firmness. Don’t forget to consult a dermatologist if you have any questions or concerns, especially if you have sensitive skin or pre-existing conditions.