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)

Glycolic Acid for Dandruff: Why It’s Worth a Try

If you’re one of the millions of people who struggle with dandruff, you know how frustrating it can be. Not only is it unsightly and embarrassing, but it can also be itchy and uncomfortable. While there are plenty of dandruff treatments on the market, glycolic acid is one that you may not have considered. In this article, we’ll explore what glycolic acid is, how it can help with dandruff, and some tips for using it effectively.

What is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that occurs naturally in sugar cane. It’s often used in skincare products because of its exfoliating properties. When applied to the skin, it helps to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, which can leave your skin looking brighter and smoother.

How Can Glycolic Acid Help with Dandruff?

Dandruff is caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the scalp, which leads to inflammation and flaking. While there are plenty of shampoos and treatments that can help to control dandruff, glycolic acid offers a unique approach.

When applied to the scalp, glycolic acid can help to exfoliate the skin and remove any buildup of dead skin cells or excess oil. This can create an environment that’s less hospitable to the yeast that causes dandruff, helping to reduce inflammation and flaking and leaving a clean scalp with a well-balanced pH.

How to Use Glycolic Acid for Dandruff

Glycolic acid can help to improve the overall health of the scalp by promoting cell turnover and reducing inflammation. To use glycolic acid for dandruff, you can follow these steps:

  • Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo.
  • Apply a glycolic acid product to your scalp. You can use a glycolic acid toner, serum, or scalp scrub.
  • Massage the product into your scalp for a few minutes.
  • Leave the product on your scalp for 10-15 minutes.
  • Rinse your hair with cool water.

You can use glycolic acid for dandruff once or twice a week. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to start with a lower concentration of glycolic acid and gradually increase it as your scalp adjusts.

For instance, opting for a product with a high glycolic acid concentration like 25% may not be suitable for your scalp and hair health. If you are uncertain about which product to choose, it’s advisable to seek guidance from your dermatologist to identify the right glycolic acid solution for managing dandruff effectively. Generally, the most suitable products for scalp application tend to have a glycolic acid concentration ranging from 5% to 10%.

Products Containing Glycolic Acid for Dandruff

There are a few different types of products that contain glycolic acid and can be used to treat dandruff. Here are a few examples:

  • Shampoos: There are several shampoos on the market that contain glycolic acid as an active ingredient. Look for products that are specifically designed for dandruff, as these will often contain higher concentrations of glycolic acid.
  • Scalp treatments: Some scalp treatments, such as serums or toners, also contain glycolic acid. These can be applied directly to the scalp and left on for a few minutes before rinsing out.
  • DIY remedies: If you’re interested in trying a more natural approach, you can make your own glycolic acid scalp treatment by mixing glycolic acid with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil. Apply the mixture to your scalp and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing out.

Comparisons with Other Dandruff Treatments

While glycolic acid may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of dandruff treatments, it does have some benefits over other options. Here are a few points of comparison:

  • Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid is another common ingredient in dandruff shampoos. While both salicylic and glycolic acid work by exfoliating the skin, glycolic acid is generally considered to be gentler and less likely to cause irritation.
  • Ketoconazole: Ketoconazole is a prescription antifungal medication that’s sometimes used to treat severe dandruff. While ketoconazole may be more effective than glycolic acid for some people, it can also have more side effects.
  • Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is a popular natural remedy for dandruff. While tea tree oil can be effective for mild cases of dandruff, glycolic acid may be more effective for more severe cases.

best glycolic acid products for dandruff

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution: This affordable option, widely available in drugstores, contains 7% glycolic acid—an effective concentration for dandruff. It’s fragrance-free and suitable for vegans.

The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Scrub: Another budget-friendly choice, this product is gentle on the scalp and features 7% glycolic acid along with salicylic acid. These ingredients work to exfoliate the scalp and remove dandruff flakes.

Oribe Serene Scalp Exfoliating Scrub: While pricier, this luxurious option boasts 10% glycolic acid and a blend of botanical extracts. This formula not only exfoliates but also soothes and nourishes the scalp for a more indulgent experience.

FAQs

  1. Is glycolic acid safe for use on the scalp? Yes, glycolic acid is generally safe for use on the scalp when used as directed.
  2. Can glycolic acid make dandruff worse? In some cases, glycolic acid can initially cause mild flaking or irritation. However, this should improve over time as your scalp adjusts to the treatment.
  3. How long does it take to see results from gly colic acid for dandruff? Results can vary from person to person, but you may start to see some improvement after a few weeks of consistent use.
  4. Can I use glycolic acid on color-treated hair? It’s generally safe to use glycolic acid on color-treated hair, but be sure to check with your stylist or the manufacturer of your hair dye to be sure.
  5. Are there any side effects of using glycolic acid for dandruff? Glycolic acid is generally considered safe, but some people may experience mild irritation or redness. If you experience any discomfort, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

Final Takeaway

While there are plenty of dandruff treatments available, glycolic acid offers a unique approach that can be effective for many people. By exfoliating the scalp and creating an environment that’s less hospitable to yeast, glycolic acid can help to reduce inflammation and flaking.

If you’re interested in trying glycolic acid for dandruff, be sure to start with a low concentration and use it consistently for best results. And as always, if you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.