(Image credit: Rosdiana Ciaravolo)
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- Best Toners
- What to Look for in a Toner
- What to Avoid in a Toner
- How Do I Incorporate Toner Into My Routine?
- How Much Toner Should I Use?
By Gabrielle Ulubay
published
in Buying Guides
My skincare routine includes the best face moisturizers, serums, and sunscreens. But for years, I neglected using toner. That is, until my favorite aesthetician strongly urged me to incorporate the best toners into my daily regimen. I listened—ever since I incorporated this quick, easy step, my skin has looked and felt better.
But in conversation with my fellow skincare enthusiasts, I frequently find that it's a controversial skincare step. "The question as to whether toners are necessary continues to be up for debate in the dermatology community," says Rachel Westbay, MD FAAD, and board-certified dermatologist. "Toners were initially created as alcohol-based solutions to balance your skin’s pH and remove residue from traditional facial lye-based soaps."
Now, however, most dermatologists discourage alcohol-based astringents, and there are a variety of alcohol-free toners available for every skin type and concern, from acne to dryness. Naana Boakye, MD MPH FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, adds that toners can "provide a clean canvas for the rest of your skincare routine."
While both doctors admit that toners aren't necessary for everyone, they point out that the best toners can make a huge difference for anyone looking to elevate their skincare game. Ahead, editor- and dermatologist-approved toners for every skin type, from sensitive to dry to oily.
The Best Toners
- Best Toner Overall: Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner
- Best Toner for Dry Skin: La Mer The Essential Tonic
- Best Toner for Sensitive Skin: Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Facial Toner
- Best Toner for Oily Skin: Dr. Naomi Pore Relation Power Essence
- Best Brightening Toner: Murad Environmental Shield Essential - C Toner
Best Toner Overall
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner
Dr. Westbay recommends this option for sensitive skin, citing its hydrating ingredients that support a strong skin barrier. "This hydrating toner contains essential ingredients that dry, flaky skin requires to improve skin barrier function and help defend against dehydration, environmental stress, and aging," she says. "Key ingredients include hydrating hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E to provide antioxidant protection against free radical damage induced by both external and internal factors, and borage seed oil to provide an additional boost of antioxidants while simultaneously nourishing and locking in moisture."
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, borage seed oil
Who It’s For: All skin types, including sensitive skin
Size: 6.4 ounces
What We Love: Dermatologist-approved; suitable for sensitive skin; hydrating; rich in antioxidants; cruelty-free; calming; free of fragrance, sulfates, and gluten
What We Don’t: None found
Review for MC: "I tried this product when I was in the midst of a particularly stubborn bout of stress-induced acne, compounded by a trip to a desert climate that added dryness and flaking to my list of skin concerns. Within a week, this toner calmed my acne and alleviated my dryness—all without inducing any burning, stinging, or, on the flip side, oiliness." — Gabrielle Ulubay, Beauty Writer
(Image credit: Gabrielle Ulubay)
Best Toner for Dry Skin
La Mer The Essential Tonic
You're probably familiar with La Mer's famous moisturizer, which countless celebrities and beauty gurus swear by. Per its name, the brand takes its inspiration from the ocean, employing ingredients like algae to soothe skin, even out texture, and calm redness, whether you're dealing with flaking or rosacea or anything in between. In my experience, a little bit of the watery formula goes a long way, so the bottle lasts for ages. Plus, because it's so lightweight, it plays well under layers of skincare and makeup.
Key Ingredients: Algae extract, alfalfa seed poder, eucalyptus leaf oil, niacin
Who It’s For: Dry and combination skin
Size: 6.7 oz
What We Love: Editor-approved; hydrating; doesn't cause breakouts; bottle is large, so it lasts a long time; healing; lightweight
What We Don’t: Expensive; packaging makes it potentially messy to dispense the formula
Review for MC: "I have a very reactive skin type. Every day is a new concern—irritation, dryness, too oily. But ever since I began incorporating this La Mer product into my routine, my skin tone and texture is so much more balanced. I love the spa-like smell, too!" — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
(Image credit: Samantha Holender)
Best Toner for Sensitive Skin
Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Facial Toner
Like many people, I know Aesop best for its fragrant hand balms and soaps, but now that I've discovered this toner, there's no turning back. It's subtle, natural smell makes application a dream and a watery, fast-absorbing consistency that plays well with my other skincare. Its main ingredients are hydrating antioxidant parsley seed extract and chamomile, which soothes red, inflamed, or otherwise irritated skin.
Key Ingredients: Parsley seed extract, chamomile, lavender
Who It’s For: Dry or sensitive skin
Size: 3.3 or 6.7 oz
What We Love: Natural ingredients; editor-approved; pleasant smell; lasts a long time; glass bottle (better for the environment than plastic)
What We Don’t: Relatively small container for the price
Review for MC: "While I don't have dry skin, I still tried this toner, enticed by its promises to calm inflammation and build up the skin barrier through intense hydration. It never made me break out and, true to Aesop's reputation, it smelled incredible. I also found that I didn't have to use much of the formula to cover my entire face and neck." — Gabrielle Ulubay, Beauty Writer
(Image credit: Gabrielle Ulubay)
Best Toner for Oily Skin
Dr. Naomi Pore Relation Power Essence
While this product is marketed as an essence (an optional step in your beauty routine that follows toner but precedes serum), it has the lightweight, watery texture of a toner. Its AHA-rich formula targets acne, oily skin, and clogged pores. Unlike most acne-fighting products, it doesn't cause flaking or have a chemical-like smell. It also doesn't contain alcohol, so you can rest assured that you'll be battling breakouts without harming your skin barrier.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, lactococcus ferment lysate (a probiotic)
Who It’s For: Oily or acne-prone skin
Size: 4.06 oz
What We Love: Editor-approved; calms breakouts; lightweight; easy to use (has a pump)
What We Don’t: When combined with other actives or chemical exfoliants, it can be drying
Review for MC: "When I get stressed, it feels like there's nothing I can do to quell my breakouts. This power essence, however, calmed my skin down in record time without drying it out—it even works well on my back and chest. It makes good on its promise to resurface skin gently, though I would advise against using it in tandem with other potent actives like salicylic acid or retinol." — Gabrielle Ulubay, Beauty Writer
(Image credit: Gabrielle Ulubay)
Best Brightening Toner
Murad Environmental Shield Essential - C Toner
This lightweight toner has something for everyone, whether you have dry, sensitive, or oily skin. I've sworn by it for years, no matter what state my skin is in, and I've even used it on my chest and back. It contains hydrating ingredients like castor oil, brightens via vitamin C, and even incorporates witch hazel, which is known for its acne-fighting properties. My skin always looks brighter and more even after just a few days of using this, and one bottle lasts for months on end.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, witch hazel, castor oil
Who It’s For: All skin types
Size: 6 oz
What We Love: Editor-approved; evens skin tone; infused with vitamins and antioxidants; lightweight; a little goes a long way
What We Don’t: Some reviewers feel that it leaves them looking shiny
Review for MC: "When I need a glow boost, this is my go-to. The brightening, Vitamin C-infused formula is lightweight enough to wear all summer long, no matter how hot or humid it is outside, and it never breaks me out. With consistent use, it makes my skin tone more even, minimizing the appearance of acne, hyperpigmentation, and scarring. " — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
(Image credit: Samantha)
Other Toners We Love
Best Toner for Acne-Prone Skin
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Salicylic acid is the gold standard for acne-prone skin, which is why Dr. Westbay recommends this formula for those on the oily side. "A concentration of one percent or two percent salicylic acid, as is found in this product, is most often used for acne." It can be drying, but this particular option from Paula's Choice is different because it incorporates green tea, "an antioxidant that soothes and minimizes irritation."
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, green tea
Who It’s For: Oily or acne-prone skin
Size: 4 oz
What We Love: Dermatologist-approved; fights and prevents acne; not over-drying; fragrance-free; vegan
What We Don’t: Some reviewers find it greasy
Best Toner for Easily Irritated Skin
First Aid Beauty Hydrating Toner With Squalane + Oats
This toner is an "absolute favorite" for Dr. Westbay, who recommends it to patients with sensitive skin. "It contains colloidal oatmeal and wild oats to help soothe distressed skin, facilitate barrier repair, and improve hydration. It also contains honey, a humectant that draws water from the deeper layers of the skin (and the outside environment, when humidity is sufficient!) to hydrate the critical outer layers and is rich in calming antioxidants. Hyaluronic acid is its other star ingredient," she says.
Key Ingredients: Squalane, oat
Who It’s For: Dry and sensitive skin
Size: 6 oz
What We Love: Dermatologist-approved; good for sensitive skin; alcohol-free; hydrating; fragrance-free; cruelty-free
What We Don’t: Some reviewers with oily or acne-prone skin found that it broke them out
Best Sebum-Control Toner
OleHenriksen Balancing Force Oil Control Toner
Dr. Westbay recommends this OleHenriksen toner for people with oily skin. It's non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn't clog pores, and it contains potent ingredients like salicylic acid, which eradicates acne, and AHAs for exfoliation. Dr. Westbay adds, "This toner contains three hydroxy acids for a powerhouse punch at oil and acne, as they collectively exfoliate the skin, clear pores, and reduce sebum production. It also contains witch hazel to help tighten pores and further reduce oil. Botanical oils like green tea, eucalyptus, algae, and Irish moss hydrate, mitigate irritation, and provide a boost of antioxidants."
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, AHAs
Who It’s For: All skin types, but especially oily and combination skin
Size: 6.5 oz
What We Love: Dermatologist-approved; non-comedogenic; potent active ingredients that fight and prevent acne
What We Don’t: Because it contains several potent active ingredients, some reviewers found it irritating
Best Pore-Tightening Toner
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner
Beta hydroxy acids, or BHAs, are chemical exfoliants known for their ability to reduce both acne and fine lines, which is why Dr. Westbay recommends this BHA-infused formula for those struggling with oily skin. She attests, "This toner gets its BHA power from willow bark, a natural form of BHA that works to unclog and decongest. These effects are amplified by the addition of polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), which provide gentle exfoliation. Finally, cactus water seals in moisture and prevents moisture loss while simultaneously delivering electrolytes and antioxidants."
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, BHA, PHA, watermelon extract
Who It’s For: All skin types
Size: 1.35 or 5.07 oz
What We Love: Dermatologist-approved; exfoliating; reduces the appearance of acne and fine lines; gentle; clean
What We Don’t: Contains fragrance
Best Scented Facial Toner
Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner
If, like me, you love incorporating scent into your daily skincare routine, try this floral facial toner from Fresh, which is infused with real rose petals. Dr. Westbay likes it, too, saying, "This alcohol-free toner effectively tones the skin without any astringents and, instead, uses gentle rose fruit extract. It also contains a hefty amount of rosewater and rose flower oil which soothe, hydrate, and nourish. This is augmented by the very hydrating properties of hyaluronic acid."
Key Ingredients: Rosewater, rose flower oil, castor oil
Who It’s For: All skin types
Size: 3.3 or 8.4 oz
What We Love: Dermatologist-approved; clean; non-comedogenic (won't clog pores); hydrating
What We Don’t: Contains fragrance
Best Fast-Absorbing Toner
Sulwhasoo Essential Comfort Balancing Water
According to Dr. Westbay, this option from Korean skincare brand Sulwhasoo packs a punch of hydration even though it feels incredibly lightweight. She says, "This toner has a watery, gel-like texture and contains hydrating glycerin and hyaluronic acid to soothe and prevent dryness." It also utilizes natural botanicals like Narcissus Bulb Extract to make skin appear brighter, and it absorbs quickly so you can layer your favorite serum and moisturizer over it.
Key Ingredients: Narcissus Bulb Extract, coconut oil, glycerin, hyaluronic acid
Who It’s For: Dry skin
Size: 5.07 oz
What We Love: Dermatologist-recommended; hydrating; absorbs quickly
What We Don’t: Expensive
Best Exfoliating Toner
Tatcha The Texture Tonic AHA Liquid Exfoliating Treatment
Tatcha's exfoliating toner is made with oily to combination skin in mind. It's infused with fruit-derived AHA, which means that it exfoliates your skin, reducing acne and discoloration. It also contains niacinamide, which reduces the appearance of pores. It's a gentle, fragrance-free way of addressing acne at the root and preventing breakouts from reappearing.
Key Ingredients: Fruit-derived AHA, rose, niacinamide
Who It’s For: Oily, acne-prone, and combination skin
Size: 5.07 oz
What We Love: Fragrance-free; exfoliating; gentle; fights acne and prevents future breakouts
What We Don’t: Too drying for chronically dry skin; expensive
What to Look for in a Toner
- Active Ingredients
Dr. Boakye recommends toners with AHAs and BHAs for those with oily or acne-prone skin. She also loves toners with niacinamide, which "helps preserve the skin barrier function and can help regulate oil production, making it great for all skin types."
- Hydration
For those with dry skin, Dr. Boakye advises looking for hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which "gives an extra boost of hydration that all skin types can benefit from," glycerin, "a great humectant that will help lock in moisture and prevent moisture loss," and rose water, which "has really great anti-inflammatory properties that will help maintain the skin’s pH balance." Meanwhile, Dr. Westbay says, "Those with rosacea, redness, and/or sensitive skin should look for aloe vera, rosewater, and chamomile, which can be soothing and reduce inflammation."
What to Avoid in a Toner
Both dermatologists recommend avoiding harsh ingredients like alcohol, no matter your skin type. "Alcohol can strip the skin of the natural lipids it needs to support the hydro-lipid barrier, one of the skin's main immune functions," says Dr. Westbay. It can also aggravate acne and irritation because "excessively drying out the skin will cause a paradoxical increase in the amount of oil produced, which can trigger more acne."
She warns that alcohol can be listed as ethanol, denatured alcohol, ethyl alcohol, methanol, benzyl alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol. She also says to avoid parabens, synthetic dyes, and mineral oils, especially if you have sensitive skin.
How Do I Incorporate Toner Into My Routine?
With so many skincare products on offer, it can be hard to discern what order they should be applied in. To keep track of my multi-step routine, I remember: Thinnest to thickest. And since toners have a watery consistency, they should be applied first thing after cleansing. Dr. Boakye explains, "Applying toner after cleansing will create a clean canvas for the rest of your skincare products because it removes any excess dirt, bacteria, and grime and helps the products penetrate the skin more effectively."
When it comes to time of day, I apply my toner morning and night—a habit that Dr. Boakye approves of. "Using a facial toner in the morning can help create a clean canvas for your skincare routine and provide an extra layer of moisture to the skin," she says. "Using a toner at night will help remove any excess dirt, makeup, or pollution that has accumulated on your skin over the course of the day."
How Much Toner Should I Use?
While the amount of toner you should use varies from formula to formula, one to two pumps, or a pea-sized amount, should be able to cover your face and neck. Remember that all you need is a thin layer, especially since you'll likely follow up with a serum, moisturizer, sunscreen, or oil.
Meet the Experts
Rachel Westbay, MD FAAD
Dr. Rachel Westbay is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in creating personalized skincare routines for her patients. She practices at Marmur Medical on Manhattan’s Upper East Side and teaches at Mount Sinai, where she was awarded Teacher of the Year.
Dr. Naana Boakye M.D., MPH, FAAD
Dr. Naana Boakye M.D., MPH, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Bergen Dermatology in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. A graduate of Temple University and George Washington University, she studied epidemiology and takes a holistic approach when treating her patients.
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Gabrielle Ulubay
Beauty Writer
Gabrielle Ulubay is a Beauty Writer at Marie Claire. She has also written about sexual wellness, politics, culture, and fashion at Marie Claire and at publications including The New York Times, HuffPost Personal, Bustle, Alma, Muskrat Magazine, O'Bheal, and elsewhere. Her personal essay in The New York Times' Modern Love column kickstarted her professional writing career in 2018, and that piece has since been printed in the 2019 revised edition of the Modern Love book. Having studied history, international relations, and film, she has made films on politics and gender equity in addition to writing about cinema for Film Ireland, University College Cork, and on her personal blog, gabrielleulubay.medium.com. Before working with Marie Claire, Gabrielle worked in local government, higher education, and sales, and has resided in four countries and counting. She has worked extensively in the e-commerce and sales spaces since 2020, and spent two years at Drizly, where she developed an expertise in finding the best, highest quality goods and experiences money can buy.
Deeply political, she believes that skincare, haircare, and sexual wellness are central tenets to one's overall health and fights for them to be taken seriously, especially for people of color. She also loves studying makeup as a means of artistic expression, drawing on her experience as an artist in her analysis of beauty trends. She's based in New York City, where she can be found watching movies or running her art business when she isn't writing. Find her on Twitter at @GabrielleUlubay or on Instagram at @gabrielle.ulubay, or follow her art at @suburban.graffiti.art
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