Best Face Toners: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Toners…what are they, and why do you need one?

In the past, toners were known for being harsh on the skin and were often used to clear up breakouts. However, toners on the market today offer a wide variety of skincare benefits. From pore-minimizing toners to toners that target wrinkles and fine lines.

You use toners after cleansing and before applying serums and natural face moisturizers. They essentially prep the skin and promote optimal absorption of the products applied after. They’re not an absolute must—but they can really take your skincare routine to the next level. Once you start using them, you won’t go back!

Read along as we guide you through some of the best toners of 2023, so you can choose the right one for your skin type:

Best Face Toners

How to Use a Face Toner

1. Cleanse your face with a cleanser suited for your skin type
2. Dampen a cotton pad with your toner and sweep it across your face and neck
3. Allow the toner to dry
4. Follow up with serum and moisturizer
5. Always be sure to apply sunscreen to your face during the day

Best Face Toner Overall: Herbal Dynamics Beauty Rose Water Calming Face Toner

The Rose Water Calming Face Toner from Herbal Dynamics Beauty is a best seller for a reason! This gentle, all-natural spray brightens, hydrates, soothes and plumps the skin. It can be used as a toner morning and night and throughout the day when your skin needs a boost.

We could go on and on about the benefits of rose water. Its anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and natural cleansing properties are just a start. It’s no surprise this ingredient is commonly found in many skincare products!

However, many rose water sprays on the market use artificial dyes and fragrances. For an all-natural alternative, try the Rose Water Calming Face Toner by Herbal Dynamics Beauty.

This hydrating mist brightens and evens skin tone, soothes inflammation, and supports a radiant, smooth complexion. It even plumps the skin to soften fine lines. This formula also contains powerhouse ingredients like green tea, chamomile, hyaluronic acid, and witch hazel to cleanse, soothe, and hydrate the skin.

You can use this toner during the morning and night. Throw it in your bag to apply it throughout the day whenever your skin needs a boost.

• Hydrates, brightens, and evens skin tone
• Increases permeability, which preps skin for serums and moisturizers
• Soothes inflammation and redness

Best Hydrating Toner: Dr. Jart Ceramidin Liquid

Dr. Jart’s Ceramidin Liquid is formulated with 5-Cera Complex and Panthenol to moisturize cracked or flaky skin. If you suffer from dryness or rough-textured skin, this product is for you.

This supercharged formula leaves skin soft, supple, and ready to absorb the next products in your skincare regimen. It’s also formulated without parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. This makes it a great choice for those with sensitive or irritated skin.

• Contains 5-Cera Complex to moisturize and strengthen skin
• Restores loss of firmness and elasticity
• Preps skin for the next step in a facial skincare routine

Best Toner for Anti-Aging: Herbal Dynamics Beauty CollagenR8 Restorative CoQ10 Facial Toner

Did you know toners can have anti-aging properties? The CollagenR8 Restorative CoQ10 Facial Toner from Herbal Dynamics Beauty is one such toner. It hydrates, soothes, balances, brightens, protects skin, and fights signs of aging all at once.

This toner’s star ingredient, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), replenishes levels lost in the skin due to aging, aids cellular metabolism, and supports collagen production. The result? A firm, youthful-looking complexion!

This product is also formulated with aloe vera, cucumber, papaya, and chamomile extract. It’s full of natural, good-for-you ingredients and free of any harsh chemicals that have the potential to irritate the skin.

• Replenishes levels lost in skin due to aging
• Contains hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to hydrate skin deeply
• Strengthens skin’s natural barrier and pH balance

Best Toner for Glowing Skin: Pixi by Petra Glow Tonic

Pixi, a peach-tinted tonic, is gentle enough to be used as a regular toner. Formulated with glycolic acid, it sloughs away dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover.

This brightening potion also contains ginseng and aloe vera. These ingredients soothe the skin and boost collagen production.

Reviewers rave that this product is essential for a glowing complexion. After looking at the ingredients, it’s hard to believe it’s available at a drugstore price!

• Exfoliates, brightens, and repairs uneven skin texture
• Instant glow enhancer
• Formulated with 5% glycolic acid

Best Drugstore Toner: Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial Toner

The Thayers Witch Hazel Toner is one of the most popular toners at the drugstore, and for a good reason! Made with rose petal water and witch hazel extract, it soothes and naturally cleanses the skin. It’s great to use it as a follow-up step after cleansing to catch any dirt or residue your cleanser left behind.

This product can be used both morning and night or throughout the day when your skin needs a refresher. Witch hazel works as a natural astringent to remove excess oil, while aloe vera soothes and hydrates the skin.

• Soothes and naturally cleanses the skin
• Formulated with rose petal water and witch hazel extract
• Softens, refreshes, and moisturizes

Drugstore Alternative Toner for Acne: Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Toner

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly toner formulated for acne, try Neutrogena’s Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Toner. Formulated with salicylic acid, this product rids skin of excess oil and gets deep into pores to reduce pimple size, swelling, and redness.

This acne treatment toner also speeds surface cell exfoliation, which fades acne scarring over time. A little bit of this highly potent formula goes a long way, so start by applying it only to the areas you need it. After applying, be sure to follow up with a good moisturizer to avoid dryness or peeling.

• Rids skin of excess oil
• Formulated with salicylic acid to target acne
• Minimizes the appearance of acne scarring

Best Toner for Large Pores: Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner

Do you struggle with pesky large pores that won’t go away? The Pore-Reducing Toner by Paula’s Choice is specifically designed to target large pores. It also smoothes, moisturizes, and protects the skin.

Formulated with antioxidants and hydrating ceramides, this product minimizes pores and tones down oily skin without overly drying. It provides just enough moisture to keep your skin balanced—which is essential for an overall healthy complexion.

• Hydrates, balances oily skin, and minimizes large pores
• Formulated with antioxidants, soothing plant extracts, and niacinamide
• Can be used both morning and night

Best Toner for Dark Spots: Ole Henriksen Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner

This supercharged toner contains high-potency AHAs to even skin tone and texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and fade the appearance of dark spots in as little as 7 days.

Witch hazel water brightens and refines the skin, while a blend of lemon, licorice root, sugar cane, and sandalwood extracts soothe and condition the skin. This powerful potion treats and nourishes the skin, laying the perfect foundation for your serums and moisturizers.

• Contains AHAs (glycolic and lactic acids) to reduce the appearance of dark spots
• Targets fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, and uneven texture
• Soothes and conditions skin

Honorable Mentions for Best Face Toners

Drugstore Toner Runner-Up: Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner

This gentle toner keeps skin clarified and refreshed. It contains a blend of multivitamins and skin-loving ingredients like chamomile and witch hazel to cleanse, soften, and hydrate the skin.

If you have sensitive skin and are looking for a budget-friendly toner, this is a great option. Free of artificial perfumes, colors, dyes, and harsh chemicals, you can rest assured that this product won’t irritate.

• Ideal for using after your cleanser
• Formulated with pro-vitamin B5, chamomile, and witch hazel
• Free of artificial perfumes, colors, dyes, and harsh chemicals

Best Brightening Toner: Lumene Glow Lumenessence Brightening Beauty Lotion

This brightening toner is the perfect pick-me-up for dull, tired skin. Formulated with naturally exfoliating berry and fruit acids, Lumene’s Beauty Lotion clarifies the skin to reveal a bright, energized complexion. Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C refine and moisturize the skin to help maintain a youthful glow.

This product is gentle enough to be used both morning and night. Over time, it will visibly brighten the skin—giving you that sought-after glow.

• Clarifies, refines, and moisturizes skin
• Contains berry and fruit acids, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C
• Preps skin for next steps in your skincare routine

Drugstore Toner for Mature Skin: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

SK-II is known for their luxurious lineup of products, their Facial Treatment Essence being among the most popular. This treatment softens texture, combats wrinkles and fine lines, fades dark spots, and enhances the skin’s natural radiance.

This product can be used by normal, dry, combination, and oily skin types. It contains over 50 micronutrients like vitamins, minerals, natural acids, and amino acids to nourish the skin—making it a great option for those with mature skin.

• Targets dullness and uneven texture, large pores, and dark spots
• Contains over 50 micronutrients to condition skin
• Enhances radiance

Best Toner for Young Skin: Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner

Dermalogica’s Multi-Active Toner hydrates and refreshes the skin while treating redness, dryness, dullness, and uneven texture. This mist is infused with lavender to soothe skin, humectants to attract moisture and hydrate the skin, and Arnica, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

This is a great toner for all skin types. It doesn’t have any crazy claims and does exactly what it’s supposed to—conditions and preps the skin for proper moisture absorption. If you’re young and looking for a simple yet effective toner, this is a great option.

• Hydrates and refreshes skin
• Combats redness, dryness, uneven texture, and dullness
• Formulated with lavender, humectants, and arnica

Best Toner for Dry Skin: Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer 

If you suffer from dry skin, you’ll want to opt for a gentle toner that boosts hydration. The Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer from Laneige is a unique 2-in-1 formula. It preps and softens like a toner and moisturizes like a cream.

This lightweight liquid is formulated with White Leaf Tea Water. The ingredient is rich in amino acids to moisturize, soothe, and strengthen the skin’s barrier. Say goodbye to dry, parched skin and hello to a plump, glowing complexion!

• Preps like a toner, moisturizes like a cream
• Formulated with white leaf tea water
• Amino acids strengthen and soothe the skin

Drugstore Toner for Oily Skin: Olay Oil Minimizing Clean Facial Toner

If you have oily skin and are looking for an option from the drugstore, try Olay’s Oil Minimizing Clean Facial Toner. This formula removes excess oil and dirt without stripping the skin of necessary moisture. Witch hazel acts as a natural astringent to cleanse and purify, while aloe leaf extract soothes and nourishes the skin.

Reviewers rave that this toner leaves the skin feeling clean and refreshed without being overly drying. This product’s 4 ½ star rating speaks for itself!

• Refreshes skin and removes impurities
• Targets oily skin without stripping essential moisture
• Anti-inflammatory

Best Toner for Irritated Skin: Apto Soothing Toner with Coconut Water

This toner is full of skin-soothing ingredients and doubles as a cleanser and moisturizer. Coconut water, the star ingredient in this formula, contains high potassium levels and is amazing for hydrating and cleansing the skin. Meanwhile, seawater and astringents like witch hazel hydrate, restore, and balance the skin.

This unique product is a great choice for those who suffer from dryness or irritation. Plus, at only $12, it’s a steal!

• Contains sea and coconut waters
• Refreshes and nourishes with electrolytes, minerals, and fermented trace elements
• Hydrates and gently cleanses

Best Toner for Redness: Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol Free Toner

This hydrating, alcohol-free toner soothes and calms the skin. Formulated with anti-inflammatory ingredients like calendula flower petals, this lightweight liquid helps combat redness, dullness, and uneven texture. It even helps to minimize oiliness, keeping your skin balanced overall.

• Contains Calendula Extract and Allantoin to soothe skin
• Great Burdock combats dry skin
• Alcohol-free

Best Toner for Clogged Pores: Peach & Lily The Good Acids Pore Toner

Toners can be a great way to purify and exfoliate the skin before applying other products. Peach & Lily’s The Good Acids Pore Toner works to slough away dead skin cells and clarify pores to prep your skin for the rest of your routine.

Formulated with a blend of AHA and salicylic acid, this product goes deep to unclog pores without being overly harsh. It also contains ingredients like Cape Lilac, eggplant, aloe, and turmeric extracts to soothe and nourish the skin. If you struggle with stubborn clogged pores, this can make a great first step in your routine after cleansing.

• Gentle enough for daily exfoliation
• Sloughs away dead skin cells
• Balances skin’s pH

Best Toner Under $10: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

The Ordinary is famous for their affordable yet highly effective products. And their glycolic acid toner is one such product!

This mild exfoliating toning solution is formulated with 7% glycolic acid, amino acids, aloe vera, ginseng, and Tasmanian pepper berry. It combats dullness and uneven texture to reveal an overall more radiant, glowing complexion.

This product contains the same ingredients as many of its high-end competitors, yet at a fraction of the price. For less than $10, it’s a no-brainer.

• Exfoliates to combat dullness and uneven texture
• Contains 7% glycolic acid, amino acids, aloe vera, ginseng, and Tasmanian pepper berry
• Free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates

Best Soothing Toner: Herbal Dynamics Beauty Essentials Pure Lavender Hydrosol Mist

Last but not least, if you’re looking for a calming, soothing toner, try the Lavender Hydrosol Mist from Herbal Dynamics Beauty. This lightweight mist soothes redness, helps with acne’s irritation, and balances the skin’s pH. It also provides an array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Lavender provides aromatherapy benefits. So it’s a great product to promote relaxation and use at night before bed. However, it can also be used in the morning or when your skin needs a boost.

This all-natural formula is free of harsh chemicals. Rest assured that you’re taking the very best care of your skin.

• Soothes redness and balances skin’s pH
• Lavender calms skin and uplifts with aromatherapy benefits
• Lightweight mist

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a toner instead of a cleanser?

No, these are two different products so you shouldn’t try to replace one with another. Both products do work to rid your skin of dirt and grime, but you’re better off using both in tandem. Use a cleanser first, then an exfoliant before you move on to the toner.

Should you use toner everyday?

Many people benefit from using toner as often as twice a day. They apply it in the morning and at night, after cleansing their face.

However, people with dry or sensitive skin may wish to use toner only once a day or even every other day. Use toners made to combat acne or oily skin sparingly, at first. Start by applying these toners every two days, then slowly increase your usage as needed.

Can I skip toner?

Toner does offer unique benefits and helps maintain good pH levels in the skin. However, it’s not as necessary for a healthy skin care routine as cleanser and sunscreen. Many people will look and feel fine if they choose to skip toner every other day or entirely. But for the absolute best skin, we recommend adding it to your routine.

Is it OK to wash your skin with just water?

While water can partially clean your face, it won’t provide the deep cleanse that specialty products do. Water targets only the surface, overlooking the pores where dirt can collect. Make sure you choose a good cleanser to get your face looking pristine.

Why should you not wash your face in the shower?

It’s a common beauty myth that you shouldn’t wash your face in the shower. However, the mist from a warm shower can actually exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. Just make sure the water isn’t too hot and that you aren’t scrubbing your face with a harsh soap.

Did You Choose Your Next Toner?

That completes our list of the best face toners of 2023! Next time you’re on the hunt for a face toner, refer to this shopping guide. You will have an easier time choosing a product that best suits your skin type.