The 10 Best Toners, Tested and Reviewed

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsOthers We TriedWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesFAQWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Others We Tried

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

FAQ

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Jessica Juliao

People / Jessica Juliao

Adding a toner to alreadylengthy skincare routinesmight seem unnecessary — that is, until you experience its cleansing, clarifying, and hydrating benefits.

Toners are applied after cleansing and before moisturizing, and their main functions are to balance the skin’s pH, prepare it for the rest of your skincare routine, and remove any traces of makeup and dirt without stripping away natural oils. When shopping for the best toners for your complexion, board-certified dermatologistMargarita Lolis, MDsays to keep ingredients top of mind.

Since there aresomany different formulas out there — including ones that exfoliate, brighten, hydrate, and soothe — we tested 24 toners to see how they held up against each other in treating the skin. The best toners scored high in categories like texture, absorption, hydration, and performance and addressed various skin concerns like acne, redness, and hyperpigmentation.

Best Overall:Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Toner at Nordstrom$48Jump to Review

Best Overall:Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Toner at Nordstrom$48

Best Overall:

Best Budget:SALENeutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner at Amazon$10$7Jump to Review

Best Budget:SALENeutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner at Amazon$10$7

Best Budget:

SALE

Best for Aging Skin:SK-II Facial Treatment Toner at Amazon$80Jump to Review

Best for Aging Skin:SK-II Facial Treatment Toner at Amazon$80

Best for Aging Skin:

Best Spray:SALETower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray at Sephora$28$12Jump to Review

Best Spray:SALETower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray at Sephora$28$12

Best Spray:

Best for Dry Skin:Fenty Beauty Fat Water Toner Essence at Sephora$36Jump to Review

Best for Dry Skin:Fenty Beauty Fat Water Toner Essence at Sephora$36

Best for Dry Skin:

Best for Hyperpigmentation:Freck Beauty Cactus Water Lactic Acid Toner at Freckbeauty.comJump to Review

Best for Hyperpigmentation:Freck Beauty Cactus Water Lactic Acid Toner at Freckbeauty.com

Best for Hyperpigmentation:

Best Hydrating:Belif Aqua Bomb Hydrating Toner at Amazon$30Jump to Review

Best Hydrating:Belif Aqua Bomb Hydrating Toner at Amazon$30

Best Hydrating:

Best Smoothing:

Best for Acne:Murad Clarifying Toner at Amazon$30Jump to Review

Best for Acne:Murad Clarifying Toner at Amazon$30

Best for Acne:

Best for Sensitive Skin:Holifrog Utopia Microflora Toner at Holifrog.comJump to Review

Best for Sensitive Skin:Holifrog Utopia Microflora Toner at Holifrog.com

Best for Sensitive Skin:

Best OverallFresh Rose Deep Hydration TonerPHOTO: Sephora$48 at Nordstrom$48$27 at Sephora$27 at UltaOur RatingsFeel5/5Absorption5/5Hydration5/5Appearance5/5

Best OverallFresh Rose Deep Hydration Toner

Best Overall

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Toner

PHOTO: Sephora

$48 at Nordstrom$48$27 at Sephora$27 at Ulta

Our RatingsFeel5/5Absorption5/5Hydration5/5Appearance5/5

Our Ratings

Feel

5/5

Absorption

Hydration

Appearance

Star QualitiesLightweight, non-greasy textureAbsorbs quicklyTargets dullness, dryness, and uneven textureRed FlagsExpensive

Star QualitiesLightweight, non-greasy textureAbsorbs quicklyTargets dullness, dryness, and uneven texture

Lightweight, non-greasy texture

Absorbs quickly

Targets dullness, dryness, and uneven texture

Red FlagsExpensive

Expensive

Star Ingredients:Hyaluronic acid,rose fruit extract, rosewater, angelica leaf extract |Skin Type:All |Size:8.4 oz. |Alcohol-free:Yes

PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Pro Tip!

Best BudgetNeutrogena Alcohol-Free TonerPHOTO: Amazon$10$7 at Amazon$7 at Target$10 at UltaOur RatingsFeel4.9/5Absorption5/5Hydration5/5Appearance4/5Star QualitiesAbsorbs quicklyHydrates skin upon applicationClarifies in just one useRed FlagsTricky to apply with fingersThis water-based formula is gentle on both oily and sensitive skin, making it a great option for those prone to breakouts and irritation. It’s lightweight on the skin and takes about two to three minutes to absorb, leaving behind zero residue and making skin look clear with a boost of hydration. It’s gentle and easy to use, cleansing the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture. Plus, the formula is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, helping remove impurities without clogging pores or irritating the skin.Star Ingredients:Glycerin |Skin Type:Oily, normal, sensitive |Size:8.5 oz. |Alcohol-free:YesPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best BudgetNeutrogena Alcohol-Free TonerPHOTO: Amazon$10$7 at Amazon$7 at Target$10 at UltaOur RatingsFeel4.9/5Absorption5/5Hydration5/5Appearance4/5

Best BudgetNeutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner

Best Budget

Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner

PHOTO: Amazon

$10$7 at Amazon$7 at Target$10 at Ulta

Our RatingsFeel4.9/5Absorption5/5Hydration5/5Appearance4/5

4.9/5

4/5

Star QualitiesAbsorbs quicklyHydrates skin upon applicationClarifies in just one useRed FlagsTricky to apply with fingers

Star QualitiesAbsorbs quicklyHydrates skin upon applicationClarifies in just one use

Hydrates skin upon application

Clarifies in just one use

Red FlagsTricky to apply with fingers

Tricky to apply with fingers

This water-based formula is gentle on both oily and sensitive skin, making it a great option for those prone to breakouts and irritation. It’s lightweight on the skin and takes about two to three minutes to absorb, leaving behind zero residue and making skin look clear with a boost of hydration. It’s gentle and easy to use, cleansing the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture. Plus, the formula is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, helping remove impurities without clogging pores or irritating the skin.

Star Ingredients:Glycerin |Skin Type:Oily, normal, sensitive |Size:8.5 oz. |Alcohol-free:Yes

Best for Aging SkinSK-II Facial Treatment TonerPHOTO: Sephora$80 at Amazon$80 at SephoraView on Maxaroma.comOur RatingsFeel5/5Absorption5/5Hydration5/5Appearance5/5

Best for Aging SkinSK-II Facial Treatment Toner

Best for Aging Skin

SK-II Facial Treatment Toner

$80 at Amazon$80 at SephoraView on Maxaroma.com

Star QualitiesLightweight and refreshingHydrates without residueEvens out texture in one useAbsorbs quicklyRed FlagsPackaging makes it easy to overuse

Star QualitiesLightweight and refreshingHydrates without residueEvens out texture in one useAbsorbs quickly

Lightweight and refreshing

Hydrates without residue

Evens out texture in one use

Red FlagsPackaging makes it easy to overuse

Packaging makes it easy to overuse

The formula is alsosupergentle on sensitive skin and gently sloughed off dead skin to reveal a cleaner and brighter complexion. Since the formula is hydrating, it also helped support the look of skin elasticity and made our complexions appear brighter. Just be careful when pouring out the product on a cotton round — the bottle can easily dispense too much, and it would be a shame to use more than you need with this kind of price tag!

Star Ingredients:AHA, niacinamide, Pitera |Skin Type:All |Size:5.4 oz. |Alcohol-free:Yes

Best SprayTower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial SprayPHOTO: Sephora$28$12 at SephoraView on Tower28beauty.comView on Credo BeautyOur RatingsFeel5/5Absorption5/5Hydration5/5Appearance5/5Star QualitiesSpray bottle applicationEasy for on-the-go useNo residueWeightless formulaRed FlagsCouldn’t find anyJust spray this toner directly on your skin and gently pat it in. Its pH-balancing formula comprises simple yet effective ingredients: water and sodium chloride.Hailey Bieber considers the Tower 28 spray a favorite, using it to soothe her irritated and inflamed skin. During testing, we noticed that it gave our own skin a brighter appearance that looked healthier and more vibrant, enriching the skin with a light and even layer of hydration. It left a natural glow that wasn’t sticky or heavy, faded dark spots, and minimized pores. And it’s compact, for a quick spritz on the go.Star Ingredients:Hypochlorous acid |Skin Type:Acne-prone |Size:4 oz. |Alcohol-free:YesPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best SprayTower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial SprayPHOTO: Sephora$28$12 at SephoraView on Tower28beauty.comView on Credo BeautyOur RatingsFeel5/5Absorption5/5Hydration5/5Appearance5/5

Best SprayTower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray

Best Spray

Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray

$28$12 at SephoraView on Tower28beauty.comView on Credo Beauty

Star QualitiesSpray bottle applicationEasy for on-the-go useNo residueWeightless formulaRed FlagsCouldn’t find any

Star QualitiesSpray bottle applicationEasy for on-the-go useNo residueWeightless formula

Spray bottle application

Easy for on-the-go use

No residue

Weightless formula

Red FlagsCouldn’t find any

Couldn’t find any

Just spray this toner directly on your skin and gently pat it in. Its pH-balancing formula comprises simple yet effective ingredients: water and sodium chloride.Hailey Bieber considers the Tower 28 spray a favorite, using it to soothe her irritated and inflamed skin. During testing, we noticed that it gave our own skin a brighter appearance that looked healthier and more vibrant, enriching the skin with a light and even layer of hydration. It left a natural glow that wasn’t sticky or heavy, faded dark spots, and minimized pores. And it’s compact, for a quick spritz on the go.

Star Ingredients:Hypochlorous acid |Skin Type:Acne-prone |Size:4 oz. |Alcohol-free:Yes

PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best for Dry SkinFenty Beauty Fat Water Toner EssencePHOTO: Sephora$36 at SephoraView on Fentybeauty.com$36 at Kohls.comOur RatingsFeel5/5Absorption5/5Hydration5/5Appearance5/5Star QualitiesUltra-lightweight formulaQuickly absorbs into the skinMilky consistencyRed FlagsNone we could findWhat do niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, Barbados cherry, Kalahari melon, and green tea extracts have in common? They work together to protect your skin barrier — which shields your skin from external irritants and moisture loss — and leave your skin plump and radiant. These ingredients are also found in Fenty Skin’s Fat Water Hydrating Milky Toner.This formula is quick-absorbing and residue-free. Not only does it reduce the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation, but it also improves overall skin tone and reduces oiliness. It produced clean skin and a subtle glow on our cheeks. Bonus: the much-needed moisture boost, resulting in a more refreshed appearance.Star Ingredients:Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid |Skin Type:Normal, dry |Size:5 oz. |Alcohol-free:YesPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoExperts SayIf your skin tends to be on the dry or sensitive side, it’s especially important to look for alcohol-free toners since alcohol can strip the skin of moisture, according to Dr. Lolis. Toners and essences with hyaluronic acid and amino acids “can help restore and maintain lost moisture.”

Best for Dry SkinFenty Beauty Fat Water Toner EssencePHOTO: Sephora$36 at SephoraView on Fentybeauty.com$36 at Kohls.comOur RatingsFeel5/5Absorption5/5Hydration5/5Appearance5/5

Best for Dry SkinFenty Beauty Fat Water Toner Essence

Best for Dry Skin

Fenty Beauty Fat Water Toner Essence

$36 at SephoraView on Fentybeauty.com$36 at Kohls.com

Star QualitiesUltra-lightweight formulaQuickly absorbs into the skinMilky consistencyRed FlagsNone we could find

Star QualitiesUltra-lightweight formulaQuickly absorbs into the skinMilky consistency

Ultra-lightweight formula

Quickly absorbs into the skin

Milky consistency

Red FlagsNone we could find

None we could find

What do niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, Barbados cherry, Kalahari melon, and green tea extracts have in common? They work together to protect your skin barrier — which shields your skin from external irritants and moisture loss — and leave your skin plump and radiant. These ingredients are also found in Fenty Skin’s Fat Water Hydrating Milky Toner.

This formula is quick-absorbing and residue-free. Not only does it reduce the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation, but it also improves overall skin tone and reduces oiliness. It produced clean skin and a subtle glow on our cheeks. Bonus: the much-needed moisture boost, resulting in a more refreshed appearance.

Star Ingredients:Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid |Skin Type:Normal, dry |Size:5 oz. |Alcohol-free:Yes

Experts SayIf your skin tends to be on the dry or sensitive side, it’s especially important to look for alcohol-free toners since alcohol can strip the skin of moisture, according to Dr. Lolis. Toners and essences with hyaluronic acid and amino acids “can help restore and maintain lost moisture.”

Experts Say

If your skin tends to be on the dry or sensitive side, it’s especially important to look for alcohol-free toners since alcohol can strip the skin of moisture, according to Dr. Lolis. Toners and essences with hyaluronic acid and amino acids “can help restore and maintain lost moisture.”

Best for HyperpigmentationFreck Beauty Cactus Water Lactic Acid TonerPHOTO: Freck BeautyView on Freckbeauty.comView on Beautybay.comOur RatingsFeel4.5/5Absorption5/5Hydration5/5Appearance4.8/5

Best for HyperpigmentationFreck Beauty Cactus Water Lactic Acid Toner

Best for Hyperpigmentation

Freck Beauty Cactus Water Lactic Acid Toner

PHOTO: Freck Beauty

View on Freckbeauty.comView on Beautybay.com

Our RatingsFeel4.5/5Absorption5/5Hydration5/5Appearance4.8/5

4.5/5

4.8/5

Star QualitiesQuickly absorbsSignificantly increased skin hydrationProtects against pollution and UV lightRed FlagsNot ideal for sensitive skinTakes some effort to get product out

Star QualitiesQuickly absorbsSignificantly increased skin hydrationProtects against pollution and UV light

Quickly absorbs

Significantly increased skin hydration

Protects against pollution and UV light

Red FlagsNot ideal for sensitive skinTakes some effort to get product out

Not ideal for sensitive skin

Takes some effort to get product out

The toner also contains powerful exfoliant lactic acid that removes dead skin and minimizes discoloration. It produced noticeably plumper, more hydrated skin and a healthy glow. Free of any residue or stickiness after application, it feels like a refreshing drink of water for your face and applies similarly to that of micellar water.

However, don’t expect visible changes in hyperpigmentation, blemishes, or dark spots after just one use — these results take time. While it’s alcohol-free, the fragranced formula could irritate those with sensitive skin. We also found that dispensing the product was less seamless compared to other toners we tested, and it takes a few shakes to get out the desired amount, although this wasn’t a dealbreaker.

Star Ingredients:Lactic acid, cactus flower extract, kelp extract|Skin Type:All skin types, including acne-prone |Size:6.5 oz. |Alcohol-free:Yes

PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best HydratingBelif Aqua Bomb Hydrating TonerPHOTO: Sephora$30 at Amazon$30 at Nordstrom$30 at SephoraOur RatingsFeel5/5Absorption5/5Hydration5/5Appearance4.7/5Star QualitiesAbsorbs fully and quickly into the skinCalms and moisturizes right awayEffectively targets hyperpigmentationReduces pores and fine linesRed FlagsContains alcoholThe Belif Aqua Bomb Hydrating Toner soothes and calms dry, parched skin thanks to its use of honeysuckle: Its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties leave skin feeling nourished and refreshed.  It also has baobab oil, which contains fatty acids that keep your skin hydrated and moisturized. All this combined with a light, refreshing scent that’s not at all overwhelming.Before applying this toner, our skin felt dull, dry, and taut. Afterwards, our skin looked brighter, more even-toned, and had a luminous and natural-looking glow. Hyperpigmentation and the appearance of fine lines and pores were also reduced. Plus, the watery, clear consistency is easy to apply and fully absorbs in about two minutes. While it works for all skin types, it’s an especially good choice for those who have easily irritable skin.Star Ingredients:Honeysuckle, baobab oil, sodium hyaluronate |Skin Type:All |Size:6.75 oz. |Alcohol-free:NoPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best HydratingBelif Aqua Bomb Hydrating TonerPHOTO: Sephora$30 at Amazon$30 at Nordstrom$30 at SephoraOur RatingsFeel5/5Absorption5/5Hydration5/5Appearance4.7/5

Best HydratingBelif Aqua Bomb Hydrating Toner

Best Hydrating

Belif Aqua Bomb Hydrating Toner

$30 at Amazon$30 at Nordstrom$30 at Sephora

Our RatingsFeel5/5Absorption5/5Hydration5/5Appearance4.7/5

4.7/5

Star QualitiesAbsorbs fully and quickly into the skinCalms and moisturizes right awayEffectively targets hyperpigmentationReduces pores and fine linesRed FlagsContains alcohol

Star QualitiesAbsorbs fully and quickly into the skinCalms and moisturizes right awayEffectively targets hyperpigmentationReduces pores and fine lines

Absorbs fully and quickly into the skin

Calms and moisturizes right away

Effectively targets hyperpigmentation

Reduces pores and fine lines

Red FlagsContains alcohol

Contains alcohol

The Belif Aqua Bomb Hydrating Toner soothes and calms dry, parched skin thanks to its use of honeysuckle: Its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties leave skin feeling nourished and refreshed.  It also has baobab oil, which contains fatty acids that keep your skin hydrated and moisturized. All this combined with a light, refreshing scent that’s not at all overwhelming.

Before applying this toner, our skin felt dull, dry, and taut. Afterwards, our skin looked brighter, more even-toned, and had a luminous and natural-looking glow. Hyperpigmentation and the appearance of fine lines and pores were also reduced. Plus, the watery, clear consistency is easy to apply and fully absorbs in about two minutes. While it works for all skin types, it’s an especially good choice for those who have easily irritable skin.

Star Ingredients:Honeysuckle, baobab oil, sodium hyaluronate |Skin Type:All |Size:6.75 oz. |Alcohol-free:No

Best Smoothing

PHOTO: SKKN

Our RatingsFeel5/5Absorption5/5Hydration5/5Appearance4.8/5

Star QualitiesUltra-lightweight formulaCleanses and refreshes upon useExtremely hydratingRed FlagsSticky upon applicationContains alcohol

Star QualitiesUltra-lightweight formulaCleanses and refreshes upon useExtremely hydrating

Cleanses and refreshes upon use

Extremely hydrating

Red FlagsSticky upon applicationContains alcohol

Sticky upon application

Skkn’s toner feels weightless on the skin, though there’s a slight stickiness upon application. However, it dries down seamlessly within a few minutes. Our skin felt tremendously hydrated, and we noticed a visible difference in the areas where the toner was applied compared to where it wasn’t.

Star Ingredients:Witch hazel, Fruit enzymes, AHA, niacinamide |Skin Type:Balanced, oily, acne-prone |Size:6 oz. |Alcohol-free:No

Best for AcneMurad Clarifying TonerPHOTO: Sephora$30 at Amazon$30 at Nordstrom$30 at SephoraOur RatingsFeel5/5Absorption5/5Hydration5/5Appearance5/5Star QualitiesInstantly refreshingCleansed our complexionAbsorbs within secondsRed FlagsTemporary tingling sensation upon applicationContains alcoholFinding the rightacne productsfor oily or acne-prone skin that won’t further cause breakouts is paramount, and Murad’s Clarifying Toner delivers. The toner contains natural ingredients like witch hazel and grape seed extract, which regulate oil production and tighten pores while protecting against free radicals that can damage the skin and cause premature aging.While testing this toner, we immediately noticed how it replenished moisture in our dry skin, making it feel refreshed and revitalized. Plus, it reduced the visibility of dark spots. Aftercleansing with face wash, the toner still picked up excess debris, proving its worth to your skincare routine. While it left us with silky smooth skin that felt clean and refreshed, some people may experience a temporary tingling sensation once it dries down.Star Ingredients:Witch hazel, grape seed extract, vitamin E, algae extract |Skin Type:Oily, acne-prone |Size:6 oz. |Alcohol-free:NoPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoExperts SayFor oilier and acne-prone skin, look for ingredients like beta hydroxy acids (such as salicylic acid) that can help exfoliate the skin, “so pore-clogging gunk like bacteria and dead skin cells have a lesser chance of causing breakouts,” according to Dr. Lolis.

Best for AcneMurad Clarifying TonerPHOTO: Sephora$30 at Amazon$30 at Nordstrom$30 at SephoraOur RatingsFeel5/5Absorption5/5Hydration5/5Appearance5/5

Best for AcneMurad Clarifying Toner

Best for Acne

Murad Clarifying Toner

Star QualitiesInstantly refreshingCleansed our complexionAbsorbs within secondsRed FlagsTemporary tingling sensation upon applicationContains alcohol

Star QualitiesInstantly refreshingCleansed our complexionAbsorbs within seconds

Instantly refreshing

Cleansed our complexion

Absorbs within seconds

Red FlagsTemporary tingling sensation upon applicationContains alcohol

Temporary tingling sensation upon application

Finding the rightacne productsfor oily or acne-prone skin that won’t further cause breakouts is paramount, and Murad’s Clarifying Toner delivers. The toner contains natural ingredients like witch hazel and grape seed extract, which regulate oil production and tighten pores while protecting against free radicals that can damage the skin and cause premature aging.

While testing this toner, we immediately noticed how it replenished moisture in our dry skin, making it feel refreshed and revitalized. Plus, it reduced the visibility of dark spots. Aftercleansing with face wash, the toner still picked up excess debris, proving its worth to your skincare routine. While it left us with silky smooth skin that felt clean and refreshed, some people may experience a temporary tingling sensation once it dries down.

Star Ingredients:Witch hazel, grape seed extract, vitamin E, algae extract |Skin Type:Oily, acne-prone |Size:6 oz. |Alcohol-free:No

Experts SayFor oilier and acne-prone skin, look for ingredients like beta hydroxy acids (such as salicylic acid) that can help exfoliate the skin, “so pore-clogging gunk like bacteria and dead skin cells have a lesser chance of causing breakouts,” according to Dr. Lolis.

For oilier and acne-prone skin, look for ingredients like beta hydroxy acids (such as salicylic acid) that can help exfoliate the skin, “so pore-clogging gunk like bacteria and dead skin cells have a lesser chance of causing breakouts,” according to Dr. Lolis.

Best for Sensitive SkinHolifrog Utopia Microflora TonerPHOTO: SephoraView on Holifrog.com$44 at RevolveOur RatingsFeel4.8/5Absorption5/5Hydration5/5Appearance5/5

Best for Sensitive SkinHolifrog Utopia Microflora Toner

Best for Sensitive Skin

Holifrog Utopia Microflora Toner

View on Holifrog.com$44 at Revolve

Our RatingsFeel4.8/5Absorption5/5Hydration5/5Appearance5/5

Star QualitiesQuickly absorbs into the skinBrightens and moisturizes right awayReduces redness and swellingRed FlagsLeaves a sticky residue at firstExpensive price tag

Star QualitiesQuickly absorbs into the skinBrightens and moisturizes right awayReduces redness and swelling

Brightens and moisturizes right away

Reduces redness and swelling

Red FlagsLeaves a sticky residue at firstExpensive price tag

Leaves a sticky residue at first

Expensive price tag

If you have sensitive skin, this formula is a good starting point. Its ingredients hydrate and improve the absorption of later skincare products; apple cider vinegar balances pH and reduces inflammation and breakouts, while jojoba seed oil hydrates, protects against environmental stressors, disinfects acne-causing bacteria, and helps build a healthy skin barrier.

Star Ingredients:Sodium hypochlorite, aloe vera barbadensis leaf, jojoba seed oil, apple cider vinegar |Skin Type:Balanced, normal, dry, sensitive |Size:4.05 oz. |Alcohol-free:Yes

Pro Tip!If you have sensitive skin, consider toners formulated without alcohol as this can strip your skin of moisture and cause more irritation. Also opt for formulas that are fragrance-free and designed with your skin type in mind.

If you have sensitive skin, consider toners formulated without alcohol as this can strip your skin of moisture and cause more irritation. Also opt for formulas that are fragrance-free and designed with your skin type in mind.

Other Toners We Tried

Absolute Joi Balancing PH Skin Toner with Aloe:This super gentle toner is safe for sensitive skin and effective enough to hydrate and revitalize the complexion, but it wasn’t as fast-acting as some of the other options on our list.

Renee Rouleau Elderberry Soothing Toner:The formula has a watery consistency that absorbs quickly into the complexion and provides some hydration post-cleansing, but we didn’t feel that it cleansed or refreshed our complexions as well as others on our list.

Thayer’s Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Toner with Aloe Vera:We can’t think of toners without thinking about Thayer’s, but it didn’t wow us as much as we thought it would. While the formula provides a cooling sensation and absorbs quickly into the complexion, it’s also super watery and loses a lot of product to your cotton round during application.

What to Know About Toners

Skin Type

Your skin type is an important factor to consider when you’re picking a toner. People with oiler or acne-prone skin should look for toners with BHA (beta hydroxy acids) or salicylic acids to help exfoliate their skin and unclog pores. According to Dr. Lolis, this can help remove dead skin cells and lessen the chance of breakouts.

If you have dry skin, try to avoid products with witch hazel and alcohol, as these ingredients can further dry out the skin. Hyaluronic acid and amino acids are great ingredients to look out for because they can help restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture. If you’re looking for a solution for hyperpigmentation, look for toners with lactic acids — this can help “gently exfoliate the skin without damaging the skin barrier,” says Dr. Lolis.

Ingredients

Since toners can range based on needs and skin type, it’s important to consider the ingredients and look at options that are most compatible with your complexion. According to Dr. Lolis, this means formulas with hyaluronic acid and amino acids for moisturizing, BHAs and salicylic acid for exfoliating and reducing excess oil and pore-clogging debris, and lactic acid for brightening and targeting concerns like hyperpigmentation. If you have more sensitive skin, it’s also worth avoiding some ingredients, such as fragrance and alcohol.

Price

When it comes to purchasing skincare products, price is often a major consideration. However, if you’re on the hunt for a high-quality toner that you can use daily, you don’t necessarily have to break the bank. While splurging on luxury skincare can be a treat, choosing a more affordable product doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality.

Regardless of how much you’re willing to spend on your toner, you must consider your skin concerns and the type of toner that will best address them. A good toner can help hydrate the skin and alleviate various concerns, so choose one that suits your needs and preferences.

We tried 24 formulas to determine the absolute best toners. We cleansed our faces and removed any buildup before applying two to three squirts of the toner onto a cotton round. We wiped the left sides of our foreheads, noses, cheeks, and chins with the toner to assess any noticeable improvements between each side of the face. During testing, we considered several key performance features, including the formula consistency, application, absorption, and results.

Frequently Asked QuestionsDr. Lolis says toners can be good for your face “when the correct ingredients are used for the correct skin concerns.” Toners can help remove traces of dirt, makeup, and other impurities from your skin so that you are left with clean skin before you go in with serums and other skincare products. They can also offer an extra layer of hydration to the skin and contain actives that help address specific skin concerns to provide a smoother, less irritated base for the rest of your routine.According to Dr. Lolis, hydrating and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid are important to maintain the skin barrier. Alcohol or witch hazel will strip the skin of moisture and damage the skin barrier, leading to dehydrated skin and potentially acne breakouts. However, some alcohol toners have added ingredients that counteract the dehydrating effects of the alcohol.Toner should be applied on damp skin after cleansing your face. Applying toner on damp skin helps with “proper penetration and hydration,” according to Dr. Lolis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Lolis says toners can be good for your face “when the correct ingredients are used for the correct skin concerns.” Toners can help remove traces of dirt, makeup, and other impurities from your skin so that you are left with clean skin before you go in with serums and other skincare products. They can also offer an extra layer of hydration to the skin and contain actives that help address specific skin concerns to provide a smoother, less irritated base for the rest of your routine.

According to Dr. Lolis, hydrating and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid are important to maintain the skin barrier. Alcohol or witch hazel will strip the skin of moisture and damage the skin barrier, leading to dehydrated skin and potentially acne breakouts. However, some alcohol toners have added ingredients that counteract the dehydrating effects of the alcohol.

Toner should be applied on damp skin after cleansing your face. Applying toner on damp skin helps with “proper penetration and hydration,” according to Dr. Lolis.

Dhara Patelis the former PEOPLE project manager, who contributed to our beauty coverage. She has experience in beauty and fashion and reached out to board-certified dermatologistMargarita Lolis, MDas well as using the PEOPLE Tested team’s insights to write this story.Jessie Quinnis a contributing writer who later updated this story with the latest insights.

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source: people.com