:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(2999x0:3001x2)/peo-best-toners-of-2023-tout-social-4d2029cc8ab84d86bf6f07ee6a71b10d.jpg?w=1500&resize=1500,1000&ssl=1 "Toners Are the Answer to Evening Out Your Skin Tone and Boosting Hydration — and Our Favorites Start at")
Adding a toner to already lengthy skincare routines might 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 dermatologist Margarita Lolis, MD says to keep ingredients top of mind.
Since there are so many 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.
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Lightweight, non-greasy texture
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Absorbs quickly
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Targets dullness, dryness, and uneven texture
The Fresh Rose and Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner stood out among the toners we tested, receiving a perfect score in absorption, hydration, consistency, and appearance. Because this milky formula sinks into the skin almost instantly, there’s no stickiness or residue. Plus, the combination of hyaluronic acid, rose water, and angelica leaf extract targeted dryness, dullness, and uneven texture by plumping, hydrating, and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
After testing this formula, we were left with clean and hydrated skin that was free of impurities — and we even saw some residue and dead skin on the cotton pad after swiping. The toner also improved hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and irritation caused by acne without a trace of residue. If you’re looking for a foolproof toner that leaves your skin feeling more hydrated and vibrant, this is the toner for you.
Star Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, rose fruit extract, rosewater, angelica leaf extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 8.4 ounces | Alcohol-free: Yes
Pro Tip!
According to Dr. Lolis, the best way to apply toner is by “gently patting it into the skin with your hands or on a saturated round cotton pad.”
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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 looking 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 ounces | Alcohol-free: Yes
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If you’re looking to splurge on a toner for aging skin, consider the SK-II Clear Lotion Toner, which combines the power of Pitera (the brand’s coveted vitamin and amino acid-rich ingredient) with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) to gently exfoliate and hydrate. While testing this formula, we were impressed by its weightless texture and how quickly it hydrated and invigorated our complexion — it even increased our forehead moisture by 15 percent after application.
The formula is also super gentle 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 ounces | Alcohol-free: Yes
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Spray bottle application
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Easy for on-the-go use
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No residue
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Weightless formula
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 ounces | Alcohol-free: Yes
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PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
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PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao
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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 ounces | Alcohol-free: Yes
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.”
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Freck Beauty’s Cactus Water stands out for its unique ingredients. For instance, cactus flower extract soothes and hydrates the skin while protecting it from environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays, which can cause moisture loss and signs of aging. It improved our tester’s skin hydration by about 10 percent.
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 ounces | Alcohol-free: Yes
Experts Say
If you have hyperpigmentation or are looking for skin-brightening products, “toners with gentle lactic acid can help to gently exfoliate the skin without damaging the skin barrier,” says Dr. Lolis. The exfoliating ingredient is known for addressing hyperpigmentation concerns like dark spots caused by aging or blemishes.
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Absorbs fully and quickly into the skin
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Calms and moisturizes right away
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Effectively targets hyperpigmentation
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Reduces pores and fine lines
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 ounces | Alcohol-free: No
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Sticky upon application
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Contains alcohol
The Skkn by Kim toner contains witch hazel, niacinamide, and AHA, which work together to tighten, firm, and balance pH levels and regulate sebum production and reduce pore appearance. It also brightens the skin, evens skin tone, and fades hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles. The AHAs also offer potent exfoliating benefits for a smoother, more even complexion. However, our favorite part was the proof of hydration: After using this toner, our moisture reading jumped by 50 percent.
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 ounces | Alcohol-free: No
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Instantly refreshing
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Cleansed our complexion
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Absorbs within seconds
Finding the right acne products for 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. After cleansing 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 ounces | Alcohol-free: No
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PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
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PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao
Experts Say
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.
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Quickly absorbs into the skin
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Brightens and moisturizes right away
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Reduces redness and swelling
If you have sensitive skin, this formula is a good starting point. Its ingredients hydrate and improve the absorption of later skincare product; 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.
The toner has a distinct texture that isn’t too watery or thick; it’s almost creamy. It felt light and cool when first applied, but it was a bit sticky to the touch. After application, the toner dried down to a natural finish, leaving our skin looking brighter and firmer. We visibly noticed a reduction in the redness on our skin and a calming of the swelling caused by acne and rosacea. Right away, our skin looked even more radiant, even, and firm. Acne and rosacea appeared less red and swollen, while pores felt more open and appeared less clogged.
Star Ingredients: Sodium hypochlorite, aloe vera barbadensis leaf, jojoba seed oil, apple cider vinegar | Skin Type: Balanced, normal, dry, sensitive | Size: 4.05 ounces | 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.
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.
People / Jessica Juliao
Behind the Scenes
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.
- Consistency: We first made note of the consistency and considered whether the formulas were more liquidy, milky, or gel-like. From there, we considered how the consistency influenced important factors like application and absorption.
- Application: Next, we applied the formulas to our skin and took note of what the application process was like. During this step, we considered how easy it was for the product to apply to our skin, whether or not it would work well with just fingers or how much of the formula was absorbed into cotton pads, and if the application was messy or fuss-free.
- Absorption: Once the formulas were applied, we took notes on the absorption, including how long it took for each formula to absorb and whether or not it left any residue.
- Results: At the end of the testing period, we looked closely at our results and made notes on how our skin looked overall, plus important details on our skin’s clarity, pore size, brightness, and suppleness. We also measured moisture levels to see how they changed before and after using the toners.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are toners actually good for your skin?
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.
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What ingredients are good to look for in toners?
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.
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When should I be using a toner?
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.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Dhara Patel is the former PEOPLE project manager, who contributed to our beauty coverage. She has experience in beauty and fashion and reached out to board-certified dermatologist Margarita Lolis, MD as well as using the PEOPLE Tested team’s insights to write this story. Jessie Quinn is a contributing freelance writer who later updated this story with the latest insights.
Our Expert Panel
- Margarita Lolis, MD is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group. She’s trained in cosmetic dermatology, Mohs surgery, and laser surgery, with additional expertise in skin cancer and other cosmetic procedures.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.