10 Best Toners for Every Skin Care Need

Share on Pinterest

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

What does toner do?

Toners can act as an integral part of your skin care routine. They help your skin maintain a balanced pH.

Pollution, oil production, and makeup can all shift your skin’s natural pH (roughly 5.5), adjusting the skin’s moisture levels and sometimes even leading to long-term environmental damages. Toners mimic your skin’s natural pH to rebalance it for a healthy finish.

Beyond this, toners can help get rid of impurities left behind after your first cleanse for a brighter, more even complexion.

“Toner helps remove any trace amounts of dirt, oil, or impurities from the skin that could lead to clogged pores and breakouts,” Hartman says.

How we chose the best toners

We spoke with industry pros, ranging from beauty editors to dermatologists, to get their professional take on the best toners out there for all skin types.

We also paid attention to:

• price
• user ratings
• reviews

Learn more about how we select products.

Pricing guide

• $ = under $15
• $$ = $15–$30
• $$$ = over $30

How to use a toner

The toner step of your skin care routine should always come immediately after cleansing and before applying serum or moisturizer.

If your skin can tolerate it, Hartman says you can use a toner every day. If you have sensitive or dry skin, though, you might want to incorporate it just two or three times per week.

When applying, Hartman recommends simply pouring the liquid into a clean, dry hand and patting it all around your face. Folks often opt for applying the formula using a cotton pad, but a lot of liquid is soaked up this way, so you actually waste most of the product.

Frequently asked questions about toners

Are toners good for your face?

Yes! A good toner can help remove any remaining dirt after washing your face. It can also help balance your skin’s pH.

However, be sure to choose one that’s alcohol-free. Instead, look for other beneficial ingredients like hydrating hyaluronic acid, exfoliating AHAs and BHAs, or anti-inflammatory witch hazel.

Which toner is best for men?

Rather than choosing a toner based on gender, look for one that’s right for your skin type, whether that’s oily, dry, sensitive, or combination.

Is rose water a toner?

Yes, rose water is a natural toner. It’s moisturizing and can help soothe skin.

Takeaway

When you figure out what your skin type is, you can choose a toner that helps you achieve your skin care goals —whether it’s hydration, pore cleansing, or redness reduction. Regardless of your skin type, avoid toners that contain alcohol.

By adding a toner to your routine, you can brighten and even your skin and ensure your skin’s pH remains roughly in its natural state. Seems like a must-have to us!

Emily Rekstis is a New York City-based beauty and lifestyle writer who writes for many publications, including Greatist, Racked, and Self. If she’s not writing at her computer, you can probably find her watching a mob movie, eating a burger, or reading an NYC history book. See more of her work on her website, or follow her on Twitter.