15 Best Drugstore Toners 2020 – Cheap Toners For Great Skin

Toners have come a long way since you last used them as an acne-plagued teenager. “Traditionally, toners were alcohol-based and used for their astringent properties to help clear acne and excess oil, which tended to strip the skin of its natural oils and cause redness, stinging and inflammation,” explains Marnie Nussbaum, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. “However, newer formulas are not alcohol-based and essentially look and act like water to wipe away any excess dirt, dead skin cells, or oil, and prep the skin for hydration or whatever active ingredient you are going to infuse next.”

Think of toner as the second step in a double cleanse. “It removes any impurities leftover after cleansing and preps the skin to receive the rest of your skincare routine,” says Dr. Nussbaum. Because there are so many options to choose from now, however, you have to make sure you’re picking the right one for your skin type to get the most benefits. “If your skin is dry or sensitive, use a hydrating and anti-inflammatory toner that uses ingredients like glycerin or calming botanicals,” recommends Dr. Nussbaum. “Again, avoid any toner that is alcohol-based as they are usually too harsh for most skin types and may worsen any skin issue you are looking to improve.” She also recommends thinking about what you want to target (dullness, acne, hyperpigmentation, etc.) then look for a toner that highlights that on the bottle.

Another reason you should start using toner: It helps your other products work better. “Active ingredients penetrate better on damp, prepped skin because it allows your pores to absorb them easier,” says Dr. Nussbaum. She suggests using your toner after cleansing then quickly following it up with your serum before it has time to dry.

Ready to tone? Here are the best toners from the drugstore.