15 Best Toners of 2022

We updated this article in November 2022 to include more information about each of our top picks, and add three new Beauty Lab-vetted recommendations from Dickinson’s, Paula’s Choice and La Prairie.

Say goodbye to the dehydrating astringents of your teens — face toners have come a long way since those skin-stripping formulas of yore. Today’s toners are packed with skin-boosting ingredients — including hydrators like glycerin and exfoliators like glycolic acid — that will leave your skin glowing.

Many of these new non-drying toners (also often labeled as facial essences, tonics or waters) are recommended by dermatologists for all skin types and complexion issues, including acne. “These versions contain treatment ingredients similar to face serums and facial moisturizers, so they’re gentler,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

But what exactly do toners do? An effective toner will help ensure your skin is totally clean and free of impurities, plus give it an extra dose of active ingredients. After cleansing your face, apply toner using your fingers or a cotton ball before smoothing on other leave-on skin treatments. “The goal of a toner is to remove any excess residue from cleansing and prep the skin for skincare products,” explains Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab chemist Danusia Wnek.

To find the best toner for your skin type and concerns, browse our picks, which are researched, vetted and recommended by GH Institute Beauty Lab scientists, who have decades of experience evaluating and testing all types of skincare products.

Our top picks:

Read our full reviews of the best face toners for all skin types — including the best toners for oily skin, the best toners for combination skin, the best toners for dry skin, the best toners for acne-prone skin and the best toners for sensitive skin — then find more information about what to look for when shopping for a toner at the bottom of this guide.