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Shatha Rawashdeh M.D
A dermatologist with a love for natural remedies and all things skincare! With over a decade of experience in medical and cosmetic dermatology, I’m here to share simple, effective tips that blend science and nature for your healthiest skin yet. A writer and co-founder of Skin Simple True.
Discover the best toner for your skin type—dry, acne-prone, sensitive, mature, and more. Learn why toner is essential and how it transforms your skincare routine!
Toner has come a long way from the alcohol-heavy formulas of the past. Today, it plays a vital role in balancing the skin’s pH, refining pores, and prepping your face for the next steps in your skincare routine.
But with so many options available, choosing the right toner can be overwhelming—especially when every skin type has its own set of needs.
In this article, we’ll explore how to choose the best toner for your specific skin type and concern. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, acne, sensitivity, pigmentation, or signs of aging, we’ve rounded up 17 dermatologist-recommended toners that cater to dry skin, acne-prone skin, combination skin, sensitive skin, pigmented skin, and mature skin.
Let’s find your perfect match.
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table of contents
Why Toner Is Important?
Benefits of Using Toner for face:
Basic skincare routine Steps
How to choose the best toner for my skin type?
17 Top Picks toner for face based on your needs
Tips for Using Toners Effectively
Why Toner Is Important?
After cleansing, your skin's pH level can become unbalanced, especially if you're using a foaming or strong cleanser.
Toner helps restore that balance quickly, creating the ideal environment for serums and moisturizers to absorb more effectively. It also sweeps away any leftover impurities, dirt, or cleanser residue that may be lingering on the skin.
Benefits of Using Toner for face:
- Balances Skin pH
Toner brings your skin back to its natural acidic state, helping it function properly and defend against bacteria and environmental stressors. - Hydrates and Refreshes
Modern toners are often infused with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, which hydrate the skin and prevent that tight, dry feeling post-cleansing. - Prepares Skin for Better Absorption
A damp, balanced surface allows your next skincare products—like serums and moisturizers—to penetrate deeper and work more effectively. - Tightens the Appearance of Pores
Toners can help minimize the appearance of pores by removing residue and reducing excess oil, giving skin a smoother texture. - Soothes and Calms the Skin
For sensitive or acne-prone skin, toners with ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, or green tea can reduce inflammation and calm irritation. - Targets Specific Skin Concerns
Whether you're dealing with dullness, acne, uneven tone, or aging, the right toner can deliver active ingredients that support your skin’s unique needs.
basic skincare routine Steps
Toner is typically the second step in your skincare routine, right after cleansing and before applying any treatments like serums or moisturizers.
- Cleanser – Removes makeup, dirt, oil, and impurities.
- Toner – Balances pH, refreshes skin, and preps it for better absorption.
- Serum – Delivers targeted active ingredients (like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or niacinamide).
- Moisturizer – Seals in hydration and nourishes the skin.
- Sunscreen (AM only) – Protects against UV damage and premature aging.
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How to choose the best toner for my skin type?
For Sensitive Skin:
Choose a gentle, hypoallergenic toner free from harsh chemicals and added fragrances. Alcohol-free formulas with calming ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, rose water, or witch hazel are ideal for soothing irritation and reducing redness.
For Oily Skin:
Select a toner with ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid to help control excess oil and prevent breakouts. Natural astringents such as witch hazel can also help reduce shine and tighten the appearance of pores.
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For Combination Skin:
Look for a balanced formula that hydrates dry areas while managing oil in the T-zone. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin provide moisture, while salicylic acid, witch hazel, and niacinamide help control sebum and soothe the skin.
For Dry Skin:
Avoid alcohol-based toners, which can be drying. Instead, go for hydrating toners with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or jojoba oil. These help replenish moisture and keep your skin soft, smooth, and well-nourished.
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For Pigmentation:
Look for toners enriched with brightening ingredients like glycolic acid (AHA), vitamin C, niacinamide, or licorice root extract. These help fade dark spots, even out skin tone, and give your complexion a healthy glow.
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17 Top Picks toner for face based on your needs
Best Overall
Suitable for skin type:All skin types.
Active Ingredients:Witch hazel, 20 plant-derived antioxidants, and Rose water extract.
Pros:
- This toner is a gentle exfoliating that helps remove dead skin cells and even skin tone.
- It contains natural ingredients like rose flower water, witch hazel water, and lavender water to help moisturize, exfoliate, and cleanse your face gently.
- It's versatile: you can use it as a toner, face mist, or cleansing water for your face. You can also use it as the 7-skin method in the Korean skincare routine.
Cons:It has a faint scent that some people find to be unpleasant.
Best mattifying toner to control shine
#2 La Roche-Posay Serozinc Face Toner for Oily Skin with Zinc
Suitable for skin type:Oily and acne-prone skin types.
Active Ingredients:Zinc sulfate.
Pros:
- This mattifying facial mist toner targetsoily skinto reduce the shine produced by oily skin.
- It can be used as a shine-control toner or a mattifying makeup setting spray.
- Dermatologist recommended.
Cons:Some users have reported experiencing only temporary effects from using this toner.
Best toner for sensitive skin type
#3 Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner
Suitable for skin types: Sensitive and dry skin types.
Active Ingredients:Aloe vera.
Pros:
- This toner is the perfect solution for sensitive and dry skin. The aloe vera formula soothes irritation and removes pore-clogging debris from the skin's surface, leaving you with a refreshed complexion.
- Alcohol, fragrance, Gluten, and Phthalate-Free.
- Vegan and cruelty-free.
Cons:This product is excellent for sensitive and dry skin types, so it might not be suitable for other skin types.
Best toner for dry skin
#4 Thayers Hydrating Rose Petal Facial Toner
Suitable for skin type:All skin types.
Active Ingredients:Witch hazel, Aloe vera, and Rosewater.
Pros:
- The alcohol-free and vegan formula will smooth and even skin tone.
- Diminish the look of pores and improve skin texture.
- Balance oil production, hydrate, and nourish the skin.
- Has more than 100k satisfied users.
Cons:The smell may not be pleasant for individuals with a sensitive nose.
Best toner for acne-prone skin
#5 Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner
Suitable for skin type:Acne-prone skin, oily, combination, uneven skin
Active Ingredients:Witch hazel, Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid, Lactic acid.
Pros:
- The dermatologist-tested formula contains alpha and beta hydroxy acids to help visibly improve skin texture and leave your complexion soft, smooth, and refreshed without over-drying.
- Tighten pores and absorb excess oil.
- Non-comedogenic, oil-free, and hypoallergenic.
Cons:It contains glycolic and salicylic acid, so it might not suit people with sensitive or dry skin.
Best toner for combination skin type
#6 Kiehl s Milk-Peel Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Suitable for skin type:All skin types.
Active Ingredients:Lipo-Hydroxy Acid, a Salicylic Acid derivative, 23% Emollients, and Almond Milk.
Pros:
- This dual-action milk-peel toner gently exfoliates and dissolves impurities while replenishing the skin's moisture levels for a more refined, clearer complexion.
- This is one of the best toners for combination skin that is dermatologist-recommended.
- Give a smoother, softer, brighter-looking skin.
- Gentle enough for daily use.
Cons:Although it may be slightly expensive, one bottle can last months.
Best Korean skincare toner for dry skin
#7 [DearKlairs] Supple Preparation Facial Toner
Suitable for skin type:Dry, Sensitive skin.
Active Ingredients:Hyaluronic Acid, Centella Asiatica extract, beta-glucan.
Pros:
- The key ingredients in this product work together to calm and soothe sensitive skin. For dry skin, use 2-3 times consecutively to help add extra hydration to thirsty skin.
- Non-irritating, super-hydrating formula is excellent for dry and sensitive skin types.
- Fast absorbing.
- Alcohol-free and paraben-free.
Cons:This product has a serum-like texture but is still fast absorbing.
Best toner for enlarged pores
#8 Paula s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Suitable for skin types: Oily, acne-prone skin, combination, and normal skin types.
Active Ingredients:Niacinamide, Chamomile, Burdock root extract, Hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.
Pros:
- With its key ingredients, Niacinamide helps minimize pores' appearance and even skin tone. Chamomile and burdock root extract are antioxidants that help to soothe sensitive skin. While hyaluronic acid and ceramides provide hydration.
- This product is excellent for balancing the skin's pH, removing excess oil, and keeping it hydrated.
- Minimizes large pores and balances oily skin.
Cons: A few people reported a skin reaction to this product.
Best toner for mature skin
#9 Blithe 8 Beans Clear Essence Toner
Suitable for skin type:Dry, Mature, and Sensitive skin types.
Active Ingredients:8 nourishing bean extract, Niacinamide, Allantoin, and Vitamin E.
Pros:
- It helps to increase skin's elasticity.
- Minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
- Help to revitalize and nurture saggy and dull skin.
- Vegan, hypoallergenic, and not tested on animals.
Cons:For some, the product was too thick.
Best toner for skin pigmentations
#10 Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner
Suitable for skin types: dry, oily, combination, and mature skin types.
Active Ingredients:7% Glycolic acid, Aloe vera, Ginseng extract, Tasmanian pepper berry.
Pros:
- Gently exfoliates and improves skin clarity. It works on the texture and even out the skin tone.
- Helps reduce the appearance ofdark spots and pigmentations.
Cons:Not suitable for sensitive or peeling skin.
Best toner for Blackhead exfoliation
#11 COSRX Blackhead Exfoliant Toner
Suitable for skin type:Acne-prone, Oily, Sensitive, Combination, and Normal skin types.
Active Ingredients:4% Betaine Salicylate and 2% Niacinamide.
Pros:
- It helps Unclog pores and gently exfoliates dead skin cells to prevent acne and blackheads.
- Diminish enlarged pores and control sebum production.
- Excellent for keeping blackheads at bay.
Cons:Needs regular use to exfoliate stubborn blackheads.
Best Spray toner for hydrating skin
#12 Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner Hydrating Facial Toner Spray
Suitable for skin types: Oily, combination, dry, and normal.
Active Ingredients:Soothing Arnica, Balm Mint, and Lavender.
Pros:
- Instantly soothes and calms irritated dry skin.
- Boosts skin moisture absorption and refreshes dry skin.
- Comes in aspray bottlefor easy application.
Cons:Although it may be expensive, one bottle can last months.
Best toner for rosacea and red skin
#13 Paula s Choice Skin Recovery Calming Toner
Suitable for skin type:Red skin, Rosacea, Sensitive, and Dry skin types.
Active Ingredients:Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, E, and B3, Evening primrose, and Borage seed oil.
Pros:
- This product's smooth and milky texture helps replenish and hydrate the skin.
- Gently soothes while eliminating dry, flaky skin, leaving it smoother and hydrated.
- Help calm and soothe skin anddecrease redness.
- Dye Free, Phthalate Free, Alcohol Free, Paraben Free.
Cons:While it may help, it is not a definitive treatment forrosacea.
Best For oily skin
#14 SOME BY MI 30 Days Miracle Toner
Suitable for skin type:Oily, Acne Prone Skin, Combination, Sensitive, and Dry skin types.
Active Ingredients:AHA, BHA, PHA, Niacinamide, and Tea tree extract.
Pros:
- AHA exfoliates the skin,reducing fine lines and wrinklesand improving texture and tone.
- BHAdecreases sebum production and reduces the appearance of pores and blackheads.
- PHA hydrates and brightens the skin and improves the overall texture of the skin.
Cons:This toner contains exfoliating agents that increase skin's sensitivity to sun.Daily sunscreenapplication is recommended.
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#15 InstaNatural 7% Glycolic AHA Face Toner
Suitable for skin type:All skin types.
Active Ingredients:Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Vitamin C, Witch hazel, andHyaluronic acid.
Pros:
- This toner brightens the appearance of uneven skin tone.
- Regular use of this product results in smoother skin and improved skin texture.
- Reduces the look of enlarged pores and fine lines.
Cons:This toner has exfoliating agents, so it might not be suitable for sensitive skin types.
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#16 Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner
Price:$$
Suitable for skin type:All skin types.
Active Ingredients:Fermented black rice extract, Fermented bamboo shoot bark extract, Hyaluronic acid, Betaine, and Lavender oil.
Pros:
- It helps to hydrate and maintain the skin's moisture, ensuring that the skin barrier remains intact.
- Helps restore skin elasticity and resilience. Calms and soothes while providing antioxidants and nourishment.
- Vegan and Cruelty-Free.
Cons:If you have a strong sense of smell, make sure to order the unscented version.
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#17 Bevel 10% Glycolic Acid Toner Pads for Face
Suitable for skin type:Combination, Oily, and Acne-prone skin types.
Active Ingredients:10%Glycolic acid, Witch hazel, Niacinamide, and Green tea extract.
Pros:
- These pads exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and decrease ingrown hairs, razor bumps, andacne breakouts.
- It evens skin tone and decreases dark spots and pigmentations.
- No Alcohol, Parabens, or Artificial Fragrances.
Cons:Needs regular use to see results for pigmentations.
Tips for Using Toners Effectively
- Apply Right After Cleansing
Use toner immediately after washing your face while your skin is still slightly damp to help lock in hydration and prepare your skin for the next steps. - Use a Cotton Pad or Hands
- For exfoliating or clarifying toners, use a cotton pad to gently sweep across the face.
- For hydrating or soothing toners, pat it in using clean hands to avoid unnecessary friction.
- Don’t Overdo It
A little goes a long way. Use just enough to lightly cover your face—overuse, especially of exfoliating toners, can lead to irritation. - Avoid Eye Area
The skin around your eyes is delicate. Keep toner away from this area unless the formula is specifically designed for it. - Follow with Serum or Moisturizer
Toner preps your skin to better absorb active ingredients in serums and moisturizers—apply them while your skin is still fresh from toner. - Use Morning and Night (If Suitable)
Most hydrating toners can be used twice daily. Exfoliating toners, however, should be used only 2–3 times a week depending on your skin’s tolerance. - Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Keep your toner away from direct sunlight and heat to preserve the integrity of its ingredients. Some even prefer storing hydrating toners in the fridge for a refreshing application. - Patch Test New Products
Especially if you have sensitive skin, always do a patch test before applying a new toner to your full face.
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Takeaway
No matter your skin type or concern, the right toner can be a game-changer in your skincare routine. From soothing sensitivity to brightening dark spots and balancing oil, toner is more than just an extra step—it’s your skin’s daily reset button.
Choose wisely, apply consistently, and watch your skin glow with clarity and confidence!
Last Updated on May 9, 2025
