All products are independently selected by our editors.
If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Unlike toners of the past that stripped the skin’s barrier with astringents (a.k.a.
Collage: Gabrielle Langdon; Photos: Courtesy of brand and original image byGlamourstaff
alcohol-based formulas), todays toners actually help address all types of skin concerns.
Dealing with dryness this winter?
Look for a toner with ahyaluronic acidfor an extra boost of hydration.
Original image byGlamourcommerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Is redness an issue?
Anti-inflammatory ingredients likeniacinamidecan help calm and soothe skin.
To help you find the best face toner for you, I tapped dermatologists for their favorites.
Original image byGlamourcommerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Then, ourGlamourreviewers put them to the test.
After applying the product, we evaluated how it felt.
(Did it soothe the skin?
Original image byGlamourcommerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Was there any burning sensation?)
Glamourcommerce writerAlanna Martine Kilkearygave this one a go for two weeks and noticeably saw improvement.
I recommend this if you deal with congested skin that causes discoloration, she says.
Original image byGlamourcommerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
My skin actually changed when I started using this toner every other day.
Ive also never felt a burning sensation while using this (which can sometimes happen with AHA/BHA toners).
Instead my skin always looks and feels clean, calm, and clear.
Original image byGlamourcommerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
These ingredients can be too drying and irritating when paired with strong vitamin-A-based products, he says.
Dr. Jaliman says this affordable CeraVe toner is great for any skin typeespecially those with dry or sensitive skin.
Combine this hydrating toner with an ultra-rich moisturizer, and you have a dry-skin duo.
Original image byGlamourcommerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Dr. Zeichner recommends it to those with oily or acne-prone skin.
Ive found that most toners are either super drying or total bullshit and dont work, saysGlamourreviewer Margot Beldengreen.
But this exfoliating toner has really improved my overall skin texture and helped with pore-size reduction and breakouts.
Original image byGlamourcommerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
I saw improvement on my acne, blackheads, and hyperpigmentation, noted one shopper.
PHA has exfoliating properties and helps promote cellular turnover, which can help flush out blocked pores.
(FYI, the more clogged your pores are, the bigger theyll appear.)
Original image byGlamourcommerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
I can feel its calming powers almost immediately, saysGlamourcontributorAndrea Navarro.
It also contains humectants and emollients to help hydrate and plump the skin.
Together, the result is pore minimizing over time, says Dr. King.
Original image byGlamourcommerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
GlamourcontributorBrigitt Earleygave this pick try and found it to be suitable for dry skin.
On the downside, its a little hard to get out of the bottleyou really have to shake it!
This witch-hazel-laden formula isnt the harsher version you might remember from your youthits alcohol-free and incredibly soothing.
Original image byGlamourcommerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Ive been using this toner for almost eight months now, and Im really impressed.
It has a lightweight, watery texture that absorbs quickly without feeling sticky.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, this is definitely worth trying.
Original image byGlamourcommerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
OneGlamourreviewer shares that this toner has really made a difference after using it three times a week.
My skin looks clearer, more even, and my pores are completely reduced.
It took a few weeks to see a difference, but it was worth the wait, she says.
Original image byGlamourcommerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3with antioxidant capabilities, is the multihyphenate superstar in this formula.
Your toner questions, answered
What can facial toner do for your skin?
(More on ingredients below.)
Original image byGlamourcommerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
How do you apply facial toner?
Let it dry, and then use your serum,moisturizer, andsunscreen, she says.
Just double-check its clean before using it.
Original image byGlamourcommerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Its also important to note that traditionally toner is water-like, but some formulas are more gel- or lotion-like.
Spray toners or toner gel sticks are the exceptions to this rule.
Those can be applied directly from their bottle or tube without going on to a cotton pad first.
Original image byGlamourcommerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
How often should facial toner be used?
And if youre using an astringent formula for oily or acne-prone skin, you should ramp up slowly.
What ingredients should be in an effective facial toner, and how do I choose one?
Original image byGlamourcommerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
These remove dead skin cells and the superficial layers of the skin, which can help address pimples.
If you havedry skin,Dr.
Whats the difference between a toner and a serum, or a facial essence?
Original image byGlamourcontributor Brigitt Early
There are alsorice tonerswhich can also be applied after essence and before serums and moisturizers.
Original image byGlamourcontributor Brigitt Early
Original image byGlamourcommerce contributor Brittany Loggins
Original image byGlamourcommerce contributor Brittany Loggins
