The Best and Worst Toners on the Market
Whether you've incorporated a toner into your skincare routine or not, you've probably wondered if it's even worth the hassle. For the most part, toners don't seem to do much for the skin beyond giving it a hydration boost or removing leftover residue. But the key is choosing one with ingredients that support your skin and its barrier—not just plucking one off the shelf at random. Curious to know which toners on the market are skips and which ones actually live up to the hype? We've got the list for you.
1. Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
Despite taking social media and the internet by storm, the Anua Heartleaf Toner—meant to soothe irritated skin with heartleaf philodendron plant extract—is pretty underwhelming. At best, it doesn't do much to the skin (meaning you won't notice the difference before and after using it), and at worst, it'll end up causing irritation and breakouts.
2. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner
This pink bottle toner was a hit when it first came out; reviewers couldn't say enough good things about it. But if you took a closer look at its ingredient list, you might just find some things that won't bode well with your skin. After all, this toner contains actives which might break you out, along with irritants like its signature watermelon scent.
Tanalee Youngblood on Unsplash
3. Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner
Designed to reset your skin's pH level to soothe and balance your barrier, this drugstore toner from Simple seems like it'd be a great choice for those looking for a... well, simple toner. But again, those who have used this will know that it's underwhelming. At least it's inexpensive.
4. Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner
If you're like most and were introduced to Round Lab through its viral sunscreen—Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream—then you were probably tempted to try their other products, like this toner from their 1025 Dokdo line. Yet, while it's meant to hydrate and exfoliate, this toner falls short compared to its more popular cousins.
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5. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner
If you haven't heard of Isntree, they're another Korean skincare brand known best for their hyaluronic acid product line. However, while many have raved about their watery sun gel, their hyaluronic acid toner is just okay. Those with dry skin might see more of a difference, but if you're not in need of extra hydration, skip this product.
6. I'm From Rice Toner
Another well-known Korean skincare brand, I'm From products boast natural ingredients that are cultivated in and sourced from the countryside. Their rice toner is one that fans of the brand will know of, though reactions are mixed. Despite rice offering plenty of benefits for skin—soothes texture, brightens complexion, retains elasticity—this toner is sadly underwhelming.
7. Thayers Hydrating Milky Toner
Made with snow mushroom and hyaluronic acid, this milky toner from Thayers is meant to remove impurities while keeping the skin hydrated. However, some claim that it made no difference to their skin with or without it in their routine, while others have said that it broke them out.
8. Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner
If aloe vera caught your eye, we won't blame you—it's usually the sign of a good skincare product, after all. But this toner from Mario Badescu, though alcohol-free and made with a gentle formula, is underwhelming compared to other products and toners from the brand.
9. Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2
Formulated with witch hazel and acetyl glucosamine to refine, brighten, and hydrate skin, this toner from Clinique might sound like a dream. But beware: it also contains alcohol, which can irritate, dry out, and damage your moisture barrier, meaning it might not be suitable for those with sensitive skin.
10. Olehenriksen Glow2OH 7% Dark Spot Toner
Though loaded with actives like glycolic and lactic acids, this dark spot toner is not only underwhelming but can even leave a burning sensation on the skin. Those with sensitive skin or acne might want to think twice about trying this one out or stray away from it entirely. But not all toners are doom and gloom—some can be extremely beneficial. Let's jump into the 10 products on the market that actually work.
1. Tower28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray
For those who regularly deal with dry, irritated skin or persistent flare-ups, like eczema or perioral dermatitis, this toner spray from Tower28 is magic in a bottle. Its main ingredient is hypochlorous acid—which is naturally produced by our bodies—and is known to fight against the bacteria that clog your pores. Plus, being in a spray bottle means it's easy to reapply throughout the day.
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2. CeraVe Hydrating Toner
CeraVe might be a drugstore brand, but many of its products are raved about, including its moisturizing cream and hydrating toner. Packed with gentle ingredients that soothe the skin, like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, it's easy to see why this toner is so loved and recommended.
3. Innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Toner
Not only is this toner great for hydrating the skin—courtesy of hyaluronic acid—but it's also formulated with green tea extract and seed oil to reduce irritation, inflammation, and redness. If you find yourself addicted to skincare infused with green tea afterwards, we won't blame you. (It's a good thing Innisfree has a green tea line.)
4. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
If you regularly frequent social media apps like TikTok, you'll have heard of this toner by The Ordinary. Not only is it affordable (priced reasonably at just under $9 for 100 ml and $13 for 240 ml), but it's also proven to even out complexion and calm your skin. That said, remember to patch test first, as the main ingredient is an active.
5. Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer
This toner from Laneige isn't clear like most formulas are—instead, it's milky, with a thicker consistency than you might be used to. Packed with ceramides and peptides, this two-in-one liquid effectively nourishes skin and leaves it soft and pampered.
6. Farmacy Deep Sweep Pore Cleaning Toner
Formulated with 2% salicylic acid, a BHA, this toner from Farmacy helps unclog pores and purify the skin. Those with combination or oily skin types will especially love this, as it won't leave you feeling greasy or bogged down. Papaya enzymes and moringa seed extract also help soothe and hydrate.
7. Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water
For those with more mature skin, reach for this bottle from Sulwhasoo, made with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and active Panax ginseng. These ingredients—especially the latter—target fine lines and wrinkles, and have anti-aging properties to brighten and soothe textured skin.
Republic of Korea from Seoul, Republic of Korea on Wikimedia
8. SK-II Facial Treatment Toner
SK-II is another luxury brand with skincare products targeted towards mature skin. One thing that makes this treatment toner so special is that it contains Pitera, the brand's signature ingredient, which is made with 50 micro-nutrients meant to soothe skin and even out complexion.
9. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Wild Oat Hydrating Toner
Formulated with colloidal oatmeal, oat milk, wild oats, honey, and hyaluronic acid, this toner from First Aid Beauty soothes and hydrates skin like no other. These ingredients also boast anti-inflammatory properties—great for those with sensitive skin that need an extra boost.
10. Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner
Skin1004's Madacasgar Centella line has been some of the most talked-about products of the year; you can't scroll through social media without seeing someone mention the ampoule, toner, or toner pads. And that's no surprise: enriched with skin-loving ingredients like panthenol and Centella, it makes absolute sense why this product line is so beloved.
