13 best face toners for every skin type, reviewed by GLAMOUR editors
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn how we test.
Alongside mopping up any residue left behind by your cleanser, the best toners turn your face into the perfect balanced base for applying your favourite serums and moisturisers. “Toners primarily work to restore the skin's pH level, which can really help to maximise it's absorption of subsequent skincare products,” explains Cosmetic Aesthetics Doctor, Dr Ed Robinson.
So — essentially — if you want the key ingredients in your serums to sink as deeply into your pores as possible, it's well worth finding a toner that's been formulated for your specific skin type. For example, dry skin will benefit from hydrating ingredients, while oily and acne-prone skin types typically favour blends of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory botanicals, and gentle exfoliants. “Helpfully, toners can be a great delivery mechanism for actives like exfoliating salicylic acid, and pore-reducing niacinamide,” adds Dr Ed.
From acne and hyperpigmentation, to dehydration and dullness, there's definitely a toner out there that's been designed to help balance out your specific skincare concerns. And to help you pick the right one for you, we've pulled together this comprehensive edit of the very best formulas on the market right now.
SKIP TO: Our product reviews | Do dermatologists recommend toners? | What are the benefits of using a toner in my skincare routine? | How do I choose the right toner for my skin type? | Should I use a toner every day for dry skin? | What is a milky toner? | What is the best toner for sensitive skin?
Meet the experts:
- Alise Mihai, aesthetic skin practitioner at Skin+IQ Clinic.
- Dr Ed Robinson, Cosmetic Aesthetics Doctor.
- Dr Sophie Momen, Consultant Dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic.
How we tested the best face toners:
Over the years, the GLAMOUR team has trialled hundreds of toner formulas – from cult-favourite options like the Rhode Glazing Milk to the TikTok heroes like the REN AHA Tonic. When testing each formula, we've considered different factors to determine whether the product was genuinely worth recommending to you, dear reader. We made note of whether the toner resulted in any irritation, how it felt upon application and if we noticed any improvement in our skin after at least 4-6 weeks of use. Find out more about how we test here.
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Enter, our edit of the best toners for every skin type…
- Best for: Exfoliating and decongesting.
- Active ingredients: Salicylic and tranexamic acid.
- Bottle size: 30ml and 150ml.
- Tested by: Lian Brooks, GLAMOUR's Senior Audience Development Manager.
Why we love it: When it comes to building your dream skincare routine, it's always a good idea to consider Medik8, one of the best science-backed and board-certified dermatologist-approved brands around. This facial toner is a prime example of just how high-quality the Medik8 range is.
It's a 2% BHA tonic which is great for delivering a visibly clarified and decongested skin. According to Medik8, results are noticeable in as little as seven days.
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- Best for: Purifying and brightening.
- Active ingredients: Glycolic acid, ginseng, aloe vera.
- Bottle size: 250ml.
- Tested by: Mayola Fernandes, GLAMOUR's Commerce Writer.
Why we love it: This cult Pixi product needs no introduction. When it first launched back in 1999 (!), it would sell out daily for its ability to give skin an instant glow – and it's still an insanely popular buy today.
It's formulated with acids that gently peel your skin, boost cell turnover and help reduce the look of fine lines. Not to mention, the price point is considerably fair, especially given all the glow-giving and clarifying benefits you get out of it.
- Best for: Boosting barrier function and radiance.
- Active ingredients: Ceramides, beta-glucan, magnesium, zinc.
- Bottle size: 2.2oz or 4.7oz.
- Tested by: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Why we love it: It's hydrating, it's soothing and it's glow-giving, but let's be real: we expected nothing less from Hailey Bieber. “The Rhode Glazing Milk is genuinely my favourite product from the range. My dry skin soaked it right up, and the hydrated feel lasted for hours on end. It delivers an elite base for my moisturiser and my sunscreen, helping it absorb that much better,” says Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's former Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Best for: Resurfacing and brightening.
- Active ingredients: Azelaic acid, lactic acid, willow bark extract.
- Bottle size: 100ml and 250ml.
- Tested by: Neamh Randall, GLAMOUR's Commerce Photo Editor.
Why we love it: Packed with a blend of AHAs and BHAs, this exfoliating skin toner is designed to gently eat away at dead skin cells, clear out blackheads and unclog pores, leaving you with a radiant-looking glow. The best part? It's suitable for everyday use. “It gives you a natural glow while still being gentle on your skin. Perfect to use just before applying your foundation too, as it doesn’t dry your skin out and gives you a glow all day,” – Neamh Randall, Commerce Photo Editor.
- Best for: Using under or over makeup.
- Active ingredients: Grape extract, orange blossom, rose, myrrh, and peppermint extracts.
- Bottle size: 30ml and 100ml.
- Tested by: Elle Turner, GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor.
Why we love it: Often found in a makeup artist's kit, this fan-favourite toning mist is brilliant to prep your skin before makeup or to refresh your look. With its antioxidant-rich formula that's suitable for all skin types, it works to boost radiance, revitalise your complexion, and deliver some serious plumping and long-lasting hydration. Best of all, it's formulated as a spray mist — so no need to dig out the cotton pads. We'd keep this as close to your desk as your morning cup of coffee.
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- Best for: Soothing and mattifying.
- Active ingredients: Zinc sulphate, sodium chloride, the brand's own thermal spring water.
- Bottle size: 150ml.
Why we love it: Formulated with oily and acne-prone skin types in mind, this innovative refreshing toner aims to reduce grease and mattify the skin in the process for the ultimate shine-free finish. Plus, it also comes in form of a spray, making the application that much more convenient than its liquid counterparts. Did we mention that it's fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, too?
- Best for: Clarifying and balancing.
- Active ingredients: Witch hazel, black rose, rose water and rose oil.
- Bottle size: 236ml.
Why we love it: Glow-boosting? Check. Clarifying and pore-refining? Check aaand check. Not only is this cult-favourite Mario Badescu facial toner suitable for all skin types, but it's also great for balancing your sebum levels as well as brightening. Not to mention, the added rose petal extract, rose oil, antioxidants and aloe vera are great soothing and hydrating ingredients, which is great news for sensitive skin types. A win.
- Best for: Balancing and lessening the look of pores.
- Active ingredients: Niacinamide, adenosine, glycerin.
- Bottle size: 30ml and 190ml.
Why we love it: Banish the look of enlarged pores with this lightweight toner, which is *chef's kiss* for blemish-prone and oily skin. The combination of antioxidants and niacinamide will help to make oily areas less noticeable, while adenosine soothes and glycerin keeps dryness at bay. This is smooth, clearer-looking skin in a bottle.
- Best for: Calming and hydrating.
- Active ingredients: 77% heartleaf extract, panthenol, centella asiatica extract, glycerin.
- Bottle size: 250ml.
Why we love it: Korean skincare brands like ANUA are famous for using truly unique ingredients in their formulations. In this toner, the hero ingredient is romantic-sounding heartleaf extract, which is famous for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties — and also helps to soothe irritated skin. The formula also includes calming centella asiatica extract to help reduce any redness, and strengthen the skin barrier — so it's a great gentle toning option for anyone suffering with skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.
After more Korean skincare content? Shop Korean moisturisers, Korean eye creams and Korean face masks.
- Best for: Hydrating and nourishing.
- Active ingredients: Squalane, glycerin, avocado oil, apricot kernel oil.
- Bottle size: 75ml and 250ml.
Why we love it: On the lookout for a refreshing face toner that's simple yet effective? Say no more. Featuring a pH-balanced and alcohol-free formula, this hydrating toner helps prevent irritation and balance the skin ahead of your follow-up serums and moisturisers. “This contains avocado and apricot kernel oil to provide vitamin E and other amino acids, giving your skin the moisture it needs,” says Alise.
- Claire Clifton Coles
- Best for: Exfoliating and brightening.
- Active ingredients: 7% glycolic acid, Tasmanian pepperberry, aloe vera, ginseng root.
- Bottle size: 100ml and 240ml.
Why we love it: Combatting dullness, congestion, and hyperpigmentation has never been more affordable with this epic exfoliating toner. The star of the show is undoubtedly the 7% glycolic acid, which quickly and efficiently sweeps away dead skin cells and uneven texture for a smooth, baby-soft complexion. Tasmanian pepperberry joins the party to reduce redness, while aloe vera soothes and ginseng root promotes a radiant finish.
- Best for: Gentle exfoliation and unblocking pores.
- Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, 3% PHA + 2% BHA, watermelon extract.
- Bottle size: 40ml and 150ml.
Why we love it: Powered by powerful PHA and BHA acids, this refining toner works hard to decongest pores, smooth and resurface skin texture and boost radiance, all with a delightful yet subtle watermelon scent. And it's not stripping either - it's full to the brim with hyaluronic acid for a pleasant hydrating effect, plus soothing watermelon extract, refreshing cactus water and the moisture marvel glycerin.
- Best for: Soothing, nourishing, hydrating.
- Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, beta-glucan, fermented Korean-produced black rice.
- Bottle size: 150ml.
Why we love it: If you're looking for a gentle toner that will replenish and soothe your sensitive skin, look no further. This K-beauty hero from HaruHaru is one of the best face toners around, thanks to its hydrating fragrance-free formula which is infused with black rice extract to help restore the skin's elasticity and help ensure lasting hydration. Plus, it's brimming with vegetable derived glycerin to strengthen the skin barrier, soothing fermented bamboo shoots, and hyaluronic acid to keep your complexion comfortable and happy. And it's vegan and cruelty-free.
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Your toner FAQs, answered:
Do dermatologists recommend toners?
While most dermatologists would agree that toners aren't typically an essential skincare step, they can certainly still be beneficial if you find one that works well for you. Dr Ed Robinson definitely recommends using a toner — as long as it's suited to your specific skin type and concerns. “I always advocate for medical-grade skin care with proven evidence-based ingredients,” the Cosmetic Aesthetics Doctor explains.
What are the benefits of using a toner in my skincare routine?
“The primary purpose of a toner is to remove any excess oil, dirt, and impurities that may have been left on your skin after cleansing,” explains Alise Mihai, aesthetic skin practitioner at Skin+IQ Clinic. Cleansing can also disrupt the skin's natural pH level — so toning helps to restore this. “This helps prep the skin to better absorb the benefits of other products applied afterwards — like serums and moisturisers,” Alise adds.
In terms of other benefits, it'll largely depend on which particular skin concerns your toner has been formulated to tackle. Many contain specific active ingredients that help treat common issues like acne, redness, and uneven skin tone and texture.
How do I choose the right toner for my skin type?
If you've got dry skin, look for toners that are free from any harsh astringents that can strip the skin of moisture, and instead contain hydrating and soothing ingredients. "Hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture, the humectant glycerin helps draw water into the skin, and panthenol helps support the skin barrier" explains Dr Sophie Momen, consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic.
Soothing ingredients are also worth seeking out — especially if you have some skin sensitivity. “Aloe vera really helps to soothe irritation, and rose water hydrates and calms the skin — while also providing mild antioxidant benefits,” Dr Sophie adds.
Alternatively, for oily skin, you're better off seeking out a toner that helps to unclog pores, prevents breakouts, and reduce inflammation. Salicylic acid can help to calm spots and reduce the appearance of pores, while exfoliating AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid help to really even out skin tone. Meanwhile, green tea and witch hazel are great ingredients for reducing oil production.
Should I use a toner every day for dry skin?
As long as your toner is alcohol-free and generally hydrating, you should be totally fine to use it every day. “However, if your toner formula contains exfoliating ingredients like AHAs, it's best to just use it a few times a week,” adds Alise Mihai, aesthetic skin practitioner at Skin+IQ Clinic.
What is a milky toner?
Essentially a cross between a toner and a lightweight moisturiser, milky toners put more of a focus on hydration and supporting the skin barrier — with cleansing and balancing taking a bit more of a back-seat. Typically packed with humectants and emollients, they're the perfect post-cleanse drink for dry and sensitive skin types.
What is the best toner for sensitive skin?
The best toners for sensitive skin are gentle, calming, and fragrance-free. “If you've got sensitive skin, you should really avoid overly harsh exfoliating toners — unless they've been prescribed by a skincare expert,” says Dr Ed.
"Look for formulas enriched with aloe vera, chamomile, green tea, or centella asiatica," Dr Sophie suggests. “These kind of soothing ingredients help to hydrate and balance the skin — while also minimising inflammation.”
Feeling inspired to upgrade your skincare routine? Shop the best sunscreens for face, best eye creams, best hyaluronic acid serums as well as the best moisturisers and lotions.
