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These toners will do wonders for your thirsty skin.
Skincare culture can be hard to keep up with. Should I be washing my face with warm or cold water? How often should I be washing my face? And does it all matter that much?
You may think that moisturizer for dry skin is your only solution, but think again. Introducing hydrating toner: your new best friend. We asked the pros about the kind of hydrating toner they recommend for fresh, clear skin, and what the benefits are.
“Toner helps remove any trace amounts of dirt, oil or impurities from the skin that could lead to clogged pores and breakouts,” says Corey L. Hartman, M.D., Founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL.
“A toner also helps to close pores, and many new toners also have additional ingredients to help with other skin concerns like hydration, tone and brightness,” he adds. Specifically, a hydrating toner will not only help remove some of the impurities you don’t want on your face, but will leave hydrating ingredients on the skin to help boost its moisture level too. Read on for our favorite toners to shop right now.
We consulted with expert dermatologists, like Dr. Hartman, for their personal recommendations, and considered reviews from trusted and verified customers of online retailers, who provided their own insights.
This toner hits the top of a lot of lists out there, and for good reason. This crowd-favorite is alcohol-free and contains rose fruit extract, rosewater, and angelica leaf extract—all known for their nourishing and soothing properties. One happy Ulta reviewer says “this is like my fourth bottle I’ve bought and yes it’s worth it every time! I use it morning and night after I wash my face and it’s so hydrating and it smells soo nice! Best toner in my opinion.”
One of the most highly-recommended brands for affordable skincare, CeraVe always has the goods. If you want to try out a toner with as little wallet discomfort as possible, this is a great option. It’s non-alcoholic with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides, which all helps soften and smooth skin while locking in moisture for refreshed, healthy-looking skin. One happy Amazon reviewer says, “Finally a Cerave Toner! There are so few reasonably priced, skin-safe, gentle toners without harsh, irritating ingredients or scents. This is a well formulated, hydrating, gentle formula I love using.”
Dermatologist recommended: Versed Baby Cheeks Hydrating Milk Toner is great for skin that is severely dry, says Dr. Hartman. “The formulation containing coconut water and algae provides more hydration than most toners. The bonus is that it also doubles as a cleanser and makeup remover.” Plus, the vegan, ethically-sourced ingredients and cruelty-free formulas as well as Versed’s Climate Neutral certification make this toner one of the best for the planet.
Dermatologist recommended: Fenty Skin Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum is a new cult favorite because it combines a toner and a serum to deliver a brightening and toning effect without stripping away too much oil, says Dr. Hartman. The product also contains niacinamide, which gives this product its skin-smoothing and pore-minimizing properties. One happy Sephora customer says “Riri didn’t disappoint with this serum. It seriously is the best for my oily combination skin.”
Dermatologist recommended: Renee Rouleau Moisture Infusion Toner is great for sensitive skin, says Dr. Hartman. “It hydrates the skin with a mix of vitamins and fatty acids and is even suitable for people with rosacea, who typically can’t tolerate a toner.” It’s alcohol-free and reviewers in drier climates rave about this product’s hydrating properties: one satisfied reviewer says, “living in a high desert region means dehydrated skin is a constant battle. Adding this serum toner to my routine has been a game changer.”
Another winner for those with sensitive skin! This option from First Aid Beauty is made from oats, an ingredient that’s well-known for its incredible soothing effects, and colloidal oats, an ingredient that’s been used to address eczema, both of which help to calm stressed or irritated skin. Plus, honey and hyaluronic acid act as a moisture binder for even more hydration. One Sephora customer raves, “every time I put it on it feels like glacier water on my skin it’s so calming and cooling. I think I will use this my whole life.”
If you’re like me, the more steps I can combine in my skincare routine, the better. This toner and moisturizer wrapped all in one is loaded with soothing ingredients like glycerin and meadowfoam seed oil that strengthen skin’s natural defense barrier, deeply moisturizes it, and combats signs of dryness all year long. Double the hydration means double the benefits. One Sephora reviewer claims that “this toner/moisturizer is a holy grail. I use it every morning and noticed a significant improvement with dryness throughout the day.”
This product claims to refresh and remove impurities from the skin to boost a brighter and more youthful complexion. And with ingredients like apple cider vinegar, which tones and softens the skin for a youthful appearance, plus salicylic acid and glycolic acid, which dissolve dead skin cells and minimize the appearance of pores, we can’t really argue with it. One Dermstore reviewer raves “it makes my skin and pores so smooth and I use it every night, I love it and the ingredients!”
If you struggle with more oily skin, you might want to look for an oil-free option like this one. This product boasts up to 72 hours of hydration with their hyaluronic acid/witch hazel formula. One impressed Amazon customer says, “I use this after shaving and it helps prevent razor burn, tightens my face and moisturizes. My skin breaks out easily and is oily from the gym, beach, etc. This helps that part of my skin.”
With vegan ingredients, a cruelty-free pledge, and sustainable packaging, this toner is one of the more environmentally-friendly options you’ll find. Formulated with cucumber, papaya and sage, this toner promises to deliver the perfect boost of antioxidants post-cleanse or throughout the day. One particularly satisfied Ulta customer says, “This toner is a staple in my skincare lineup. It makes my skin feel so clean and refreshed. Sometimes, I am able to skip moisturizer on hot and humid summer days because this toner provides enough hydration.”
Seek toners with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, rosewater or aloe. According to Dr. Hartman, these ingredients add moisture to the skin while balancing skin’s tone.
Stay away from alcohol-based toners. Alcohol is the reason that toners have gotten a bad reputation through the years, says Dr. Hartman. “Alcohol is a harsh astringent that causes excessive dryness and trigger rebound oil production. If it makes your skin feel too tight after use, then move on to another product.”
Consider your skin type. If your skin tends to be extremely oily or extra dry or super sensitive, you should try to look for an option tailored to your needs, you know now that there’s plenty to choose from for any skin situation you’re in!
Most people can tolerate using a hydrating toner once a day, says Dr. Hartman. “Toner should be used immediately after cleansing the face in the morning prior to an antioxidant and sunscreen. You want to use it in the morning before any other serum or moisturizer so the ingredients in the toner can penetrate deeply into the skin.”
According to Dr. Hartman, one of the best ways to apply a toner is to pour some in a clean, dry hand, and then pat all around your face with your other hand. You can use a cotton pad, or a microfiber reusable pad, but oftentimes a lot of the product is absorbed into the pad and it doesn’t transfer to the skin.