Skip to Content

15 Best Face Toners to Help You Get the Clearest Skin of Your Life

Skin so clear, you won't need filters anymore.

By and
glow recipe watermelon glow face toner
Glow Recipe

If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?

We all know that washing our faces is essential for clearing your skin of daily dirt and debris. But, did you know your cleansing routine doesn't — or rather, shouldn't — stop at your daily face wash? If you want to give your pores a deeper cleanse, then it's time to grab a facial toner to revitalize your complexion.

What is a Face Toner?

Toners are not only your last step of cleansing before you go into treatment mode on your skin, but they can work wonders to shrink pores, minimize acne, and balance your pH levels. But what exactly is a toner, and why do you need one?

"Facial toner is a water-based skin care product that’s used after cleansing to help hydrate the skin and prepare it for a moisturizer," says cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. "When used consistently, toners offer a myriad of skin benefits and can contribute to the maintenance of a healthy, radiant complexion."

Your skin will feel cleansed and hydrated after using a toner, but that's not the only benefit you'll get from incorporating one into your skincare routine. Dr. Green notes that toners help balance the pH levels of your skin, diminish the appearance of pores, promote moisture retention, and aid in evening out your skin's overall texture and tone. "Additionally, moisturizer is more readily absorbed by the skin when prepped with a toner, meaning you maximize the benefits of your cream or lotion when using a toner beforehand," she says.

Face Toners Vs. Astringents

You do need to find the right fit for your skin type to get the best results. Have oily or acne-prone skin? An astringent might be the best option for you — just keep in mind that they often contain higher amounts of alcohol than other toners, which is why Dr. Green doesn't recommend them for dry, sensitive skin types. If your complexion leans to the drier side, an alcohol-free toner will treat your skin without dehydrating it.

"Toners can be incorporated into anyone’s skincare routine, whether the skin is dry, sensitive, or oily," says Dr. Green. "An astringent would be recommended for someone whose skin is on the oilier side and maybe acne-prone. Not only will an astringent remove residual makeup and dirt from the skin, but oil as well- making this a good product to combat acne."

The Best Face Toners

How We Chose

We treasure our pores just as much as you do, so we made sure that we're only providing the best facial toners on the market. First off, we did the extra due diligence to make sure each of these toners is filled with skincare ingredients that will pamper and treat your skin. Many of the toners on this list are also hypoallergenic, all-natural, and/or budget-friendly.

We also made sure first-hand that all of these formulas actually work. How? Our beauty editor, Jennifer Hussein, has tried each and every one of these toners throughout her years in the beauty industry, so she's very familiar with their formulas. But, we know that everyone's skin is different, so we also listened to shoppers. Many of these toners have rave reviews on retailers like Amazon, Ulta, Sephora, and more.

1
Best Overall

Thayers Witch Hazel Toner with Lavender

Thayers Witch Hazel Toner with Lavender
$11 at Amazon$11 at Ulta Beauty$9 at vitacost.com

Ranked the number-one face toner on Amazon — and also in our hearts — you should definitely try Thayers Witch Hazel Toner if it's not already sitting in your bathroom cabinet.

Available in several different scent varieties, we love the lavender formula for its acne-solving properties and accessible price point. It's also perfect for calming sensitive skin.

More: Why These Vitamin C Serums Deserve a Spot in Your Skincare Routine

$14.00
$10.50 (25%)

We live for all things Mario Badescu. (If you don't already have the brand's cult-fave drying lotion, get on that, too).

This face toner features a potent blend of classic witch hazel and soothing rosewater for a natural toner that removes surface impurities and promotes a fresh-faced glow, post-cleanse. This combination of ingredients also keeps skin clean without stripping it of moisture, making it the best toner for dry skin.

3
Best for Acne

The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Mattifying Toner

The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Mattifying Toner

For those dealing with a constant battle against acne, this tea tree oil-infused toner from The Body Shop is an excellent choice. It not only rids the skin of any makeup or residue, but it works to mattify the skin and banish blemishes in one easy step.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
Hypoallergenic Formula

Neutrogena Alcohol and Oil-Free Toner

On Sale
Neutrogena Alcohol and Oil-Free Toner

$10.29
$5.84 (43% off)


Looking to save without sacrificing quality? Neutrogena's alcohol-free toner will fill the necessary step of refreshing your skin without spending too much. Not only is it affordable, but it's alcohol-free, oil-free, and hypoallergenic. This one is suitable for almost all skin types, especially those who need a gentle formula.

5
Best for Redness

Kiehl's Calendula Herbal Extract Toner

On Sale
Kiehl's Calendula Herbal Extract Toner

$62.00
$31.00 (50% off)


Another iconic toner worth trying, Kiehl's Calendula Herbal Extract Toner will do good things to your skin thanks to its powerhouse, anti-inflammatory ingredients like calendula.

This one helps to combat redness, oily skin, and uneven texture, making it a true triple threat. Trust us — it's worth a spot in your daily skincare routine.

6
Best for Mature Skin

Peter Thomas Roth 8% Glycolic Solutions Toner

Peter Thomas Roth 8% Glycolic Solutions Toner

One of our favorite glycolic toners, Peter Thomas Roth's Glycolic Solutions features a whopping 8% glycolic acid. It works to smooth out fine lines, minimize the appearance of pores, and improve uneven texture. Just one quick swipe after cleansing your skin will get you closer to your brightest complexion.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Best for Oily Skin

OLEHENRIKSEN Balancing Force Oil Control Toner

OLEHENRIKSEN Balancing Force Oil Control Toner

This top-notch toner from Ole Henriksen concentrates on controlling oil and mattifying your skin.

Safe for use on all skin types, it's especially effective for oily skin thanks to the sebum-balancing powers of salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acids. It cleanses the face by drying excess oil without over-stripping your skin of essential moisture.

8
Best for Enlarged Pores

Milk Makeup Matcha Toner

Milk Makeup Matcha Toner

MILK Makeup's facial toner is awesome because not only is it made from matcha green tea, but it's also in a cooling solid formula. The stick-to-gel formula is eco-friendly, paraben-free, and the first of its kind to hit the market.

Key ingredients like kombucha and witch hazel work to tighten pores and eliminate excess oil, and the cactus elixir works to hydrate your complexion. This revolutionary product gives skin a deep detox while acting as a protective shield against stressors.

9
Best Toning Spray

Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner

Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner

Dermalogica's beloved Multi-Active Toner lives up to the hype. It's formulated with a slew of skin-loving ingredients like lavender, balm mint, and arnica that combine to create an ideal toner that hydrates, refreshes, and repairs the skin.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10
Best Brightening

Pixi by Petra Glow Tonic

Pixi by Petra Glow Tonic

If your skin is looking a bit dull, then try swiping on this refreshing toner. It's popular for its under-$20 price tag that gives your skin a major radiance boost, thanks to its combination of glycolic acid, aloe vera, and ginseng. You'll be left with clearer, softer skin, and a luminous glow after just a few swipes.

11
Best for Exfoliation

Youth To The People Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner

Youth To The People Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner

If your flaky skin is in great need of exfoliation, look no further. This toner from Youth to the People features an impressive blend of lactic acid, glycolic acid, and kombucha that not only helps your skin’s texture but also firms the look of the skin overall. The results: a smoother, softer, and clearer complexion.

12
Best for Blackheads

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA +BHA Pore-Tight Toner

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA +BHA Pore-Tight Toner

Blackheads can be a pesky problem, but even the most stubborn clogged pores stand no chance against this detoxing toner. The magic is in the blend of chemically exfoliating beta and poly hydroxy acids.

These additives are tough on impurities but gentle on your skin, so you can easily get rid of lingering blackheads without overdrying your delicate complexion.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13
Best Budget

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Want a powerful toner that won't wipe away your bank account? This under-$10 pick will do just the trick: It's filled with 7% glycolic acid to wipe away dirt and grime lingering deep within your pores, while aloe vera and ginseng calm and hydrate your skin.

14
Best Luxury

AESOP In Two Minds Facial Toner

AESOP In Two Minds Facial Toner

This AESOP toner may be a tad pricier, but it's worth every penny. This toner helps both oily and dry skin types with its mildly astringent formula, which is infused with witch hazel, niacinamide and chamomile. It's great for wiping away excess oil on your T-zone without drying out your pores.

15
The Clean Beauty Favorite

Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner

Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner

Indie Lee is the clean-beauty darling that you must know about. Their cult-favorite CoQ-10 Toner is a game-changer in the eco-friendly beauty world for its hydrating, soothing, and skin-protecting properties, all thanks to a nurturing blend of aloe, chamomile, and cucumber extracts paired with star ingredient CoQ-10.

It sounds pretty technical, but don't be thrown off: CoQ-1o is a skincare essential that's growing in popularity for its antioxidant properties that even the skin tone, boost hydration, and reduce sun damage — not so scary now, is it?

Headshot of Katie McBroom
Katie McBroom
Beauty Editor

Katie McBroom is an award-winning content creator and freelance writer. Prior to contributing to Biography, she served as Content Editor for Google and Beauty Editor for Best Products. Her work has also appeared in publications including CNN, WWD, Business Insider, Forbes, and Men's Health, among others.

Headshot of Jennifer Hussein
Jennifer Hussein
Beauty Editor

Jennifer is the former beauty editor for BestProducts.com, where she’s testing out everything from the latest lip gloss to the craziest skincare trend sweeping the online beauty-verse. Her work has been featured in Allure, Byrdie, HelloGiggles, and more. When she’s not swatching eyeshadow all over her arms, you can find the NYC-based editor scouring for hours on end for vintage finds, eating pad thai, and hanging out with her cat, Chunks.

Watch Next
 
preview for HDM All sections playlist - Best Products
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Skincare Products

red light therapy face masks

Best Red Light Therapy Devices, Per Beauty Experts

a person holding an led mask

9 LED Face Masks for Better Skin

woman using high frequency wand on cheek

7 Best High-Frequency Wands to Zap Away Acne

spf50 cabanaclear™ water gel serum, it cosmetics your skin but better cc plus cream, hydratint pro mineral broad spectrum sunscreen spf 36

The Best Sunscreens for Under Makeup

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below