Byrdie Editors Tested and Found The Top Toners for Every Skin Type (And Derm-Approved) (2024)

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Our Top Picks

Key Ingredients: Hypochlorous acid | Benefits: Calms skin irritation | Size: 4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Tower28 is known for its sensitive skin-friendly makeup and skincare formulas, but this toner—which comes housed in a firetruck red spray bottle—is also wildly popular for its magical ability to soothe, purify, and repair stressed-out skin. It has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, so it’s been proven to make a difference in eczema flare-ups, but it also works to calm inflamed acne and perioral dermatitis. The star ingredient, hypochlorous acid, is what makes the formula so effective at pacifying redness and irritation. Like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, hypochlorous acid is made naturally by our body, and it boasts antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. When applied to the skin, it fends off bacteria and promotes skin healing. Associate commerce editor Caitlyn Martyn swears by it for oily skin. "I keep a mini bottle in my bag for a skin refresh after workout classes and subway rides," she explains. "It keeps my oily skin in check by preventing redness and breakouts."

We appreciate that this toner comes in a spray bottle—which ensures a mess-free application and prevents contamination. The toner is watery and lightweight, so it soaks into pores in seconds. Once absorbed, the skin feels hydrated and calm.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides | Benefits: Balancing, cleansing, calming | Size: 6.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If you’re looking for an affordable way to add toner to your skincare routine, reach for this hydrating option from CeraVe. It’s packed with skin-nourishing ingredients including niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to help rebalance your skin’s pH, leaving it soft and hydrated instead of tight and stripped. The formula does a great job of removing any gunk or debris your cleanser left behind, facilitating a deeper clean, but some say it can leave a sticky residue.

Key ingredients: AHAs, glycerin, salicylic, lactic, and malic acids | Benefits: Exfoliating, hydrating | Size: 5.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

The superstar component of the SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion Toner is Pitera, the brand’s signature ingredient containing 50 micro-nutrients. These micro-nutrients, in addition to alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), improve your skin's overall appearance—starting with uneven skin texture. We can attest to that; in our testing, the toner felt hydrating and soothing upon application and helped improve dullness and texture immediately. We were also impressed by the toner’s ability to clean our pores thoroughly. Even though we washed our face before using the toner, it picked up extra dirt and grime that otherwise would have remained on the skin. The clear, lightweight solution is slightly runny and comes out of a small opening at the top of the frosted bottle, so be aware that if you aren’t careful, you can potentially pour too much product out of the opening.

Key Ingredients: Witch hazel, butylene glycol | Benefits: Tightens pores, regulates oil production | Size: 6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A toner can be an invaluable tool in your battle against blemishes if you choose one that targets excess oil and keeps your pores clear without overdrying your skin (which ironically ends up triggering more oil and more breakouts). We love this one specifically for acne-prone skin, as it relies on witch hazel and algae extracts to regulate oil production and tighten pores. We love the consistency, too; it's so lightweight it feels like water. It’s also not too greasy, making it ideal for a midday refresh or post-cleanse blot. It felt tingling and refreshing on our skin, and we noticed an improvement in the appearance of pores almost immediately. Remember that witch hazel has a subtle tightening effect, so if you already have dry skin, you might find this one too drying.

Key Ingredients: Panthenol, hyaluronic acid, green tea tri-biotics | Benefits: Calming, soothes redness | Size: 6.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Lauded for its anti-inflammatory properties, green tea can help reduce skin irritation, redness, and swelling, making it a great option for those looking to calm down angry red skin. Innisfree’s Green Tea Facial Toner captures the balancing powers of green tea leaves in a liquid formula that feels extremely light and gentle on the skin. When we tested it ourselves, we found that the toner sank into our pores immediately after application and made a huge difference in the appearance of hormonal acne breakouts. We also found that any redness was visibly reduced and even noticed that a budding pimple decreased significantly. All in all, we found that the product single-handedly reduced the look of acne in about three minutes. With so much to love, there is one con: The toner comes out of the bottle really slowly. Normally, that would be a good thing, but we found we had to use quite a bit of muscle to get it out of the bottle thanks to its small dispenser head.

Key ingredients: Elderberry fruit extract, sodium PCA, biosaccharide gum-1 | Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, soothing | Size: 6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you hate the feeling of tight, dry skin post-cleanse, you’ll love this toner from Renee Rouleau. The antioxidant-rich elderberry toner is designed to be used after washing and helps balance and relax super-sensitive skin. When we tested it, we noticed that it reduced the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Also nice: It only contains a few ingredients, so it’s an excellent choice for anyone with sensitive skin prone to breakouts and dryness. Our only gripe is that we wish it were a little more hydrating.

Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, papaya enzymes | Benefits: Exfoliation, unclogs pores, minimizes shine, refreshes | Size: 4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The right toner can go a long way to control excess shine for those with oily skin types. This one combines oil-dissolving salicylic acid, exfoliating papaya enzyme, and purifying moringa seed extract to unclog pores and refresh greasy skin. We love how lightweight and comfortable the formula feels, which is surprising given that it contains many exfoliating ingredients. Remember that since the toner contains active exfoliants, you may want to skip it when you apply retinoids and other active ingredients to avoid redness, burning, and dehydrating the skin.

Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, cactus flower extract, kelp extract | Benefits: Exfoliating, hydrating, calming | Size: 6.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dark marks (whether from sun damage, genes, or hormones) and acne scarring are no match for this toner with exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties. With a powerhouse pairing of discoloration-minimizing lactic acid, cactus flower extract, and kelp extract, this toner addresses hyperpigmentation from every angle. We loved that the consistency feels like micellar water—meaning it's not heavy or sticky—and absorbs quickly into the skin. Because the packaging is glass that resembles a perfume bottle more than a toner, you can’t exactly squeeze anything out. You must gently (and steadily) pour the bottle into your hand or onto a cotton pad in small amounts, or you’ll risk spilling some.

Key Ingredients: Rose fruit extract, rosewater, angelica leaf extract, hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Toning, soothing, nourishing, moisturizing | Size: 8.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Look to the Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner for skin that feels hydrated, smooth, and refreshed. While some toners are loaded with ingredients that exfoliate and increase cell turnover, this one gives the skin a moisture boost instead. Formulated with water and hyaluronic acid (two ingredients known to increase hydration and nourish skin), those with normal, dry, combination, and oily skin will benefit tenfold from adding the dreamy formula to their routine. We enjoyed that it made our skin feel calm and hydrated and appreciated that it didn't create a stinging sensation like some toners do. It's great for sweeping on for additional cleansing and moisture. The 8.4-ounce bottle is available for nearly 50 dollars, which some might find expensive, especially because it doesn't have potent active ingredients. But, given the size, you can expect it to last a while (especially compared to some options on this list).

Key Ingredients: White leaf tea water | Benefits: Strengthens moisture barrier, soothes | Size: 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If you have skin that’s in need of some extra moisture, consider this milky formula from Laneige. As the name suggests, the K-beauty product has a creamy, lightweight moisturizer-like consistency that hydrates on contact with the skin. “Smooth,” “airy,” and “super gentle” are three words that came to mind when we tested this toner, and we could feel the moisturizing effects of the product right away. We also found our skin was so much more hydrated after use, giving us a radiant, glowing finish. Plus, the white leaf tea water (aka one of the soothing ingredients in the formula) even helped tone down any redness and irritation we had. Just beware that because it’s on the thicker side and has a milky texture, some people (especially those with oily, acne-prone skin) might find it to be too heavy.

Key Ingredients: Tamarind, hyaluronic acid, mineral PCAs, panthenol | Benefits: Moisturizing, soothing, hydrating | Size: 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

As seen on TikTok (and evidenced by our test), the Fat Water Hydrating Milky Toner Essence from Fenty Beauty is totally worth the hype. Between the innovative bottle (the product dispenses from a twist top) and super milky consistency that soothes skin on contact, there’s no wonder people are obsessed with this product. During testing, we enjoyed that the lightweight formula absorbs into the skin in 30 seconds, offering a feeling comparable to a nice drink of water. Since nothing is perfect, there’s one thing we wish we could change: The smell. While it’s not scented, it still has a subtle smell to it that we weren’t a fan of. If you can get past that, though, it’s worth every penny.

Key Ingredients: Honeysuckle, baobab, sodium hyaluronate | Benefits: Soothes, moisturizes, hydrates | Size: 6.75 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Packed with all kinds of good-for-you ingredients, such as soothing honeysuckle, baobab (which helps lock in moisture), and sodium hyaluronate (helps keep skin hydrated), this formula doesn’t mess around when it comes to calming the skin. We were impressed by the feel, which can only be described as "refreshing." Before using the toner, we felt like our skin was tight and dry, but it really helped reverse that feeling, making us feel like our skin sprang back to life. Not only was our skin more hydrated and calm, but it was glowy and more even-toned. Though we had a positive experience with the toner, be sure to patch-test it before applying it to your face. Because the formula contains alcohol denat, a popular cosmetic ingredient known to be drying, you should apply a bit to the inside of your wrist to ensure you won’t have a reaction.

Key ingredients: Fruit enzymes, witch hazel, niacinamide, salicylic acid | Benefits: Exfoliating, hydrating | Size: 6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Kim Kardashian knows a thing or two about good skin. While she calls upon the help of pro aestheticians and dermatologists from time to time, her skincare line helps set her skin up for success. The SKKN by Kim Toner is perhaps one of the most popular products in the product range because of how effective it is (and how aesthetic it looks in any vanity). Developed with fruit enzymes, witch hazel, niacinamide, and salicylic acid, the toner doubles down on exfoliation and produces an all-over glow. When we tested it, we felt like our skin felt significantly more hydrated and that we could tell an immediate difference in the areas where we did not apply the toner compared to the ones where we did. Although we didn't find it to be drying, it's worth noting that some online reviewers felt it was stripping. If you have dry or sensitive skin, keep this in mind.

Key Ingredients: Aloe, jojoba seed oil, apple cider vinegar | Benefits: Calms skin, fights bacteria | Size: 4.05 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The skin's surface is covered in bacteria (some good, some bad), and skincare products help manage the balance. When it’s out of whack, breakouts, dullness, and other unwanted concerns pop up. This post-cleanse toning solution gives your skin a gentle but effective dose of probiotics for the face (we're talking apple cider vinegar and aloe), resulting in balanced, calm skin. After applying the toner with a cotton pad, we found that our skin was more hydrated and soft to the touch. We also noticed that it helped to visibly reduce redness and give the skin an overall more even-toned appearance. The only caveat we have with this product is the pump. Because it’s watery in nature and the top can sometimes deposit too much, try to be as gentle as possible when using the pump to avoid spillage.

Key Ingredients: Botanical extracts, Icelandic glacier water | Benefits: Hydrating, spot treating | Size: 100 pre-soaked ads | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Formulated with botanical extracts, rosemary leaf oil, allantoin, and Icelandic glacier water, these K-beauty essence pads go to work on dull, dehydrated skin in one (or two) swipes. When we tested them, we loved that they could be used in a couple of ways: a quick, all-over treatment or a targeted spot treatment. For the latter, we found that it worked well when applying it to one specific area—similar to an acne spot treatment—and left it on for 15 minutes. However, if you prefer applying it as a quick, all-over treatment (similar to the other toners on this list), you can just sweep a toner pad across your skin before following up with the rest of your skincare.

Key Ingredients: Aloe, coenzyme Q10, hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Hydrating, softening | Size: 4.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This handy spray toner from Indie Lee can be used as a regular part of your skincare routine or as a skin refresher throughout the day. Spritz it over your face, avoiding the delicate eye area, and its hydrating blend of botanicals and hyaluronic acid will soothe and moisturize your complexion. It’s also enriched with coenzyme Q10, a powerful antioxidant that can help protect skin from environmental aggressors. Just be careful with the glass bottle—it looks pretty but shatters easily if accidentally dropped.

Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, aloe, witch hazel, ginseng | Benefits: Exfoliating, hydrating, pore-refining | Size: 3.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Pixi’s Glow tonic takes a multipronged approach to boosting radiance. First, glycolic acid gently encourages cell turnover to reduce hyperpigmentation and texture concerns. Then, witch hazel keeps acne-causing bacteria at bay, leaving your complexion clean and clear. Finally, aloe vera soothes any redness and delivers a dose of hydration. In our experience, this toner targeted skin texture and uneven tone, resulting in a gorgeous glow. Follow with a light moisturizer or face oil for your most radiant complexion ever.

FAQ

• What does toner do for your skin?

  "Toners act as another level of cleansing, essentially deep-cleaning pores to remove dirt, oil, makeup, and other pollutants," says Dr. Chen. Toners fall into two camps: exfoliating and hydrating. Toners containing exfoliating acids smooth skin texture and address hyperpigmentation and acne, while toners with ingredients like rose water or hyaluronic acid boost moisture.

• How do you apply toner?

  Dr. Chen recommends applying toner after cleansing the face but before applying moisturizers or serums. "Pat your face dry, then soak a cotton ball or pad with the toner and lightly apply to both your face and neck," she says. "You can also try pressing the toner into the skin with your fingertips rather than using a cotton pad, which soaks up more of the liquid than it actually delivers."