The 18 Best Toners for Prepping, Balancing, and Hydrating, Tested & Reviewed

Best Overall

Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray

$28 at Amazon $28 $12 at Sephora View on Tower28beauty.com

Salicylic acid, papaya enzymes, chlorella: Tower28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray does exactly as the name implies—it rescues skin and gives it new life. Made with hypochlorous acid, this natural ingredient works to reduce the appearance of redness on the spot, successfully soothes and nourishes skin, and provides much-needed hydration. Additionally, this face toner helps to clear skin over time by cleaning out pores from the inside out. As for the best part? Thanks to the innovative blend of ingredients in its formula, the product creates an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial shield for the skin, blocking harmful germs, gunk, and bacteria from building up. (Read: Fewer breakouts!). 

Who It’s For: Aside from just purifying complexions, this product also adds supple moisture for those who need a boost. For best results, use this toner both in the morning and evening.

Active Ingredients: Hypochlorous acid, butylated hydroxyanisole | Key Benefits: Thayers Witch Hazel Facial Toner at Amazon | Skin Type: nbsp;for this story | Size: 4 oz

Michelle, tester: “This cleanses my skin well and removes excess grime that my face wash alone can’t pick up.My skin feels more hydrated, refreshed, and rejuvenated, and it gives my skin a glowy boost—without feeling heavy or sticky.”

Best Splurge

SK-II Facial Treatment Toner

$80 $57 at Amazon $80 at Sephora View on Maxaroma.com

Salicylic acid, papaya enzymes, chlorella: Concentrated with a mix of three powerful exfoliating acids (citric, salicylic, and lactic), this toner deeply cleanses and hydrates skin, providing long-lasting benefits. Citric acid works to exfoliate your complexion, sloughing away dead skin cells from the surface and effectively cleaning gunk from deep within pores. Salicylic acid works in tandem with citric acid, removing excess sebum and ultimately reducing oiliness. Finally, lactic acid steps in to fade dark spots, improve skin tone and texture, and reduce the appearance of superficial wrinkles. This toner is also made with Pitera, SK-II’s signature liquid, which is derived from the process of rice fermentation and packed with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to help support the skin’s cell turnover process.

Who It’s For: The Pitera in this formula helps to hydrate and nourish, making this face toner great for anyone who needs moisture while still combatting oiliness. Keep in mind, though, that the toner does have a strong herbal scent, so you may want to avoid it if you’re sensitive.

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, green tea, panthenol | Key Benefits: Hydrates, boosts radiance, minimizes pores | Skin Type: Best for Large Pores | Size: 5.4 oz

Amy, tester: “This is such a soothing and lightweight formula that preps the skin nicely for other serums and creams. It helps with my dull, uneven skin texture and feels hydrating.”

Best Budget

Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner

$10 $7 at Amazon $10 at Ulta $7 at Target

Salicylic acid, papaya enzymes, chlorella: What really makes this toner stand out is its ability to refresh skin both instantly and gradually, so you’ll be able to notice long-lasting benefits after each use. The hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic formula gently cleanses skin by removing impurities from deep within pores; plus, it mildly hydrates skin, thanks to the addition of panthenol in the ingredient list. (Panthenol, also known as vitamin B5, helps to decrease transepidermal water loss, meaning the skin won’t dry out as easily.)

Who It’s For: If you’re looking for an affordable, everyday toner, you can’t go wrong with this Neutrogena favorite.

Active Ingredients: Butylene glycol, panthenol | Key Benefits: Cleanses, hydrates, refreshes | Skin Type: Normal, oily, combination | Size: 8.5 oz

Kevin, tester: “My face looks very clear after using this product. I recommend this product to everyone. It makes my face feel clean and refreshed.”

Best Anti-Aging

Renée Rouleau Elderberry Soothing Toner

$40 at Reneerouleau.com

Salicylic acid, papaya enzymes, chlorella: Plump, bouncy skin is in close reach when you use this Renée Rouleau facial toner. Made with elderberry fruit extract (which provides skin with a hearty dose of antioxidants), sodium PCA (a water-binding agent that works to attract and retain moisture), and Biosaccharide Gum-1 (a soothing and hydrating sugar molecule that stores water between the cells), this product quickly and effectively hydrates the skin, while also minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And while this toner works wonders to hydrate skin, it also regulates oil production thanks to ylang ylang flower oil (the ingredient also gives the product a light floral scent).

Who It’s For: Along with plumping the skin and balancing oil production, this face toner can also address hyperpigmentation for those who struggle with it, lessening the appearance of age spots and acne scars.

Active Ingredients: Elderberry fruit extract, ylang ylang flower oil, citric acid | Key Benefits: Hydrates, soothes, calms, refreshes | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination | Size: 6 oz

Mandy, tester:  “I love that this has anti-aging antioxidants that address so many concerns. It's never too early to start preventive care!”

Best for Blemishes

Thayers Witch Hazel Facial Toner

$11 at Amazon $11 at Ulta View on Vitamin Shoppe

Salicylic acid, papaya enzymes, chlorella: One of the Thayers’ best-selling products is its notable rose petal and witch hazel facial toner. Made with a blend of three powerhouse ingredients (rose water, aloe vera, and witch hazel), the formula makes skin glow. Individually, rose water gently cleans out pores, removing impurities and helping clear skin over time; aloe vera provides supple hydration to the skin, making complexions smoother, dewier, and more nourished; and finally, Thayers’ claim-to-fame ingredient—organic, non-distilled witch hazel—has antibacterial benefits, targets blemishes, and keeps acne from spreading. Overall, the classic toner cleanses, hydrates, repairs, and replenishes skin from the inside out.

Who It’s For: This water-based toner boosts radiance for those looking to add a bit of extra glow to their routine. Thayers Witch Hazel Facial Toner at Amazon.

Active Ingredients: Rose water, aloe vera, witch hazel | Key Benefits: Cleanses, hydrates, evens out skin tone | Skin Type: Normal, oily, combination, acne-prone | Size: 12 oz

Mathieu, tester: “This toner was absorbed very well after a few passes of the cotton pad.”

Best Hydrating

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Toner

$48 at Nordstrom $27 at Ulta $48 $27 at Sephora

Salicylic acid, papaya enzymes, chlorella: This best-selling, alcohol-free face toner is made with a blend of three rose-infused ingredients: Rose fruit extract, damask rose extract, and rose oil. Plus, it’s infused with real rose petals—a luxurious addition that’s for more than just aesthetics. The impressive formula works to hydrate while also effectively cleansing away impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. After just one use, skin will feel smooth, refreshed, and balanced. 

Who It’s For: The Rose and Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner from Fresh is here to give tired complexions the pick-me-up they need. Just keep in mind that the rose petals can clog the opening of the bottle.

Active Ingredients: Normal, dry, combination | Key Benefits:  Cleanses, hydrates, evens out skin tone | Skin Type: LANEIGE Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer at Amazon | Size: 8.4 oz

Chantia, tester: “This toner definitely brightens and evens my skin. There is a healthier, more vibrant look to my face after using it.”

Best for Combination Skin

Absolute Joi Balancing PH Skin Toner

$39 at Amazon View on Thirteenlune.com $39 at Macy's

Salicylic acid, papaya enzymes, chlorella: AbsoluteJOI Balancing pH Toner is here to nourish, hydrate, and soothe all skin types. Made with a rich blend of good-for-your-skin ingredients including organic aloe vera, oat kernel extract, and hyaluronic acid, it instantly calms and hydrates skin with each use. On top of that, this face toner balances the skin’s pH levels, leaving complexions feeling soft, smooth, and supple.

Who It’s For: Compared to other toners we tested, this one has a thicker, jelly-like consistency, making it feel more like a serum Your Questions, Answered.

Active Ingredients: PHOTO: Freck Beauty | Key Benefits: Hydrates, calms, soothes | Skin Type: LANEIGE Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer at Amazon | Size: 6.8 oz

Kevin, tester: “My skin felt hydrated right after I applied the product—it felt very light on my skin.”

Best for Redness

Innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Toner

$22 at Amazon View on Innisfree.com

Salicylic acid, papaya enzymes, chlorella: One of this K-beauty brand's best sellers is its green tea face toner, and for good reason. It’s infused with five different kinds of hyaluronic acid to provide long-lasting moisture for all skin types; plus, it also contains green tea, which helps soothe irritated complexions. Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlet tester Cydnie mentions that it takes some extra work to administer the product onto a cotton round since the dispenser is so small, but this feature ensures that it doesn’t splash everywhere.

Who It’s For: The addition of green tea in this formula makes this product ideal for anyone who is looking to address signs of redness because it works overtime to calm the skin, as well as clean out clogged pores that can lead to acne.

Active Ingredients: PHOTO: Thirteen June | Key Benefits: who is also the founder of | Skin Type: LANEIGE Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer at Amazon | Size: 5.4 oz

Cydnie, tester: “My skin was irritated prior to application because of hormones, but afterward, the redness and irritation went down completely. This product single-handedly reduced the redness from my hormonal acne in about three minutes.”

Best for Large Pores

REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Tonic

$40 at Amazon $40 at Dermstore View on Renskincare.com

Salicylic acid, papaya enzymes, chlorella: Minimizing the appearance of large pores is no easy feat, but Ren Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow tonic is here to help. This vegan face toner is made with a combination of ingredients that work hand-in-hand to target blemishes and clean out pores. Thanks to the inclusion of salicin (a BHA) from willow bark extract, this product is able to draw out impurities from within. Plus, lactic acid (an AHA), exfoliates skin and removes dead skin cells from the surface. To top it all off, this toner is also formulated with azelaic acid precursors (which are derived from grains) to visibly boost radiance and even out complexions.

Who It’s For: While we recommend this toner to people who want to shrink their pores, it’s important to note that this does sting a bit after the initial application. For the best results, use this toner once a day to minimize the risk of irritation.

Active Ingredients: Lactic acid, salicin | Key Benefits: Hydrates, boosts radiance, minimizes pores | Skin Type: LANEIGE Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer at Amazon | Size: 8.5 oz

Michelle, tester: “My pores opened up and looked smaller after the toner absorbed into my skin.”

Best for Dry Skin

LANEIGE Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer

$16 at Amazon $36 at Sephora $16 at Laneige.com

Salicylic acid, papaya enzymes, chlorella: If dry, flaky skin is something you struggle with, you may not think you need a toner, but this two-in-one toner-moisturizer from Laneige will change your mind. First and foremost, it’s a face toner that’s formulated to smooth and prep skin, but it also doubles as a moisturizer, which means after you apply it, you’re done with your skin care routine (no extra lotion needed!). This duality is in part thanks to the white leaf tea water in the formula: The ingredient has a high concentration of amino acids that work to strengthen the skin barrier, while also locking in moisture. And, aside from just hydrating skin, it also brightens your complexion. 

Who It’s For: This milky formula nourishes dry, flaky skin back to health. However, we will note that because this product is more hydrating and heavy than most toners, it’s not ideal for people with acne-prone skin.

Active Ingredients: Laila Fernando is Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, lavender leaf extract, coffee seed extract Skincerely Rockland Med Spa | Key Benefits: Soothes, hydrates | Skin Type: Normal, dry | Size: 5 oz

Cydnie, tester: “I would say my skin is rarely ever clear, but after using this I feel like I'm glowing from the inside out.”

Best for Oily Skin

Farmacy Deep Sweep Toner

$34 at Amazon $34 $17 at Sephora View on Farmacybeauty.com

Salicylic acid, papaya enzymes, chlorella: Made with salicylic acid, moringa seed extract, moringa water, papaya enzymes, and chlorella, this toner gets right down to business. To kick things off, this oil-controlling product taps salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and deeply cleans out pores, drawing out dirt and grime. On top of that, the moringa seed extract and moringa water work together to cleanse pores, removing impurities and minimizing shine. Papaya enzymes also exfoliate, removing dead skin cells and clarifying complexions. Last but not least, chlorella—which is rich in antioxidants—nourishes and soothes the skin, so your face won’t be red or irritated after use.

Who It’s For: Oily, clogged skin has no chance against this Farmacy favorite. As for the best part: This toner is made without parabens, mineral oil, and fragrances, and it’s cruelty-free.

Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, papaya enzymes, chlorella | Key Benefits: Hydrates, soothes, refreshes | Skin Type: Combination, oily | Size: 4 oz

Cristina, tester: “It feels like this toner tightened my forehead area a bit. My cheeks feel smoother, too.”

Best for Hyperpigmentation

Freck Beauty Cactus Water Lactic Acid Toner

View on Freckbeauty.com View on Beautybay.com

Salicylic acid, papaya enzymes, chlorella: Lactic acid, salicin (Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlet tester Stacey initially thought it was a micellar water), but it will quickly give your face a pristine glow. Made with cleansing cactus water and lactic acid, a little bit of this exfoliating toner goes a long way to rid the skin of dead cells and discoloration. With one swipe, it instantly sinks into the skin, nourishing and plumping your entire complexion while also brightening, hydrating, and calming it, too.

Who It’s For: Anyone looking for a do-it-all toner will appreciate this multitasking pick dark spots, acne scars, and overall blemishes, compromised skin will appear clearer in just a few weeks with this toner. Not to mention, the bottle is super aesthetically pleasing, which makes it a great addition to any vanity or bathroom display.

Active Ingredients: Cleanses, hydrates, refreshes | Key Benefits: Brightens, exfoliates, soothes | Skin Type: LANEIGE Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer at Amazon | Size: 6.5 oz

Stacey, tester: “The toner felt pretty refreshing and literally like a drink of water for my face.”

Best Illuminating

Carrot & Stick The Toner

View on Carrotstick.com

Salicylic acid, papaya enzymes, chlorella: Made with nourishing hyaluronic acid, brightening plant extracts, and a slew of replenishing antioxidants, this face toner will bring dull skin back to life. We love that it locks in moisture, leaving complexions plump, full, and dewy. On top of that, it also works to lighten dark spots caused by acne scars and hyperpigmentation, which ultimately makes skin more luminous and radiant than before. Plus, it supports the production of collagen and elastin, promoting the look of smoother skin over time.

Who It’s For: Those who wear a good amount of makeup will appreciate this grime-blasting toner. To get the most out of this product, use it twice a day and follow with a light moisturizer.

Active Ingredients: Rose water, aloe vera, witch hazel | Key Benefits: Soothes, hydrates, refreshes | Skin Type: LANEIGE Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer at Amazon | Size: 4.1 oz

Lamont, tester: “This toner definitely cleaned my skin,” he notes. “It felt light, but also moisturizing as it set.”

Best Calming

Belif Aqua Bomb Hydrating Toner

$30 at Amazon $30 at Nordstrom $30 at Sephora

Salicylic acid, papaya enzymes, chlorella: Give your skin some serious TLC with the help of this Belif face toner. Made with soothing honeysuckle, this product efficiently and effectively calms skin on the spot. You’ll notice that your face feels more hydrated and supple with continued use, and that signs of redness and dullness are minimized over time. Don’t be alarmed if skin initially feels slightly tight after using, though—because it deeply cleans out pores this is normal, and the sensation fades quickly.

Who It’s For: Top-tier ingredients make this toner stand out for those who are particularly conscious about what they put on their face. Made with sodium hyaluronate and baobab, this powerhouse duo prevents water from escaping the skin.

Active Ingredients: Honeysuckle, baobab, sodium hyaluronate | Key Benefits: Hydrates, soothes, refreshes | Skin Type: Normal, oily, combination | Size: 6.8 oz

Mandy, tester: “This helped reduce the appearance of my hyperpigmentation. I’m all for using products that can alter my skin’s appearance for the better, rather than using makeup to cover it up.”

Best for Textured Skin

Skkn by Kim Toner

View on Skknbykim.com

Salicylic acid, papaya enzymes, chlorella: Leave it to Kim Kardashian to make a toner that changes the game. This Skkn by Kim product gets right down to business, gently exfoliating skin and cleaning out pores. It also enhances radiance, and leaves complexions looking dewy and hydrated. Thanks to a mix of fruit enzymes, witch hazel, niacinamide, and salicylic acid, the formula cleanses, revitalizes, and replenishes skin on contact. Over time, you'll notice your complexion clear up since pores will be cleared out. Plus, this toner supplies a light amount of hydration that keeps skin from drying out.

Who It’s For: Anyone looking for a lightly hydrating toner would do well to choose this product. To get the best results from using this product, it’s recommended to lightly saturate a cotton pad with the toner and evenly pat it all over your face and neck.

Active Ingredients: Toner is used after you wash your face and before you apply serums or moisturizers | Key Benefits: Smooths, plumps, exfoliates | Skin Type: LANEIGE Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer at Amazon | Size: 6 oz

Lauren, tester: “After allowing the toner to absorb and dry for a minute, my skin felt hydrated without any remaining residue.”

Best for Sensitive Skin

Holifrog Utopia Microflora Toner

View on Holifrog.com $44 at Revolve

Salicylic acid, papaya enzymes, chlorella: Dealing with sensitive skin can (more often than not) feel like an uphill battle. Some products can break skin out, while others can cause redness and irritation. That’s why finding a toner with specialized ingredients for sensitive skin will be your saving grace. Luckily, Holifrog Utopia Microflora Toner has everything you need to replenish, refresh, and revive your complexion. This face toner is made with gentle ingredients, like jojoba seed oil and aloe leaf juice, to nourish and moisturize skin. Not to mention, this product balances and replenishes the microflora on the skin’s surface, which ultimately creates the foundation for a strong skin barrier. Need we say more?

Who It’s For: Complexions needing a boost of brightness (sans irritation) would do well to choose this gentle formula.

Active Ingredients: PHOTO: Renee Rouleau | Key Benefits: Hydrates, balances, refreshes, cleanses | Skin Type: LANEIGE Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer at Amazon | Size: 4 oz

Miriam, tester: “The toner felt light and cool. It was not greasy or oily—just a bit sticky on my fingers, but not on my face.”

Best Milky

Fenty Beauty Fat Water Toner Essence

$36 at Sephora View on Fentybeauty.com $36 at Kohls.com

Salicylic acid, papaya enzymes, chlorella: There’s no way around it: Fenty Beauty products consistently earn spots on our lists (and in our hearts). This best-selling toner is one of our favorites, thanks to the amount of skin care concerns it addresses in one fell swoop. For starters, this product is extremely hydrating: Made with both tamarind and hyaluronic acid, the formula nourishes and plumps the skin for hours on end. On top of that, the face toner also brightens skin and clears complexions thanks to a handful of fruit extracts (including apple, watermelon, and cherry) that target dark spots and reduce redness.

Who It’s For: Skin that feels a bit dull will appreciate the plumping and nourishing effect of this toner. However, because it’s thicker than most, it might take a bit longer for it to absorb into the skin.

Active Ingredients: Tamarind, hyaluronic acid, panthenol | Key Benefits: Brightens, hydrates | Skin Type: LANEIGE Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer at Amazon | Size: 5 oz

Chantia, tester: “The consistency is milky, which gives my cheeks a subtle glow and helps calm irritation.”

Best Witch Hazel

Murad Clarifying Toner

$30 at Amazon $30 at Nordstrom $30 at Sephora

Salicylic acid, papaya enzymes, chlorella: If you want a toner that will unclog pores, lighten hyperpigmentation, tighten skin, and control oil production, we have just what you’re looking for. This best-selling Murad toner does the trick, working quickly to clean, cleanse, and refresh the face. It’s made with witch hazel, which helps to taper down oil, making complexions less greasy and shiny. Plus, it incorporates algae extract into the formula to unclog pores and keep oil from building up. On top of that, grape seed extract and vitamin E team up to protect the skin from free radical damage throughout the day.

Who It’s For: Anyone looking for a do-it-all toner will appreciate this multitasking pick.

Active Ingredients: Witch hazel, grape seed extract, vitamin E, algae extract | Key Benefits: Refreshes, tightens, clarifies, controls oil production | Skin Type: Normal, oily | Size: 6 oz

Elena, tester: “My skin looks really nice after using the toner. It’s glowing, smooth, and glossy. I love it.”