:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MelanieRudHeadshot-82702c3bc69c47eb801a1408684c08f5.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/OnyekaObiohaMDreal-6bafab72bc4241c2ae5492f716e680e5.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-v2-15-best-toners-2021-4584550-primary-a076b2881008450faa7f53f6cd7df124.jpg)
Byrdie / Chloe Jeong
Today's toner formulas are more advanced than ever, boasting a ton of skin benefits, and delivering active ingredients straight to your face. A good toner is either acid-based, to exfoliate and resurface, or hydrating, to lock in moisture, according to board-certified dermatologist, Lucy Chen, MD.
Byrdie Researched & Approved
Our top pick is Pixi Glow Tonic, an alcohol-free formula that contains a high concentration of glycolic acid plus aloe vera to soothe and hydrate. For a more affordable pick, consider The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7 Percent Toning Solution also formulated with glycolic acid for a powerful exfoliation, and rose water to tamp the sting.
After cleansing, apply toner to both ensure your complexion is totally clean and give it an extra dose of active ingredients. Whether your skin is sensitive and looking for soothing benefits, acne-prone and needing excess oil removal, or dry and thirsting for moisture, the right toner can target concerns and treat accordingly. Seek acids that will gently exfoliate to reduce hyperpigmentation or get relief from redness and irritation with vitamin B3 and other hydrating ingredients.
We tried a handful of top-rated toners spanning a range of budgets, skin types, and concerns. After using them for weeks at a time, our testers rated each formula's skin-feel, and how well it worked to brighten complexion, even out skin tone, fade dark spots, address signs of aging, and hydrate skin. We then combined these results with the recommendations of board-certified dermatologist, Lucy Chen, MD. as well as our own research to compile a list of the best in show.
Ahead, find the best toners with active ingredients.
Best Overall
Pixi Glow Tonic
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/71573-aa5f9d3651d84944b0789509561c3d59.jpg)
Dermstore
Generous size
High concentration of glycolic acid
Aloe vera soothes and hydrates
Alcohol-free
May strip skin if overused
This product has a cult following for its exfoliating and brightening benefits; credit a five-percent concentration of glycolic acid. But we think it’s a choice pick for those with combination skin (or anyone who has some areas that are slick and some that are dry) because it also touts astringent witch hazel to absorb excess oil along with hydrating aloe vera. It’s alcohol-free, so you never have to worry about it being drying or stripping.
Price at time of publish: $26
Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, aloe vera | Skin Type: Combination, all | Benefits: Boosts radiance, exfoliates, absorbs excess oil, hydrates | Size: 4.2 ounces, 8.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
What Our Testers Say
"It feels refreshing and soothing on contact, which is a nice surprise considering the glycolic acid in play." — Adam Hurly, Product Tester.
Best Budget
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TheOrdinaryGlycolicAcid7ToningSolution-f7698fc67cde4b2ba4dc5fa795cfc132.jpeg)
Courtesy of Ulta
Affordable
Generous size
Exfoliating formula
High potency needs conservative use
This affordably-priced toner contains glycolic acid, one of the best exfoliating alpha-hydroxy acids there is, to remove dead skin cells and leave your complexion radiant. Rose water helps tamp some of the sting, but the formula is potent, so start with using it a few times during the week, and work your way up in frequency as your skin builds tolerance.
Price at time of publish: $10
Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, rose water | Skin Type: All | Benefits: Exfoliates and eases redness | Size: 8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Drugstore
Dickinson's Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner with Rosewater
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/DickinsonsEnhancedWitchHazelHydratingTonerwithRosewater-d14bf875d69741de9cefff286c5eae04.jpg)
Affordable
Alcohol-free
Generous size
Strong smell
This updated formula is milder and less irritating than the original. It still boasts a potent concentration of witch hazel for purifying and oil-absorbing purposes but is alcohol-free to avoid the potential for any unnecessary dryness. An infusion of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E soften skin.
Price at time of publish: $7
Active Ingredients: Witch hazel | Skin Type: All | Benefits: Cleanses and hydrates | Size: 16 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Large Pores
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PaulasChoiceSkinBalancingPore-ReducingToner-0e116bfd68694fe08f36598865f1a449.jpg)
Amazon
Lightweight
Recyclable bottle
Fragrance-free
May strip skin if overused
You can make pores appear smaller and less noticeable by clearing out the gunk and grime that gets lodged inside them, stretching them out, and making them appear more prominent. A gently acidic formula contains soothing ingredients to tamp down any redness in the process. "The addition of niacinamide can help minimize hyperpigmentation, reduce wrinkles, and protect against free radicals,” says Chen.
Price at time of publish: $23
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Oily | Benefits: Reduces excess oil | Size: 6.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Paulas-Choice-Skin-Balancing-Pore-Reducing-Toner-5-145110a68577477fae97147e9969e8cd.jpeg)
Byrdie / Bianca Lambert
What Our Tester Says
"I had zero irritation, my active breakout became less inflamed, and I could layer my retinol without my skin being overstimulated. I also got immense satisfaction from looking at my cotton pad and seeing the toner capture the debris left on my skin even after a double-cleanse." — Bianca Lambert, Product Tester
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution Acne Toner
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LaRoche-PosayEffaclarMicro-ExfoliatingToner-2b1308445cc44045a42ccdc913eb3e51.jpg)
Doubles as a primer
Affordable
Lightweight
May irritate sensitive skin
High potency means conservative use
A toner can be an invaluable tool in your battle against blemishes. The key is choosing the right one that will target excess oil and keep pores clear without over-drying your skin (and ironically end up triggering more oil and breakouts). Enter this guy, which relies on a minimal-yet-effective amount of salicylic acid to dissolve oil and prevent pore clogging, plus exfoliating glycolic acid. It’s a pairing that effectively wards off and treats blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.
Price at time of publish: $26
Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid | Skin Type: Acne-prone | Benefits: Exfoliates | Size: 6.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Acne-Prone Skin, Runner-Up
Perricone MD Acne Relief Gentle Exfoliating Toner
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PerriconeMDAcneReliefGentleExfoliatingToner-025ea12442584a6c8fbb0d9c7fd7b31e.jpeg)
Ulta
Matte finish
Non-irritating
Non-comedogenic
Expensive
This pick works to help clarify and clear your complexion in a variety of different ways. Along with the more well-known salicylic and lactic acid (the former for helping to unclog pores, the latter for helping to exfoliate), this also contains succinic acid, a buzzy new ingredient that may have antibacterial benefits as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.
Price at time of publish: $45
Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, lactic acid, succinic acid | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Benefits: Exfoliates and unclogs pores | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Hyperpigmentation
Bolden Brightening Glycolic Acid Toner
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/3d6d7447-035e-4252-88c7-2413b4b51d14_1.b0af9c9cf2548da065b7cd8d6b86268b-51280ec5b44f47418d7e468379059978.jpg)
Courtesy of Walmart
Free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates
Affordable
Includes fragrance
Whether your dark marks are from sun damage or acne scarring, this powerhouse pairing of glycolic acid and antioxidant-blend can help even out your skin tone. There’s also licorice root extract to help fade hyperpigmentation, and niacinamide, to minimize irritation.
Price at time of publish: $20
Active Ingredients: Witch hazel, niacinamide, licorice root extract | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Benefits: Moisturizes and fades hyperpigmentation | Size: 7.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Classic
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50V
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BiologiqueRechercheLotionP50V-6c08184bd96d4914aae75263cdbbc6c4.jpeg)
Phenol-free
Quick results
Lightweight
Strong smell
Byrdie Editorial Director Hallie Gould is willing to put up with this formula's strong scent of onion, a known anti-inflammatory; she says it delivers radiant results. The hybrid lotion-toner formula hydrates and balances pH and includes lactic acid, niacinamide to exfoliate as you hydrate.
Price at time of publish: $125
Active Ingredients: Lactic acid, niacinamide | Skin Type: Balanced, oily | Benefits: Exfoliates and hydrates | Size: 1.7 ounces, 5.1 ounces, 8.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Oily Skin
Ole Henriksen Balancing Force Oil Control Toner
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/OleHenriksenBalancingForceOilControlToner1-5c645a9846e0fb00017dd900.jpg)
Courtesy of Sephora
Matte finish
Non-comedogenic
Some reviewers not it can lead to over-drying
The right toner can go a long way in helping to control excess sheen and shine for those with oily skin types, and this one fits the bill. It combines oil-dissolving salicylic acid—along with exfoliating glycolic and lactic acids—to purify and unclog pores, along with the brand’s proprietary blend of botanicals that helps absorb excess oil. The astringent witch hazel further helps mattify skin.
Price at time of publish: $38
Active Ingredients: Witch hazel, AHAs/BHA | Skin Type: Oily | Benefits: Absorbs excess oil, clears pores | Size: 6.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Dry Skin
Glowoasis Probiotics + Murumuru Ultra Calming Toner
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GlowoasisProbioticsMurumuruUltraCalmingToner-b50c5859c2bc405080051de1f6b5b576.jpeg)
Glowasis
Paraben- and phthalate-free
Non-irritating
Expensive
A toner for dry skin can help add an extra layer of moisture before you reach for your serum and moisturizer, notes Chen. This toner's most powerful ingredient is murumuru butter, which helps both calm irritation and hydrate. The addition of a vitamin B complex helps replenish skin's moisture.
Price at time of publish: $32
Active Ingredients: Murumuru butter, vitamin B complex | Skin Type: Dry, irritated | Benefits: Moisturizes and calms skin | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Exfoliating
Good Faith Exfoliating Toner + AHAs
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GoodFaithExfoliatingTonerAHAs-ec102ad8dbeb461ebaf363cf3adc670f.jpg)
Good Faith
Multi-action formula
Safe to use during pregnancy
Alcohol- and fragrance-free
May cause irritation
A combo of lactic and other fruit acids do the exfoliating heavy-lifting in this formula, dissolving dead skin cells that can leave your complexion looking dull, uneven, and generally lackluster. It also boasts niacinamide (vitamin B3), an ingredient that isn’t found in a ton of other toners; it has hydrating abilities and can help boost radiance and even skin tone. There’s soothing chamomile in there, too, and it is alcohol- and fragrance-free. That being said, if your skin is super sensitive, it’s not a bad idea to just use it on areas where you’re prone to clogged pores—think around your T-zone.
Price at time of publish: $24
Active Ingredients: Lactic acid, fruit acids, niacinamide | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, oily, combination | Benefits: Exfoliates, hydrates, boosts radiance, soothes | Size: 6.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Anti-Aging
Flora & Noor Rose Renewal Toner
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/FloraNoorRoseRenewalToner-4aee7b4de6a248849ea00afbd83148ea.jpg)
Flora & Noor
Minimal ingredient list
Contains anti-inflammatories
Affordable
No ideal for super oily skin
The ingredient list of this toner is super minimal (which we appreciate since there are fewer potential irritants and it’s squeaky clean, too), but everything in the formula packs a punch. Namely, we’re referring to antioxidant-rich rose water, hydrating and anti-inflammatory aloe vera, and most noteworthy for anti-aging purposes, hibiscus extract. Also a powerful antioxidant, it has the added benefit of being able to help support the production of collagen, an essential protein for healthy, youthful skin.
Active Ingredients: Rosewater, aloe vera, hibiscus extract | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination | Benefits: Hydrates, offers antioxidant protection | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Sensitive Skin
Renee Rouleau Moisture Infusion Toner
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ReneeRouleau-MoistureInfusionToner-1024x1024_1024x1024-0401932e77bd4783bcb2b084d6e6fde5.jpg)
Renee Rouleau
Omega-rich formula leaves creates a cushiony complexion
Ideal for retinol users who are experiencing flakiness
Fragrance
An alcohol-free, serum-infused skin toner, this pick is ideal for those looking to create a dewy complexion. Alternatively, it's ideal for retinol users who are experiencing flakiness. It's formulated with natural botanicals to soothe irritation. The addition of black raspberry seed oil and blackberry seed oil make the formula rich in omegas 3, 6 and 9, giving it a luxe skin-feel so that skin can better absorb moisture treatments. Reviewers note skin appears cushiony and radiant after use.
Price at time of publish: $45
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin C, phospholipids | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination | Benefits: Hydrates, offers antioxidant protection, boosts radiance | Size: 6 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
What Our Editors Say
"Renee Rouleau's Moisture Infusion Toner is one of my absolute favorite formulas. It's hydrating, bouncy, and so refreshing to apply. It's a blend of essential vitamins and omega 3, 6, and 9 to calm redness and/or irritation—with an unbelievably silky coat of moisture." — Hallie Gould, Editorial Director
Best Brightening
Fenty Skin Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/FentySkinFatWaterPore-RefiningTonerSerum-9f69788abafb48aebce3a5952859aca3.jpg)
Sephora
Hydrating ingredients
Targets dark spots
Adds visible glow
Some reviewers note irritation
Thicker texture makes product slow to absorb
This toner-serum hybrid has a bit more body to it than typical toners, and some reviewers note it feels like a thin gel. Niacinamide and vitamin C target dark spots and help fade pigmentation, while the alcohol-free formula contains Australian lemon myrtle and witch hazel to help reduce oil and refine pores.
Price at time of publish: $30
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin C | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, and oily | Benefits: Targets pores, improves the look of dark spots, visibly brightens, | Size: 5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
What Our Editors Say
"I was afraid the witch hazel was going to cause some dryness to my skin, but I was pleasantly surprised."—Olivia Hancock, Editor
Final Verdict
Our top pick is Pixi Glow Tonic, an alcohol-free formula that contains a high concentration of glycolic acid plus aloe vera to soothe and hydrate. For a more affordable pick, consider The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7 Percent Toning Solution also formulated with glycolic acid for a powerful exfoliation, and rose water to tamp the sting.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/041420-pixi-glow-tonic-lead-495d4f25b23244e58601fcc9016d373c.jpg)
Meet the Expert
Lucy Chen , MD is a board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami, FL. She specializes in Mohs surgery, as well as skincare services and chronic skin conditions.
What to Look for in a Toner
According to Chen, you’ll want to seek out ingredients based on your particular skin type and complexion concerns. Below are a few of the best:
Salicylic Acid
This beta-hydroxy acid, which helps dissolve oil, is ideal if you have oily or acne-prone skin, says Chen.
Lactic Acid
Dealing with discoloration? Chen recommends using a toner that contains this alpha-hydroxy acid, a gentle chemical exfoliant that can improve both the tone and texture of your skin.
Niacinamide
You can still use a toner if you have dry and/or sensitive skin; the key is to make sure the formula contains hydrating and soothing ingredients. Chen says that niacinamide checks both of those boxes, hydrating and calming the skin.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Paulas-Choice-Skin-Balancing-Pore-Reducing-Toner-4-8d5f3cad9e7149c390da4dbc090f6ad2.jpg)
Byrdie / Bianca Lambert
When applying a toner, try pressing it gently into the skin with your fingertips, rather than using a cotton pad, which soaks up more of the liquid than it actually delivers.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She considered dozens of toners for this roundup, evaluating each formula's skin-feel, and how well it worked to brighten complexion, even out skin tone, fade dark spots, address signs of aging, and hydrate skin. We then combined these results with the recommendations of board-certified dermatologist, Lucy Chen, MD. as well as our own testing insight to compile this list.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-v2-12-best-pore-minimizers-4588902-primary-6ff41a7bd9de469eb184ecf2c7d08809.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/exfoliating-pads-recirc-64363eab38444077a66f2d9cebcccb90.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/promo-67f41d41928a4dfab19387742046c517.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/skinceuticals-Jenna-Igneri-89668bd455914466bb600f024cab287d.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-best-witch-hazel-4690425-recirc-v1-12497bd8cc6e492a9dc5f83f5a2cd9a6.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/woman-sleeping-5d410c9f174d4bb99e94e4d8359a2e95.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-15-best-anti-aging-serums-4582774-primary-final-dcd5d86cbd164b469a50f67b4b946492.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-primary-best-face-moisturizers-for-sensitive-skin-06390d7415cb4953afee7d883a3578f4.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYR-Dr-Dennis-Gross-Alpha-Beta-Universal-Daily-Peel-Juliao-5-e128a0a8d9344f128ed39aa2d66ceb5c.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-primary-best-toners-for-dry-skin-4588015-7a486466beb641efade1394e8e5bee7a.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-moisturizers-for-combination-skin-82bd394d83a74e74b44330e0158015c8.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-14-best-drugstore-face-moisturizers-4584887-recirc-b57a1a2132ba4dcfbbd8edf41947a423.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shampoos-for-oily-hair-4163478-9b1cf54beb1f4f298455909f092f1872.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-v2-21-best-face-exfoliators-4584298-primary-677b46945db148ab8739cdf8e9af757a.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-bglycolic-acid-toners-recirc-3973dafd7d314a048f5efcf1b03d2e9e.jpg)