“ Toners have an acidic pH, helping to restore the skin’s pH balance after using cleanser, which are more alkaline,” explains Dr. Yadav. They’re also effective at removing traces of makeup, dirt, or sebum that may be left on the skin.

Can you use a toner if you have dry skin?

Yes, as long as you choose the right one. Follow the aforementioned advice; formulas geared towards dry skin can actually be an effective way to add in another layer of hydration into your skincare routine, notes Dr. Yadav.

How do you use a toner for dry skin?

If it’s a gentle, hydrating formula, you should be able to use it twice daily. However, if you want to use it just once a day, do so nightly, after washing and drying your face. “Put a few drops on a cotton pad and swipe it across your entire face, as well as your neck and chest,” suggests Dr. Farber. Just keep in mind that while the toner will help add hydration, you don’t want to rely on it as the only hydrating product in your routine, Dr. Yadav points out. Layer a moisturizing serum and/or cream on top of it, in order to further help lock in that extra hydration, she says.

The 12 Best Toners for Dry Skin of 2023

The 12 Best Toners for Dry Skin in 2022 — Byrdie / Sabrina Jiang

When it comes to remedying dry and dehydrated skin, you might not think of toner—but it's time you should. The uses for toner are varied and help to target skin concerns that go beyond acne and oiliness. In fact, adding that one extra step to your skincare routine can make a real and visible difference in the moisture levels of the skin. That is—if you're using the right formula.

A new crop of toners on the market promise all kinds of different skincare benefits, including, you guessed it, hydration. “Traditionally, toners used to be very drying due to the alcohol and astringents that remove oil from the skin. Newer astringents used in many of today’s formulas are meant to prep your skin to receive active ingredients by restoring its natural acidic state and adding hydration to improve their penetration,” explains Dr. Jessie Cheung, a dermatologist in Willowbrook, IL.

The key is to seek out formulas that are first and foremost alcohol-free since, as mentioned, alcohol can be extremely drying (especially for skin that already tends towards dryness). Next, look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, rosewater, or aloe—they'll work to add moisture back in while balancing skin tone.

Read on for the best toners for dry skin.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner

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Best Budget:

Dickinson's Witch Hazel Toner at Amazon

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Best Drugstore:

Garnier SkinActive Hydrating Facial Mist at Walmart

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Best Splurge:

SK-II Clear Lotion Skin Toner at Sephora

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Best Classic:

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Toner

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Best for Sensitive Skin:

Renee Rouleau Moisture Infusion Toner at Reneerouleau.com

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Best Exfoliating:

Bolden Glycolic Acid Toner at Amazon

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Best for Soothing:

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Wild Oat Toner

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Best Natural:

Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner

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Best Toning Lotion:

Chanel Hydra Beauty Lotion at Chanel.com

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In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie?

4.8

Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner

Sephora

View on Ulta View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Hydrates
Available in multiple sizes
A little goes a long way

What We Don't Like

Not Byrdie Clean

Who else recommends it? Allure, StyleCraze, and Good Housekeeping all picked the Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner.

Not only is this crowd-favorite alcohol-free, but it also uses a gentle rose fruit extract for toning purposes, rather than some of the more astringent ingredients found in other formulas. On the hydrating side of things, rosewater and rose flower oil (there are even real rose petals in the bottle!) soothe and nourish, while hyaluronic acid also does some heavy hydration lifting. So much so that, according to the results of a clinical study, it increased hydration by an impressive 46% for six hours after application.

Price at time of publish: $46 for 8.4 fl. oz

Dickinson's Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner with Rosewater

View On Amazon View On Target View On Walmart

What We Like

Not drying
Reduces excess oil
Feels cooling on skin

What We Don't Like

Scent may not be for some

From one of the OG toner brands comes this new hydrating option, infused with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. Not only is it alcohol-free, but it also doesn’t contain any sulfates, soaps, or dyes (all things which can also potentially exacerbate dryness). Plus, the exclusive natural witch hazel plants Dickinson uses in all of their products are distilled for purity, and not diluted like some of the other witch hazel out there, to help ensure maximum potency and efficacy.

Price at time of publish: $7

Courtesy of Walmart

View On Walmart

What We Like

Soothes and hydrates
Easy to use
Helps calm breakouts

What We Don't Like

Contains alcohol and fragrance

Made with 99% natural ingredients, this toner relies on aloe juice for a deep hit of instant hydration. The formula works in a multitude of different ways—use it post-moisturizer and pre-makeup for an extra boost of moisture, on top of makeup to help set your look, or as a quick pick-me-up anytime your skin feels a little dry or lackluster throughout the day. Bonus points for the spray-on format that requires no cotton pads.

Price at time of publish: $10

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Sephora View On Saks Fifth Avenue

What We Like

Made for all skin types
Makes skin look radiant
A little goes a long way

What We Don't Like

Contains parabens

This SK-II toner contains AHAs to gently exfoliate dead and dry skin away from the surface of the skin, while vitamins, minerals, and amino acids nourish what's underneath. It's on the expensive side, but the benefits make it well worth it.

Price at time of publish: $76

Courtesy of Kiehl's

View on Ulta View On Kiehls.com

What We Like

pH balanced
Exfoliates
Hydrating formula

What We Don't Like

Not Byrdie Clean

This tried-and-true product gently exfoliates so serums and moisturizers can penetrate deeper and work more effectively. What's more is that it's pH-balanced, which results in comfortable, hydrated skin. Fans refer to it as a "holy-grail toner"— which makes sense considering it's one of the brand's most popular products. Cheung is a fan, too: “It’s both alcohol-free and has hydrating and soothing botanical extracts, such as avocado oil, apricot kernel oil, and sweet almond oil,” she says.

Price at time of publish: $24

Renee Rouleau

View On Reneerouleau.com

What We Like

Hydrates
Helps calm redness
Makes skin look radiant

What We Don't Like

Scent may not be for some

We get it, a toner isn’t necessarily the first product you think of for sensitive skin. This particular formula, however, definitely deserves a spot in your routine. A favorite of Byrdie Senior Editor Lindsey Metrus, it’s free of alcohol and other potential irritants (most importantly), but it’s also chock-full of soothing vitamins and fatty acids that work to both hydrate and tamp down redness (it’s even a good option for rosacea-sufferers).

Price at time of publish: $45

Try using it along with a retinoid to help tamp down unsightly side effects like dryness and peeling.

Bolden USA Brightening Glycolic Acid Toner

Courtesy of Walmart

View On Amazon View On Boldenusa.com

What We Like

Exfoliates
Reasonably priced
Makes skin look radiant

What We Don't Like

Not for acne-prone skin

For those who want their toner to do more than just hydrate, this pick is choice. As the name suggests, it touts glycolic acid to dissolve away dead cells and leave skin looking generally brighter and more radiant. And while yes, glycolic acid is great for oily skin types, it’s also a unique ingredient that actually doubles as a humectant, attracting moisture to the skin. There’s also soothing and skin barrier-strengthening niacinamide in this formula, too.

Price at time of publish: $20

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Wild Oat Hydrating Toner

Courtesy of First Aid Beauty

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Ideal for sensitive skin
Hydrates
Creamy texture

What We Don't Like

Can dry a little sticky

Key Ingredients

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in the human body. It acts as a cushioning and lubrication agent for our joints, nerves, hair, skin, and eyes. When used in skincare, it acts as a moisture binder, which means that it will attach itself to the water in the cells (while also attracting and holding water from the air) giving them a plumping effect.

The star of the show here are oats, an ingredient that's well-known for its incredible soothing effects. Namely, there are wild oats, hydrating oat milk, and colloidal oats (an ingredient that's even used to address eczema)—all of which help to calm stressed or irritated skin. Plus, honey and hyaluronic acid in the formula impart plenty of hydration, too.

Price at time of publish: $24

Indie Lee

View on Ulta View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Contains antioxidants
Feels soothing
Fragrance-free

What We Don't Like

May be too much for sensitive skin

Alcohol-, paraben-, and silicone-free, this clean option boasts a minimal ingredient list packed with well-known hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid. But perhaps even more noteworthy is the fact that it also contains powerful antioxidants (including the powerhouse extract, CoQ-10) to give your skin an extra layer of protection from damaging free radicals every time you use it. Now, that's always a good thing in our book.

Price at time of publish: $36

View On Chanel.com

What We Like

Creamy gel texture
Feels light on skin
Hydrates

What We Don't Like

Not Byrdie Clean

Toning lotions straddle the line between, well, toners and lotions, creamier than traditional toners but still with their same lightweight consistency. Not surprisingly, they’re a great option for dry skin, and this is one of our faves. It goes on almost like a gel (and can be applied either with your fingertips or a cotton pad) but quickly transforms into a water-like texture that instantly soaks into your complexion. At work is the brand’s magnetic water complex that attracts, captures, and retains hydration. The subtle, fresh scent is just an added bonus.

Price at time of publish: $50

Courtesy of Pholk Beauty

View On Pholkbeauty.com

What We Like

Easy to use
Lightly scented
Clean, simple ingredient list

What We Don't Like

Could be more hydrating

Part refreshing mist, part hydrating toner, this is the perfect choice when you need a quick hit of hydration anytime, anywhere. Honeysuckle both hydrates and helps keep pores clear (always a good thing), while rose soothes any irritation (and imparts a lovely scent). Try spritzing it directly onto your face if you just need a little bit of moisture, or spray it onto cotton pads and press it into the skin if you need more.

Price at time of publish: $20

Versed Baby Cheeks All in One Hydrating Milk

Courtesy of Dermstore

View On Revolve

What We Like

Removes makeup
Milky texture
Reasonably priced

What We Don't Like

Small bottle

If your skin is super parched, this pick can’t be beaten. A coconut water and algae base make it even more hydrating than most toners. As an added benefit, it works not only as a toner but also as a makeup remover and cleanser, too. (For maximum moisture, we like using it to remove makeup, and then we apply it again after washing with a creamy cleanser). Either way, it leaves your complexion beautifully soft and plumped.

Price at time of publish: $18

Final Verdict

Yes, you can use a toner if you have dry skin. The Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner is a must-try, proven to increase skin hydration for hours on end, thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid. We also love the moisturizing, multi-tasking, and very affordable Garnier SkinActive Hydrating Facial Mist with Aloe Juice, and the Renee Rouleau Moisture Infusion Toner, which is also great if you have sensitive skin. To that point, if your skin is already irritated or stressed out, try the mega-calming First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Wild Oat Hydrating Toner.

Meet the Expert

Dr. Jessie Cheung is a dermatologist in Willowbrook, IL.

Dr. Michele Farber is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatologist Group in Philadelphia.
Dr. Geeta Yadav, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of FACET Dermatology in Toronto, Canada.

What To Look For In a Toner For Dry Skin

Alcohol-free

While alcohol isn’t necessarily a no-no in a toner if you have oily skin, it definitely is if you have dry skin, as it’s known to strip and irritate the skin, says Geeta Yadav, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Toronto, Canada.

Moisturizing Ingredients

Toners traditionally haven’t been thought of as a hydrating product, but these days they can be and are a great way to impart an extra hit of moisture into your skin even before you reach for moisturizer. Dr. Cheung recommends looking for formulas that contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, and squalane.

Soothing Ingredients

Dry skin and sensitive skin also go hand-in-hand, meaning it’s a good idea to choose formulas that contain anti-inflammatory ingredients along with hydrating ones. “Vitamin E, chamomile, and rose water can all help calm the skin,” explains Michele Farber, M.D. a board-certified dermatologist in Philadelphia.

Formulas That Aren't Astrigent

Toners that are astringent aim to remove excess oil for the skin, and as such are too drying for those with already dry skin, explains Dr. Yadav. Avoid those marketed as such, or ones that make claims like “tightens pores,” she advises. Instead, look for formulas that promote hydration or skin balance. In related news, it’s also a good idea to avoid witch hazel, a common astringent ingredient found in many toners, if you have dry skin.

FAQ

What does toner do?

“Toners have an acidic pH, helping to restore the skin’s pH balance after using cleanser, which are more alkaline,” explains Dr. Yadav. They’re also effective at removing traces of makeup, dirt, or sebum that may be left on the skin.
Can you use a toner if you have dry skin?

Yes, as long as you choose the right one. Follow the aforementioned advice; formulas geared towards dry skin can actually be an effective way to add in another layer of hydration into your skincare routine, notes Dr. Yadav.
How do you use a toner for dry skin?

If it’s a gentle, hydrating formula, you should be able to use it twice daily. However, if you want to use it just once a day, do so nightly, after washing and drying your face. “Put a few drops on a cotton pad and swipe it across your entire face, as well as your neck and chest,” suggests Dr. Farber. Just keep in mind that while the toner will help add hydration, you don’t want to rely on it as the only hydrating product in your routine, Dr. Yadav points out. Layer a moisturizing serum and/or cream on top of it, in order to further help lock in that extra hydration, she says.

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. As someone who has extremely dry skin, she’s very familiar with all of the products for dry skin out there, toners included.

The 14 Best Toners of 2023

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

The 17 Best Toners for Every Skin Type & Issue. Allure. https://www.allure.com/gallery/best-toner-for-every-skin-type
10 Best Toners For Dry Skin That You Should Try In 2022. StyleCraze. https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/best-toners-for-dry-skin/
11 Best Toners to Hydrate Dry Skin, According toDermatologists. Good Housekeeping. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/g38002353/best-toner-for-dry-skin/