Face toners can be a great step in your skin care routine if you’re not using one already.
So to help you find out the best face toner for you, we’ve listed eleven great options with a selection of different key ingredients and purposes.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- The benefits of using a good face toner
- Which type of toner is best for the face
- Which toner is best for glowing skin
- 11 of the best face toners
- If toners are suitable for everyone to use
What are the benefits of using a good face toner?
Face toners are said to have many benefits, but some of the most common include:
- Restores skin pH balance post-cleanse
- Removes excess soap after cleansing
- Enhances skin cleanliness by permeating pores
- Contains ingredients which can enhance skin appearance, including actives like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids).
What is the best toner for the face?
The best toner for the face really depends on your skin type.
But thankfully there is a wide range of different facial toners with varying ingredients meaning you can get the perfect one for your skincare needs.
Find out more about identifying your skin type before choosing a toner in our guide on what toner does for your skin.
What is the best toner for glowing skin?
If a glowy look is what you’re after, try and look for toners that contain vitamin C, niacinamide or anything hydrating like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid.1
11 of the best face toners
Interested in learning more about the different kinds of facial toners?
To help you make your decision, we’ve listed eleven of the best face toners for a variety of skin types and with a range of different ingredients.
Customer rating: 4/5 stars
Rose otto oil has been used for skin, physical and mental health for many years.
For the skin, in particular, rose otto has been found to moisturise dry patches, reduce redness and sensitivity and destroy dirt that commonly causes skin conditions.2,3,4
This face toner is also infused with Rose Petal, Witch Hazel and Aloe Vera – making it a great all-rounder.
Key features
- Vegan friendly
How to apply it: Apply to a cotton pad or wool and gently wipe in upward motions over the skin both morning and night.
Mumalwaysknows: "Dr Organic Rose Otto Toner is effective and gentle on my skin. It also smells gorgeous - not in an overpowering way, but for a short while when I've just applied it."
Lizzi27: "This is a slightly cheaper alternative to the Liz Earle toner and just as effective. It smells amazing and does the job it should very well. Great for dry or sensitive skins too."
Customer rating: 4.4/5 stars
Designed to stop spots from forming in their tracks, the Alba Botanica Acne Deep Clean Astringent is considered by some to be the best toner for blemish-prone skin.
Made with Willow Bark Extract which is a natural form of Salicylic Acid has soothing and hydrating properties that may help reduce the appearance of acne.
Key features
- Vegan friendly
- Organic ingredients
- Effective for blemish-prone skin
How to apply it: Gently apply onto a cotton ball to freshly cleansed face in the morning and evening.
TimJD: "I only apply this on my shoulders, when my spots get out of control and my usual topical creams get overwhelmed. It’s great for covering a large area quickly and easily and helping to get the situation back in control. I have sensitive skin but have never had any issues."
Isabelle30: "It's a kind of magic! Does not dry out your skin, but targets spots. I have had acne for all of my life and when it came back again after change in contraception I tried this. It works really well! Wauw!"
Customer rating: 4.3/5 stars
Another great toner for blemish-prone skin is the Dr Organic Skin Clear Toner.
With Grapefruit extract, AHAs and Salicylic Acid all of these ingredients help to clear oily, problem skin while also soothing redness and reducing pores.
Key features
- Vegan friendly
- Paraben-free
- SLS free
- Suitable for blemish-prone skin
How to apply it: Apply to cotton wool and wipe gently in upward movements over skin morning and night after cleansing.
For optimal results use as part of your daily Skin Clear regime.
Leemthedreem: "I bought this about a week ago and have to say it is a very good product. You get a lot of product so I’m sure it will last maybe a few months. It has a nice smell and I can see my skin clearing up from consistently using it AM and PM after cleansing."
anon98: "The first time I bought this I honestly didn't expect it to fulfil its promises (as most similar products don't), but it has had an amazing effect on my skin! I have oily skin that can go through bad breakout periods, but applying this after washing my face before bed has cleared my skin *so* much. Whenever I don't use it I really notice the difference, and the super affordable price point is just a bonus!"
Customer rating: 4.8/5 stars
This rose facial toner from Ayumi is ideal if you’re looking for a soothing, hydrating and balancing skincare product.
Made with Rose, Glycerin and Geranium, this combination helps to replenish, stimulate and refresh the skin.
Key features
- Vegan friendly
- Leaping bunny certified
- Can be used to refresh throughout the day
How to apply it: For younger-looking skin, use it daily in the morning and evening. Apply generously to cotton wool and sweep gently over the face and neck.
Carol McWatt: "This toner is really good and smells amazing. Will last ages. Good price."
Anonymous: "This is my favourite toner ever - worth purchasing for the smell alone! Seriously if they made a perfume I’d wear it. Since I started using this alongside the Rose ‘Sense’ skin balm my skin is the best it’s ever been. I try to avoid using cotton pads, so I just pour a small amount of toner into my hands, rub them together and apply to my face. This toner is really nice and refreshing, I’ve noticed redness in my skin is reduced, my skin repairs itself quickly and I’m having significantly fewer lasting breakouts. Definitely recommend!"
Customer rating: 4.7/5 stars
This organic rose water toner is ideal if you’re looking for something multipurpose.
Made with ingredients to calm, hydrate and nourish the skin, this face toner is ideal for people who have dry and sensitive skin.
How to apply it: After washing and cleansing your face, pour some rose water onto a pad and massage it into your face while avoiding the eyes.
JCP77: "This is a beautiful product. Lovely fragrance. Leaves skin refreshed and hydrated."
Mmjj: "I am using it mainly as a toner but it is also great after shaving and to refresh irritated skin. It leaves a very refreshing and calming feeling."
Customer rating: 4.8/5 stars
Looking for a face toner to combat breakouts?
Look no further than the Clear Skin Days Clarifying Toner. With only 12 different raw ingredients, this toner is simple but effective in exfoliating and hydrating the skin.
Key features
- Suitable for blemish-prone skin
How to apply it: Use it in the morning and evening after using a cleanser. Apply to a cotton pad and wipe across the face.
AnnieKelly: "I've been using this toner for a little while, and made the mistake of switching to a different toner. I noticed a difference almost immediately with chin breakouts and my skin just appearing dull. This toner isn't at all harsh, but keeps my skin clear and bright. I'd say a brilliant option for all skin types"
Debs: "Works well with the face wash and can see improvements in my skin"
Customer rating: 5/5 stars
This toner for sensitive skin is gentle, hydrating and soothing on your complexion.
With key ingredients like aloe vera and green tea, this toner can help to remove any remnants of makeup and pollutants that you may have missed when cleansing.
Key features
- Suitable for vegans
- Gentle on the skin
- Calming green tea
How to apply it: Shake well before use. Apply a few drops to a cotton pad and gently apply to your skin to help remove makeup and skin impurities.
Cc11: "This stuff gets all of the excess dirt off of my face and is so amazing!"
KPA2992: "I recently added this to my routine after seeing it recommended by The Pampered Wolf on YouTube, and I’ve already bought my second bottle. It’s lovely and hydrating, comforting and refreshing."
Customer rating: 4.5/5 stars
Looking for a natural toner for skin improvements?
This Sukin Pore Perfecting Toner can offer just that, with Eucalyptus, Tea Tree Oils and Quince for purifying the skin, reducing pores and limiting skin shine.
Key features
- Suitable for vegans
- Non-GMO
- Natural ingredients
How to apply it: Soak a cotton pad or cloth and gently wipe over the face. Use in the morning and the evening following your cleanser.
ShamKM: "It is really effective in cleaning your face, removing layers that you thought would have been removing during your wash/cleanse"
Deedee1: "This is the best toner I've ever used. It's so refreshing and gentle on the skin, smells amazing and has really helped manage my acne and reduce my enlarged pores. I will definitely be sticking with this toner from now on."
Customer rating: 4.2/5 stars
Vitamin C is known to have a variety of different benefits in skincare, from being hydrating to helping reduce the appearance of redness and blemishes.6,7,8
So why not include it in a facial toner?
Ideal for giving your skin a hit of vitamin C in a quick and easy way, the Andalou Clementine + C Illuminating Toner offers just that.
Key features
- Suitable for all skin types
- Certified natural cosmetics
- Gentle on the skin
- Cruelty-free
How to apply it: Simply apply to a cotton wool pad or ball and gently smooth over a freshly cleansed face.
Soudabeh: "Leaves my skin nice and refreshed, ready for further steps of my routine. I've noticed that with time my complexion has improved. Lovely product!"
India22: "This has been one of the best purchases I've ever made. My skin love this, it looks so clear and refreshed. I just spray it on my face in the morning and before bed and then apply moisturiser. It's lasted ages so far and the natural ingredients are a plus too. Definitely a quality buy."
Customer rating: 4.7/5 stars
Looking for a face toner for dry skin?
You’re in the right place.
Made with Tumeric and Botanics, the Urban Veda Radiance Hydrating Toner is designed to revitalise dehydrated skin and balanced tone.
Key features
- Suitable for vegans
- Maintains pH balance
- Great for uneven skin tones
How to apply it: After cleansing, apply the tonic to a cotton pad and then to face and neck, using gentle sweeping movements.
Allow a minute for botanicals to absorb into the skin, before moisturising. Repeat the cleansing process twice daily.
Hanka: "I bought this product one month ago and I am in love with it!!! The smell is divine... my skin is improving a lot! Highly recommended if you like Ayurveda products:-)"
Sweetlo: "I cannot do without this product. It makes my skin glow. Amazing!!"
Customer rating: 4.7/5 stars
If your skin is in need of a moisture boost, look no further than the Trilogy Hydrating Mist Toner.
Super refreshing and calming, this toner contains natural ingredients like Rose, Geranium and Lavender.
Key features
- Certified natural cosmetics
- Suitable for all skin types
- Great for over or under makeup
How to apply it: Spray bottle at least 30cm from face. Use daily or as often as required, even over make-up.
EmilyHull: "Love this toner, decided to stick with it after I purchased trial sizes. Time saving and makes my skin feel fresh. I have combination skin and this with my regular skincare is fabulous and here to stay."
Useful and organised: "I use this toner to spritz onto my face after daily make up application, and after night time routine, inhaling the uplifting scent. I use another toner for both day and night routines, this is purely for a decadent, fantastic rose smelling finish to them both. Lovely bottle, my summertime treat. If you like the smell of proper roses then you will love this. Good for sensitive skin like mine."
Are face toners suitable for everyone?
Generally speaking, face toners should be suitable for everyone.
But if you have sensitive skin, it’s important to choose one that is gentle to avoid any sensitivity.
Or for more specialised advice, speak to your GP or a dermatologist.
The final say
Closer to making your decision on a face toner?
Whether you opt for something that helps blemish-prone skin or something truly hydrating, get started on your toner journey today.
Last updated: 17 September 2021
- https://askthescientists.com/brightening-skincare/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21709432
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23122727
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19688375
- https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Salicylic-acid
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673383/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16029672
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579659/