As the name signifies, a toner helps you tone down your skin. Even after cleansing or washing your face, if there’s any chance for the dirt, grime or impurities stuck in your pores, then your toner will remove all such traces, leaving your skin completely clean and hydrated.

Toner is great for minimizing the appearance of pores. It is super refreshing and works as a rejuvenator as well, which means that it helps to give skin a tighter and firmer look. Consistent use of a good toner can make you feel the difference right away.

Toner doesn’t work as a moisturizer, but it helps the skin to retain the moisture, which obviously is quite essential, and I mean, who doesn’t want their skin to stay moist for as long as possible!?

But guys, here’s the deal. Now, as we know what toners are used for and why is it essential for our skin, we now need to know as well as to understand the types of toners (and trust me, this is going to be an important piece of information).

TYPES OF TONERS:

All kinds of toners are mainly categorized into two: Astringent toners and balancing toners.

The name says it all about the latter one, balancing toners are used to balance the pH level of the skin and all because these toners are specifically formulated to be extra gentle; they leave the skin plump and hydrated.

Then comes the astringent toners. These toners are designed explicitly for people with different skin concerns, such as excessively oily, acne-prone or combination skin, where it always gets a little tricky to choose the right product.

Astringent toners are basically exfoliating toners, which means that they are specifically formulated with exfoliating acids like AHAs (lactic acid, Glycolic acid, mandelic acid) and BHAs (Salicylic acid). But just because the astringent toners are to perform the function of exfoliation, it doesn’t make them any less gentle. In fact, an exfoliating toner is considered to be one of the best things one can use to exfoliate their skin.

However, a gentle exfoliator doesn’t mean you can exfoliate your skin daily or as much as you want. Make sure not to use an exfoliating toner more than once or twice a week, and if you have dry skin, then even once a month, exfoliation would be more than enough.

So now, when you know all about the toners, their functions, benefits and uses, it’s time to dive straight into the list of the best and the most effective toners for all skin types.

For Sensitive Skin:

● THAYERS Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial Toner with Aloe Vera Formula:

It has a calming formula best known for its pH-balancing properties. The active ingredients include witch hazel and aloe vera. Consistent use of this toner is proven to minimize pores and helps even the skin tone, providing hydration and softness to the skin. In addition, it’s non-scented and alcohol-free, best suited for sensitive skin. 

● CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Toner:

The active ingredients include essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. An excellent composition to cleanse and tone the skin, leaving it completely plumped and hydrated. It’s free of fragrance & alcohol and completely non-comedogenic—a perfect soothing blend for sensitive skin.

For Normal to Dry Skin:

● FRESH Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner:

This toner is a treat. Its gentle formula, the soft feel on the skin, and the real rose petals inside say it all. It’s a little pricey but worth every penny. The rose fruit extracts and hyaluronic acid deeply hydrate and nourishes the skin, leaving it soft and plump. Extremely good for dehydrated skin. Worth a shot!

● L’ORÉAL PARIS Revitalift Derm Intensives 5% Glycolic Acid Toner:

As the name signifies, one of the active ingredients in this toner is glycolic acid, which is the highlight. It gives instant brightness to the skin by gently exfoliating the dead cells, and the glycerin and aloe vera helps retain the moisture and soothe the skin—good value for money.  

For Acne-Prone Skin:

● Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner:

If you are prone to breakouts, then this is for you. It comes with glycolic acid working as an active ingredient, which has amazing exfoliating properties, and the grapefruit extract and aloe vera help with skin brightening and balancing. Consistent use has been proven to bring visible differences right away. 

For Oil and Pore Reduction:

● Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner:

This is not just a toner; this is a magic potion. The Holy Grail! It does what it says; it reduces the pores—specifically formulated to target the gunk & grime trapped in the pores, eventually reducing the appearance of blackheads & whiteheads. And not just that, it also helps fight against the signs of ageing—an excellent addition to your nighttime skincare routine (it can be applied in the daytime as well). The toner is reasonably potent, so it can be used for all skin types except for the sensitive.

● La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution Face Toner:

This magic recipe is made with glycolic and salicylic acid. It doesn’t just target the clogged pores but works the best against smoothing the skin texture. Deep cleanse the pores and removes all the dead cells leaving the skin soft and refreshed. One of the best toners for oily skin because of its gentle exfoliating properties.

Important Note: Sun protection has always been necessary. However, I still need to mention that when you use potent toners, ensure not to skip your sunscreen. This is for everyone, and specifically for those with sensitive skin. 

Thank you for reading this blog! Let us know in the comment section if you find it helpful because I would love to know what you think! And if you enjoyed reading this article, share it with your family and friends.