Facial tonic: rating, reviews, top best moisturizing, cleansing, for dry, oily and problem skin, effective Korean and budget facial tonics

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Between cleansing and moisturizing, a facial toner sets the tone for glowing skin. We've all been guilty of skipping toning and grabbing moisturizer right after washing our face. Little do we understand the magic that a good facial toner can create.

Toning isn't just an extra cleansing step for your skin. It also balances your skin's pH levels and prepares it to effectively absorb other skin care products. Below are the best toners for each skin type that you can add to your skin care arsenal.

• Composition of facial toners
• Which facial toner is better to choose?
• Rating of the 10 best facial toners
• The best toners for problem skin
• The best toners for combination skin
• The best budget facial toners
• The best moisturizing facial toners
• The best cleansing toners for the face
• Reviews of the best Korean facial toners
• Reviews of the best mattifying toners for oily skin
• Reviews of the best toners for dry and sensitive skin

Composition of facial toners

Use a rose water toner for extra hydration.

Rose water is known for its moisturizing, brightening and invigorating properties. It is ideal for skin that needs extra hydration as well as oil control. Look for toners that list rose water as a main ingredient.

Choose a chamomile toner to soothe your skin.

If you struggle with dry, red, or sensitive skin, try a chamomile toner. This ingredient can calm skin irritation, remove blemishes and acne, and improve complexion.

• The combination of chamomile and aloe vera may even help treat eczema and rosacea.

Avoid over-drying and alcohol-based toners

Alcohol is often used as an astringent in harsher tonics. Many people try to use alcohol-based toners to combat acne, but this ingredient can easily irritate and dry out the skin if used too often. Instead, choose a milder, alcohol-free formula.

Look for natural acne-fighting ingredients if you have oily skin.

You can control your acne and still keep your skin hydrated by choosing a toner with milder astringents. Look for ingredients like tea tree oil, citrus juice, orange essential oil, and witch hazel.

• When using an astringent, it is best to use it once a day rather than twice. Once your skin has acclimated, try increasing your use to twice daily.

How to use it correctly

It is necessary to strictly remember that the tonic is applied to previously cleansed facial skin. Even if there is no makeup, you should first wash your face with warm water, apply a small amount of cosmetic product to a cotton pad, and walk over the surface of your face with smooth circular movements.

Massage line diagram

Apply toner starting from the middle of the cheeks towards the ears. Then from the temples to the forehead area.

It is better to bypass the area around the eyes, especially if an alcohol-based toner is used.

Which facial toner is better to choose?

Moisturizing facial toner

If you have a dry skin type, choose toners that are hydrating. Look for products that contain peptides, glycolipids, rosehip seed oil or jojoba oil, dimethicone and glycolic acid. Avoid products containing alcohol (SD 40, denatured, ethanol and isopropyl), sodium or ammonium lauryl sulfate, mineral oil and pertrolate.

Refreshing facial toner

If you have an oily skin type, choose toners that are refreshing and gentle on the skin. Don't punish your oily skin by buying toners that are saturated with alcohol. These toners will dry out your skin, causing your skin to produce even more oil. Use products that contain oil-free ingredients, sodium hyaluronate, sodium PCA and AHA. Avoid products containing alcohol (SD 40, denatured, ethanol and isopropyl), sodium or ammonium lauryl sulfate, mineral oil and pertrolate.

Choose 2 different toners

If you have combination skin type, you will need to purchase two different types of toners: one for the summer months and one for the winter months. During the summer months, use a refreshing toner with low-fat ingredients. During the winter months, use a hydrating toner with ingredients that will hydrate your skin, such as rosehip or jojoba oil.

Gentle tonic

If you have a sensitive skin type, choose gentle toners that are completely free of alcohol and acids, such as salicylic acid or parabens. Use products containing beta-glucans, sea whip, white tea extract and glycerin, ingredients that are anti-inflammatory and have antioxidants. Avoid products containing synthetic colors and fragrances, alcohol (SD 40, denatured, ethanol and isopropyl), and sodium or ammonium lauryl sulfate.

Main components

Facial toners produced by cosmetic companies contain a large number of components. The main volume of any product is occupied by the liquid component – ​​water. The rest are active components that provide the effect described by the manufacturer. The most popular tonic ingredients include:

• Aloe. It has an antiseptic, soothing and healing effect, moisturizes, and has an antioxidant effect. Can be used even for sensitive skin prone to allergic reactions.
• Calendula and chamomile. Reduce irritation, exhibit anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effect.
• Witch hazel. Reduces secretions of the sebaceous glands, constricts blood vessels, is used in preparations for problematic epidermis, as well as for rosacea.
• Rose. Moisturizes, nourishes, has an anti-aging effect, makes the surface more elastic.
• Zinc. Controls the activity of the sebaceous glands, fights shine and blackheads.
• Thermal water. A popular component from thermal springs. Useful for restoring water balance, saturating with microelements, and increasing protective qualities.
• Alcohol. Demonstrates a bactericidal effect, helps the penetration of other components into the deep layers of the epidermis.
• Glycerol. Has a deep moisturizing effect and retains moisture inside.
• Hyaluronic acid. Used to normalize water balance, helps smooth the surface of the epidermis, and has an anti-aging effect.
• Glycolic acid. Designed for cleansing and exfoliating, smoothing the surface of the skin.
• Salicylic acid. Regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands, eliminates keratinized particles.
• Allantoin. Promotes healing, rapid cell regeneration, relieves inflammation.

Rating of the 10 best facial toners

The best toners for problem skin

Garnier face toner

Contrary to popular belief, you can't actually change the size of your pores, and they don't open or close. What happens is that they can start to appear larger or smaller based solely on how much substance they contain. In other words, the more clogged your pores are, the larger and more noticeable they will appear.

That's why this formula is a choice; It contains oil-dissolving salicylic acid to keep pores clean (and looking small). It also has skin-refining to help prevent breakouts, and cooling mint to make it extra refreshing, especially for use after a sweaty workout or on a hot day.

Facial toner Bark

Toners in general are a good product to add to your routine if you constantly struggle with blemishes, and this formula especially. A 2% concentration of salicylic acid locks in excess oil, unclogs pores, and gently exfoliates, working to both treat existing blemishes and curb new ones.

Since it really soaks up all that excess oil, start using it once a day and gradually work your way up to twice a day, just to make sure you don't accidentally dry out your skin.

Eveline Cosmetics Exfoliating Facial Toner

Not only is this multi-toner sufficient to absorb excess oil and mattify shiny skin, but it also touts a combination of three different acids to act as an effective yet gentle exfoliator. A blend of alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, lactic acid, glycolic acid and salicylic acid, it leaves your complexion looking healthy and matte, but with just the right amount of healthy glow. It contains green tea, eucalyptus, kelp, and Irish moss to help absorb excess oil and have natural antiseptic properties.

Caudalie Vinopure Cleansing Toner

Caudalie Vinopure Cleansing Toner Caudalie's bestselling Vinopure cleansing toner for combination skin. The secret to the effectiveness of this product lies in its composition, which includes natural salicylic acid, grape polyphenol and organic essential oils - when combined, they become a group of unstoppable fighters for clear skin. They act gently, and at the same time lighten the skin a little, tighten pores and leave behind a feeling of cleanliness and freshness.

The best toners for combination skin

Mattifying toner The Body Shop Tea Tree

If you have very oily skin and need something to prevent shine, you need to try this mattifying toner. It not only prevents excess oiliness but also gives your skin a matte appearance. It removes any traces of impurities and makeup and keeps your skin's pores clean.

Suitable for : oily skin

pros

• 100%natural
• Contains tea tree oil
• Not tested on animals
• Naturally Derived Ingredients

Korean toner for combination skin type Dickinson

If you have very combination skin that needs a boost of hydration, this toner may help you. This hydrating toner is enriched with vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and witch hazel extracts. It keeps your skin clean, fresh and hydrated. It also unclogs the pores of your skin.

Suitable for : combination skin

pros

• Non-alcoholic
• Recommended by dermatologists
• Natural raw materials

Dr Hauschka -Balancing Tonic

This brightening toner helps balance excess oil production and soothes skin. It soothes inflammation and unclogs the pores of your skin. It contains witch hazel, calendula and nasturtium. It also claims to reduce blemishes and acne.

Suitable for : oily skin

pros

• Natural raw materials
• No parabens
• Without cruelty
• Contains lactic acid

La Mer -Face Tonic

This skin toner is enriched with marine extracts that hydrate your skin, refresh it and create a cooling effect. It balances your skin and soothes irritation. Your skin feels cleansed after using this toner.

Suitable for all skin types

pros

• No parabens
• No phthalates
• No sulfates

La Roche-Posay Serozinc -Tonic for combination face type

This is a zinc sulfate solution that works as a facial toner. It has a mattifying effect and prevents the appearance of shine. It has a watery consistency and is quickly absorbed by the skin.

Suitable for : oily and sensitive skin

pros

• Dermatologist tested
• No parabens
• Fragrance free
• Low-fat

The best budget facial toners

Moisturizing facial toner “Clean Line”

It is great for oily skin. As the name suggests, it gives you a matte finish, minus the shine and excess oil. It contains kaolin clay extracts that absorb excess oil and leave your skin soft and clean.

pros

Natural raw materials

Easy

Minuses

Contains alcohol

L'Oreal face toner

If you have enlarged pores, your skin will love this toner. This toner contains peppermint oil, raspberry, coriander and nut extract to tighten skin pores and reduce shine and excess oil.

pros

• Ayurvedic product
• Contains natural ingredients
• pH balanced

Minuses

• It contains essential oils so it may not be suitable for all skin types.
• Might sting a little

Vitex facial toner

This product targets one of the biggest woes of people with oily skin – open pores. This pore fixing toner unclogs your skin's pores and tightens them so that your skin is not covered in oil.

pros

• Non-alcoholic
• Not sticky

Travel-friendly packaging

Minuses

• Contains parabens

Criteria by which we evaluate tonics of each brand

• Toning.
  And generally performing functions. The condition of your facial skin should improve after 2 weeks of daily use.
• The basis.
  Of the 3 possible options: alcohol, glycerin, water - the last one is most preferable, the other 2 can harm the skin. However, glycerin-based toners are rich in oils, so they have their place but require caution.
• Compound.
  There are no exceptions here: the more natural ingredients, the better.
• Smell.
  Should be neutral or unobtrusive, soft.
• Price.
  A quality product can be inexpensive.

Point system:

By quality:

• 1 point for improved skin condition after 2 weeks;
• 1 point for water base;
• 0.5 points for glycerin base;
• 1 point for natural composition;
• 1 point for neutral or light aroma.

By cost:

• 4 points for costs up to 400 rubles;
• 3 points for a cost from 400 to 800 rubles;
• 2 points for a price from 800 to 1,200 rubles;
• 1 point for a price over 1,200 rubles.

By popularity:

• 3 points for more than 2,000 queries in Yandex per month;
• 2 points for 1,000-2,000 queries in Yandex per month;
• 1 point for less than 1,000 queries in Yandex per month.

After we talk about each of the 5 best facial toner brands and assign points, we will collect all the data in a common table.

When collecting information about products, we used: sites with reviews of real customers, personal sales statistics of KrasotkaPro, open data from the Yandex search engine.

The best moisturizing facial toners

PCA - Moisturizing skin toner

Review

This moisturizing toner is especially beneficial for mature and dry skin. Mature skin needs extra hydration and this toner gets the job done. This toner provides your skin with antioxidant protection throughout the day and protects it from external stressors.

Note: Use sunscreen when going out in the sun as it contains Ahas.

pros

• No parabens
• No synthetic dyes
• No artificial flavors
• Without mineral oils
• Without lanolin
• No phthalates
• Contains natural extracts
• No animal testing

Avene Eau Thermale - Gentle toning lotion

Reviews

Is your skin dry and sensitive? If yes, then you will love this gentle hydrating toner. This water-based toner from Avene contains gentle emollients that help prevent dry skin and flaking. It contains antioxidants and thermal spring water that curb inflammation and soothe the skin.

pros

• Non-alcoholic
• Contains silicates
• Hypoallergenic
• Low-fat

Deeply moisturizing facial toner Libriderm

The best thing about this hydrating toner is that it contains real rose petals, not just rose extracts. This toner is enriched with hyaluronic acid, which minimizes your skin's pores and provides intense hydration to your parched skin.

pros

• Non-alcoholic
• Contains rose fruit extracts
• Scientifically proven formula (in-vivo tests)

Algenist's Moisturizing Essential Toner

Reviews

Algenist's Essence Hydrating Toner is a gentle and soothing facial toner. It contains chamomile extract, witch hazel, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and cucumber. Its gentle and soothing properties make it suitable for both dry and sensitive skin. It refreshes and balances your skin's pH levels, leaving it soft, bright and revitalized.

pros

• Dermatologist tested
• Non-comedogenic
• Hypoallergenic
• No parabens

Clarins – tonic lotion with chamomile

This is a gentle toner suitable for normal to dry skin. It balances your skin and keeps it smooth. This product is rich in botanical extracts that refresh your skin, prevent irritation, and prep your skin before applying serums and moisturizers.

pros

Non-alcoholic

Dermatologist tested

Minuses

No

The best cleansing toners for the face

Neutrogena non-alcoholic toner

Reviews
This gentle toner revitalizes your skin without drying it out. It does not strip your skin's natural oils. It cleanses your skin and makes it feel refreshed instantly without leaving it feeling rough.

pros

• Non-comedogenic
• Hypoallergenic

Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% – The Ordinary

This toning solution claims to provide visible clarity to your skin. It contains glycolic acid, which gently exfoliates the skin and improves its texture. This is a non-irritating formula and should not be used on sensitive skin. Since it contains AHAs, sun protection is a must after using this product.

Suitable for : all skin types, excluding sensitive skin.

pros

• pH balanced formula
• Non-alcoholic
• Low-fat
• Silicone-free
• Gluten free
• Without cruelty

Biotique Botanicals Cleansing Toner

This toner contains rose and witch hazel extracts. These natural astringents improve skin texture, remove all traces of residue, and do not strip your skin's natural oils. It refreshes your skin, revitalizes it and minimizes pore size.

Suitable for all skin types

pros

• No parabens
• Without cruelty
• Pleasant aroma

Pixi Glow- Cleansing toner

Pixi Glow Tonic is a winner of the Teen Vogue Acne Awards 2022. It has exfoliating properties for the skin. It effectively removes dead skin cells and traces of impurities from your skin, leaving it feeling fresh and healthy. It tones your skin and makes it elastic.

Note : Follow it with sunscreen as it contains aha.

Suitable for : All skin types (especially acne-prone skin)

pros

• Non-alcoholic
• Not tested on animals
• Contains glycolic acid (5%)
• Contains plant extracts

Kiehl'S Calendula Herbal - Korean cleansing facial toner

This soothing toner contains calendula extracts along with calendula petals. In fact, you can see the petals floating in the bottle. It also contains allantoin, extracted from comfrey roots, which helps soothe skin irritations and improve dull skin.

Suitable for : normal to oily skin types

pros

• Non-alcoholic
• Natural raw materials
• No harmful chemicals

Reviews of the best Korean facial toners

Innisfree – Korean facial toner with green tea

Reviews

This skin-balancing toner is quickly absorbed by the skin without leaving any residue. It cleanses your skin without drying it out. It has a moisturizing effect on your skin and is suitable for oily and combination skin types. It contains amino acids and Jeju green tea extracts that support the skin's natural barrier.

pros

• Natural raw materials
• Mild formula
• Reduces pores
• Easy
• Pleasant aroma

Coconut pink toner from Korean cosmetics Kopari

Reviews

If you don't mind shelling out a few extra bucks, this multitasking toner could be a great addition to your skincare arsenal. It provides relief from redness, uneven skin tone, blemishes and skin irritation. It can also be used as a primer or just a facial mist to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.

pros

• 100% natural
• Non-alcoholic
• Without cruelty
• Non-comedogenic
• Gluten free
• Silicone-free
• No synthetic fragrances
• No parabens

Minuses

• Expensive

Korean cleansing non-alcoholic toner with Palm green tea

Reviews

This is one of the best selling products for oily skin from this brand. Plum Green Tea Toner controls enlarged pores and reduces excess oil from your face, leaving you with a shiny and matte look within hours. The green tea extract and glycolic acid in the toner gently exfoliate dead skin cells to give you flawless skin.

pros

• 100% non-alcoholic
• 100% vegan
• Without cruelty
• No animal products
• No parabens
• No phthalates
• No sulfates
• No DEA and PABA
• Budget

Klairs – Facial toner

Suitable for all skin types

Elastic facial Toner by Dear, Klairs contains phyto-oligo, an extremely hydrating ingredient that can combat dry skin. It also contains amino acids and plant extracts that calm inflammation. This toner absorbs quickly into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft for longer.

pros

• No sulfates
• No parabens
• No harmful chemicals
• pH balanced formula

Kiehl's Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion

Reviews
The legendary Andy Warhol was a fan of this product (the brand proudly boasts this on their website). The product was originally formulated in 1964 for those with oily skin and has remained unchanged since then. This toner contains menthol and camphor, and it also helps balance oily-prone areas on your face and provides an overall cooling effect.

Warning: This is an alcohol-based toner, so if your skin is sensitive, use it in moderation.

pros

• Developed by Chemists
• Biodegradable and natural ingredients
• Contains witch hazel
• Non-irritating
• No harmful chemicals
• Matting effect

Minuses

• Contains alcohol

What to use it for

If you still doubt the need to purchase a tonic, then we suggest carefully studying the purposes for which this product is used.

• Completion of the makeup removal stage - even after thorough washing with mousse or foam, particles of decorative cosmetics remain on the epidermis. Treating the skin with a cotton pad soaked in tonic allows you to completely remove makeup and complete the cleansing stage.
• Restoring the acid-base balance - skin contact with poor-quality tap water and the influence of cosmetics can temporarily change the pH. And this is a risk factor, because in this case it is more difficult for the epidermis to resist the aggressive influence of the environment. The toner is able to restore the acid-base balance, protecting the dermis from negative effects.
• Preparation for further stages of care - tonic allows the skin to better and more actively interact with nutrients and beneficial substances from creams, serums and facial oils.
• Refreshing and toning - dry chapped skin, enlarged pores and signs of inflammation - all this spoils the appearance and makes the skin look old and dull. The toner can refresh the face for a while, and with regular use, the epidermis will become noticeably younger.

Reviews of the best mattifying toners for oily skin

Matcha tonic

This product is one of its kind. This is the first solid toner that comes in a hidden gel formula that glides on easily. It contains kombucha green tea, matcha and cactus extracts to hydrate and detoxify your skin.

Suitable for all skin types

pros

• Natural
• Without cruelty
• Gluten free
• Soy free
• No talc
• Organic Ingredients
• No parabens
• No phthalates
• No sulfates

Acwell – pH balancing cleansing toner

This clarifying and brightening toner contains a high concentration of licorice and peony water extracts. Both of these ingredients are natural skin brighteners that keep your skin bright. It also contains green tea extracts, which soothe your skin and reduce pigmentation.

Suitable for : all skin types (especially dry and sensitive skin)

pros

• pH balanced formula
• Gentle on the skin
• Non-irritating

Minuses

• May feel a little sticky (depending on your skin's dryness level)

Korean facial toner Tea Tree Water

If you have dull and tired skin, this toner can instantly revitalize it. It contains cleansing waters of tea tree, grapefruit and juniper that refresh the skin and remove excess oil without leaving it dry.

Suitable for : oily skin

pros

• Natural raw materials
• Not tested on animals

Minuses

• Contains parabens

Features of care

Combination or mixed skin consists of shiny, oily areas and dry areas. The problem lies in the imbalance of the sebaceous glands, which, in order to replenish the insufficient amount of sebum in some areas of the face, produce excess in other parts. Therefore, such skin needs balancing, lightweight cosmetics that do not burden oily areas and provide the necessary hydration for dry areas.

Although combination skin is unbalanced, it has the advantage of not being too oily and not too dry. Therefore, cosmetics for normal skin are often suitable for her.

Cosmetologists divide the face into T- and U-zones. The first includes the forehead and nose. Double chin, cheeks, cheekbones, temples. This is an approximate division, each woman is individual, and the distribution of zones may be unique.

In addition, the contrast between zones changes depending on the season. In winter, oily shine is not so noticeable, but dryness increases significantly, causing constant discomfort. As the temperature rises, sebum production increases, and the T-zone requires special attention. While concentrating on reducing shine, we must not forget about moisturizing.

According to cosmetologists, you should strive for zoning of care procedures and choose two products at once, for the T- and U-zone.

Which is better to buy for the shiny part of the face: mattifying or sebum-regulating, depending on the presence or absence of inflammation. And for dry areas, a moisturizing or refreshing tonic.

Anyone who wants to solve both problems and buy a single product should look for lightweight formulations for combination skin that combine moisturizing with matting.

In some cases, it is preferable to choose multifunctional products that can satisfy different needs. For example, it is not enough to moisturize and mattify mature skin.

Reviews of the best toners for dry and sensitive skin

Thayers Toner for Dry Skin

Reviews

Thayers Lavender Toner is enriched with witch hazel, aloe vera, grapefruit seed extract, and vitamin E to soothe dry skin. The tannins found in witch hazel have mild antioxidant properties that reduce redness and irritation and maintain your skin's pH balance. It helps tighten pores and control acne.

pros

• Prevents acne
• Soothes skin redness
• Gentle on sensitive skin
• Non-alcoholic
• No parabens

Minuses

• No

Dermatologica -Multi-active toner for sensitive face types

Reviews

Whenever your dry skin feels tired and needs a boost of hydration, spray it on your face. This toner contains skin-soothing and moisturizing ingredients such as lavender, aloe vera, balm mint, arnica and cucumber extracts. Your skin will feel an instant cooling effect.

pros

• No artificial scent
• No artificial flowers
• Natural composition
• Gluten free
• No parabens
• Without cruelty
• Improves the rate at which skin absorbs moisture

SkinCeuticals LHA - toner for problem skin

Reviews

If you have very dry and flaky skin, this exfoliating toner is just what you need. It contains gentle skin care acids that exfoliate dead cells and leave your skin feeling softer. It also hydrates your skin and helps balance its pH levels.

pros

• Synthetic, fragrance-free
• Low pH
• Contains salicylic acid
• Prevents pimples and blackheads

Toner for dry skin JKossmune

This product contains beta glucan. This ingredient protects your skin from pollution and other environmental damage. It contains ultra-hydrating ingredients that keep your skin fresh and brighten.

pros

• 100% natural ingredients
• No parabens
• Non-alcoholic
• Without mineral oils
• Silicone-free
• No sulfates
• No added color
• Without cruelty

Using a toner is as vital as using a facial moisturizer. Nowadays, facial toners provide additional benefits such as exfoliation, pH balance and hydration. So, choose your favorite product from this list, try it and let us know about your experience in the comments section below.

Why tone your skin?

Toning is the last stage of the epidermis cleansing procedure. After use, the pH level, which was disturbed by cleaning agents and tap water, returns to normal. The task of tonics is to remove remnants of cosmetics, cleanse pores, improve blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, increase the elasticity and plasticity of the epidermis, and accelerate regeneration at the cellular level.

Toning has a beneficial effect on the condition of the fibers responsible for the natural tone of the skin. The procedure can remove metal residues after washing with water.