5 of the best face toners

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

5 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 five of the best face toners for a variety of skin types and with a range of different ingredients.

1. Dr Organic Rose Otto Skin Toner 150ml

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.

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."

2. Dr Organic Skin Clear Toner 200ml

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!"

3. Clear Skin Days Clarifying Toner 100ml

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"

4. Sukin Blemish Control Pore Perfecting Toner 125ml

Customer rating: 4.5/5 stars

Looking for a 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

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."

5. Trilogy Hydrating Mist Toner 100ml

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

• 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