The Very Best Toners for Cleansed, Refreshed Skin—Crowned After Testing (2025)

TL;DR

We're big fans of the Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray, which comes in a handy spray bottle and soothes inflammation for all skin types—even working to prevent breakouts. If you're on a budget, we recommend the Cerave Hydrating Toner. It's formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to pack in moisture and feels gentle on the complexion.

Our Top Picks

Key Ingredients: Hypochlorous acid | Benefits: Calms skin irritation | Size: 4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Tower28 is known for its sensitive skin-friendly makeup and skincare formulas, but this toner—which comes housed in a firetruck red spray bottle—is also wildly popular for its magical ability to soothe, purify, and repair stressed-out skin. It has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, so it’s been proven to make a difference in eczema flare-ups, but it also works to calm inflamed acne and perioral dermatitis. The star ingredient, hypochlorous acid, is what makes the formula so effective at pacifying redness and irritation. Like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, hypochlorous acid is made naturally by our body, and it boasts antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. When applied to the skin, it fends off bacteria and promotes skin healing.

We appreciate that this toner comes in a spray bottle—which ensures a mess-free application and prevents contamination. The toner is watery and lightweight, so it soaks into pores in seconds. Once absorbed, the skin feels hydrated and calm.

Caitlyn Martyn, associate editor with oily skin: "I keep a mini bottle in my bag for a skin refresh after workout classes and subway rides. It keeps my oily skin in check by preventing redness and breakouts."

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides | Benefits: Balancing, cleansing, calming | Size: 6.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If you’re looking for an budget-friendly way to add toner to your skincare routine, reach for this hydrating option from CeraVe. It’s packed with skin-nourishing ingredients, including niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to help rebalance your skin’s pH, leaving it soft and hydrated instead of tight and stripped. The formula does a great job of removing any gunk or debris your cleanser left behind, facilitating an even deeper clean.

Shannon Stubbs, writer with dry skin: "This toner adds intense hydration, but it has a thin texture and feels super light on the skin. It absorbs immediately and leaves my skin noticeably softer for a complexion that looks glowy and juicy."

Key ingredients: AHAs, glycerin, salicylic, lactic, and malic acids | Benefits: Exfoliating, hydrating | Size: 5.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

The superstar component of the SK-II Facial Treatment Toner is Pitera, the brand’s signature ingredient containing 50 micronutrients. These micronutrients, in addition to alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), improve your skin's overall appearance—starting with uneven skin texture. We can attest to that; in our testing, the toner felt hydrating and soothing upon application and helped improve dullness and texture immediately. We were also impressed by the toner’s ability to clean our pores thoroughly. Even though we washed our face before using the toner, it picked up extra dirt and grime that otherwise would have remained on the skin. The clear, lightweight solution is slightly runny and comes out of a small opening at the top of the frosted bottle; make sure to pour the product out carefully so none is wasted.

Amy, tester with combination skin: "This is such a soothing and lightweight formula that preps the skin nicely for other products that will be applied afterwards. I have very sensitive skin, and this toner did not irritate my complexion. It appeared to help with my dull and uneven skin texture and feels hydrating."

Key Ingredients: Witch hazel, butylene glycol | Benefits: Tightens pores, regulates oil production | Size: 6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A toner can be an invaluable tool in your battle against blemishes if you choose one that targets excess oil and keeps your pores clear without overdrying your skin (which ironically ends up triggering more oil and more breakouts). We love this one specifically for acne-prone skin, as it relies on witch hazel and algae extracts to regulate oil production and tighten pores. We love the consistency, too; it's so lightweight it feels like water. It’s also not too greasy, making it ideal for a midday refresh or post-cleanse blot. It felt tingling and refreshing on our skin, and we noticed an improvement in the appearance of pores almost immediately. Remember that witch hazel has a subtle tightening effect, so if you already have dehydrated skin, you might find this one too drying.

Elena, tester with normal skin: "My skin looks really nice after using the toner; it's glowing, smooth, and glossy. My face feels hydrated and refreshed."

Key Ingredients: Elderberry fruit extract, sodium PCA, biosaccharide gum-1 | Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, soothing | Size: 6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you hate the feeling of tight, dry skin post-cleanse, you’ll love this toner from Renée Rouleau. The antioxidant-rich elderberry toner is designed to be used after washing and helps balance and relax super-sensitive skin. When we tested it, we noticed that it reduced the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Also nice: It only contains a few ingredients, so it’s an excellent choice for anyone with sensitive skin prone to breakouts and dryness. Our only gripe is that we wish it were a little more hydrating.

Mandy, tester with combination skin: "My skin was dry and dull after cleansing, but it has a healthy glow after applying this toner."

Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, papaya enzymes | Benefits: Exfoliation, unclogs pores, minimizes shine, refreshes | Size: 4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The right toner can go a long way to control excess shine for those with oily skin types. This one combines oil-dissolving salicylic acid, exfoliating papaya enzyme, and purifying moringa seed extract to unclog pores and refresh greasy skin. We love how lightweight and comfortable the formula feels, which is surprising given that it contains many exfoliating ingredients. Remember that since the toner contains active exfoliants, you may want to skip it when you apply retinoids and other active ingredients to avoid redness, burning, and dehydrating the skin.

Cristina, tester with combination skin: "My skin looks a bit more even after applying, and it feels more clear and clean.

Key Ingredients: Rose fruit extract, rose water, angelica leaf extract, hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Toning, soothing, nourishing, moisturizing | Size: 8.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Look to the Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner for skin that feels hydrated, smooth, and refreshed. While some toners are loaded with ingredients that exfoliate and increase cell turnover, this one gives the skin a moisture boost instead. Formulated with rose water and hyaluronic acid (two ingredients known to increase hydration and nourish skin), those with normal, dry, combination, and oily skin will benefit tenfold from adding the dreamy formula to their routine. We enjoyed that it made our skin feel calm and hydrated and appreciated that it didn't create a stinging sensation like some toners do. It's great for sweeping on for additional cleansing and moisture. The 8.4-ounce bottle is available for nearly $50, which some might find expensive, especially because it doesn't have potent active ingredients. But, given the size, you can expect it to last a while (especially compared to some options on this list).

Chantia, tester with combination skin: "This did an excellent job of cleansing and refreshing. My skin felt rejuvenated and it provided a hydration boost without feeling heavy or sticky."

Key Ingredients: White leaf tea water | Benefits: Strengthens moisture barrier, soothes | Size: 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If you have skin that’s in need of some extra moisture, consider this milky formula from Laneige. As the name suggests, the K-beauty product has a creamy, lightweight moisturizer-like consistency that hydrates on contact with the skin. “Smooth,” “airy,” and “super gentle” are three words that came to mind when we tested this toner, and we could feel the moisturizing effects of the product right away. We also found our skin was so much more hydrated after use, giving us a radiant, glowing finish. Plus, the white leaf tea water (aka one of the soothing ingredients in the formula) even helped tone down any redness and irritation we had. Just beware that because it’s on the thicker side and has a milky texture, some people (especially those with oily, acne-prone skin) might find it to be too heavy.

Cydnie, tester with sensitive skin: "This toner has a one-of-a-kind consistency, and it cleansed my skin very well. I felt like my skin was extra glowy and any red, irritated spots almost disappeared after using this product."

Key Ingredients: Tamarind, hyaluronic acid, mineral PCAs, panthenol | Benefits: Moisturizing, soothing, hydrating | Size: 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

As seen on TikTok (and evidenced by our test), the Fat Water Hydrating Milky Toner Essence from Fenty Beauty is totally worth the hype. Between the innovative bottle (the product dispenses from a twist top) and super milky consistency that soothes skin on contact, there’s no wonder people are obsessed with this product. During testing, we enjoyed that the lightweight formula absorbs into the skin in 30 seconds, offering a feeling comparable to a nice drink of water. Since nothing is perfect, there’s one thing we wish we could change: The smell. While it’s not scented, it still has a subtle smell to it that we weren’t a fan of. If you can get past that, though, it’s worth every penny.

Chantia, tester with combination skin: "My skin looks clear and doesn't feel as dry as it felt earlier in the day. It feels refreshed and less oily."

Key Ingredients: Honeysuckle, baobab, sodium hyaluronate | Benefits: Soothes, moisturizes, hydrates | Size: 6.75 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Packed with all kinds of good-for-you ingredients such as soothing honeysuckle, baobab (which helps lock in moisture), and sodium hyaluronate, this formula doesn’t mess around when it comes to calming the skin. We were impressed by the feel, which can only be described as "refreshing." Before using the toner, we felt like our skin was tight and dry, but it really helped reverse that feeling, making us feel like our skin sprang back to life. Not only was our skin more hydrated and calm, but it was glowy and more even-toned. Though we had a positive experience with the toner, be sure to patch-test it before applying it to your face. Because the formula contains denatured alcohol, a popular cosmetic ingredient known to be drying, you should apply a bit to the inside of your wrist to ensure you won’t have a reaction.

Shannon Stubbs, writer with dry skin: "This is the cure for my parched, winter skin, and it can be used day and night since it's so lightweight. A lot of heavier moisturizing products can cause congestion and acne, but I don't have that problem with this. It's as hydrating as some of my thicker creams."

Key ingredients: Fruit enzymes, witch hazel, niacinamide, salicylic acid | Benefits: Exfoliating, hydrating | Size: 6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Kim Kardashian knows a thing or two about good skin. While she calls upon the help of pro aestheticians and dermatologists from time to time, her skincare line helps set her skin up for success. The Skkn by Kim Toner is perhaps one of the most popular products in the product range because of how effective it is (and how aesthetic it looks in any vanity). Developed with fruit enzymes, witch hazel, niacinamide, and salicylic acid, the toner doubles down on exfoliation and produces an allover glow. When we tested it, we felt like our skin felt significantly more hydrated and that we could tell an immediate difference in the areas where we did not apply the toner compared to the ones where we did. Although we didn't find it to be drying, it's worth noting that some online reviewers felt it was stripping. If you have dry or sensitive skin, keep this in mind.

Lauren, tester with dry skin: "My skin feels tremendously more hydrated. I can feel the difference in the areas that I did not apply toner to and those that I did."

Key Ingredients: Aloe, jojoba seed oil, apple cider vinegar | Benefits: Calms skin, fights bacteria | Size: 4.05 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The skin's surface is covered in bacteria (some good, some bad), and skincare products help manage the balance. When it’s out of whack, breakouts, dullness, and other unwanted concerns pop up. This post-cleanse toning solution gives your skin a gentle but effective dose of probiotics for the face (from apple cider vinegar and aloe), resulting in balanced, calm skin. After applying the toner with a cotton pad, we found that our skin was more hydrated and soft to the touch. We also noticed that it helped to visibly reduce redness and give the skin an overall more even-toned appearance. The only caveat we have with this product is the pump. Because it’s watery in nature and the top can sometimes deposit too much, try to be as gentle as possible when using the pump to avoid spillage.

Miriam, tester with combination skin: "The toner has a watery consistency that absorbed almost instantaneously. My skin felt more hydrated and smooth to the touch after applying.

Key Ingredients: Botanical extracts, Icelandic glacier water | Benefits: Hydrating, spot treating | Size: 100 pre-soaked pads | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Formulated with botanical extracts, rosemary leaf oil, allantoin, and Icelandic glacier water, these K-beauty essence pads go to work on dull, dehydrated skin in one (or two) swipes. When we tested them, we loved that they could be used in a couple of ways: a quick, all over treatment or a targeted spot treatment. For the latter, we found that it worked well when applying it to one specific area—similar to an acne spot treatment—and left it on for 15 minutes. However, if you prefer applying it as a quick, all over treatment (similar to the other toners on this list), you can just sweep a toner pad across your skin before following up with the rest of your skincare.

Janiah McKelton, Byrdie contributor with dry skin: "After using for two weeks, my skin is noticeably more hydrated. But the more I've used the pads, the more my skin becomes increasingly radiant and balanced."

Key Ingredients:Polyhydroxy acids, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, watermelon extract |Benefits: Hydrate and refine pores |Size:1.4–5.1 oz |Cruelty-Free:Yes

If you have dry skin and want to clean and tighten your pores, this is the toner for you. It's made of watermelon extract, cactus water, polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), and BHAs to exfoliate and hydrate simultaneously, which means no tightness or peeling. After using it, you'll notice a slightly tacky texture, but this wasn't a deterrent for us. We loved how lightweight and refreshing it was—and the subtle watermelon scent was a nice touch, too.

Amanda Rosenthal, Byrdie writer: "This toner is soft, comforting, and smells incredible. The lightweight texture seeps into pores quickly and leaves skin glowing (thank you, exfoliating acids)."

FAQ

• What does toner do for your skin?

  "Toners act as another level of cleansing, essentially deep cleaning pores to remove dirt, oil, makeup, and other pollutants," says Dr. Chen. Toners fall into two camps: exfoliating and hydrating. Toners containing exfoliating acids smooth skin texture and address hyperpigmentation and acne, while toners with ingredients like rose water or hyaluronic acid boost moisture.

• How do you apply toner?

  Dr. Chen recommends applying toner after cleansing the face but before applying moisturizers or serums. "Pat your face dry, then soak a cotton ball or pad with the toner and lightly apply to both your face and neck," she says. "You can also try pressing the toner into the skin with your fingertips rather than using a cotton pad, which soaks up more of the liquid than it actually delivers."