The Best Facial Toners Picked by Our Editors

There are three essential steps in a basic skincare routine – cleansing, toning and moisturizing, and therefore three essential products – cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. All of the rest is optional, but these three steps and products are the foundation of a good beauty routine. The cleanser aims to eliminate the excess oil, dirt, dead skin cells other impurities from the level of the skin. The toner is used to balance the skin’s pH and prepare the skin for the moisturizer.  The moisturizer is applied on a cleansed and toned face to hydrate and moisturize the skin, thus preventing dryness in the gentle facial skin.

The best toner’s formula is important to prepare the skin for the absorption of the other skin care products in the beauty routine. More than this, it should also eliminate the residues that can be left behind by the cleanser. 

There are different types of toners for different skin types and skin issues. For example, the best toner for oily skin will balance sebum production and have a pore-minimizing effect. On the other hand, the best toner for dry skin will keep the skin hydrated and moisturizer for longer. Let’s have a look at the best toners you can find on the market:

Our Selection of Best Face Toners

1. Exposed Skincare Clearing Tonic

If you have large pores, you will need a face toner that gently eliminates the potential residues left behind by the cleanser to avoid pore-clogging and other skin issues such as blackheads. Having large pores can be quite a challenge, considering the fact that we often associate them with excess oil in the skin, combination skin, but also acne-prone skin. 

These types of skin require delicate but very efficient skincare products, and the Exposed Skincare Clearing Tonic is one of them. It is formulated with pure natural extracts and potent active ingredients such as azelaic acid and salicylic acid to ensure your face is clean, toned and without any impurities left. 

Also worth reading: Best Facial Cleansing Brushes

This face toner is on our best toners list also, because it is rich in antioxidants that can fight the free radicals and by that help preventing premature signs of aging, by removing dead skin cells. You can use this product as part of your daily beauty regimen for acne-prone skin to avoid breakouts or to prevent blackheads and whiteheads.

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Pros

  • Prevents excessive sebum production
  • Great for oily skin and combination skin
  • Free of sulfates and parabens
  • Protects the skin throughout the day
  • With pure natural extracts
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Cons

  • A high concentration of salicylic acid (not for sensitive skin)

2. Laguna Herbals Herbal Face Toner – Clarify

This face toner can come in different packagings; however, the mist/spray one is one of the most sought-after as it ensures easy and even application. Laguna Herbals Face Toner will clean and tone your skin, while also having a brightening effect. This is the best toner for people who prefer a cleansing mist that is gentle and suitable for all skin types.

Laguna Herbals Face Toner won’t strip the natural oils of your skin, but it can contribute to balancing the sebum production and reducing the excess oils. The unique formula eliminates dead skin cells from the surface of the skin to help the skin radiate from within. The cleansing mist is efficient in reducing pigmentation spots or sun spots, so you can use it on mature skin too. 

Also worth reading: The Best Facial Oil For Glowing Skin

This is one of the best facial toners, especially for oily skin, because it is made out of natural organic ingredients, such as Apple Cider Vinegar, Rose, Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Calendula, Sage, just to name a few. To use it, spray into a cotton pad and wipe your face, insisting on areas with an excess of oil such as the nose, chin, and forehead. Laguna Herbals Face Toner is even gentle enough to be used around the eye area.

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Pros

  • Formulated with organic ingredients
  • Helps reduce the occurrence of fine lines
  • Suitable for all combination skin types
  • Soothes & brightens the skin
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Cons

  • Apple cider vinegar smell

3. Little Barn Apothecary Aloe+Rosewater Balance Mist

Little Barn Apothecary Aloe + Rosewater Balance Mist is a facial spray toner that is one of the best facial toners you can use on acne-prone skin. Formulated with witch hazel and Aloe, it is efficient in keeping your skin breakout & irritation-free, as well as refreshed, smooth, and soft. It is also rich in antioxidants that support the skin’s natural collagen production.

To use this product, you won’t need to spray it on a cotton pad as it works just as fine when you spray it directly on your skin. And the good news is that you don’t need to swipe it or rinse it off. The face mist toner from Little Barn Apothecary is perfect to set up your makeup for longer wear. 

When the temperatures are up give your skin a nourishing hydration boost, with a spray or two of this facial toner mist throughout the day. More than this, you can use it on your face, as well as on your body. 

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Pros

  • Suitable for acne-prone skin
  • Supports collagen production
  • To be sprayed directly on the face
  • 100% cruelty-free and vegan
  • Formulated with Aloe and witch hazel
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Cons

  • Floral scent

4. Shamanuti Seaweed Toner

Shamanuti Seaweed Toner is made with Dead Sea salts and other antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The hyaluronic acid and Black Willowbark extract present in the formula of this toner are the ingredients responsible for increased levels of skin hydration. The Black Willowbark extract is a popular organic ingredient known for the potent effects on the skin.

Your skin will love the hydration and the nutrition it receives when you are using this toner. The toner is designed to balance the skin’s pH while also refining the pore size. This means that this might be the best face toner for you if you are suffering due to enlarged or clogged pores. 

The Shamanuti Seaweed Toner can also be used as an aftershave or to set up your makeup after application. Spray it directly on your face during red-eye flights to keep your skin happy and hydrated. 

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Pros

  • Refines the pores and regulates pH
  • Rich in minerals and nutrients
  • With hyaluronic acid & black willowbark extract
  • Formulated with Dead Sea salt
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Can be used as an aftershave
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Cons

  • Contains essential oils

5. Hydrating Accelerator by Josh Rosebrook

If you are looking for the perfect toner for dehydrated skin, the Hydrating Accelerator by Josh Rosebrook comes highly recommended! It contains antioxidant-rich ingredients to help you get rid of free radicals, and make for a more youthful refreshed look of your skin. It also infuses the pores with nutrients from its variety of powerful organic ingredients.

This is one of the best facial toners because it contains potent plant-based active ingredients that will hydrate and nourish the skin while providing better absorption of the ingredients from your skincare products. The Hydrating Accelerator by Josh Rosebrook hydrates the skin and makes it plump, so you can forget all about dull, dehydrated, and tired-looking skin.

This facial toner is great to be used for refreshing your face and body throughout the day – just spray it whenever needed. It is also good as a makeup setter. When using this product, the skin is happy, hydrated, and glowing, thanks to the all-natural, organic ingredients of which Josh Rosebrook products are made.

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Pros

  • Made of 100% organic powerful ingredients
  • Allows better absorption of skincare products into the skin
  • Hydrates and provides nutrients to the skin
  • Makes the skin plump, glowing and youthful
  • Great pump which produces fine mist
  • Good for all skin types
  • Alcohol Free
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Cons

  • Marshmallow-scented
  • Spray a few inches away from the face

6. Akar Skin Balance Toning Mist       

The best facial toner that is alcohol free, the Akar Skin Balance Toning Mist is formulated to keep your skin protected from damaging environmental factors. The toner strengthens the acid mantle of the skin by balancing the skin’s pH. As a result, your skin is better protected, feels, and looks better.

Akar Skin Balance Toning Mist can help your skin become softer and even more luminous due to the active ingredients in the formula that are both potent and gentle with the skin at the same time. It will hydrate your skin with just a few sprays.

The toning mist doesn’t leave behind a sticky residue or a tight skin sensation, so it’s good even for people with more sensitive skin. And being non-irritant is just one of the reasons why this product is featured as one of the best facial toners. Make sure to shake the bottle well before each use and spray directly on your face.                                                         

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Pros

  • Restores skin’s pH
  • Provides optimal absorption of skincare products
  • Keeps skin hydrated throughout the day
  • Can be used to set up makeup
  • Good gor all skin ty[es
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Cons

  • Pricey
  • Rose scent

7. AJARA AYURVEDA Rose Hydrating Toner     

Those with dry and receptive skin know how important hydration is and how it can be very difficult to keep the skin levels of hydration high throughout the day. Even if the skin feels thoroughly moisturized in the morning, in a matter of few hours dehydration can occur.

At the same time, dry skin can be prone to irritation and redness, not to mention that it can get flaky when unsuitable products are used. This is the reason why you should try AJARA AYURVEDA Rose Hydrating Toner if you have dry and receptive skin or skin prone to dehydration. This is one of the best toners for people who want to get better levels of hydration.

The best facial toner for people with receptive skin should be gentle on the skin and yet helpful with getting that glowing skin you’ve always wanted. This is why AJARA AYURVEDA Rose Hydrating Toner made our list of best toners. It will give you the plump aspect that is so youthful, while providing a radiant, clean look.

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Pros

  • Formulated for dry  skin
  • Hydrates the skin
  • Can even out skin texture in time
  • Can minimize the appearance of dilated pores
  • Skin cooling properties
  • Alcohol Free
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Cons

  • Rose aroma

8. Kaplan MD. Beverly Hills Clarifying Toner

The Clarifying toner from Kaplan MD. Beverly Hills is a toner containing an impressive percentage of aloe vera – 20%. What does this mean? Well, it means that your skin will get the nourishment and hydration it needs, whatever the season or the weather conditions might be.

Aside from the high content of aloe vera, this toner is on our best toner list because it is also formulated with hyaluronic acid that can lock in moisture to prevent dehydration. It calms and balances skin pH as well as tightens the pores.

This refining facial mist and radiance booster contains 22 certified organic extracts to heal and soothe the skin. In other words, when using this Clarifying toner from Kaplan MD., you are offering your skin a luxurious treatment, resulting in a smooth and even-toned skin.

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Pros

  • Hydrates the skin and balances the pH
  • Formulated with rosewater and Aloe
  • Contains hyaluronic acid
  • Infused with witch hazel to prevent breakouts
  • No harsh chemicals
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Cons

  • Spray from 6-8” distance
  • You may need to pat the skin with fingers until the product is fully absorbed

9. Rose Water Toner by My Organic Zone

Have you spent too much time in the sun? Are you struggling with acne? Do you have dry skin or lacks luster? Then maybe it’s a good time to try the Rose Water Toner from My Organic Zone! This is one of the best toners on the market because it’s suitable for all skin types and can help treat different skin conditions.

For combination and oily skin, it can contribute to balancing the sebum production and reduce inflammation. For blemish-prone skin, the rose water face toner can refine the pores and contribute to a considerable reduction of the breakouts. For normal skin, this toner is recommended as it tones and purifies without drying the skin. The product can also be helpful for people struggling with skin redness.

This toner is made with natural Moroccan Rosa Damascena petals, which are known to be one of the finest worldwide. Use the rose water face toner to remove residual dirt and other impurities after cleansing, and unclog pores for a more refined and clearer look of your skin.

We love the Rose Water Face Toner by My Organic Zone because it is a great value for money. It is fully organic, made of one single ingredient – Organic Morrocan Rose Water. You can safely introduce this face toner to your daily beauty routine and enjoy the relaxing and cooling properties.

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Pros

  • 100% organic – contains only Organic Morrocan Rose Water
  • Promotes the natural glow of the skin
  • Keeps skin plump and clean
  • Good for all skin types
  • With anti-inflamatory properties
  • Can be used on hair too
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Cons

  • Smell of roses could be a turn off for some people

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Face Toner Necessary?

If you have acne-prone skin, or just oily, then toners are very helpful and necessary. Also if you use heavy makeup or other heavy skin products, then toner use is recommended.

Should I Use Toner Every Day?

Yes, and sometimes even twice per day, in the morning and at night. It’s good to use it after washing your face and before applying a serum or moisturizer.

Can I Leave the Toner On My Face Overnight?

Toners dry off quickly and there is no harm in leaving it overnight, especially if it has natural or organic ingredients.

Do I Need Toner if I Don’t Wear Makeup?

If you don’t use makeup, you can skip using a toner, as it’s primarily used to hydrate the skin and restore the PH balance, but it’s not a good idea to skip on a cleanser or other type of face wash.

Is Rose Water a Toner?

Rose water is a natural type of toner that is chemical free and not harmful in any way, and in some cases it’s better if you have a very receptive skin.

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About The Author

Elena D. is a passionate advocate for ethical consumer choices and sustainable living. With a deep commitment to clean, organic, and non-toxic products, Elena is on a mission to promote a healthier, planet-friendly lifestyle. Her expertise in non-toxic skincare and eco-conscious alternatives to traditional beauty products reflects her dedication to a more sustainable and compassionate world. Elena's goal is to empower readers to make informed choices that benefit both their well-being and the environment. Join her on the journey towards a cleaner, greener future.