Your Guide to the Best Toners for Dry, Oily, Sensitive, and Every Skin in Between (2024)

Remember the days when toners were synonymous with harsh, alcohol-laden astringents that left your skin feeling tight and dry? Those days are thankfully behind us.

The skincare world has evolved, and now toners are a diverse and essential step in our beauty routines, tailored to address the specific needs of different skin types.

The variety might seem overwhelming, but don't worry, we’ve got your back.

Whether you're battling dryness, tackling oiliness, or soothing sensitive skin, there's a toner out there for you.

Let's dive into the best options available today and find your skin's new best friend.

Dry Skin.

1. Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturiser.

What:

Fast facts:

• Deep hydration with a rich, milky texture.

• Hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier.

• Calms and soothes the skin with white leaf tea water.

• Strengthens the skin barrier with ceramides and peptides.

• Perfect for those who prefer a minimal skincare routine.

Here are some customer reviews:

“Love the design of the bottle, simple yet considerate. My skin definitely feels moisturised after applying it but when used under makeup it’s a little greasy (I have dry/ sensitive skin).”

“I really like this product. It’s lovely for a little pick-me-up when your skin is feeling dry and looks lacklustre. My skin feels soft and supple after use. This product will definitely be a godsend during winter!” - Anyaanya.

2. I'm From Rice Toner.

What: I'm From Rice Toner 150ml

Fast facts:

• A brightening and hydrating toner made with rice extract.

• Gently exfoliates and brightens with rice extract.

• Hydrates and plumps the skin.

• Improves skin texture and tone.

• Ideal for dry and dull skin needing a radiance boost.

Here are some customer reviews:

“I really love this toner. It's moisturising and brightening. Probably better suited to skin that is on the drier side or dehydrated. Make sure to give it a bit of a shake if it separates.” - Ally.

“This toner is one of my non-negotiable steps in my morning and night routine. Softens my skin, lives a noticeably silky texture and visibly brightens my skin. Good on its own but it’s my favourite thing to have under my daily products. Makeup goes on beautifully after and doesn't leave that astringent feeling a lot of toners have. I've gone through 4 bottles since discovering this.” - Vic.

Combo Skin.

1. Sulwhasoo Essential Comfort Balancing Water Toner.

What: Sulwhasoo Essential Comfort Balancing Water Toner 150ML

Fast facts:

• A luxurious, hydrating toner that balances and soothes.

• Provides deep hydration and nourishment.

• Balances oil production and soothes irritation.

• Enhances skin's natural radiance.

• Ideal for those who love a bougie skincare experience.

Here are some customer reviews:

“Great product especially if you travel a lot as it balances the skin really well.”

“This is wonderful to use right after the First Care serum. It is moisturising, not astringent, yet a very refreshing toner. I would love it even more if it didn't contain any oil since I have an oily T-zone, but it's a great product for light moisture. It would be perfect for sensitive and dry skin. So glad to have discovered Sulwhasoo's excellent skincare!” - Jeanne.

2. INNISFREE Bjia Trouble Toner.

What: INNISFREE Bjia Trouble Toner 170ml

Fast facts:

• A clarifying and hydrating toner for combination and acne-prone skin.

• Controls excess oil and prevents breakouts.

• Hydrates and soothes with Torreya seed oil.

• Exfoliates and unclogs pores with salicylic acid.

• Perfect for those dealing with occasional breakouts.

Here are some customer reviews:

“Have been using this product for the past several years. It's amazing and really refreshes and helps my problematic skin. Besides, I love the scent which is not too strong. And it really goes well with other products of the same product line. And bija, which is the main component here, never fails to do wonders for my skin. Overall, great quality.”

“This toner helps with my acne-prone skin and has helped with blemishes. It has helped especially with oil control during hotter days when it is humid. It actually feels so refreshing when applied! Really love this for the summer days!”

Oily Skin.

1. COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner.

What: COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner 150ml

Fast facts:

• A gentle exfoliating toner that clears and brightens.

• Exfoliates and smooths skin texture.

• Reduces excess oil and prevents acne.

• Brightens and evens out skin tone.

• Suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.

Here are some customer reviews:

“I found this toner a bit too harsh to use daily, so I started off using it once every third day and gradually increased frequency to once every alternating day. This was enough to clear up my whiteheads and improve the texture of my skin. I spray it on my hand and apply with my fingers.” - Keira.

“This brand is literally the best. So affordable and effective. Korean skincare does it again! We love.” - Nat.

2. SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner.

What: SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner 150ml

Fast facts:

• An exfoliating and clarifying toner that aims to transform skin in 30 days.

• Exfoliates dead skin cells and unclogs pores.

• Reduces oiliness and prevents breakouts.

• Soothes and calms with tea tree extract.

• Perfect for oily and congested skin.

Here’s what one customer thought of it:

“This toner is definitely a miracle worker. It doesn’t feel harsh like other toners and it has a soft, gentle texture which leaves my skin feeling so clean and fresh. It manages to find dirt and impurities that even a triple cleanse can’t get to.

I use this in conjunction with a snail mucin essence as part of my 10-step Korean skincare routine and it is a winning combination. My skin has never looked better, and at age 40 that’s kind of important!”

Sensitive Skin.

1. La Roche-Posay Serozinc Toning Mist.

What: La Roche-Posay Serozinc Toning Mist 150mL

Fast facts:

• A soothing and mattifying mist for sensitive, oily skin.

• Soothes irritation and reduces redness.

• Controls excess oil and mattifies.

• Refreshes and hydrates without irritation.

• Ideal for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin.

Here are some customer reviews:

“Love this for my oily skin. It's super mattifying but also really great for my sensitive, redness-prone skin. If I'm wearing makeup for a long period of time I'll spray this on throughout the day when I notice any oiliness/shine, and it immediately reduces the shine.” - CB.

“As someone with oily and acne-prone skin, I don’t go anywhere without this. It’s great to spray if you’re out and about with greasy skin.” - Lil.

2. COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner.

What: COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner 150ml

Fast facts:

• A calming and hydrating toner for sensitive skin.

• Soothes and calms irritated skin.

• Hydrates and replenishes moisture.

• Alcohol-free, suitable for sensitive skin.

• Reduces redness and inflammation.

Here are some customer reviews:

“I am 51 and I have dry, sensitive skin with shock horror, rosacea. I bought this because I want a hydrating step between my cleanser and moisturiser. That also lessens my redness. It also seems to help with my peri-menopausal hot flashes.” - Catharine.

“Lightweight and helps to soothe my dry skin when it starts getting inflamed.” - Kat.

Blemish-Prone Skin.

1. Medik8 Press & Clear.

What:

Fast facts:

• A clarifying toner designed for blemish-prone skin.

• Exfoliates and unclogs pores with salicylic acid.

• Reduces blemishes and prevents new ones.

• Evens out skin tone with tranexamic acid.

• Ideal for those with persistent acne issues.

Here are some customer reviews:

“This product has transformed my skin. Salicylic Acid must have been the missing ingredient in my skincare regime as since using this, my skin is clear and smooth esp around my jawline where it was prone to small blemishes and bumps. New must-have skincare product!” - Jill.

“This product has been a game changer on my hormonal acne. I was getting a lot of breakouts under my chin and jawline and I have noticed that my skin has cleared up and I am getting less recurring pimples. I have also noticed a reduction in the size of the blackheads on my nose and chin.” - Amanda.

2. Murad Blemish Control Clarifying Toner.

What: Murad Blemish Control Clarifying Toner 180ml

Fast facts:

• A clarifying toner that targets and prevents blemishes.

• Reduces excess oil and shine.

• Tightens pores and clarifies the skin.

• Calms and soothes with grape seed extract.

• Perfect for managing acne-prone skin.

Here are some customer reviews:

“I love the whole Murad range and use their retinol range all the time. I especially love this toner. It cleans the skin of impurities and oils and leaves it feeling fresh and ready for serums and other treatments. Will continue to purchase.” Marg.

“I've begun to use this toner more and more and now I'm almost empty. I have oily skin and I use this range a lot. This was a bit drying at first, but once I let my skin get used to it, it's working well.” - Dominique.

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