Skin Care
16 Top-Rated Toners Perfect for Every Skin ConcernWhether you have dry or oily skin, a great skin toner can transform your complexion. Here, we present the best toners for any skin type |
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Dr. Howard Murad, MD, a Los Angeles-based dermatologist, backs those of us on the pro-toner side. He says toning is an essential step in any healthy skincare regimen. "I find that using a toner is just as crucial as cleansing, as it restores the skin's natural pH balance," says Murad.
But what about the growing posse of dermatologists who argue that toners are not only unnecessary, but can also be too drying? Murad says these docs aren't considering how far toners have come in recent years. Once strictly alcohol-based (and yes, therefore very drying), toners now "use ingredients that help fight aging, acne, and even redness, and they are beneficial for all skin types."
If you're looking to add a toner or astringent to your skin care routine, it's crucial to find one that'll work best with your skin type. So keep these tips in mind:
• Have oily or combination skin? Use an astringent. These work best when it comes to removing excess oil, says Dr. Nathan Newman, MD. Astringents have ingredients such as alcohol, witch hazel or acids (like salicylic acid) that help reduce oil production and fight acne. Using an astringent is critical for oily skin as it helps "clean and tighten your pores, making it harder for debris and dirt to penetrate your skin and cause irritation or breakouts," says Murad.
• Have dry or sensitive skin? Use an alcohol-free toner. Those with dry skin should avoid using astringents or toners that have retinols, glycolics, or benzoyl peroxide in them. These will be "too drying and may even cause the skin to break out," says Newman. Instead, look for one that is water-based and has ingredients like rosewater or chamomile extracts, and vitamin B derivatives like panthenol, which help lock in moisture and prevent makeup from looking cakey.
Now that you know what to look for, here's how to find an astringent or toner that you'll love. See the 16 best toners and astringents now.
Image via Imaxtree
SEE NEXT PAGE: Best Toner No. 16: Ole Henriksen Balancing Force Oil Control Toner, $26
Older comments
Where are cliniques toners? Been using them religiously for years
by Kbhaber Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at 07:51AM Report as inappropriate
I have very sensitive and oily skin. I normally do not use heavy creams, but since moisturization is really important, and after a recommendation I saw on youtube, I decided to give the Shielo Complexion Moisturizer a go. I am SO GLAD I did. The Shielo Complexion Moisturizer This does not cause me to break out, and it moisturizes well (although my skin is a bit shinier than usual in the morning now :). I love that there is a large amount in the jar. I think this will be my "official" moisturizer from now on!
by jasmine_santa_maria Sunday, February 17, 2013 at 06:44PM Report as inappropriate
I am happy to see that all 3 toners I am considering are on this list!
by bride040612 Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 05:42PM Report as inappropriate
I Use Dollar General's Oil-Free Astringent, It's Good At Clearing Acne, It Smells Wonderful, And It's Super Cheap. I Love It It Has Done Wonders For My kin
by Sidney210 Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 03:44PM Report as inappropriate
Never really feel the need for using a toner.
by EricaC123 Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 05:34PM Report as inappropriate
I use ORIGING United States toner.. This is part of my daily regimen.. day and night.. I feel the difference. My skin feels fresh and clean, all ready to put on my moisturizer.
by Joana84 Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at 08:43AM Report as inappropriate
I use the Body Shop's Tea Tree Oil toner right now and it is pretty good. My favorite toner though (the body shop's seaweed toner) was not on here :(
by Chris213 Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 07:15PM Report as inappropriate
I\'ve been using Olay\'s skin toner gentle years now, and I love it! It doesn\'t have that strong medicine-y smell of many other toners, and it\'s gentle enough to use twice a day. Definitely the best bang for your beauty buck!
by BengalsGal Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 11:04AM Report as inappropriate
I've been using Thayer's Roswater Toner and it has been working great! Very soothing and my skin looks great!
by starla1971 Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 03:02PM Report as inappropriate
been using witch hazel in the mornings and the body shop cucumber toner at night, it's working great for my dry to oily skin.
by monpetitchou Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 08:22PM Report as inappropriate