TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.3*
Why it's great: Readers are addicted to this "non-drying floral tonic that contains vitamin E, organic aloe vera, calendula, cucumber and rose-scented geranium." It has "none of that artificial and irritating perfume smell some skin care products have," one reader explains.
The "light, floral, yet tangy citrus scent awakens my senses and gets me going in the morning," says one reader. Another says, "Once I begin applying this toner on my face, I don't want to stop... It leaves the face baby soft."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.3*
Why it's great: This moisturizing, exfoliating product has our readers gushing. "Try this," advises one TotalBeauty.com member. "It is truly the best of its kind." Other readers say it "cleanses without over-drying" and "keeps the face feeling soft and supple" while avoiding the burning, stinging feeling associated with toners. It also "softens and moisturizes your skin," preparing it for the remaining steps in your skin-care routine. One reader says the product also helps prevent hormonal blemishes.
Readers acknowledge that this product is a "splurge," but still say it's "worth getting."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.3*
Why it's great: Readers love this toner for its "gentle" formula. "No stinging, no tightness, and no flaring," says one reader. "It does not dry your skin out or leave that tight feeling after use," agrees another.
Readers also say the product is "absolutely perfect for sensitive skin" because it's "calming and soothing." For all its gentleness, it still "gets the job done." The product "thoroughly and gently cleanses sensitive skin," says one TotalBeauty.com member. Her tip? "I douse some cotton pads and put them in a baggie to refresh on long flights."
Why it's great: Nowadays, toners formulated with some gentle chemical exfoliants — AKA "glow tonics" — are becoming more and more popular and this cult favorite remains one of the buzziest options. "I like the way my skin feels after repeated use," says one reader, who also adds that she's "almost through [her] first bottle and already purchased a replacement."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.4*
Why it's great: TotalBeauty.com members love this product because it's "non-drying," leaving their skin "feeling clean and refreshed."
"Many other toners make me feel like I'm spraying pure alcohol on my face, but this toner is very light," says a reader. She adds that it is also effective in melting away traces of makeup missed by her cleanser. Another reader reports that prior to using this, she "never believed toners were a necessary part of a skin-care regimen." After trying this, she says, "Now, I couldn't live without it."
A common debate rages in the beauty world: Do toners play a critical role in a skin care regimen or are they an unnecessary step in the cleanse-tone-moisturize process?
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.
