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."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.6*
Why it's great: Readers love this "soothing," "cream-like" toner for its ability to hydrate and refresh dry skin. "My skin can be easily irritated and it's pretty dry," one reader explains. "This toner makes my face feel refreshed. I can't live without this." Another says, "This is the most soothing toner I have ever used. It makes my skin feel soft and cool," adding that a little bit of product "goes a long way. It is well worth the money, which is not expensive for such a high quality product."
Why it's great: A simple sweep of the stuff adds an instant shot of hydration to your complexion. It's lightweight, so it absorbs quickly — and it perfectly paves the way for whatever the next step is in your skin care routine, whether it's a serum, face oil, or moisturizer. Plus, it's packed with antioxidants, so it also offers some extra protection.
Agree? Disagree? Write your review for PCA Skin Hydrating Toner here.
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.8*
Why it's great: Readers say this top-rated toner is "perfect for sensitive skin" — it's not irritating or drying, and is full of "beneficial ingredients. "My skin soaks it up!" one reader writes.
"This is what changed my skin from confused to clear," says one reader with breakout-prone skin. Other readers agree that this toner is "the perfect solution" for acne: "It doesn't clog pores or sit on top of the skin heavily, but provides light, highly effective moisture that gets rid of flakiness."
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.
