What kind of toner to use
Astringent solutions are recommended for insect bites, fungal infections, and minor skin irritations, more than daily cleansing like a toner. First of all, it's important to always use an alcohol-free face toner. The other ingredients should be picked based on your skin type. For acne-prone skin, choose an alcohol free toner with alpha hydroxy acid AHA. This will leave your skin clean and glowing without flaking.
A gentle tingle for a few seconds will let you know it has just the right pH level that is slightly acidic. This form of acid is gentle even for sensitive skin, unlike irritating ingredients like retinoids. Salicylic acid is often recommended in a facial toner for acne prone skin. However, this ingredient can be harsh and irritating, especially for sensitive skin. Other ingredients for normal to combination skin may include coenzyme Q10, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and vitamin C.
Although essential oils and plant extracts have had marketing to help give them a 'natural' and 'good for you' feel, these ingredients may result in skin irritations so it's best to avoid these. If you have sensitive skin, what you use as a cleanser and toner can make a major impact. Sensitive skin conditions are reported to dermatologists, with millions of people complaining of various reactions with products they used to use.
Healthy, youthful, beautiful skin starts with washing your sensitive skin with the right cleanser. It's important to find a gentle soap-free cleanser and alcohol-free toner for sensitive skin that won't strip your skin of vital nutrients and natural oils.
Your skin type should determine which cleanser you should use. Toners for sensitive skin should always be alcohol-free. Dermatologists agree certain ingredients are irritating to sensitive skin and may cause problems.
Sodium lauryl sulfate SLS is one such ingredient added to cleansers and bar soaps. This foaming chemical is actually a harsh detergent and may be too irritating for your sensitive skin. Plants or botanicals, herbal extracts, and essential oils often have side effects. Remember most medicinal drugs are derived from plants. An astringent might be the best option for you — just keep in mind that they often contain higher amounts of alcohol than other toners, which is why Dr.
Green doesn't recommend them for dry, sensitive skin types. If your complexion leans to the drier side, an alcohol-free toner will treat your skin without dehydrating it. Not only will an astringent remove residual makeup and dirt from the skin, but oil as well- making this a good product to combat acne.
We treasure our pores just as much as you do, so we made sure that we're only providing the best facial toners on the market. First off, we did the extra due diligence to make sure each of these toners is filled with skincare ingredients that will pamper and treat your skin. We also made sure first-hand that all of these formulas actually work. Our beauty editor, Jennifer Hussein , has tried each and every one of these toners throughout her years in the beauty industry, so she's very familiar with their formulas.
But, we know that everyone's skin is different, so we also listened to shoppers. Many of these toners have rave reviews on retailers like Amazon, Ulta, Sephora, and more.
Ranked the number-one face toner on Amazon — and also in our hearts — you should definitely try Thayers Witch Hazel Toner if it's not already sitting in your bathroom cabinet. Available in several different scent varieties, we love the lavender formula for its acne-solving properties and accessible price point. It's also perfect for calming sensitive skin. We live for all things Mario Badescu. If you don't already have the brand's cult-fave drying lotion , get on that, too. This face toner features a potent blend of classic witch hazel and soothing rosewater for a natural toner that removes surface impurities and promotes a fresh-faced glow, post-cleanse.
This combination of ingredients also keeps skin clean without stripping it of moisture, making it the best toner for dry skin. For those dealing with a constant battle against acne, this tea tree oil -infused toner from The Body Shop is an excellent choice. It not only rids the skin of any makeup or residue, but it works to mattify the skin and banish blemishes in one easy step. Looking to save without sacrificing quality? Neutrogena's alcohol-free toner will fill the necessary step of refreshing your skin without spending too much.
Not only is it affordable, but it's alcohol-free, oil-free, and hypoallergenic. This one is suitable for almost all skin types, especially those who need a gentle formula. Another iconic toner worth trying, Kiehl's Calendula Herbal Extract Toner will do good things to your skin thanks to its powerhouse, anti-inflammatory ingredients like calendula.
This one helps to combat redness, oily skin, and uneven texture, making it a true triple threat. Trust us — it's worth a spot in your daily skincare routine. FYI, O'Connor loves this one too. If combing a gel through your hair feels a bit extra, you'll love the ease of these toning drops from IGK. They come in two shades purple pigments for blondes; blue for brunettes and can be mixed into your favorite styling product like a few drops in your leave-in conditioner or gel for quick and easy toning.
And, thanks to the formula's prickly pear cactus extract, it also leaves your hair softer and shinier with each use. Unlike toners that are limited to weekly or bi-weekly use, this in-shower gloss can be used up to four times a week.
It comes in five shades and works to cancel out harsh, brassy tones in between salon appointments. Lather a pump through your hair after shampooing, leave it on for three to five minutes, rinse, and follow with conditioner. Speaking of in-shower toners, blondes can't go wrong with a good ol' purple shampoo. This one from Redken not only cleanses and hydrates your hair, but also blasts it with neutralizing violet pigments.
The result? Smoother, cooler-toned blonde hair with zero brass. Just don't overuse it, k? Think of it as a spot treatment for when your hair is looking dull or brassy. Brunettes should look for toning shampoos with blue pigments, like this pick from DpHue. The formula helps gently cleanse, neutralize warmth, and enhance shine hiiii, silk proteins. Just know that this guy comes out of the bottle suuuuper pigmented, so keep it away from your shower curtain speaking from experience here, folks.
Yup, this toning conditioner is made especially for redheads with warm undertones. Smooth a dollop through damp, freshly washed hair and the formula works to smooth and soften your hair while also adding shine and dimension throughout your color.
Oh, and it smells straight-up heavenly and who doesn't want that? An affordable but equally effective! It does require a little prep work—you'll need to mix the developer and gloss, and throw on a pair of gloves—but the end result is totally worth it. Think: shiny, defined, and richly pigmented hair.