Cleanse, tone, moisturise. This 3-step routine has been around for as long as we can remember, but thanks to the addition of serums, essences and mists, we are often forgetting the middle step. We are looking at which is the best toner for you and your skin type so you can this essential skincare item back into your routine and get your complexion glowing.
Why do I need to use a toner?
Don't think of toning as a harsh step in your routine (we know this was traditionally the case). There are so many skin toners available today, all of which have different benefits to help target individual skin concerns. Check out our "what does toner do?" edit.
Toners not only help to purify and clarify the skin, they infuse it with essential moisture and prep it for the moisturising step in your routine.
Discover the best one for you below.
Which is the best toner for me?
Sensitive skin: Avène Gentle Toner
As its name suggests, Avène's Gentle Toner has been specially formulated for those with sensitive skin.
Free from parabens and alcohol, the toner instead is formulated with silicates to nourish dehydrated skin and prevent further dryness that could result in sensitivity.
Enriched with the brand's Thermal Spring Water, it helps to restore the skin's natural hydrolipidic film to shield against aggressors and damage.
Oily skin: REN Clarimatte Clarifying Toner
REN's Clarimatte Clarifying Toner is perfect for balancing oil and sebum production thanks to its astringent properties.
Packed with willow bark to unclog pores and remove impurities, alongside naturally anti-bacterial mayflower and a blend of citrus fruit acids to brighten and decongest such as pineapple, lemon and passion fruit.
Acne-prone skin: Clinique 1.0 Clarifying Lotion
The reason we love Clinique's 1.0 Clarifying Lotion for blemish-prone skin is thanks to its non-acnegenic formulation, so it won't cause further spots to appear.
As acne-prone skin can also be quite sensitive, this toner is alcohol-free, so it won't strip your skin or cause it to become irritated. Instead, it helps to smooth out the texture, hydrate without adding oil and add a beautiful radiance to the skin.
Combination skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Lotion
Combination skin can be a mixture of dry, blemish-prone, oily and sensitive, so it's important to use gentle yet effective products that won't cause any irritation or damage.
The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Lotion has been specially formulated with LHA's to gently unclog pores and sweep away dry, dead skin cells, while also being rich in Thermal Spring Water to hydrate and soothe.
The toner is free from parabens and is also 100% hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic so won't cause further breakouts.
Dry skin: Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Tonic
Bobbi Brown's Hydrating Face Tonic has been specially formulated to infuse the skin with moisture and keep it plumped-up and glowing.
Rich in nourishing botanicals such as cucumber, aloe leaf and chamomile, the toner feels super gentle on the skin and intensely hydrates without making the skin feel oily.
It also combines the brand's signature Enriched Mineral Water Blend and Vitamin B5 to keep the skin nourished throughout the day so it stays radiant and healthy.
Mature skin: Pixi Retinol Tonic
It might have only launched last year, but Pixi's Retinol Tonic has already become one of the most coveted items in our beauty routine.
Retinol might be its hero ingredient, but unlike the traditional retinol creams that can cause irritation and dryness, it also helps to hydrate and nourish the skin thanks to the addition of jasmine flower and peptides.
It's the perfect route into retinol if you have sensitive skin and can't tolerate high-strength active skincare.
Dull skin: Pixi Glow Tonic
Combat a dulling complexion with Pixi's cult Glow Tonic. Combining glycolic acid with ginseng and aloe vera, the toner helps to slough away dead skin cells while hydrating the skin and infusing it with long-lasting moisture for a gorgeous glow.
Pixi's Glow Tonic is a great route into skin acids if you're a first-time acid user as it is a super gentle yet effective formula.
