11 best face toners for every skin type, reviewed by Glamour editors
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Acting as the first step in our skincare routines, the best toners are essential to prep, tone and balance skin before serums and moisturisers. According to Cosmetic Aesthetics Doctor, Dr Ed Robinson, "toners primarily work to restore the skin's pH level, which can help maximise absorption of subsequent skincare products.” From hydrating formulas to gentle exfoliants, today’s toners do far more than simply refresh - and the right one can make all the difference.
As a beauty journalist who regularly interviews dermatologists, I’ve spent years perfecting my skincare routine around expert advice. NGL, I once thought toners were unnecessary - but the right ones have totally transformed my rosacea-prone, dry skin, easing flare-ups and seriously boosting hydration.
Most days, I’ll reach for a gentle, milky formula - a good Korean toner or a skin-soothing rice toner is always my go-to. If my skin needs a little extra help, I’ll swap in a stronger BHA option to keep breakouts at bay, and I almost always have toner pads or a toning mist in my bag for on-the-go emergencies - especially if I'm travelling.
Of course, not all formulas suit every skin type. Dry complexions benefit from ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid and squalane, while oily or acne-prone skin may prefer salicylic acid and niacinamide for gentle exfoliation and oil control. To help you find your perfect match, I’ve curated and rigorously tested the very best toners for every concern and budget - with expert input on how to apply toner and use it to get the best results.
Meet the experts:
- Alise Mihai, aesthetic skin practitioner at Skin+IQ Clinic.
- Dr Ed Robinson, Cosmetic Aesthetics Doctor.
- Dr Sophie Momen, Consultant Dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic.
How we tested the best face toners:
Over the years, the Glamour team has trialled hundreds of toner formulas – from cult-favourite options like the Rhode Glazing Milk to the TikTok heroes like the REN AHA Tonic. When testing each formula, we've considered different factors to determine whether the product was genuinely worth recommending to you, dear reader. We made note of whether the toner resulted in any irritation, how it felt upon application and if we noticed any improvement in our skin after at least 4-6 weeks of use. Wherever possible, we always aim to test each formula on a variety of skin types to note down how it performs on each of us. Find out more about how we test here.
- Amount of toners tested: 13.
- Glamour's standard testing period: 4-6 weeks.
- Main criteria: Consistency, absorption, time required to achieve results, value for money.
Which toner works the best? Glamour's top pick:
After testing dozens of formulas, the toner that ended up performing best on all skin types was the Rhode Glazing Milk. Since it doesn't feature any irritants and its primary function is to hydrate and soothe the skin, it works as a great all-rounder that pairs well with every skin concerns.
While ceramides help strengthen the skin barrier, beta-glucan acts as a humectant, ensuring lasting moisture retention. Elsewhere, the clever blend of magnesium, zinc and copper offers antioxidant benefits, helping reduce inflammation and redness.
Our testers also concluded that it does a great job at prepping the skin before makeup, helping achieve that coveted “glazed” finish and a healthy-looking complexion.
Enter, our edit of the best toners for every skin type…
- Best for: Boosting barrier function and radiance.
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, beta-glucan, blend of magnesium, zinc and copper.
- Bottle size: 120ml or 65ml.
- Tested by: Denise Primbet, Glamour's Beauty Contributor.
- Pros: Offers a nourishing milky texture, helps achieve a radiant complexion, leaves the skin feeling hydrated, fragrance-free.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
Why we love it: It's hydrating, it's soothing and it's glow-giving, but let's be real: we expected nothing less from Hailey Bieber. Not only does it help strengthen the skin's delicate moisture barrier and deliver lasting hydration, but it also helps reduce inflammation and revive dull skin. Inside, you'll find hard-working skincare heroes like ceramides and beta-glucan, as well as a clever blend of magnesium, zinc and copper.
“The Rhode Glazing Milk is genuinely my favourite product from the range," says Denise Primbet, Glamour's Beauty Contributor. "My dry skin soaked it right up, and the hydrated feel lasted for hours on end. It delivers an elite base for my moisturiser and my SPF, helping it absorb that much better,” she adds. When testing this formula, Denise loved the nourishing milky texture and the fragrance-free formulation, making it a great fit for her sensitive and dry skin.
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- Best for: Exfoliating and decongesting.
- Key ingredients: Salicylic and tranexamic acid.
- Bottle size: 30ml and 150ml.
- Tested by: Mayola Fernandes, Glamour's Commerce Writer.
- Pros: Convenient pumping lid helps avoid product waste, helps gently exfoliate without irritating the skin.
- Cons: Not the easiest to apply with bare hands, requiring a cotton pad.
Why we love it: When it comes to building an efficacious skincare routine, consider Medik8, one of the best science-backed and board-certified dermatologist-approved brands around. This facial toner is testament to the brand's high quality.
Featuring 2% BHA (AKA salicylic acid), this toner helps treat dull skin, revealing a visibly clarified and decongested complexion. According to Medik8, results are noticeable in as little as seven days.
When testing this formula, Mayola Fernandes, Glamour's Commerce Writer, noted that the convenient pumping lid dispenses just the right amount onto the cotton pad, which helps avoid product waste. After three weeks of consistent use on her combination skin, Mayola noticed that her pores appeared less enlarged. She also experienced less inflammation and breakouts as a result of it helping regulate the skin's sebum production. About the only con we noticed was that it wasn't the easiest to apply with bare hands, so you definitely need to equip yourself with a healthy supply of cotton pads.
- Best for: Resurfacing and brightening.
- Key ingredients: Azelaic acid, lactic acid, willow bark extract.
- Bottle size: 100ml and 250ml.
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Pros: Helps effectively banish dead skin cells and unclog pores without causing irritation, suitable for most skin types.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
Why we love it: Having gone viral on the realms of TikTok, the REN Ready Steady Glow toner has become a cult-favourite among skincare enthusiasts and beauty editors alike – and deservedly so. Packed with a blend of AHAs and BHAs, this exfoliating skin toner is designed to gently eat away at dead skin cells, clear out blackheads and unclog pores, leaving you with a radiant glow. The best part? It's suitable for everyday use and it pairs well with most skin types.
When testing this formula, our Beauty Commerce Writer Shani Cohen appreciated its lightweight feel, as well as its affordable price tag. She noted that after a few weeks of consistent use, her skin looked a lot glowier and clearer, which helps achieve the smoothest makeup application. Shani loved that unlike other irritation-prone exfoliating toners, this formula doesn't result in any flare-ups, making it a great fit for most skin types.
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- Best for: Exfoliating the skin and smoothing out texture.
- Key ingredients: AHA fruit complex, salicylic and lactic acids.
- Bottle size: 70 toning pads.
- Pros: Dual-sided pads - act as an exfoliator and toner in one.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
Why we love it: Medicube is a brand that’s quickly taking over my whole skincare routine - from their inventive glass skin collagen overnight mask to their viral PDRN serum - it’s safe to say this popular Korean brand is always one step ahead of the beauty game. I’ve been using these AHA toning pads for around 6 months now - and as you can see by my nearly empty tub, I’m a huge fan.
You get 70 pads in a tub (generous if you ask me), and each pad is double-sided - one side (the rougher side) acts as an exfoliator to help with skin texture, unclog pores, and remove residue while the other side (the smooth side) is to use directly after the exfoliation process to hydrate, calm the skin, and give you that glow. And when I say glow - it really does give you that glass skin look. The pads are gentle enough to be used every day, and any skin type can benefit from using these - oily, dry or combo. They really are my holy grail - Shani Cohen, Glamour’s Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Best for: Dry and dehydrated skin.
- Key ingredients: Peach extract, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera.
- Bottle size: 60ml, 100ml.
- Tested by: Sophie Donovan, Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer.
- Pros: Helps achieve that “lit from within” glow, hydrates immediately after applying, protects sensitive skin.
- Cons: Since it's not fragrance-free, it may not pair well with sensitive skin.
Why we love it: After that coveted “lit from within” glow? Meet the Glow Hub Nourish and Hydrate Toner Essence, which helps achieve just that – with the help of a handful of nourishing ingredients, ofc. Infused with peach extract, this vitamin-rich formula instantly quenches your skin's thirst (courtesy of hyaluronic acid). Meanwhile, aloe vera acts as a great soothing ingredient to calm irritated skin.
“My acne is at its worst when my skin is dry,” says Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer Sophie Donovan. "Thankfully, this (super budget-friendly) toner helps keep my skin hydrated, thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid. I love the fact that it's also infused with peach and coconut, meaning it smells divine. Plus, that bottle is far too pretty to hide in a drawer, meaning I get a visual reminder not to skip this vital step every AM. A repeat purchase I swear by," she adds.
- Best for: Purifying and brightening.
- Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, ginseng, aloe vera.
- Bottle size: 250ml.
- Tested by: Mayola Fernandes, Glamour's Commerce Writer.
- Pros: Delivers an instant glow, reasonably priced, boosts cell turnover.
- Cons: May not be the best for sensitive skin types.
Why we love it: This cult Pixi product needs no introduction. When it first launched back in 1999 (!), it would sell out daily for its ability to give skin an instant glow – and it's still insanely popular to this day. It's formulated with acids that gently peel your skin, boost cell turnover and help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Not to mention, the price point is considerably fair, especially given all the glow-giving and clarifying benefits you get out of it.
- Best for: Unclogging pores, smoothing skin texture and preventing future breakouts.
- Key ingredients: 2% salicylic acid (BHA), green tea extract, methylpropanediol (for deeper penetration and hydration).
- Bottle size: 30ml and 118ml.
- Pros: Does a superb job at reducing enlarged pores, a great fit for acne-prone and oily skin types.
- Cons: Due to its pore-refining nature, it may not be the best fit for dry and mature skin types.
Why we love it: In case you're unfamiliar, Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA is a fast-absorbing, leave-on liquid exfoliant that promises to remove built-up dead skin cells both on the surface of your skin and deep inside your pores to help you achieve smooth and even complexion over prolonged use. Think: smaller pores, brightened skin and a reduction in acne scarring.
“I’ve been using Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant for well over a year now, weaving it into both my morning and evening routines depending on what my skin needs. After cleansing, I sweep a small amount across my face using a cotton pad (though sometimes I press it in with my hands), followed by moisturiser. I typically use it 2–3 times a week, but when my skin’s feeling congested, I’ll bump that up to daily use. I’ve tested it through heatwaves, hormonal breakouts and winter dryness, and every time, it leaves my skin noticeably clearer, smoother and more balanced, without any irritation. It’s one of the few skincare products I consistently finish - and immediately repurchase.” - Georgia Brown, Freelance Commerce Writer. You can read her full review here.
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- Best for: Gentle exfoliation and unblocking pores.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, 3% PHA + 2% BHA, watermelon extract.
- Bottle size: 40ml and 150ml.
- Tested by: Denise Primbet, Glamour's Beauty Contributor.
- Pros: Helps achieve a “glass”-like glow, delivers gentle exfoliation, has a nourishing feel.
- Cons: Since it's not fragrance-free, it may not be the best fit for those with sensitive skin.
Why we love it: Powered by powerful PHA and BHA acids, this refining toner works hard to decongest pores, smooth and resurface skin texture and boost radiance, all with a delightful yet subtle watermelon scent. And it's not stripping either - it's full to the brim with hyaluronic acid for a pleasant hydrating effect, plus soothing watermelon extract, refreshing cactus water and the moisture marvel glycerin.
“Whenever I'm after gentle exfoliation, I always reach for this hero formula from Glow Recipe. Not only does it leave my skin extra glowy, but it also helps deliver lasting hydration, which is always a must for my dry and sensitive skin,” says Denise Primbet, Glamour's Beauty Contributor.
- Best for: Soothing and purifying the skin.
- Key ingredients: Water, aodium chloride, hypochlorous acid.
- Bottle size: 120ml.
- Pros: Has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, feels refreshing and hydrating on the skin.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
Why we love it: Having recently launched in the UK, Tower 28 has been a go-to for many influencers and celebrities alike (including none other than Hailey Bieber), offering soothing and top-notch quality formulas that help support the skin barrier and keep flare-ups at bay. Enter: the best-selling SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray, which instantly purifies stressed skin and soothes flare-ups to counteract any irritation and calm redness. Featuring 100% natural ingredients, this mist is both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, making it a natural fit for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
- Best for: Soothing, nourishing, hydrating.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, beta-glucan, fermented Korean-produced black rice.
- Bottle size: 150ml.
- Tested by: Denise Primbet, Glamour's Beauty Contributor.
- Pros: Effectively soothes flare-ups, fragrance-free, feels hydrating on the skin.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
Why we love it: If you're looking for a gentle toner that will replenish and soothe your sensitive skin, look no further. This K-beauty hero from HaruHaru is one of the best face toners around, thanks to its hydrating fragrance-free formula which is infused with black rice extract to help restore the skin's elasticity and help ensure lasting hydration. Plus, it's brimming with vegetable derived glycerin to strengthen the skin barrier, soothing fermented bamboo shoots, and hyaluronic acid to keep your complexion comfortable and happy. And it's vegan and cruelty-free.
“HaruHaru Wonder is my long-time K-Beauty favourite brand, and with good reason. I rate this toner in particular for its ability to effectively nourish and soothe the skin while still feeling extra lightweight upon application. It's also one of the best formulas that genuinely helped strengthen my skin barrier,” says Denise Primbet, Glamour's Beauty Contributor.
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- Best for: Calming and hydrating.
- Key ingredients: 77% heartleaf extract, panthenol, centella asiatica extract, glycerin.
- Bottle size: 250ml.
- Tested by: Denise Primbet, Glamour's Beauty Contributor.
- Pros: Great for sensitive skin and those with eczema or rosacea, instantly replenishes the skin.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
Why we love it: Korean skincare brands like ANUA are famous for using truly unique ingredients in their formulations. In this toner, the hero ingredient is romantic-sounding heartleaf extract, which is famous for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties — and also helps to soothe irritated skin. The formula also includes calming centella asiatica extract to help reduce any redness, and strengthen the skin barrier — so it's a great gentle toning option for anyone suffering with skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.
“As someone who has rosacea, I'm always on the lookout for soothing formulas, and this toner from ANUA is my absolute favourite for calming my rosacea flare-ups. It leaves my skin feeling nice and nourished in an instant, delivering a great base for a barrier-supporting skincare routine,” says Denise Primbet, Glamour's Beauty Contributor.
After more Korean skincare content? Shop Korean moisturisers, Korean eye creams and Korean face masks.
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Do dermatologists recommend toners?
While most dermatologists would agree that toners aren't typically an essential skincare step, they can certainly still be beneficial if you find one that works well for you. Dr Ed Robinson definitely recommends using a toner — as long as it's suited to your specific skin type and concerns. “I always advocate for medical-grade skin care with proven evidence-based ingredients,” the Cosmetic Aesthetics Doctor explains.
What are the benefits of using a toner in my skincare routine?
“The primary purpose of a toner is to remove any excess oil, dirt, and impurities that may have been left on your skin after cleansing,” explains Alise Mihai, aesthetic skin practitioner at Skin+IQ Clinic. Cleansing can also disrupt the skin's natural pH level — so toning helps to restore this. “This helps prep the skin to better absorb the benefits of other products applied afterwards — like serums and moisturisers,” Alise adds.
In terms of other benefits, it'll largely depend on which particular skin concerns your toner has been formulated to tackle. Many contain specific active ingredients that help treat common issues like acne, redness, and uneven skin tone and texture.
How do I choose the right toner for my skin type?
If you've got dry skin, look for toners that are free from any harsh astringents that can strip the skin of moisture, and instead contain hydrating and soothing ingredients. "Hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture, the humectant glycerin helps draw water into the skin, and panthenol helps support the skin barrier" explains Dr Sophie Momen, consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic.
Soothing ingredients are also worth seeking out — especially if you have some skin sensitivity. “Aloe vera really helps to soothe irritation, and rose water hydrates and calms the skin — while also providing mild antioxidant benefits,” Dr Sophie adds.
Alternatively, for oily skin, you're better off seeking out a toner that helps to unclog pores, prevents breakouts, and reduce inflammation. Salicylic acid can help to calm spots and reduce the appearance of pores, while exfoliating AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid help to really even out skin tone. Meanwhile, green tea and witch hazel are great ingredients for reducing oil production.
Should I use a toner every day for dry skin?
As long as your toner is alcohol-free and generally hydrating, you should be totally fine to use it every day. “However, if your toner formula contains exfoliating ingredients like AHAs, it's best to just use it a few times a week,” adds Alise Mihai, aesthetic skin practitioner at Skin+IQ Clinic.
What is a milky toner?
Essentially a cross between a toner and a lightweight moisturiser, milky toners put more of a focus on hydration and supporting the skin barrier — with cleansing and balancing taking a bit more of a back-seat. Typically packed with humectants and emollients, they're the perfect post-cleanse drink for dry and sensitive skin types.
What is the best toner for sensitive skin?
The best toners for sensitive skin are gentle, calming, and fragrance-free. “If you've got sensitive skin, you should really avoid overly harsh exfoliating toners — unless they've been prescribed by a skincare expert,” says Dr Ed.
"Look for formulas enriched with aloe vera, chamomile, green tea, or centella asiatica," Dr Sophie suggests. “These kind of soothing ingredients help to hydrate and balance the skin — while also minimising inflammation.”
Feeling inspired to upgrade your skincare routine? Shop the best sunscreens for face, best eye creams, best hyaluronic acid serums as well as the best moisturisers and lotions.
