Facial toners are often the unsung heroes of our skincare routines — frequently underestimated, yet once you discover the right one, you’ll wonder how you ever went without it. As someone who’s always on the lookout for skincare gems, I’ve also gathered my colleagues to share their personal favourite toners. Keep reading to discover the best facial toners for your skin type!
We recommend only the best facial toners based on genuine experience. Each product has been personally tested on our own skin, with a thorough evaluation of its feel, absorption, and hydration.
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Active Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Aloe Vera, Ginseng
Benefits: Brightening, exfoliating, reducing uneven skin tone
Size: 240ml
For a targeted skincare boost, especially if you’re struggling with dullness, uneven texture, or hyperpigmentation, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution works wonders. It gently exfoliates away dead skin cells, revealing a brighter, smoother complexion beneath. Aloe Vera and Ginseng soothe and balance out its potent formulation. However, start slow; its strong exfoliating properties might initially cause sensitivity.
Jaia, user with combination skin: “I’ve been using this for almost 5 years now, mainly in the evening. It helps even out my skin tone beautifully. I also apply it to my back, armpits, and elbows to lighten dark spots, and so far, it’s been really effective.”
Janica, user with combination skin: “My absolute holy grail! I cannot stress how much I love this one! It’s great for both the face and body. While it can be a bit astringent, so it may sting if you have dry skin or open wounds, the results are definitely worth it. I had a scar from a dog scratch that faded significantly after just a week of using glycolic acid, and it was completely gone in 2 – 3 weeks. It’s also cheaper than other brands, so that’s a plus!”
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Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Benefits: Intense hydration, moisture retention, soothing effect
Size: 400ml
If your skin feels perpetually parched or sensitive, the HADA LABO Gokujyun Hydrating Toner may just be what you need. Packed with moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid, this facial toner instantly boosts hydration levels, leaving your skin feeling soft, plump, and deeply nourished. We loved its gentle formula, which provided a soothing touch without causing any irritation, even on the most sensitive areas.
Jayvinn, user with combination skin: “I’ve been using it for over 5 years. It’s a gentle yet moisturising toner that absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy residue. I find it to be the perfect base for my skincare routine!”
Jaia, user with combination skin: “I’ve been using this toner for 3 years now. With my combination skin, there are times — especially in colder weather — when certain areas get really dry, and this is the toner I reach for. It has a thicker consistency than most toners, but it does wonders in locking in moisture. Sometimes, I even mix a few drops into my foundation to keep it from caking or drying out through the day.”
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Active Ingredients: Vitamin E, Lotus Flower Extract
Benefits: Refreshing, cleansing, balances skin’s pH
Size: 200ml
Nivea Refreshing Toner effortlessly revitalises your skin, especially if you’re dealing with oily, acne-prone skin that needs regular balancing. With vitamin E and soothing lotus flower extract, this toner gently removes impurities and refreshes your complexion without stripping moisture. Its lightweight consistency feels incredibly refreshing — almost like a splash of cool water — and leaves no greasy residue behind. Dermatologically approved, it’s even said to be suitable for normal skin types!
Jerina, user with oily skin (easily prone to acne): “I’ve been using it for over 5 years because it’s gentle on my sensitive skin and enriched with vitamin E, which helps keep my skin moisturised for longer.”
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Active Ingredients: Job’s Tears (Hatomugi) Extract
Benefits: Hydration, soothing, multi-purpose use
Size: 500ml
Naturie Hatomugi Adlay Skin Conditioner is a versatile, hydration-packed toner that’s perfect for almost any skin type. Infused with Job’s Tears extract, it offers lightweight yet powerful hydration, calming and moisturising the skin without any heaviness. We love how it can be used day or night, and during the humid summer months, it’s a total lifesaver, providing a refreshing boost without feeling sticky.
Jaia, user with combination skin: “I’ve been using it for 3 years now. It has a very light texture, so I mostly use it during the day. If I’m in a rush, I just spritz it on my skin. At night, I reach for it when I’m planning to use a stronger serum or cream, like retinol, since it’s super light and doesn’t overwhelm my skin.”
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Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, Sea Daffodil Extract
Benefits: Brightening, soothing, restores radiance
Size: 150ml
CETAPHIL Bright Healthy Radiance Toner truly lives up to its name, providing a gentle brightness without causing irritation. Infused with niacinamide – well-known for its brightening and barrier-repairing properties — and sea daffodil extract, it helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and dullness. We noticed an immediate glow after use, and many online users have reported that their skin looks visibly fresher and more evenly toned over time. It’s an excellent choice for anyone wanting to gently brighten their complexion and lift dullness from their daily skincare routine.
Janica, user with combination skin: “”I like that this toner is fragrance-free and doesn’t feel astringent at all. It has a water-like texture, so it really comes down to personal preference — whether you prefer a toner that feels like water or one with a stronger sensation. For me, this one is good enough. It is a bit pricey, but it definitely helps with hyperpigmentation.”
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Active Ingredients: Japanese Yuzu Seed Extract, Shiseido’s VP8+ Complex
Benefits: Hydration, resilience, anti-aging support
Size: 150ml
SHISEIDO’s Defend Beauty Treatment Softener Enriched feels more like an essence than a traditional toner — and that’s exactly why we love it. Designed for dry, sensitive skin, this formula helps to strengthen your skin’s barrier, deliver lasting moisture, and prep the skin for better absorption of serums and moisturisers. It feels silky and luxurious upon application and adds a subtle glow that makes your skin look instantly more refreshed and healthy. Definitely a splurge, but one that feels totally worth it.
Janica, user with combination skin: “I received this as a gift and have been trying it out recently. The fragrance isn’t to my liking, but it’s not overwhelming. It’s a bit more astringent than Cetaphil, though it doesn’t make my skin feel like it’s burning. My skin also doesn’t feel dry afterward. It does a great job of keeping my face from getting oily, so overall, I’d say it’s pretty good!”
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Active Ingredients: Varies per type
Benefits: Varies per type
Size: 100 pre-soaked pads
The MEDIHEAL Daily Treatment Toner Pad comes in seven different types, each designed to address specific skin concerns like dryness, acne, or dullness. Packed with ingredients like soothing aloe, brightening vitamin C, and calming centella asiatica, these toner pads offer a tailored solution for every skin need. We loved how versatile these pads are; for a spot treatment, apply the pad to a breakout and leave it on for 10 minutes. As for an all-over refresh, swipe it across your face to cleanse, hydrate, and prep your skin. Either way, they leave your skin feeling clean, calm, and balanced.
Shermyn, user with dry, sensitive skin (Mediheal Vitamiade Brightening Pad): “I’ve been using these pads for almost 6 months now, and I love how they always give me a glowing complexion when I use them in the morning. They leave my face feeling incredibly clean and help my serum absorb better right after.”
Jaia, user with combination skin (Mediheal Watermide Moisture Pad): “I’ve been a fan of the MEDIHEAL toner pads for 5 years now. I use them whenever I know I’ll be attending an event where my makeup needs to last all day, as they help prevent a cakey face. On days when I’m feeling too lazy for a full face mask, I simply apply these pads to my skin. I usually let the two pads rest on my cheeks and other dry areas for about 5-10 minutes before applying my moisturiser, sunscreen, and primer.”
Related: Best Korean Skincare Brands And Products
Toner helps balance the skin’s pH after cleansing, restoring its natural acidity for better health and function. It also hydrates the skin, providing moisture that might be lost during cleansing. Some toners can tighten pores, leaving your skin feeling smoother and more refined.
Additionally, toners with exfoliating ingredients like AHAs or BHAs remove dead skin cells, promoting a brighter and more even complexion. Depending on the formula, toners can also target specific concerns like acne, dryness, or redness.
Allow it to fully absorb before proceeding with the rest of your skincare routine. For best results, use toner consistently, both in the morning and at night.
When selecting a toner, it’s important to choose one based on your unique skin type and complexion concerns. Here are some popular ingredients you can look out for:
By selecting a toner with the right ingredients, you can target specific skin concerns, whether it’s oil control, skin texture, or hydration. Make sure to choose one that aligns with your skin’s needs for the best results.
With so many options available for different skin concerns, there’s a toner out there for everyone — one that will prep your skin and enhance the benefits of the rest of your routine. Ready for more skincare goodness? Explore our picks for the best eye creams, indulge in luxurious Korean face masks, and protect your skin with the best sunscreens. Your skin will thank you!
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