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2024's "5 Best" Face Toners On The Market
When it comes to skincare, the use of a good face toner can't be overstated. Responding to your frequent queries, we've delved deep into the world of toners. Our team has researched and tested over 30 toner skincare products to find the best skin toner options for you.
So, why use a toner for face? Toners balance your skin's natural pH, making it ready to absorb other products efficiently. The best toner products often include ingredients like Glycolic Acid, AHA, Salicylic acid and BHA, which are known to improve skin texture. However, choosing the right skin toner, especially the best toner for women with sensitive skin, means ensuring the toner is gentle and soothing.
We understand the importance of having a toner skincare product that's both effective and kind to the skin. So, dive in and discover our top good toners below.
When it comes to skincare, the use of a good face toner can't be overstated. Responding to your frequent queries, we've delved deep into the world of toners. Our team has researched and tested over 30 toner skincare products to find the best skin toner options for you.
So, why use a toner for face? Toners balance your skin's natural pH, making it ready to absorb other products efficiently. The best toner products often include ingredients like Glycolic Acid, AHA, Salicylic acid and BHA, which are known to improve skin texture. However, choosing the right skin toner, especially the best toner for women with sensitive skin, means ensuring the toner is gentle and soothing.
We understand the importance of having a toner skincare product that's both effective and kind to the skin. So, dive in and discover our top good toners below.
When it comes to skincare, the use of a good face toner can’t be overstated. Responding to your frequent queries, we’ve delved deep into the world of toners. Our team has researched and tested over 30 toner skincare products to find the best skin toner options for you.
So, why use a toner for face? Toners balance your skin’s natural pH, making it ready to absorb other products efficiently. The best toner products often include ingredients like Glycolic Acid, AHA, Salicylic acid and BHA, which are known to improve skin texture. However, choosing the right skin toner, especially the best toner for women with sensitive skin, means ensuring the toner is gentle and soothing.
We understand the importance of having a toner skincare product that’s both effective and kind to the skin. So, dive in and discover our top good toners below.
Why are toners good for your skin?
Toners, at their core, are designed to balance the skin’s natural pH, which can be disrupted during cleansing. Beyond this foundational role, the best toners come supercharged with powerful ingredients like AHA, BHA, Salicyclic Acid and Glycolic Acid. Each of these ingredients has distinct benefits, yet they all aim to refresh and revitalise the skin.
AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) and BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) are celebrated for their exfoliating properties. By gently sloughing away dead skin cells, they reveal a brighter and smoother skin surface. AHA tends to work on the skin’s surface, making it particularly suitable for dry skin, while BHA penetrates deeper, addressing concerns like clogged pores, making it a go-to for oily and acne-prone skin.
Glycolic Acid, a specific type of AHA, is renowned for its small molecular size, allowing it to penetrate the skin efficiently. This makes it exceptionally effective in addressing concerns like fine lines, sun damage, and an uneven skin tone.
Using a toner with these key ingredients not only preps the skin for the subsequent steps in your routine but also offers targeted solutions for common skin issues. From refining pores to boosting hydration, a good toner can be the unsung hero in your skincare arsenal. When chosen wisely, it lays the groundwork for a radiant and blemish-free complexion.
Best toner: At a glance
- Best toner for all skin types: Habitual Skin AHA & BHA Clarifying Toner 100ml
- Best for acne-prone skin: Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore Reducing Toner 190ml
- Best splurge: Dr. Barbara Sturm Balancing Toner 150ml
What's so special about Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that helps hydrate the skin. As we age, our HA levels decrease, leading to wrinkles, dryness, and loss of firmness. Studies show using hyaluronic acid topically, such as in serums, can improve hydration by 96%, reduce wrinkles by up to 40% and enhance skin firmness by 55% in just eight weeks. Dermatologists and skin experts highly endorse hyaluronic Acid serums to treat these common skin concerns.
Choosing the Right Skincare
Selecting the right skincare products can be daunting. It’s easy to gravitate towards the most affordable options, but quality often correlates with price. Higher-priced products typically offer superior results due to their quality ingredients and formulation. With a myriad of brands and products to sift through, it can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve done the legwork for you, researching, testing, and curating this concise list of five top-rated products.
The Good - What to Look For
Selecting the ideal toner amidst the vast options can be daunting. To streamline your decision, we’ve conducted thorough research and pinpointed the following key factors:
- Active Ingredients – Beyond catchy marketing phrases, the efficacy of a product largely hinges on its active ingredients. These are compounds scientifically demonstrated to exert a specific benefit on the skin. They’re the powerhouses ensuring the product’s claims align with actual outcomes.
- Optimal Concentrations – It isn’t just about having the right ingredients but having them in correct concentrations. Effective skincare requires ingredients at their research-determined optimal levels—potent enough to target specific skin concerns without inducing irritation. Eliminating unnecessary fillers ensures undiluted effectiveness.
- Ingredient Integrity – The origin and processing of ingredients play crucial roles in a product’s safety and efficacy. Natural or lab-synthesised, the key is purity. Ingredients derived through meticulous methods ensure both safety and maximum benefit, while those from questionable processes can be detrimental.
The Bad - What to Avoid
When choosing a toner, it’s essential to be discerning for both your skin’s health and broader ethical considerations. Here’s what to avoid:
- Inadequate Concentrations – Comprehensive ingredient lists can be deceiving. Too many components might mean that the active, beneficial ingredients are present in sub-optimal amounts, limiting their ability to deliver tangible skin improvements.
- Redundant Additives – Terms like fillers or carrier ingredients denote substances that might not directly benefit the skin. Their presence can dilute the core active ingredients, reducing the product’s efficacy and potentially affecting skin health.
- Animal Testing – Simply put, ethical skincare avoids products tested on animals. Their well-being is paramount.
- Fragrances – Though a pleasant aroma can enhance product experience, the vague term “fragrance” can encompass a myriad of potentially harmful substances that remain largely unregulated.
- Unjustified Price Tags – A steep price doesn’t always equate to superior quality. While some premium products merit their cost due to high-quality ingredients, others might be pricey due to marketing, fancy packaging, or unverified proprietary components. Always cross-check the ingredient efficacy with its price point.
The System - Our 10 Step, Research Backed Ranking Method
There is so much more to choosing a Toner, than just taking marketing and labels at face value. That simply isn’t enough. Instead, we choose to test and compare each Toner against our 10-point ranking system:
- 1 The purity and quality of ingredients and sourcing.
- 2 The presence or lack of artificial fillers, preservatives and additives.
- 3 Regulated manufacturing facilities and high-quality processes.
- 4 The information behind the product - science, research and development.
- 5 Level of AHA and BHA availability, digestibility and absorption.
- 6 Manufacturer governing bodies registrations and certifications.
- 7 Third-party testing to determine validity and accuracy of label information.
- 8 Filtering customer reviews to remove paid/fake reviews to highlight truthful customer experience.
- 9 Price and value for money.
- 10 Return and money-back guarantee policies.
Save on our favourite toner
Right now at Habitual Skin, you can save up to 10% on best sellers and up to 35% off bundles. This includes the AHA & BHA Clarifying Toner 100ml from our roundup – a gentle alcohol-free exfoliator that retexturises, brightens, and refreshes lacklustre skin. Use code JUNE24 at checkout to bring the price down to just £28.79.
Habitual Skin | Was £31.99 | Now £28.79
The System - Our 10-Step, Research-Backed Ranking Method
- 1 The purity and quality of ingredients and sourcing.
- 2 The presence or lack of artificial fillers, preservatives and additives.
- 3 Regulated manufacturing facilities and high-quality processes.
- 4 The information behind the product - science, research and development.
- 5 Level of Active Ingredients, availability, digestibility and absorption.
- 6 Manufacturer governing bodies registrations and certifications.
- 7 Third-party testing to determine validity and accuracy of label information.
- 8 Filtering customer reviews to remove paid/fake reviews to highlight truthful customer experience.
- 9 Price and value for money.
- 10 Return and money-back guarantee policies.
The Guide - How We Evaluated the Top 5
- 20 Hours Researched
- 5 Expert Evaluations
- 60 Customer Experience Interviews
Our Top 5 Face Toners were chosen based on studious research that dove deep into the quality of each individual product; consultation with leading skin care clinicians to gain their expert opinions; and a multitude of user experience interviews, to ensure the products you find below are the best on the market and most beneficial for your skin.
All products featured on Honest Reviews are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Top 5 Face Toners in 2024
#1 Habitual Skin
AHA & BHA Clarifying Toner
- Quality Rating: 10/10
- Expert Rating: 9.9/10
- Users Rating: 9.8/10
Habitual Skin’s AHA & BHA Clarifying Toner is not just another toner; it’s a masterclass in Toner innovation. For those who’ve searched far and wide for a product that brings the transformative powers of both AHA and BHA to the forefront, this toner delivers in spades. With the fusion of these two powerhouse acids, your journey to clear, radiant skin becomes straightforward.
Its defining feature, the avant-garde Biogenic Sallic-210 formulation, uses state-of-the-art oligomer complex technology. This ensures that the BHAs, especially salicylic acid, are seamlessly solubilised. As a result, the toner harnesses the best of BHA without the need for alcohol, establishing it as a gentle yet potent solution for all skin types, even the most sensitive.
Then, there’s Glycolic acid—an AHA that diligently works to shake off dullness, retexturising the skin’s surface. Alongside Tego Natural Betaine, a celebrated amino acid derivative, the moisture retention is unparalleled, safeguarding the skin’s softness.
Our dedicated trials showcased this toner’s prowess. In just four weeks, participants experienced tighter pores, a boost in brightness, and a significant skin texture refinement. Such is the power of AHA and BHA when synergised to perfection.
Priding itself on ethics, Habitual Skin’s formula is both gluten-free and vegan. The brand’s unwavering confidence shines through with enticing bulk purchase offers, free UK shipping, and a robust satisfaction guarantee.
For an AHA and BHA-rich toner that revolutionises skincare routines, offering clarity, gentleness, and undeniable effectiveness, Habitual Skin’s AHA & BHA Clarifying Toner stands unmatched. Embrace a complexion that’s not just visually enhanced but feels genuinely rejuvenated
The Desirables
- Gentle Exfoliator: Delicately exfoliates with BHA's and AHA's, leaving skin clear and radiant.
- Biogenic Sallic-210 Formulation: Oligomer complex technology solubilizes salicylic acid, allowing alcohol-free formulas suitable for all skin types.
- Reduces in Pore Size: Testers saw visibly smaller pores, resulting in clearer, brighter skin.
- Retexturing and Brightening : Glycolic acid renews and brightens lacklustre skin for a youthful appearance.
- Moisture Retention: Tego Natural Betaine helps skin retain moisture, keeping it hydrated.
- Gluten-Free and Vegan: Aligns with ethical values, suitable for gluten-free and vegan lifestyles.
- Large Discounts and Free UK Shipping: Enjoy savings on bulk orders and free shipping within the UK.
- 90-Day Money Back Guarantee: Confidence in the product's effectiveness with a satisfaction guarantee.
- Affordable, Effective, and Gentle: An affordable, effective, and gentle toner to enhance and brighten the complexion.
The Undesirables
- Currently, it is only available for purchase on the official company website.
- Stock problems may occur due to the high demand for the product.
The Final Word
Habitual Skin’s AHA & BHA Clarifying Toner is a high-quality product that gently exfoliates and removes impurities from the skin without stripping away its natural moisture. This potent yet gentle formula helps unclog pores, leaving the skin bright and radiant.
The company offers free shipping on all orders and a 90-day money-back guarantee, reflecting its confidence in the product’s effectiveness. These features make it a reliable and effective option for those seeking a high-quality toner that will enhance their skincare routine.
Why Habitual Skin Is Our #1 Pick
Habitual Skin’s AHA & BHA Clarifying Toner is a new superior product in the market, thanks to its high-quality ingredients, exceptional brand reputation, excellent customer service, and extensive experience. This clinically tested, carefully formulated cleanser is gentle, avoiding dryness and irritation, and suitable for all skin types, gluten-free, cruelty-free, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly, accommodating various lifestyles.
The brand also frequently offers special deals and promotions, making it a great option for those looking for a high-quality and effective cleanser.
Murad #2
Murad Clarifying Toner
- Quality Rating: 9.1/10
- Expert Rating: 9.0/10
- Users Rating: 8.9/10
Murad’s Clarifying Toner is an effective solution for those seeking to eliminate excess oil and maintain clear pores. Its oil-fighting formula balances and revitalises the skin, while also minimizing the appearance of pores. The toner’s cooling properties eliminate impurities, leaving the skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated. The use of Witch hazel tightens the look of pores, and cucumber extract soothes, resulting in a well-balanced complexion. This toner is suitable for all skin types, particularly balanced, oily, and combination skin.
However, our testers with sensitive skin reported breakouts after using the toner, likely due to the inclusion of witch hazel, which is known to irritate the skin. We recommend patch testing and slowly introducing the product to prevent harsh reactions. Overall, Murad Clarifying Toner is a great choice for those seeking a refreshing and oil-balancing toner that also tightens the look of pores.
The Desirables
- Eliminate excess oil and keeps pores clear
- Cruelty-free
- Stocked by many retailers globally
The Undesirables
- Contains witch hazel
- May be less suitable for sensitive skin types
- Patch testing and a slow introduction of the product are recommended to prevent harsh reactions
The Final Word
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare is a dermatologist-founded brand by Dr. Dennis Gross. The bran’d mission is to improve skin health, how it looks, and how it makes you feel with their #1 priority being to ensure efficacy without ever compromising safety. They are cruelty-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, sulfate-free, and vegan. They ensure that with every product they take a research-backed approach and formulate with only pharmaceutical-grade active ingredients to ensure superior results, without irritation showing the work and dedication they put into their products. If you are looking for a Vitamin C Serum to use while you are at home or during the weekends, then this one is for you. However, for everyday use, we would recommend the other products on our list.
Dr. Barbara Sturm #3
Dr. Barbara Sturm Balancing Toner
- Quality Rating: 8.7/10
- Expert Rating: 8.6/10
- Users Rating: 8.5/10
Dr. Barbara Sturm Clarifying Toner effectively removes traces of makeup, pollution, and other impurities, and reduces the appearance of pores by removing oil buildup making it suitable for all skin types. It uses an innovative Sugar Biovector to regulate the delicate pH balance of the skin in support of its protective Acid Mantle, Beta-Glucan, and Panthenol which works together to soothe irritated and sensitive skin leaving it feeling clean and balanced while offering a moisture boost through the use of Hyaluronic Acid.
Testers with dry, sensitive, and combination skin types experienced noticeable improvements in their skin after using the product, as it reduced the size of their pores and left their skin clean and free of excess oil. However, some testers with oily skin found that the product did not provide as significant of results for them, leaving their skin still somewhat oily.
The Desirables
- Removes traces of makeup, pollution, and other impurities
- Reduces the appearance of pores by removing oil build-up
- Cruelty-free
- Stocked by many retailers globally
The Undesirables
- Some testers with oily skin found that the product did not provide significant results for them
- May not be suitable for those with extremely oily skin types
The Final Word
Paula’s Choice #4
Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore Reducing Toner
- Quality Rating: 8.7/10
- Expert Rating: 8.6/10
- Users Rating: 8.5/10
Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore Reducing Toner is a light, hydrating toner packed with potent antioxidants, soothing plant extracts, and niacinamide, all working together to tone down oily skin and refine pores. The formula provides optimal hydration, and fights breakouts and blackheads, making it an ideal product for anyone looking to achieve smoother, clearer, more balanced skin.
To avoid drying out the skin, as experienced by our testers, we suggest gradually incorporating the toner into your daily routine and applying it only once per day.
The Desirables
- Reduces the appearance of pores
- Smoothens and clears the skin
- Vegan
- Cruelty-Free
- Stocked by many retailers globally
The Undesirables
- Not suitable for dry skin types
- May cause dry skin even for normal, oily, and combination skin types
The Final Word
Obagi #5
Obagi CLENZIderm M.D.® Pore Therapy
- Quality Rating: 7.6/10
- Expert Rating: 7.5/10
- Users Rating: 7.7/10
The Obagi CLENZIderm M.D.® Pore Therapy effectively unclogs pores, clears away dead skin, and removes acne-causing bacteria for clearer and fresher skin. Our testers found that with regular use their pores stayed free from blockages, redness, and skim blemishes, although there was a short adjustment period before seeing a reduction in acne due to the high salicylic acid concentration.
The website advises that dryness and irritation may be experienced when using other acne products together. Therefore, taking a break from other acne medications should be considered when starting this toner. Points have also been deducted due to Obagi not adhering to vegan and cruelty-free standards.
The Desirables
- Unclogs pores and removes dead skin and acne-causing bacteria
- Reduces redness and skin blemishes
The Undesirables
- Does not adhere to vegan and cruelty-free standards
- May cause dryness or irritation with other acne medications
The Final Word
Honourable Mentions
While we have a clear winner among our top 5, we have included the following 5 products, to round off our top 10 after researching, testing, and evaluating a multitude of options.
Pixi Glow Tonic
Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment
SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Toner
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Glow Toner
Tatcha The Essence
Final Thoughts
Toners play a vital role in any skincare regimen, offering a range of benefits such as providing an extra layer of hydration, removing remaining impurities, enhancing the absorption of other skincare products, and soothing and calming the skin. However, with so many options available, selecting the right toner can be overwhelming. We conducted a thorough evaluation of multiple brands using a comprehensive 10-point ranking system, which assessed factors such as scientific research, packaging, marketing, and customer feedback. Based on our analysis, we can confidently recommend Habitual Skin’s AHA & BHA Clarifying Toner as the best-performing product on the market.
Maria Jones
Health & Beauty Senior Writer
maria@honest-reviews.co.uk
As a seasoned skin therapist, Maria collaborates with a highly experienced dermatology team, offering her expertise in the realm of ageing skin. Her primary mission centres around increasing awareness and understanding of optimal treatments for pore congestion and acne-prone skin, particularly as it relates to the challenges of ageing.
As a seasoned skin therapist, Maria collaborates with a highly experienced dermatology team, offering her expertise in the realm of ageing skin. Her primary mission centres around increasing awareness and understanding of optimal treatments for pore congestion and acne-prone skin, particularly as it relates to the challenges of ageing.
Maria Jones
Health & Beauty Senior Writer
maria@honest-reviews.co.uk