“While this pick does the job of making my skin feel smooth and fresh, it also gives you the most gentle exfoliation to keep pimples at bay. I really love using this one at night after taking my makeup off because it has a nice, clean finish and calming texture,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
- Pros: Silky, lightweight texture, hydrating, cruelty-free formula
- Cons: Expensive
- Size: 5 oz.
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, prickly pear
- Fragrance: Fresh fragrance
Best Hydrating Toner: CeraVe Alcohol Free Hydrating Face Toner for Normal to Dry Skin
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Whether your skin gets flaky in the winter or is perpetually parched year-round, we have just the thing for you. Dr. Jaliman says this affordable CeraVe toner is great for any skin type—especially those with dry or sensitive skin. “It contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, which calm the skin and help retain the skin’s moisture level.” Combine this hydrating toner with an ultra-rich moisturizer and you have a dry skin duo. “If you apply your cream right after using this tonic, [your skin] feels so smooth and well hydrated all day,” says one Amazon reviewer.
- Pros: Alcohol-free, noncomedogenic
- Cons: Reviewers say it can take a while to absorb
- Size: 6.8 oz.
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides
- Fragrance: Fragrance-free
Best Exfoliating Toner: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Fight clogged pores, blackheads, and acne with the cult-favorite exfoliant from Paula’s Choice. Dr. Zeichner recommends it to those with oily or acne-prone skin. “The maximum-strength salicylic acid in the formula helps keep the pores clear and reduces shine but doesn’t tend to cause irritation,” he says.
“I’ve found that most toners are either super drying or total bullshit and don’t work,” says Glamour reviewer Margot Beldengreen. “But this exfoliating toner has really improved my overall skin texture and helped with pore-size reduction and breakouts.”
- Pros: May help smooth wrinkles
- Cons: Too harsh and drying for some reviewers with sensitive skin
- Size: 4 oz.
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, green tea
- Fragrance: Fragrance-free
Best Toner for Blemishes & Acne-Prone Skin: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
“If you have acne-prone skin, you want a toner that contains glycolic acid, like this one from The Ordinary,” says Dr. Lamb. “Glycolic acid gently exfoliates dead skin cells so they can’t mix together with the excess oil on the skin and create acne,” she explains. Classified as an AHA, glycolic acid can also help reduce the appearance of sun spots, acne, and hyperpigmentation, which is a benefit many reviewers of The Ordinary’s toner specifically call out. “I saw improvement on my acne, blackheads, and hyperpigmentation,” noted one shopper. “I love this and use it all over my body for dark spots on my underarms, knees, and elbows,” said another.
- Pros: Alcohol-free, affordable, can help with body acne and blemishes
- Cons: Some reviewers experienced redness after using this product, may make skin more photosensitive
- Size: 8 oz.
- Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, plant extracts
- Fragrance: Fragrance-free
Best Pore-Minimizing Toner: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
What makes this bestseller such a winner? “The hero ingredient in this toner is PHA, which is an ultragentle cousin to glycolic acid,” explains Dr. Zeichner. “PHA has exfoliating properties and helps promote cellular turnover, which can help flush out blocked pores.” (FYI, the more clogged your pores are, the bigger they’ll appear.) “PHA also has humectant effects, so it pulls in hydration to the outer skin layer, making this a great option for those looking for additional hydration,” Dr. Zeichner adds.
