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The Best Facial Toners by Skin Type

Discover which SkinCeuticals facial toner is best for your unique skin type.


Article Overview

  • Choosing the right facial toner depends on your specific skin type and concerns; for instance, LHA Toner is ideal for oily skin prone to breakouts due to its combination of exfoliating acids, while the alcohol-free Conditioning Toner suits sensitive skin by refining texture and minimizing pores without irritation.
  • For those with dry skin, Equalizing Toner is beneficial as it hydrates and gently exfoliates with a mix of hydroxy acids and botanical extracts, helping to soothe and improve skin tone.
  • Combination skin can benefit from Conditioning Toner, which balances and hydrates the skin, making it a versatile option for areas that are both oily and dry.
  • Equalizing Toner is also an excellent choice for sensitive skin, as it combines exfoliating agents with soothing botanicals to enhance skin texture without causing redness or irritation.

Toners may not be the first products that come to mind when building a skincare regimen, but they can be a powerful ally in your quest for healthy, radiant skin. Toners are used after cleansing and before applying serums and moisturizers, and they offer a number of benefits, including removing any last traces of dirt and makeup, restoring the skin’s pH balance, and delivering a concentrated dose of ingredients to target your specific skin concerns.

With so many different facial toners on the market, it’s important to choose one that is formulated for your skin type and concerns. Here’s a guide to help you find the best facial toner for your skin:

What are Facial Toners?

Toners are liquid skincare products that are applied to the face after cleansing and before moisturizing. They typically contain a variety of ingredients, including water and glycerin, as well as active ingredients that target specific skin concerns. Toners can help to:

  • Remove any last traces of dirt and makeup
  • Restore the skin’s pH balance
  • Deliver a concentrated dose of active ingredients to the skin
  • Improve the appearance of pores
  • Help soothe skin
  • Hydrate the skin
  • Soften the skin
  • Improve the skin’s texture
  • Help prime skin for the rest of your skincare routine

The Importance of Finding a Facial Toner for Your Specific Skin Type

The best facial toner for you will depend on your skin type and concerns. For example, if you have oily skin, you may want to choose a toner that contains salicylic acid or glycolic acid to help reduce excess oil and unclog pores. If you have dry skin, you may want to choose a toner that contains hyaluronic acid or glycerin to help hydrate the skin. And if you have sensitive skin, you may want to choose a toner that is alcohol-free and fragrance-free to avoid irritation.

Best Facial Toners for Oily Skin

Oily skin is characterized by excess sebum production, which can lead to clogged pores, blackheads, and breakouts. The best facial toners for oily skin will help to reduce excess oil and unclog pores.

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LHA Toner

This toner contains a triple combination of exfoliating ingredients, including lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA), glycolic acid, and salicylic acid, and is an ideal toner for skin prone to breakouts. It also contains a low pH to exfoliate while revealing brighter and more even skin.


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Conditioning Toner

This clarifying toner is fragrance-free, making it ideal for sensitive skin. It contains a blend of AHA and BHA to refine skin texture and minimize the appearance of pores.


Best Facial Toners for Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is prone to redness, irritation, and inflammation. The best facial toners for sensitive skin will be gentle and non-irritating.

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Equalizing Toner

This toner is also a good option for sensitive skin, as it combines exfoliating agents with soothing botanicals, allowing this toner to help remove dead skin cells without irritating the skin.


Best Face Toners for Dry Skin

Dry skin lacks moisture, which can lead to flakiness, itching, and a feeling of tightness. The best facial toners for dry skin will help to hydrate the skin and restore its moisture balance.

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Equalizing Toner

This toner contains a mix of hydroxy acids to gently exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells. It also contains botanical extracts, such as witch hazel, rosemary, aloe, and chamomile, to help soothe and soften skin while improving tone.


Best Facial Toners for Combination Skin

Combination skin is characterized by both oily and dry areas. The best facial toners for combination skin will help to balance skin and hydrate the dry areas.

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Conditioning Toner

This toner is a good option for combination skin, as it contains ingredients that help to both hydrate and balance the skin.


Best Facial Toners for Normal Skin

Normal skin is well-balanced and not too oily or dry. The best facial toners for normal skin will help to maintain the skin’s balance and keep it healthy.

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Conditioning Toner

This clarifying toner combines AHAs and BHAs to minimize pores and refine skin texture, while leaving skin feeling purified. It is ideal for balanced skin as it contains ingredients that help to both hydrate and balance the skin's oils.


To discover the best facial toner for your skin type and unique concerns, use our online Routine Finder, visit one of our SkinCeuticals SkinLab locations, or schedule an appointment with a SkinCeuticals Skincare Professional for a one-on-one consultation.

Next: Which Antioxidant Serum is the Best Option for You



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About Gretchen Wobensmith

Gretchen Wobensmith is a licensed aesthetician with 27 years of experience. She has been training professionally for large global brands for the last 20 years. Gretchen brings her skill set of having a deep understanding of skin histology and ingredient technology to the SkinCeuticals Global Education Team as their Product Lead. Gretchen shares her passion for mentoring skin care professionals, to elevate their knowledge and skill set in the medical skin care industry.

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