Give Your Pores a Much-Needed Detox With These Face Toners

We all know that washing our faces is essential for clearing your skin of daily dirt and debris. But, did you know your cleansing routine doesn't — or rather, shouldn't — stop at your daily face wash? If you want to give your pores a deeper cleanse, then it's time to grab a facial toner to revitalize your complexion.

What is a Face Toner?

Toners are not only your last step of cleansing before you go into treatment mode on your skin, but they can work wonders to shrink pores, minimize acne, and balance your pH levels. But what exactly is a toner, and why do you need one?

"Facial toner is a water-based skin care product that’s used after cleansing to help hydrate the skin and prepare it for a moisturizer," says cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. "When used consistently, toners offer a myriad of skin benefits and can contribute to the maintenance of a healthy, radiant complexion."

Your skin will feel cleansed and hydrated after using a toner, but that's not the only benefit you'll get from incorporating one into your skincare routine. Dr. Green notes that toners help balance the pH levels of your skin, diminish the appearance of pores, promotes moisture retention, and aids in evening out your skin's overall texture and tone. "Additionally, moisturizer is more readily absorbed by the skin when prepped with a toner, meaning you maximize the benefits of your cream or lotion when using a toner beforehand," she says.

Face Toners Vs. Astringents

You do need to find the right fit for your skin type to get the best results. Have oily or acne-prone skin? An astringent might be the best option for you — just keep in mind that they often contain higher amounts of alcohol than other toners, which is why Dr. Green doesn't recommend them for dry, sensitive skin types. If your complexion leans to the drier side, an alcohol-free toner will treat your skin without dehydrating it.

"Toners can be incorporated into anyone’s skincare routine, whether the skin is dry, sensitive, or oily," says Dr. Green. "An astringent would be recommended for someone whose skin is on the oilier side and maybe acne-prone. Not only will an astringent remove residual makeup and dirt from the skin, but oil as well- making this a good product to combat acne."

The Best Face Toners

• Best Overall: Thayers Witch Hazel Toner with Lavender
• Best for Dry Skin: Mario Badescu Witch Hazel & Rosewater Toner
• Best for Acne: The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Mattifying Toner
• Hypoallergenic Formula: Neutrogena Alcohol and Oil-Free Toner
• Best for Redness: Kiehl's Calendula Herbal Extract Toner
• Best for Mature Skin: Peter Thomas Roth 8% Glycolic Solutions Toner
• Best for Oily Skin: OLEHENRIKSEN Balancing Force Oil Control Toner
• Best for Enlarged Pores: MILK MAKEUP Matcha Toner
• Best Toning Spray: Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner
• Best Brightening: Pixi by Petra Glow Tonic

How We Chose

We treasure our pores just as much as you do, so we made sure that we're only providing the best facial toners on the market. First off, we did the extra due diligence to make sure each of these toners is filled with skincare ingredients that will pamper and treat your skin. Many of the toners on this list are also hypoallergenic, all-natural, and/or budget-friendly.

We also made sure first-hand that all of these formulas actually work. How? Our beauty editor, Jennifer Hussein, has tried each and every one of these toners throughout her years in the beauty industry, so she's very familiar with their formulas. But, we know that everyone's skin is different, so we also listened to shoppers. Many of these toners have rave reviews on retailers like Amazon, Ulta, Sephora, and more.