This Skincare Product Gets a Bad Rap, But It's My Secret Weapon for a Glowing Complexion

Is it just me, or do toners get a really bad rap? Whenever I speak to people about their skincare routines, they always tell me that they don't use a toner as they don't really get what it's for or how it can help. Sure, they have the best cleanser, best serum and best moisturiser in their bathroom cupboard, but there's a common misconception that toners can exacerbate skincare concerns. In actual fact, it's the total opposite.
Don't get me wrong, you'll never hear me saying that you 100% need a toner as part of your skincare routine, and if it doesn't work for your skin type then that's absolutely fine, but the reason that I love this product so much is that there is now a huge range of sophisticated formulas out there designed to help tackle specific skincare concerns and make your complexion a whole lot happier. And trust me, I've tried the lot.
Yep, as someone with combination skin, enlarged pores, blackheads and blemishes, I've put my fair share of toners to the test over the years, and I've found some of the best formulas on the market that have helped transform my complexion. Intrigued to know more? Just keep on scrolling...
What Is a Toner?
First things first, what actually is a toner? "Fundamentally, a toner is designed to balance pH levels in the skin, which can prepare the skin for the use of other products like serums and moisturisers," explains consultant dermatologist, Dr Magnus Lynch. "[A toner] can also help to remove any residual makeup or dirt that accumulates during the day. [Plus], some toners contain active ingredients that can help with specific skin concerns such as acne."
"Lots of modern toners are used as a mild exfoliant, rich with AHAs [alpha hydroxy acids, which exfoliate the skin] to regenerate and brighten," adds facialist Rhian Truman.
How to Choose a Toner for Your Skin Type
So, with so many toners on the market, how do you go about choosing the best one? "Toners can be used on all skin types," says Dr Magnus Lynch. "However, these may be tailored if you have specific skin concerns." For example, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, Dr Lynch recommends looking out for active ingredients such as salicylic acid or niacinamide. However, those of you with dry or more sensitive skin may benefit from ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.
How to Apply a Toner
Once you've found the right formula for you, it's important to apply your toner in the correct way. "Typically, a toner would be applied after cleansing your face and before the application of other products," says Dr Lynch. Usually you can apply your toner to a cotton pad before sweeping across the skin, but make sure to check the instructions as this can vary from product to product.
Now that you know all that, check out my edit of the best toners below and get ready to take your skincare routine to the next level.
My current favourite toners that I am using on repeat this spring.
The Best Toners, Tried Confirmed by a Beauty Editor
- Best toner overall: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
- Best toner for dry skin: Rhode Glazing Milk
- Best toner for oily skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Lotion
- Best toner for sensitive skin: Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner
- Best affordable toner: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
1. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Best for: Clogged pores
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, witch hazel and green tea extract
First up is the Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. This is easily one of the best toners I've ever used, and I know tons of editors who would say the same. The main ingredient in this formula is salicylic acid, so it's a great option for those of you with oily or clogged skin. It works to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores, while also increasing skin cell turnover. The result? A smoother, clearer complexion. While you can use this product everyday, I recommend slowly introducing it to your skincare routine to avoid any irritation.
For
- Gently exfoliates skin
- Helps to unclog pores
- Can be used daily over time
Against
- Could irritate skin if used too much
- A little more expensive
2. Rhode Glazing Milk
Best for: Dry skin
Key ingredients: Ceramide trio and beta-glucan
Next up is a new favourite of mine. This isn't your typical toner, but I've noticed a huge difference since adding it to my skincare routine. It has a runny, somewhat milky consistency, and can be applied straight from the hands onto the face. It's so good for dry skin as not only does it soothe the complexion, but a trio of ceramides work to boost the skin barrier and lock in moisture. I personally like to apply this in the mornings before doing my makeup, but you can also use it at night for a hit of hydration.
For
- Hydrating, soothing formula
- Sits well under makeup
Against
- Can be a little messy to apply
3. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Lotion
Best for: Oily skin
Key ingredients: Lipo-hydroxy acid
If you have oily skin you might want to try this toner from La Roche-Posay. Not only has it been designed with oily skin in mind, but it's also suitable for sensitive and blemish-prone skin, so you don't have to worry about irritation. Exfoliating LHA helps to eliminate excess oil and unclog pores to leave you with a clearer, balanced complexion. As a beauty editor, I know I can rely on La Roche-Posay for gentle yet effective skincare, and this toner is no exception.
For
- Can be used on sensitive skin
- Eliminates excess oil
Against
- Not a good choice for dry skin types
4. Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner
Best for: Sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Polyglutamic acid, cica and a barrier lipid complex
Byoma is a great brand for sensitive skin as the products have all been designed with the skin barrier in mind. This milky toner soothes skin and locks in hydration and I tend to reach for this on those days when my complexion is in need of some TLC. No, it won't help with clogged pores or blemishes, but what it will do is leave your skin feeling calm and soft.
For
- Soothing on the skin
- Gives a radiant, hydrated finish
- More affordable
Against
- Won't help tackle specific skincare concerns such as breakouts or clogged pores
5. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
Best for: Dull skin
Key ingredients: Glycolic acid
Having reached cult status on TikTok, this toner has developed a loyal following for its impressive results and purse-friendly price tag. At 7% glycolic acid (which exfoliates the top layers of your skin), it is quite punchy, so use this a couple of times a week at first to see how your skin adjusts. Although I personally don't reach for this all the time, it's great for those occasions when your skin is looking a little dull and lacklustre, as it helps to remove those dead skin cells and leave you with a luminous finish.
For
- Exfoliates skin for a luminous finish
- Affordable
Against
- Could be a little too strong for sensitive skin
6. Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Exfoliating Face Toner
Best for: Texture and pores
Key ingredients: Succinic and glycolic acids
I have been loving this toner as of late, and not just because it smells amazing. New from Fresh, the clever formula works to smooth skin texture, tighten pores, reduce excess shine and add subtle luminosity. It contains glycolic acid that works wonders at breaking down dead skin cells, and although I don't use it every night (as that would be a little too much for my sensitive skin), when I do use it I notice that my complexion looks (and feels) a whole lot brighter and smoother.
For
- Smells amazing
- Helps improve skin texture and tightens pores
Against
- Expensive
- Might be too harsh for really sensitive skin
7. Medik8 Press and Clear
Best for: Post-blemish marks
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, tranexamic acid and aloe vera
If post-blemish marks are getting you down, let me introduce you to this toner from Medik8. We included this in our roundup of best Medik8 products because it really is that good. The 2% BHA toner contains salicylic and tranexamic acid to decongest the skin, reduce oiliness and minimise the appearance of post-blemish marks. If all this talk of acid sounds a little scary, don't fear, as the formula also contains aloe vera to help soothe and hydrate the skin. That being said, you might want to introduce this product gradually into your routine to see how your skin reacts.
For
- Helps keep breakouts in check while minimising post-blemish marks
Against
- May want to introduce gradually into your routine to see how your skin reacts
8. Paula's Choice Calm Nourishing Milky Toner
Best for: Dry or sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Allantoin and marshmallow root extract
I know what you're thinking, another Paula's Choice toner? Yep, the brand has really got the formulas right when it comes to this product category. However, while the previous toner I mentioned is great for oily or clogged skin, this option is ideal for those of you with dry or sensitive skin. A cocktail of hydrating ingredients helps to soothe, reduce redness and replenish moisture, leaving your skin feeling happy and healthy. My sensitive complexion can't get enough.
For
- Soothing formula
- Leaves skin feeling hydrated
Against
- Won't help tackle skincare concerns such as clogged pores or blemishes
9. Ren Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
Best for: Dull skin
Key ingredients: A blend of AHAs and BHAs
You didn't think I'd do this roundup without including this cult classic from Ren, did you? Yes, this toner is a bestseller for a reason. I've used this for as long as I can remember, and I'm sure I will continue to repurchase it for years to come. As the name suggests, this is a great option for dull skin as the formula helps to remove dead skin cells and pore build-up for a smooth, glowing finish. It has been formulated for daily use, but I like to use it two to three times a week.
For
- Can be used daily
- Leaves your skin looking glowy
Against
- A little more expensive
10. Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Best for: Blemish-prone skin
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid and organic rosewater
Caudalie's Vinopure range has been designed specifically for blemish-prone skin, and although I don't reach for the products all the time, I know I can rely on them whenever my skin is having a breakout. One product I rely on in particular is the Vinopure Purifying Toner. With 100% natural salicylic acid, it works to gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells that may contribute to breakouts. This star ingredient also helps to reduce inflammation and control oil production, so it really is magic in a bottle. Oh, and it smells delicious.
For
- Helps to reduce breakouts, inflammation and control oil production
- Refreshing scent
Against
- Not a great choice for dry skin types
11. Pixi Glow Tonic
Best for: Dull skin
Key ingredients: Glycolic acid and aloe
This was the toner to use back in the day, and it's still a cult product within the beauty community thanks to its glow-boosting properties. Glycolic acid works to gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells, while aloe works to soothe and hydrate the skin, ensuring your complexion isn't left feeling dry or stripped after using. Although it's suitable for all skin types, if you have sensitive skin I would recommend gradually introducing this to your skincare routine and seeing how you get on.
For
- Leaves your skin with a noticeable glow
Against
- Super sensitive skin types might not love this
Grace Lindsay is the junior beauty editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK. At the age of 18 she decided to train as a makeup artist before going on to study english and media at Goldsmiths University. It was during that time that she explored her love for journalism by interning at a small beauty start-up based in Shoreditch. Since then, she has worked at a number of publications including Marie Claire and Hello!, where her love for all things beauty continued to grow.
AsBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK's junior beauty editor, she covers everything from Wholesale Replica Bag hair trends to the stand-out makeup products of the season.
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