6 best face toners to clean and tone your skin

With the constant exposure to pollution, dirt and dust, merely washing your face is not enough. Even after cleansing, the skin may feel dull, oily or rough. This is where toners come in. They are specially formulated skincare products that may provide better cleansing and prepare your skin for the rest of the products. These are typically used before applying moisturisers to remove the residue left behind by cleansers. Beyond that, face toners can help restore the skin’s pH balance, boost hydration and provide deep nourishment. We have curated a list of the best face toners, which you may try for your skin health.

Skin toners are formulated using ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, niacinamide and more, which may help promote smoother skin surface, and cell turnover, remove dead skin cells and reveal fresher skin. The presence of soothing ingredients like green tea, chamomile and rose water in these products may help comfort your skin, reduce inflammation and calm your skin.

6 best face toners

Check out this list of the best face toners in India and improve your skin health:

1. The Face Shop White Seed Brightening Face Toner

The Face Shop White Seed Brightening Face Toner is suitable for all skin types. It is packed with the goodness of white seed complex and niacinamide, which may provide skin brightening, and anti-ageing effects and minimise the appearance of pores. This milky yet lightweight toner is free from alcohol and can get easily absorbed by the skin. It may also exfoliate your skin, help balance the skin’s pH level and hydrate your skin. This toner may also remove dead skin cells without leaving any sticky residue. The brand claims that this product is free from paraben, sulphate and cruelty.

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Also Read: Refresh your skin with this vitamin C toner that you can make at home

2. Plum 3% Niacinamide & Rice Water Face Toner

Plum 3% Niacinamide & Rice Water Face Toner may help target spots, soothe acne, regulate sebum production and increase the resilience of the skin barrier. It is formulated using niacinamide, rice ferment extract and oat extract, which may help soothe your skin, minimise pores and fade blemishes. This spray-based toner may also help minimise fine line wrinkles, reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and help to hydrate your skin.

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3. Forest Essentials Facial Tonic Mist Pure Rosewater Toner

Include the goodness of rosewater in your skincare routine by using this face toner from Forest Essentials. It is specially formulated to hydrate and tone your skin. This toner may also help minimise the appearance of enlarged pores, and hydrate and moisturise your skin. The brand claims that this product is free from alcohol, which makes it safe to use.

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4. Dot & Key Rice Water Hydrating Toner

Get rid of the sticky feel from your face by using Dot & Key Rice Water Hydrating Toner. It promises to boost skin hydration, and balance and restore the skin’s pH balance. Regular use of this toner may also help moisturise your skin and maintain a healthy microbiome to strengthen the skin barrier function. By clarifying the skin of dirt and impurities, this face toner may help refine the texture of your skin, minimise the appearance of pores and improve uneven skin tone. The brand claims that this product is free from synthetic fragrances, which makes it suitable for all skin types.

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5. The Derma Co. 7% Glycolic Acid Hydrating Toner

The Derma Co. 7% Glycolic Acid Hydrating Toner is suitable for oily skin, combination skin, acne-prone skin and normal skin. Designed by dermatologists, the brand claims that this face toner is safe to use, fragrance-free and effective. It is packed with the goodness of 7% glypure glycolic acid, 1% hyaluronic acid and 1% ceramide complex. This face toner may help remove dead skin cells, promote cellular turnover, prevent moisture loss and repair the skin barrier.

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6. Minimalist 8% Glycolic Acid Toner

Minimalist 8% Glycolic Acid Toner may help exfoliate and smoothen your skin. It is formulated with glycolic acid and bamboo water, which may help exfoliate your skin, treat spots, boost hydration and nourish your skin. Ideal for all skin types, this face toner may calm your skin. The brand claims that this product is free from fragrance, and essential oil, and is non-comedogenic.

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Also Read: I used this DIY green tea toner for a month and it made my acne scars disappear

What are the benefits of using face toner?

• The best face toners for dry skin may help restore the skin’s natural acidic pH balance and fortify the protective barrier.
• They can effectively remove residue, and ensure that the skin is clean and prepped for skincare steps.
• These products may even help boost hydration and promote moisture retention because of the presence of ingredients like hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts. They may help lock in moisture, keep your skin supple and prevent dehydration.
• Regular use of the best face toners for oily skin may help tighten and refine the appearance of pores. They help create a smoother skin surface, control excess sebum and reduce pore size due to the presence of ingredients like niacinamide and witch hazel.
• Some toners also contain gentle exfoliating agents like alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids, which may help remove dead skin cells, promote cell turnover and reveal brighter skin.
• The best face toners for sensitive skin contain aloe vera, chamomile, green tea and more. They can help reduce redness, and inflammation and soothe your irritated skin.
• The antioxidant properties of these toners may help neutralise free radicals and protect the skin from environmental damage and premature ageing.

How to choose the best face toners?

Here are a few things to remember while choosing the best face toners for your skin type:

• Start by identifying your skin type and its needs. This will help you choose the product that caters to your specific skin needs.
• Read the ingredients list of the product and ensure that it contains witch hazel, tea tree oil, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, niacinamide, glycolic acid, chamomile, aloe vera, rose water and more.
• Avoid using alcohol-based toners as they can be drying and irritating. Opt for alcohol-free toners to maintain the skin’s moisture balance.
• Perform a patch test by applying a small amount of the product on your wrist and leaving it for 24 hours. It will help gauge the products and see if it has any negative effects on your skin.
• You may also consult a dermatologist as they can help you choose the right product according to your skin needs.

How to apply face toners?

• Cleanse your face with the best face wash, which is suitable for your skin type.
• Then take the toner and shake it before using it to mix the ingredients evenly.
• Now, take a small amount of toner on a cotton pad and gently sweep it across your face and neck.
• Wait for a few seconds to allow the toner to absorb into your skin.
• Then continue with your regular skincare routine.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• How often should I use face toners?
  You can use toners twice daily after cleansing your face with the best cleansers. It can help hydrate your skin, remove residues, balance the skin’s pH level and improve your overall skin health.
• Is toner good for my face?
  A study published in ResearchGate mentioned that a facial toner, which contains Houttuynia cordata Thunb extract (HCE) can help reduce sebum production after consistent use. It can help cleanse your skin, reduce the likelihood of acne, and breakouts and promote moisture retention.

(Disclaimer: At Health Shots, we make a constant effort to break the clutter for our readers. All products listed are carefully curated by the editorial team but use your discretion and an expert’s opinion before using them. Their price and availability may differ from the time of publication. If you buy something using these links in the story, we may earn a commission.)