This Skincare Product Gets a Bad Rap, But It's My Secret Weapon for a Glowing Complexion
Forget the old myths about stripping formulas—modern toners are smarter than ever. Shop our edit of the best ones here.
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 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.
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 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 (as someone who has tried them all), and get ready to take your skincare routine to the next level.
My current favourite toners that I am using on repeat.
The Best Toners, Tried & Confirmed by a Beauty Editor
- Best Toner Overall: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, £35
- Best Toner for Dry Skin: Rhode Glazing Milk, £32
- Best Toner for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Lotion, £17
- Best Toner for Sensitive Skin: Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner, £12
- Best Affordable Toner: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner, £8
1. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, witch hazel and green tea extract
First up is 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 every day, I recommend slowly introducing it to your skincare routine to avoid any irritation.
Pros
- Gently exfoliates skin
- Helps to unclog pores
- Can be used daily over time
Cons
- Could irritate skin if used too much
- A little more expensive
2. Rhode Glazing Milk
Key ingredients: Ceramide trio and beta-glucan
Next up is a new favourite of mine. It's a milky toner, but I've noticed a huge difference since adding it to my skincare routine. It has a runny, milky consistency and can be applied straight from the hands onto the face. It's great for dry skin as not only does it soothe the complexion, but a trio of ceramides works to boost the skin barrier and lock in moisture. I personally like to apply this in the morning before doing my makeup, but you can also use it at night for a hit of hydration.
Pros
- Hydrating, soothing formula
- Sits well under makeup
Cons
- Can be a little messy to apply
3. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Lotion
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.
Pros
- Can be used on sensitive skin
- Eliminates excess oil
Cons
- Not a good choice for dry skin types
4. Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner
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 the skin and locks in hydration, and I tend to reach for it on those days when my complexion needs 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.
Pros
- Soothing on the skin
- Gives a radiant, hydrated finish
- More affordable
Cons
- Won't help tackle specific skincare concerns such as breakouts or clogged pores
5. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
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.
Pros
- Exfoliates skin for a luminous finish
- Affordable
Cons
- Could be a little too strong for sensitive skin
6. Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Exfoliating Face Toner
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.
Pros
- Smells amazing
- Helps improve skin texture and tightens pores
Cons
- Expensive
- Might be too harsh for really sensitive skin
7. Medik8 Press and Clear
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. It's easily one of the best Medik8 products around—and considering how good all Medik8 products are, that's saying something. 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.
Pros
- Helps keep breakouts in check while minimising post-blemish marks
Cons
- May want to introduce gradually into your routine to see how your skin reacts
8. Paula's Choice Calm Nourishing Milky Toner
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, whilst 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.
Pros
- Soothing formula
- Leaves skin feeling hydrated
Cons
- Won't help tackle skincare concerns such as clogged pores or blemishes
9. Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence
Key ingredients: Black rice and probiotics
You didn't think I'd do this roundup without including a cult K-beauty classic, did you? Yes, toners are a staple in Korean skincare routines for good reason. As the name suggests, this is a great option for supporting skin barrier health, so if you're experiencing dryness, dehydration, or increased sensitivity, it's a great pick. What's more, it's gentle enough for daily use.
Pros
- Can be used daily
- Leaves your skin looking glowy
Cons
- A little more expensive
10. Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
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.
Pros
- Helps to reduce breakouts, inflammation and control oil production
- Refreshing scent
Cons
- Not a great choice for dry skin types
11. Pixi Glow Tonic
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.
Pros
- Leaves your skin with a noticeable glow
Cons
- Super sensitive skin types might not love this
12. The Ordinary Multi Active Delivery Essence
Key ingredients: Glycerin
This clever toner helps any consequently applied products, such as serums and moisturiser to absorb better, so you really see and feel the benefits of your skincare routine. It's also incredibly hydrating and helps to support the skin barrier, so has benefits for literally every skin type and concern.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Works for everyone
Cons
- Small bottle runs out quickly
How We Tested
To compile this list of the best toners, each product was tested over several weeks on skin concerns, including dryness, enlarged pores, blackheads, congestion and blemishes. Every toner was used consistently as part of a full routine to assess how well it balanced the skin after cleansing, and whether it helped improve texture, clarity and overall radiance. We paid close attention to key ingredients and how each formula felt on the skin, noting any redness, dryness or breakouts.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
