15 Best Toners For Combination Skin – 2024, According To AnEsthetician
These toners can control excess sebum on your T-zone and keep your skin hydrated.
Dr. Danielle Marr Collins is an Irish esthetics doctor and an aerospace engineer with over 15 years of experience. She opened the first DermaFaceMD Anti-Aging & Anti-Wrinkle Clinic in 2009 in Dublin, Ireland. She has a DDS from Trinity College, Dublin, and has completed a 3-year Masters in Aesthetic Medicine.
Read full bio of Dr. Danielle Marr Collins
Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.
Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 3 yearsEshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.
Read full bio of Eshna Das
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If you want radiant and glowing skin, using the right toner for your particular skin type is necessary. A toner helps hydrate your skin and removes all traces of dirt, oil, and makeup while balancing the pH level of your skin. However, landing the best toner for combination skin may be tricky. Choosing a toner with the right active ingredients for your specific skin concern is important. Combination skin requires a lot of hydration, and also some parts of your face require oil control. A good pH-balanced toner has a nourishing and soothing effect that helps reduce redness, acne, premature aging, and dry skin. This article has curated a list of the 15 best toners for dry skin that will make your skin plump and smooth. Keep scrolling!
In This Article
15 Best Toners For Combination Skin – For Hydrated, Plump, And Glowing Skin
1. Best Hydrating Formula: Thayers Facial Toner
The Thayers Facial Toner is a soft and soothing rose facial toner enriched with witch hazel extract and aloe vera. Witch hazel cleanses the traces of dirt, buildup, and makeup. Aloe vera helps reduce inflammation, sensitivity, and hydrates the skin. The natural oils in this toner leave the skin feeling soft and add a dewy, natural glow. It is dermatologist-tested, clinically-tested, and has been proven to deliver visible results.
The natural rose water helps minimize the pores, vitamin C produces collagen, reduces adult acne, helps control sebum production and blemish marks, and strengthens the skin cells. The therapeutic tannins help protect the skin from oxidative damage. This plumping toner for combination skin is free of alcohol, parabens, and propylene glycol. This reviewer’s experience shared in this YouTube video will help you learn more about the product.
Pros
- Contains therapeutic antioxidants and tannins
- Plumps the skin
- Reduces acne scars
- Promotes sebum control
- Minimizes pores
- Makes the skin soft and glowing
- Paraben-free
- Alcohol-free
- Propylene glycol-free
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin.
Caution
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 108,935 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
2. Best For Minimizing Pores: Dickinson’s Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner
The Dickinson’s Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner is a gentle, soothing, and plumping toner. The toner with hyaluronic acid is powered by plumping, anti-aging, and natural ingredients like witch hazel, rose petals, and aloe vera. It is one of the best exfoliating toners that removes traces of dirt and products from the deep layers of the skin. The vitamin E from aloe vera protects the skin from inflammatory reactions, reduces acne scars, and hydrates the skin. Hyaluronic acid helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps firm the skin and make it bright, soft, and smooth. It is not tested on animals. To understand the functionality better, check out the product review by this YouTuber.
Pros
- Alcohol-free
- All-natural ingredients
- Soothes and hydrates the skin
- Smoothes out fine lines and wrinkles
- Removes dirt and product buildup
- Minimizes pores
- Skin calming formula
- Makes the skin bright, soft, and smooth
- Reduces acne and blemish marks
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Not suitable for acne-prone skin.
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 1,384 great reviews on Amazon.
3. Best For Sensitive Skin: Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner
The Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner cleanses, purifies, and refreshes the skin without stripping off the natural oils. This gentle conditioner is suitable for sensitive skin as it is non-come dogenic, does not clog pores, and gently removes impurities. This hypoallergenic, alcohol-free toner is great for combination skin as it balances the pH and oil production, protects the skin from sun damage, and does not cause excessive dryness in the dry parts of your face. It leaves the skin feeling supple, smooth, and adds an instant dewy glow, and reveals healthy skin. Go through the YouTube video given below to understand the features of this product.
Pros
- Non-come dogenic
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Re balances skin pH
- Protects from sun damage
- Does not strip the skin off the natural oils
- Hypoallergenic
- Alcohol-free
- Does not clog pores
- Makes the skin soft, smooth, and glowy.
Cons
- Contains parabens
Quick TipThayers Facial Toner Best Hydrating Formula | Dickinson's Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner Best For Minimizing Pores | Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner Best For Sensitive Skin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Combination, Normal | - | - |
| Dimensions | 6.18 x 2.52 x 2.52 inches | 2.5 x 3 x 7.68 inches | 2.99 x 2.01 x 7.09 inches |
| Weight | 0.01 Ounces | 1 Pounds | 2.47 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 108,935 | 1,384 | 1,761 |
| Price | $10.95 | $5.87 | $14.96 |
4. Best For Oxidative Damage Protection: Insta Natural Vitamin C Toner
The Insta Natural Vitamin C Toner is a pore-reducing toner enriched with witch hazel, vitamin C, vitamin E, lavender oil, geranium oil, and MSM. It cleans and preps the skin for absorbing moisturizer more effectively. The MSM increases skin elasticity, vitamin E moisturizes, and vitamin C protects the skin from oxidative damage and clears dark spots and acne scars.
Glycolic acid helps balance the pH, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Organic aloe vera and sweet almond hydrate and nourish the skin to make it soft and smooth. This gentle skin toner for combination skin also supports collagen production, which helps to plump up the skin and give it a youthful appearance The brand does not test on animals.
Pros
- Increases skin elasticity
- Reduces acne marks
- Moisturizes and soothes the skin
- Protects the skin from oxidative damage
- Brightens the skin
- Oil-absorbing formula
- Tightens the pores
- Cleans and preps the skin
- Paraben-free
- SLS/SLES-free
- DEA/MEA/TEA-free
- PEG-free
- Petroleum-free
- Synthetic dye-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Formaldehyde releaser-free
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 6,054 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
5. Best Chemical-Free Formula: Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner
The Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner is a mild facial toner spray that refreshes and hydrates the skin to give it a soft glow. It evens out skin porosity and preps the skin for optimum moisturizer absorption. Arnica, lavender, and balm mint soothe and lock moisture and protect the skin from environmental aggressors. It is gluten-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, and vegan. Dr. Danielle Marr Collins, an expert of Esthetic Medicine with over 15 years of experience, recommends this product saying, “This is my #1 choice when it comes to toners for combination skin. I have used it for over a decade and can’t say enough of how much it has helped my skin.” It is also free of any animal testing. The toner can also be used for normal and oily skin types. You can check this YouTube video for a full demonstration of how to use the toner and the tester’s experience with the product.
Pros
- Refreshes the skin
- Hydrates the skin
- Evens out skin porosity
- Locks in moisture
- Preps for optimum moisturizer absorption.
- Protects from environmental aggressors
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 423 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
6. Best For Dry Skin: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is a gentle exfoliating toning solution for all skin types. Wipe it with a cotton pad and see how it mildly acts on the top skin layer and removes dead cells and debris. It brightens the skin tone, reduces the skin’s rough texture, makes the skin glowing and radiant. It visibly reduces acne scars, plumps the skin, and adds a youthful freshness to the skin. The glycolic acid soothes sensitive, dry skin. It is not tested on animals and is an ethical choice for skin care enthusiasts.
Pros
- Formulated with 7% glycolic acid
- Gently exfoliates dead cells and debris
- Brightens the skin
- Reduces acne scars
- Smoothes out rough skin
- Adds an instant glow
- Plumps up the skin
- Makes the skin look youthful and healthy.
- Soothes dry skin
Cons
- Expensive
- Might cause breakouts.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 8,734 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
7. Best Vegan Formula: REN Clean Skin care Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
The REN Clean Skin Care Ready Steady Glow Tonic contains AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) that help clean the skin, remove dry flakes, and make it glowing. The fruit acids and gentle exfoliators remove dead cells, debris, and product buildup and visibly reduce acne scars. It makes the skin surface smoother and brighter. The salicylic acid, lactic acid, and azelaic acid polish the skin to make it glowy and flawless. The willow bark extract evens out the skin tone and minimizes the pores. This toner also works wonders for reducing hyperpigmentation. It is a vegan and cruelty-free skin toner for combination skin. It is clinically-proven to deliver visible results.
Pros
- Polishes the skin
- Removes dry, flaky skin
- Reduces acne scars
- Evens out skin tone
- Minimizes the pores
- Reduces hyperpigmentation
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 2,834 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
8. Best Cruelty-Free Formula: Murad Clarifying Toner
The Murad Clarifying Toner is an anti-acne facial toner. Use it with a cotton ball to clear impurities and balance the pH of acne-prone skin. It reduces the appearance of open pores, fine lines, and wrinkles. The refreshing and cooling formula made of witch hazel and cucumber leaves you feeling fresh and gives you healthy skin. Algae extract helps control excessive oil and evens-out shine. Green tea extract helps protect the skin from microbial infections, sun damage, and inflammation.
Pros
- Anti-acne facial toner
- Balances the pH
- Refreshes and soothes the skin
- Controls excessive oil
- Protects the skin
- Reduces skin irritation and inflammation
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petroleum-free
- Oxybenzone-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
9. Best Anti-Aging Benefits: TruSkin Daily Super Toner
The TruSkin Naturals Daily Super Toner is an anti-aging toning spray formulated with witch hazel, vitamin C, MSM, amino acids, aloe vera, glycolic acid, and plant-derived actives. These active ingredients help even out the skin tone, control excess oil, remove dead skin cells, and reduce pores and the appearance of fine lines.
The anti-aging property of this face toner helps plump up the skin and reduce inflammation, hyperpigmentation, sunspots, and acne scars. This lightweight toner prepares the skin for better absorption and strengthens the moisture barrier. The ocean minerals help soothe the skin and make it super soft and youthful.
Pros
- Anti-aging toning spray
- Ocean minerals Soothe and soften the skin
- Removes dead skin cells
- Contains plant extracts
- Reduces pores and appearance of fine lines
- Reduces hyperpigmentation, sunspots, and acne scars
- Plumps up the skin
- Evens out the skin tone
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin.
10. Best For Daily Use: Eau Thermale Avene Gentle Toning Lotion
The Eau Thermale Avene Gentle Toning Lotion is an alcohol-free toner formulated with silicates and designed to protect the skin from external aggressors. It works best for sensitive, acne-prone skin. It soothes the skin and makes it ultra-soft and supple and helps you achieve healthy skin. Adding this toner to your daily skincare routine will help restore the skin’s pH balance. It shrinks the pores and cleans all traces of product from the skin. It refreshes the skin, adds an instant glow, and leaves it feeling hydrated and nourished.
Pros
- Alcohol-free
- Suitable for sensitive, acne-prone skin
- Restores skin’s pH balance
- Shrinks the pores
- Cleans all traces of product buildup
- Refreshes the skin
- Makes the skin soft and supple.
- Hydrates and nourishes the skin
Cons
- Expensive
11. Best For Exfoliation: COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
The COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner removes dead skin and product buildup and enhances skin elasticity. The mineral water, AHA, and BHA leave the skin clean and refreshed. Allantoin formulation makes this product a deep hydration facial toner that provides moisture to the skin, addresses dull skin, and smooths out rough skin texture.
The natural AHA from Pyrus Malus apple fruit water and natural BHA from mineral water purify the skin of impurities and balance the skin pH. Willow bark water helps exfoliate the dead skin layer. This formula is best for sensitive combination skin.
Pros
- Contains natural AHA and BHA
- Provides hydration and moisturization
- Helps exfoliate the dead skin layer
- Makes the skin soft and smooth
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Reasonably priced
- Pore-purifying formula
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 5,193 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
12. Best For Matured Skin: Paula’s Choice Resist Weightless Advanced Repairing Toner
The Paula’s Choice Resist Weightless Advanced Repairing Toner is a great toner for mature combination skin. This super lightweight skin toner refines and repairs fine lines, wrinkles, and improves skin elasticity. It makes the skin juicy and plump to appear youthful and flawless. The niacinamide and antioxidants from green tea and red grapes help protect the skin from oxidative damage. The formula minimizes pores, improves skin tone, and treats sunspots. It is free of all animal testing.
Pros
- Refines and repairs fine lines and wrinkles
- Improves skin elasticity
- Minimizes pores
- Protects the skin from oxidative damage
- Strengthens the skin barrier
- Makes the skin youthful and flawless
- Treats sunspots
- Evens out skin tone
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Expensive
13. Best Non-Sticky Formula: Pyunkang Yul Facial Essence Toner
Pyunkang Yul Facial Essence Toner is a non-sticky, non-irritant toner for combination and sensitive skin. This essence-like toner is infused with seven natural ingredients that deeply moisturize the skin and improve its elasticity. 91.3% of this toner is milk vetch root extract that contains betaine and minerals beneficial for the skin. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties give a boost of hydration and strengthen the skin. The gel-like formula gets easily absorbed into the skin, toning wrinkles, soothing redness, and irritation.
Pros
- Non-sticky
- Non-irritant
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Absorbs quickly
- Serum-like toner
Cons
- None
14. Best Organic Formula: NU Skin pH Balance Mattefying Toner
The NU Skin pH Balance Mattefying Toner helps reduce shine, shrinks pores, and combat harmful free radicals. It makes the skin soft and smooth. It also restores the skin’s pH balance and refreshes it. It is formulated with key ingredients like witch hazel, fennel seed extract, strawberry fruit extract, calendula flower extract, chamomile flower extract, etc. It removes dead skin cells and impurities. The chamomile extract in this mattifying toner helps soothe irritated skin, and vitamin C from strawberry extract helps protect the skin from oxidative and sun damage.
Pros
- Restores skin’s pH balance
- Refreshes the skin
- Removes dead skin cells and impurities
- Helps soothe irritated skin
- Protects the skin from oxidative and sun damage
- Makes the skin soft and smooth
Cons
- May not suit dry skin.
15. Best For pH Balance: Simple Kind To Skin Soothing Facial Toner
The Simple Kind To Skin Soothing Facial Toner is a 100% alcohol-free facial toner that balances the skin’s pH to refresh it without stripping off the natural oils. It is formulated with witch hazel, chamomile, and allantoin, which help shrink the pores, tighten the skin, improve skin elasticity, make it soft, and soothe irritated skin. This dermatologically tested skin-tightening toner also contains provitamin B5, which restores skin pH and skin’s youthful appearance. The triple purified water provides hydration and makes the skin glow instantly. It is also dermatologically-approved and free of animal testing.
Pros
- 100% alcohol-free facial toner
- Restores the skin’s pH
- Shrinks pores
- Non-comedogenic
- Improves skin elasticity
- Makes the skin soft
- Soothes irritated skin
Cons
- May not suit sensitive skin.
[ Also Try – Caudalie Beauty Elixir ]
Now that you know which toners are your best buying options, here’s why you should include a toner in your skin care routine regularly.
What Is A Toner? Why Is It Necessary For Skin Care Routine?
A toner is a hydrating, lightweight liquid that is used after cleansing the skin. A toner preps the skin for better absorption of a moisturizer. It is an essential step in the cleansing-toning-moisturizing (CTM) process of a skin care routine.
Toning is necessary as it does the following:
- Allows the skin to absorb the moisturizer effectively.
- Makes the skin supple and soft.
- Hydrates and nourishes the skin.
- Balances the pH of the skin.
- Cleanses all traces of dirt and dead cells.
- Shrinks pores.
- Brightens and freshens the skin.
How To Choose the Right Toner For Combination Skin?
- Choose an alcohol-free toner for combination skin. Alcohol dries out and irritates the skin.
- Choose a toner that does not contain artificial fragrance.
- Use a gentle toner that does not strip the skin of the natural oils.
- Look for a toner with natural key ingredients.
- Avoid toners that contain parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
- Consult a board-certified dermatologist and talk about your specific skin concerns to know more about the suitable toners for your skin.
Infographic: Ingredients To Look For In A Toner For Combination Skin
A good toner for combination skin imparts glow and hydration with the perfect balance of oils. But while choosing one, picking a product with the right ingredients is important. Check out the below infographic to know the best ingredients you should look for in a toner for combination skin. Scroll down for more information.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
If you want to follow a proper skin care routine, then you cannot skip out on using toners. They help cleanse the skin, reduce the appearance of pores, and reveal brighter skin. However, finding the right toner for combination skin can be tricky because this particular skin type has oily spots and dry areas alike. Some makeup removers with micellar water can also be used as facial toner. However ask a skin care expert to know more. The best toners for combination skin will help eliminate all the traces of oil, dirt, and traces of makeup while balancing the pH level of your skin. The Dickinson’s Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner is a natural formula that soothes and hydrates the skin while the Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner refreshes the skin without stripping the skin’s natural oils. If you are looking for a toner that restores the skin’s pH balance, then the Eau Thermale Avene Gentle Toning Lotion is the best option. The reviewed options in the list help in oil production and reduce acne, premature aging, and dry skin. You can use your hand to dab the product or use a cotton pad to apply it on your face. However, make sure to avoid toners that contain harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use toner for combination skin?
Cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser.
Spray or dab any one of the toners mentioned above.
Let it be for 2-3 minutes. Apply a gentle moisturizer.
Can we use a toner daily?
Yes, you can use a toner daily.
Can toner damage your skin?
An irritating and alcohol-containing toner can irritate your skin. An excessively oily or comedogenic toner may cause breakouts. Use a toner that suits your skin type.
Is rosewater a toner?
Yes, rosewater is also a toner. It helps shrink pores and makes the skin soft and supple.
Are toners good for combination skin?
Yes, toners are good for combination skin type and help balance the oily and dry areas of the face.
What Ingredients to look out for in a toner for combination skin?
Look for a balance of AHAs, lactic acid, glycolic acid, and hydrating ingredients like soy protein and lightweight essential oils to balance the oily and dry parts of the combination skin.
What are the 3 types of toners?
Skin fresheners: These products contain water and humectants and are gentle on the skin.
Acid toners: They contain AHAs, BHAs, lactic acid, or glycolic acid and help exfoliate the skin.
Skin Tonics: These toners contain water, humectants, and a small percentage of alcohol.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified skincare coach. Having fought with many concerns related to combination skin herself, she has tried many skincare products specific to this skin type. She has also gone through several online forums and brand websites to compile the list of the best toners for combination skin. These products hydrate, plump, and add a radiant glow to the skin.
Read full bio of Dr. Danielle Marr Collins
Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Eshna Das
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