14 Best Toners For Sensitive Skin To Add To Your Beauty Arsenal
Include these non-comedogenic toners for sensitive skin to flaunt only good looks.
Dr. Rosmy Barrios, MD, is a medical advisor for the Health Reporter, the head of the anti-aging department at IM Clinic, and a regenerative medicine specialist at Swiss Medica with over 10 years of experience in aesthetic medicine and cosmetology. She specializes in anti-aging treatments, dermal fillers, skin rejuvenation, cell therapy, and many other procedures.
Read full bio of Dr. Rosmy Barrios
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.
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Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
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Experience: 8 yearsArshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.
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You need to get two things right to get the best toner for your sensitive skin. While one is the right formula, the other is ingredients that do not irritate your skin type. Choosing the right products for this skin type requires utmost caution as it breaks out easily and reacts badly. But do not worry, leave it to us. In this article, we have brought to you some of the best toners that go well with sensitive skin types. Swipe up!
Dr. Rosmy Barrios, MD and medical advisor for the Health Reporter, says, “One of the main ingredients to avoid in toners is sulfates, such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, derived from Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate. Although it is often used in beauty products, it causes skin dryness, irritation, and allergic reactions. Nevertheless, it may be suitable for people who do not have dry skin.”
In This Article
14 Best Toners For Sensitive Skin
1. Best Moisturizing Formula:Thayers Facial Toner
The Thayers Facial Toner contains witch hazel, rose petal extracts, and aloe vera. This clinically tested toner helps add moisture to your skin, remove impurities, and protect the skin from damage. Witch hazel helps tighten your skin pores and make it smooth without drying. Here’s an honest review of this tester’s experience of using this product.
Key Ingredient(s): Witch Hazel
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Visible results after 1 week
- No animal testing
- Certified organic ingredients
- Propylene glycol-free
- May dry out the skin.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 108,935 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
Dr. Rosmy Barrios, MD and medical advisor for the Health Reporter, says, “Aloe vera soothes facial skin, helps reduce the scars that often remain after acne treatment, and most importantly, has moisturizing properties, so it is perfect for sensitive or dry skin.”
2. Best Alcohol-Free:Dickinson’s Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner
This is an alcohol-free formula and contains witch hazel extracts. It helps keep your skin soft and supple by removing all traces of dust and impurities. The hyaluronic acid in this formula keeps the skin hydrated, and vitamin E and aloe vera prevent moisture loss. Here’s a video of this reviewer’s experience of using this product.
Key Ingredient(s): Rosewater, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E
- Alcohol-free
- Contains 98% natural witch hazel distillate
- All-natural ingredients
- Dye-free
- Soap-free
- Sulfate-free
- Does not cause dryness
- Does not irritate the skin
- Contains artificial fragrance
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 1,384 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
3. Best Oil-Control:InstaNatural Vitamin C Toner
This Vitamin C toner contains MSM that easily penetrates the skin to improve its elasticity. All the ingredients in this toner help reduce excess oil. The vitamin E and glycolic acid in the toner ensure to restore the natural pH levels without causing any dryness. This video of this reviewer’s experience will help you understand the product better.
Key Ingredient(s): Witch hazel, MSM, Lavender & Geranium Oils
- Paraben-free
- SLS and SLES-free
- Mineral oil-free
- No formaldehyde releasers
- Synthetic dye-free
- DEA/MEA/TEA-free
- Cruelty-free
- Polyethylene glycol-free
- No unsafe preservatives
- Unpleasant smell
Did you know?Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 6,054 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
Thayers Facial Toner Best Moisturizing Formula | Dickinson's Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner Best Alcohol-Free | InstaNatural Vitamin C Toner Best Oil-Control | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Combination, Normal | - | Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal |
| Dimensions | 6.18 x 2.52 x 2.52 inches | 2.5 x 3 x 7.68 inches | 3 x 1 x 6 inches |
| Weight | 0.01 Ounces | 1 Pounds | 2.08 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 108,935 | 1,384 | 6,054 |
| Price | $10.95 | $5.87 | $16.95 |
4. Best pH-Balanced Formula:Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner
This toner has a fast-absorbing formula that improves your skin’s hydration levels and moisture retention, balances the pH, and calms your skin. It has a viscous essence or serum-like texture and can easily replace the serum from your sensitive skin care routine. Moreover, ingredients like Centella Asiatica, hyaluronic acid, and beta-glucan soothe and calm sensitive skin immediately.
Key Ingredient(s): Centella Asiatica, Hyaluronic Acid, Beta-glucan
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Synthetic dye-free
- Does not irritate the skin
- Does not cause breakouts
- Not animal tested
None
5. Best Antimicrobial:Orange Blossom Water Face Toner
This is a multi-use Moroccan orange blossom floral water and a natural, alcohol-free toner. The orange blossom water is a natural astringent loaded with antimicrobial properties that keep your skin healthy. This scientifically formulated toner helps balance your skin pH, improves suppleness, and promotes healing and cell regeneration.
Key Ingredient(s): Orange Blossom Floral Water
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- 100% natural
- Alcohol-free
- Refreshing fragrance
- Removes excess dirt
- Takes time to show a visible effect.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,119 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
6. Best Exfoliation:Proactiv Revitalizing Toner
This alcohol-free toner contains glycolic acid, an AHA that helps exfoliate your skin gently, remove dead skin cells, regulate excess sebum production, and keep your skin clean and healthy. It contains botanical extracts like aloe vera, witch hazel, chamomile, allantoin, and panthenol (vitamin B complex) that help refine your skin pores and reduce skin irritation. It also reduces redness and relieves irritation in acne-prone skin.
Key Ingredient(s): Glycolic Acid, Witch Hazel
- Alcohol-free
- Gentle formula
- Prevents flare-ups
- Reduces breakouts and acne inflammation
- Dermatologist-tested
- Contains imidazolidinyl urea
- Contains parabens
- Contains artificial color
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 2,843 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
7. Best Fragrance-Free:Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner
This toner sweeps away dust and residue from your skin and keeps it refreshed. The aloe toner by Mario Badescu is extremely gentle on your skin. It has a non-drying formula and does not contain irritants.
Key Ingredient(s): Aloe Vera
- Alcohol-free
- Non-drying
- Fragrance-free
- Contains propylene glycol
- Contains parabens
- Contains artificial color
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 228 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
8. Best Non-Drying Formula:Secret Key Aloe Soothing Moist Toner
This soothing aloe toner does not contain any harmful chemicals and easily wipes out the residue of makeup dust and impurities from your skin pores, leaving them clean. This helps in preventing breakouts and reduces skin irritation. You can also use this toner as a hydration pack if your skin needs intense hydration.
Key Ingredient(s): Aloe Vera
- Paraben-free
- Benzophenone-free
- No chemical preservatives
- Refreshing
- Pleasant fragrance
- Non-drying
- Mineral oil-free
- Allergen-free
- Strong smell
"This aloe-based lightweight toner is hydrating and soothes my skin without any irritation. I also use it as an aftershave moisturizer for the body and it makes my skin feel supple and softer."
Did you know?9. Best Vegan:Tree To Tub Ginseng Green Tea Hyaluronic Repair Toner
This hyaluronic acid toner has a unique skin-balancing formula that contains healing vitamins like B5, C, and E. This toner contains ginseng extracts that promote blood circulation, brighten your skin, and soothe inflammation. The other ingredients, like witch hazel, aloe vera, chamomile, and grapefruit seed extracts, keep your skin calm. It has a pH of 5.5.
Key Ingredient(s): Ginseng, Hyaluronic Acid
- Repairs skin barrier
- No harsh chemicals
- No skin irritants
- Dermatologist recommended
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- DEA/MEA-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Fair-trade
- Expensive
10. Best Cruelty-Free:Paula’s Choice SKIN RECOVERY Calming Toner
This hydrating and soothing skin toner reduces flaky skin caused by excessive dryness and helps revitalize your skin. It fights the signs of aging, reduces redness, and nourishes your skin with antioxidants that enable your skin to cope with the environmental stress. It delivers essential lipids, antioxidants, and skin-restoring ingredients to keep your skin healthy.
Key Ingredient(s): Vitamin E, Primrose
- Anti-redness and anti-inflammatory formula
- Fragrance-free
- Non-irritating
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- No harsh chemicals
- Might cause an allergic reaction.
"I love using this toner on my sensitive and aging skin. It soothes the skin without causing dryness. It offers that much-needed hydration and tackles redness."
11. Avène Eau Thermale Gentle Toning Lotion
This is an alcohol-free bi-phase toner that nourishes your skin, keeps it healthy, and prevents any damage caused by harmful free radicals. It helps reduce the effect of constant dust and pollution exposure. This product matches the natural pH level of your skin and is tested for sensitivity, so it will not irritate your skin. It protects the skin’s natural barrier. You have to shake it to activate the ingredients before using it.
Key Ingredient(s): Avène Thermal Spring Water
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free
- Soy-free
- Soap-free
- Alcohol-free
- Oil-free
- Gluten-free
- Contains artificial fragrance
- Contains PEG
12. Pixi Vitamin Wakeup Mist
This is a treatment toner mist that claims to revitalize and brighten your skin. It has an orange blossom water base, which is infused with lavender and citrus extracts and arginine that keep your skin healthy, boost the moisture levels and form a protective veil on it. Spritz it on your skin to make it feel awakened and refreshed.
Key Ingredient(s): Orange Blossom & Citrus Extracts
- Suitable for all skin types
- No animal testing
- Contains polyethylene glycol
13. ZO Skin Health Calming Toner
This is a calming pH-balanced toner specially formulated for sensitive skin. It removes dirt and impurities from the skin and helps soothe troubled and weak skin. This toner contains witch hazel that reduces the appearance of skin pores, along with a blend of hyaluronic acid, allantoin, and panthenol that conditions, moisturizes and calms the skin.
Key Ingredient(s): Witch Hazel
- Paraben-free
- No harsh chemicals
- Clinically tested
- Contains artificial fragrance
"This toner is very calming on my sensitive and damaged skin. It cleans the skin and prepares it for other products to absorb well. It does not sting my skin."
14. Environ Youth EssentiA Vita-Peptide Toner
This is a concentrated toner and contains a blend of peptides that keeps your skin healthy, improves elasticity and skin tone, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. It removes residual makeup, dirt, or soap and maintains the natural pH balance.
Note: The Environ products are “consultation-only” products as they contain a high level of active ingredients. Do not use it without consulting a skin specialist or expert.
Key Ingredient(s): Peptides (Matrixyl)
- Contains Matrixyl (peptide for collagen-boosting)
- Contains witch hazel
None
You cannot pick toners randomly for your skin. You need to avoid the possible irritants and choose one that addresses your skin issues. Here are a few tips.
How To Pick The Right Toner For Sensitive Skin
There are two things you have to be careful about when choosing a toner for sensitive skin:
1. The Ingredients
Avoid any ingredients that might irritate the skin or you are allergic to. Alcohol and essential oils are the common ingredients that might irritate your skin and should be avoided. Look for calming ingredients like rose, chamomile, cucumber extracts, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, lavender, witch hazel, and willow bark extracts. Ensure that you are not allergic to any of these ingredients before using the products.
2. Skin Concerns
It is better to match your skin issues with the product that you are using. If your skin feels dry, try a rehydrating toner. If your skin is hyper-sensitive and super-irritated, use pH-balancing toners. If you have mature skin and acne issues, use exfoliating toners. These skin conditions can be chronic or short-lived. Whatever the issue is, adjust your toner accordingly.
Infographic: Tips To Apply Toner On Sensitive Skin Correctly
Toners do more than just balance your skin. They provide an extra layer of hydration to the skin and help sweep off the residue left behind by your cleanser. However, there is a common misconception that they are not for sensitive skin types. When used the right way, even sensitive skin can benefit greatly from toners. Check out the infographic below to learn more.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Anyone with sensitive skin knows that using the wrong skin care products can wreak havoc on their skin. Especially when it comes to toners, you need to be extra careful before picking them. The best toners for sensitive skin are devoid of alcohol and other synthetic chemicals. They are enriched with natural ingredients that will improve the overall health of your skin. Choose the Thayers Facial Toner for a moisturizing formula, the Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner for a fast-absorbing formula, and the Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner for a non-drying, gentle formula. Consider your skin concerns and thoroughly go through the ingredients list before choosing the best toners for sensitive skin.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti is a certified skin care coach who loves trying different skin products. She vouches for the best toners for sensitive skin for a rash-free and cooling experience. She believes they are a must-have for people with sensitive skin and cannot risk using products that further aggravate their skin. She has researched the products and reviewed them to help her readers pick the best ones. These toners remove impurities from your skin and seal your pores to protect them from allergens and foreign bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can toner irritate the skin?
Yes, only if it contains ingredients that do not suit your skin. Check the ingredients before buying. Alcohol is one of the most common irritants, so do not go for alcohol-based toners.
Is toner necessary for sensitive skin?
It is not a necessity. However, toner helps to clean the residue of cleanser or soap that might irritate the skin and prepare your skin for the next skin care steps. Using a toner is good for the skin, but it is not a necessity.
Is toner the same as astringent?
Astringents aid in pore closure, oil dry-out, and skin cleaning. Toners assist in cleansing, nourishing, and balancing the skin’s pH. Sometimes toners come with astringent properties.
Is an ordinary toner good for sensitive skin?
No, using an ordinary toner on sensitive skin can increase skin damage, exfoliate it even further, and make it allergic. Instead, opt for special toners made only for sensitive skin.
How can I use a toner on sensitive skin?
Follow these steps to use a toner on sensitive skin effectively:
• First, clean your face with a suitable face wash.
• Next, use cotton swabs and dip them in toners made for sensitive skin.
• Next, apply it to your face gently.
• Let it dry for a few minutes.
• Follow with a good moisturizer.
Can I use toner every day on sensitive skin?
If you follow a healthy and disciplined skin care routine, apply toner on sensitive skin daily. Use one that is specifically made for sensitive skin; otherwise, it will make your skin more prone to allergic reactions.
Read full bio of Dr. Rosmy Barrios
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