The Best Toners for Sensitive Skin, According to Dermatologists

For those with delicate complexions, skipping the step of a toner means you are missing out on a multitude of skin-soothing solutions. Not only do toners give your skin an extra dose of hydration, they also provide gentle exfoliation, and contain calming properties to reduce redness and irritation.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Stephanie Saxton-Daniels explains to us the benefits of including a toner in your skincare routine, saying, “Toners remove substances such as oil, dirt and skin flakes. It’s helpful to use after cleansing to remove what the cleanser does not, they are also helpful in removing dead skin.”
To help you find the best toners for sensitive skin, we have compiled this list with top recommendations from dermatologists, along with our tried and tested favorites.
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Finding the Best Toners For Sensitive Skin
You may have been skipping past the step of toner but adding in this extra refreshing liquid could be just what your delicate skin needs. Unlike serums and creams, toners don’t feel heavy on your skin or leave it looking greasy.
If you are curious about how toners can elevate your skincare routine and get your complexion looking smooth and radiant then check out our guide below on how to choose the best toner for your skin.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Toners For Sensitive Skin
Skin Type
In addition to choosing a toner suitable for sensitive skin, you also want to make sure you choose an option that works with your skin type. If you have dry skin, definitely go for a hydrating toner, those with oily skin can benefit from a toner that absorbs oil, and if you have acne-prone skin look for a toner that gently exfoliates.
Ingredients
If you are looking to add extra moisture to your skin, toners infused with hyaluronic acid will help keep your skin hydrated. Aloe vera and cucumber are great for soothing and calming skin, while PHAs even skin tone and texture by removing dead skin cells.
Existing Skincare Routine
Unlike moisturizers, toners are not a stand alone product and are designed to be used alongside other skincare products. They do however increase the effectiveness of some creams and serums and allow you to target specific skin issues.
Application
Toners should always be applied on clean skin, before your moisturizer. Using a cotton pad, gently wipe your toner all over your face, leaving no residue. Allow it to fully dry before applying your next skincare products.
Brand
Because of their rise in popularity, toner formulas now provide a multitude of benefits for your skin. Our list contains the best toners for sensitive skin from both drugstore and luxury brands, with options for every budget.
What are the Different Types of Toners For Sensitive Skin?
Hydration
When it comes to our skin, most of us can benefit from an extra dose of hydration and toners are the perfect choice to plump up your complexion without the need for thick creams. If you like to keep your skincare feeling lightweight, this is the type of toner you need.
Soothing
Those with sensitive skin can especially benefit from using a soothing or calming toner. They can help reduce irritation and redness with their cooling properties.
Exfoliating
Toners are the ideal solution to remove dead skin cells, and get your base looking smoother. If you wear makeup everyday or tend to break out frequently, exfoliating toners can help to keep your pores from clogging up.
Best Overall: fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner
Pros
- Strengthens skin barrier
- Minimizes pores
- Maintains moisture
Cons
- Slightly more expensive
- Not as widely available
Suitable for all skin types especially those with delicate complexions, this toner from fresh takes the top spot on our list for how soft and supple it leaves your skin feeling. Infused with hydrating powerhouse hyaluronic acid and real Damask rose petals, this refreshing skin fix targets everything from dryness to uneven texture.
Revitalize and soothe your skin in an instant with this pick that can be used on its own or to prep your face for the rest of your skincare and help to enhance their effects.
Best Budget: CeraVe Micellar Water Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Cleanses skin
- Contains essential ceramides
Cons
- Basic packaging
- Might not work for waterproof mascara
CeraVe is one of our favorite brands to turn to when looking for effective and affordable skincare for sensitive skin. Their do-it-all micellar water is a bathroom shelf essential and the perfect option for those looking for a product that can be used to both tone and cleanse.
This simple one step skincare solution works to remove makeup while also providing deep hydration with its ceramides and niacinamide infused formula.
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Gentle Daily Fragrance-Free Face Toner
Pros
- Alcohol free
- Refreshes skin
- Gently removes impurities
Cons
- Some may prefer a scented product
- Bottle could be more durable
This drugstore pick from Neutrogena is ideal for those with sensitive skin as it has been formulated without common irritants such as alcohol and fragrance. It works to remove impurities without stripping your skin of its natural moisture to leave it looking smoother.
Adding this toner into your skincare routine helps to recondition your skin, giving you a cleaner base upon which to apply makeup.
Best Luxury: Lancaster Softening Perfecting Toner
Pros
- Leaves skin feeling supple
- Enhances skin softness
- Targets signs of aging
Cons
- Not as widely available
- Slightly more expensive
If you are looking to treat your skin and elevate your regular skin routine, this perfecting toner from Lancaster gives your complexion an overall more radiant glow. Niacinamide and wild pansy extract work together to get your skin looking healthy and revitalized, while also rebalancing the surface for a softer appearance.
While it’s not heavily scented, it does have light floral aroma that is sensitive skin-friendly. Only a few drops of this product are necessary, meaning you will have the bottle for a long time.
Best for Mature Skin: Mario Badescu Witch Hazel Lavender Facial Toner
Pros
- Soothes stressed skin
- Removes impurities
- Infused with calming ingredients
Cons
- Simple packing
- Some may prefer a more exfoliating toner
We love how well this toner works on mature skin. The combination of witch hazel, lavender, and aloe make it the perfect option to brighten up your face and get your skin looking soft and supple again.
This pick also comes in a spray bottle, so if you don’t wear foundation but are looking for a product to combat dull skin—a few light spritz of this toner delivers an instant refresh without the need for makeup.
Best for Redness: Tower 28 Beauty SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray with Hypochlorous Acid
Pros
- Available in mini size
- Fragrance-free
- Calms irritation
Cons
- Not everyone make like a spray
- Those with very dry skin may need to moisturize immediately after
An instant hit since its release, this spray from clean beauty brand Tower 28 is a must-have for those with delicate skin who also suffer from redness. Hypochlorous acid is the hero ingredient of this product as its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties effectively take on everything from irritation to impurities.
Whenever your skin is looking stressed out or tired, mist a light layer of this product across your face to soothe and calm your complexion. It can also be used on breakouts, sunburn, rashes, and eczema.
Best for Oily Skin: Ole Henriksen Balancing Force™ Oil Control Toner
Pros
- Reduces excess oil
- Non-comedogenic formula
- Refines pores
Cons
- Not as widely available
- Slightly more expensive
Toners can be especially beneficial for those with oily skin as not only do they help any skincare you apply afterwards absorb more effectively, they also improve how well makeup sits and lasts on your skin throughout the day.
This balancing toner from Ole Henriksen successfully removes any excess oil without stripping the skin of moisture. It leaves your complexion looking refreshed and feeling clean, creating the perfect base for your creams, serums, and foundation.
Best for Dry Skin: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Toner
Pros
- Gently exfoliates skin
- Infused with essential vitamins and amino acids
- Smooths skin
Cons
- Sometimes sells out
- Not everyone may like the scent
This toner hydrates, refines pores, and gently exfoliates your skin without making it feel greasy. The lightweight liquid is just what you need anytime your skin is looking particularly parched.
The glycerin infused formula pumps your skin with an extra layer of moisture while also delivering it with a multitude of nourishing ingredients such as watermelon extract, cactus water, along with essential amino acids and vitamins.
Best Calming: Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial Mist Toner with Aloe Vera, Cucumber
Pros
- Contains soothing ingredients
- Great price
- Improves skin texture
Cons
- Bottle could be more durable
- Slightly scented
If you are looking for a skin-soothing solution, this classic toner is a must-have. This version of Thayer’s famous witch-hazel formula has been infused with calming aloe vera and cucumber to give your skin a cooling sensation and reduce irritation.
This multi-use toner can also be applied after shaving, on bug bites and on sunburn, making it a skincare essential and one you will be grateful to have on hand anytime your skin needs some TLC.
Best for Hydration: Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Exfoliating Toner
Pros
- Gently exfoliates
- Softens skin
- Reduces excess oil
Cons
- Sometimes sells out
- Those with very dry skin may not need to use it everyday
The innovative blue hyaluronic acid in this toner provides your skin with intense and long-lasting hydration that leaves your face looking plump and supple all day. Tackle uneven texture and excess oil simultaneously by starting off your skincare routine with this pick.
This toner uses sensitive skin friendly PHA to gently exfoliate your skin and give it a smoother surface and softer appearance.
Best Soothing: Weleda Refining Toner
Pros
- Calms irritated skin
- Dermatologically tested
- Refines pores
Cons
- Not as widely available
- Slightly smaller bottle
If you like to keep your skincare ingredients as natural as possible then this is the toner for you. Soothe your skin with the calming pick from Weleda, that uses a combination of witch hazel and iris extracts to cool your complexion and leave it looking refreshed.
Suitable for all skin types, this toner also works to minimize the appearance of pores and clarify the skin.
Best K Beauty: Biodance First Synergy Toner All-in-One Toner
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Soothes and protects skin
- Strengthens skin barrier
Cons
- Not as widely available
- Sometimes sells out
Korean beauty brands have some of the most innovative skincare products on the market and this toner is one of our personal favorites. It ticks every box when it comes to taking care of your skin as it works to hydrate, soothe, protect, and calm your complexion.
Another huge benefit of this toner is how it enhances the absorption and increases the effectiveness of any creams or serums applied after it.
Best for Removing Makeup: Ziaja Sensitive Skin Micellar Water
Pros
- Doesn’t needed to be rinsed
- Gently removes makeup
- Non-scented
Cons
- Not everyone may need a makeup remover
- Some may prefer a scented toner
Streamline your skincare routine into one simple step with this cleansing micellar water which works to remove makeup and impurities while also toning and hydrating your skin. Created especially for those with sensitive complexions, this toner has been formulated without any parabens, alcohol, or perfume.
This product is also a great option for those who find removing their makeup at night a chore. The no-rinse formula gently melts away the products and dirt from the day in an instant.
Best for Pores: Roc Perfecting Toner
Pros
- Unclogs pores
- Refreshes skin
- Leaves skin looking more radiant
Cons
- Has a light scent
- Slightly more expensive
Toners are one of the best skincare tricks to reduce the appearance of pores and this option from Roc is our favorite to get your skin surface looking smoother and more refined. The non-comedogenic formula unclogs overloaded pores allowing the skin to breathe.
The refreshing feel of this liquid works with all skin types from dry to oily and even if only used a couple of times a week it can help to give your skin an overall more radiant appearance.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Toner
Pros
- Minimize the appearance of blackheads
- Refines skin texture
- Leaves complexion glowing
Cons
- Might not work for dry skin
- Only comes in one size
If you suffer from breakouts, this salicylic acid infused formula is a must-have. In addition to providing a gentle exfoliation, this toner also contains grape and rose water to soothe your complexion and get it glowing with their hydrating properties.
Your skin also gets a dose of purification through antioxidant-rich polyphenols, which also reduces blackheads.
People Also Ask
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Q: What type of toner is best for sensitive skin?
A:Alcohol and fragrance free toners are the safest choice for sensitive skin, along with toners containing aloe vera.
-
Q: Can I use toner every day?
A:Hydrating toners can be used everyday, but you may want to introduce exfoliating toners gradually into your weekly skincare routine.
-
Q: Do dermatologists recommend toner?
A:Yes, the dermatologists we spoke to said toners are effective and helpful to remove dead skin cells and clean away impurities.
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