12 Best Facial Toners of 2025 | Tested & Reviewed

June 8, 2025

The 12 Best Toners of 2025, Tested and Reviewed by Byrdie

A good skincare routine starts with cleansing, but the real magic often happens with a facial toner. Whether you're dealing with oily skin, dryness, or stubborn acne, the right toner can refresh, hydrate, and prep your skin for serums and moisturizers. In 2025, skincare innovation has hit a new high, and we tested the latest toners to bring you the ultimate guide for every skin type.

From hydrating toners to alcohol-free formulas that won’t irritate your skin, we’ve rounded up the best toners that deliver visible results. Here’s our expert-reviewed list to help you pick your next skincare essential.

Why You Need a Facial Toner

Toners have evolved far beyond the harsh, astringent formulas of the past. Today, they:

Balance skin pH after cleansing
Hydrate and refresh the skin
Minimize pores for smoother texture
Reduce acne and breakouts with targeted ingredients
Prepare skin for serums and moisturizers

Choosing the best toner for acne or a hydrating toner depends on your skin type and concerns.

How We Tested Toners

Our team tested over 30 facial toners on different skin types: oily, combination, dry, and sensitive. We evaluated:

Ingredient effectiveness
Hydration levels
Oil control for oily skin
Skin texture improvement
Fragrance and irritation potential

The result? 12 top-performing toners that stood out in 2025.

The 12 Best Toners of 2025

1. Pixi Glow Tonic

Best for: Brightening & glowing skin

Key Ingredients: 5% Glycolic Acid, Aloe Vera
Why We Love It: Gently exfoliates while providing a radiant glow without over-drying.
Tip: Use morning and night for best results.

2. Thayers Witch Hazel Toner

Best for: Sensitive & oily skin

Key Ingredients: Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera
Why We Love It: Alcohol-free and soothing, reduces redness and controls oil.

3. Paula’s Choice Pore-Reducing Toner

Best for: Large pores & oily skin

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Green Tea Extract
Why We Love It: Controls excess oil, tightens pores, and soothes inflammation.

4. Klairs Supple Preparation Toner

Best for: Hydrating toner for dry skin

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Beta-Glucan
Why We Love It: Lightweight, absorbs quickly, and locks in moisture.

5. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution

Best for: Acne-prone skin

Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid
Why We Love It: Reduces blemishes, unclogs pores, and prevents future breakouts.

6. Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Toner

Best for: Soothing sensitive skin

Key Ingredients: Calendula Flower Extract, Allantoin
Why We Love It: Gentle, calming, and ideal for redness-prone skin.

7. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Best for: Exfoliating & brightening

Key Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Tasmanian Pepperberry
Why We Love It: Smooths texture and enhances skin clarity with minimal irritation.

8. Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner

Best for: Daily hydration

Key Ingredients: Rosewater, Hyaluronic Acid
Why We Love It: Instantly refreshes and deeply hydrates, suitable for all skin types.

9. Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner

Best for: Gentle cleansing without dryness

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Aloe Vera
Why We Love It: Lightweight, alcohol-free, and perfect for daily use.

10. COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

Best for: Exfoliating acne-prone skin

Key Ingredients: AHA, BHA, Willow Bark Water
Why We Love It: Removes dead skin cells and prevents breakouts effectively.

11. Laneige Cream Skin Refiner

Best for: Intensive hydration

Key Ingredients: White Leaf Tea Water, Butylene Glycol
Why We Love It: Acts as both a toner and lightweight moisturizer.

12. Innisfree Green Tea Balancing Skin

Best for: Oily to combination skin

Key Ingredients: Green Tea Extract, Amino Acids
Why We Love It: Controls oil, balances moisture, and keeps skin fresh all day.

How to Choose the Right Toner

When selecting a toner, consider your skin type and main concerns:

Oily Skin: Go for toner for oily skin with salicylic acid or niacinamide.
Dry Skin: Opt for a hydrating toner rich in hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
Acne-Prone Skin: Choose alcohol-free toner with BHA or soothing botanicals.
Sensitive Skin: Stick to gentle, fragrance-free formulas.

Pro Tip: Always patch-test new toners to avoid irritation.

Toner Application Tips

Apply after cleansing with a cotton pad or your hands.
Pat gently to allow absorption.
Follow with serums and moisturizer for maximum effect.
Use 2–3 times a week if it contains strong acids; otherwise, daily is fine.

Final Verdict

Choosing the best toner for your skin in 2025 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our top 12 list includes options for every skin type, from hydrating toners to acne-fighting solutions. Incorporate one into your daily routine, and you’ll notice brighter, smoother, and healthier skin in no time.

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