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Toner tends to get a bad rap in the skincare realm, mostly because old school formulas were known for being harsh and overly drying. For many of us sensitive skin sufferers, finding skincare in general that’s gentle enough but still actually works can feel like an endless feat of trial and error (and most likely, damage control). This is especially the case if you’re trying to find a toner for sensitive skin, as toners are notoriously unpredictable when it comes their knack for stripping the skin—not to mention leaving it feeling uncomfortably tight. However, adding a toner to your skincare routine can be a great way to double cleanse, refine enlarged pores, and even gently exfoliate. And, if you find the right one, they can actually be helpful for soothing irritation, eliminating redness and keeping pores clean and clear.
Table Of Contents
Best Toners for Sensitive Skin at a Glance
Best for Hyperpigmentation: REN Skincare Radiance Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic, $40
Best Brightening: InstaNatural Vitamin C Toner , $15
Best Alcohol-Free: Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner, $12 (was $15)
Best Drugstore Find: Thayers Alcohol-Free, Hydrating Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Toner, $11
Why Toners Can Be Harsh on Sensitive Skin
Many traditional toners actually contain alcohol, which, unless you have extremely oily skin, can do more harm than good. In fact, banishing all of your skin’s natural oils can not only cause premature lines to forms thanks to the tugging, but it can also actually lead to excess oil production and breakouts, because your skin’s innate defense mechanism is to try to restore balanced moisture levels through more sebum production in order to compensate for the lack of (albeit self-inflicted) hydration.
If you’re prone to redness or have rosacea, toners can be an absolute nightmare. While it’s normal to look a bit flushed after toning, if you have truly reactive skin, the aftermath can last for hours before going back to normal. Fortunately, there are plenty of alcohol-free options on the market infused with ingredients beneficial for sensitive skin, including aloe, rose petal, and lavender oil.
What to Look for in a Toner for Sensitive Skin, According to a Derm
According to Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology and dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, “When searching for a toner to use on sensitive skin, look for ingredients that help calm irritation, reduce redness, provide hydration, and help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier.”
These ingredients include: glycerin, niacinamide, allantoin, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and rosewater.
Annabelle Garcia, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Sonterra Dermatology adds that those with sensitive skin should also look for an alcohol-free toner that is also gentle and fragrance-free.
What Ingredients to Avoid in Toners if You Have Sensitive Skin, According to a Derm
As mentioned, avoiding alcohol and fragrances are two great places to start. And depending on the level of sensitivity your skin has, you might want to double-check with your derm about AHAs and BHAs. While these can help clear up acne and turnover new skin cells faster, some patients might find them too harsh, according to Dr. Garcia.
Dr. Garcia also warns about essential oils. “While essential oils can have various benefits, they can be potent and irritating to sensitive skin,” she says. “It’s best to avoid toners containing them.”
Luckily, there are a lot of great toners formulated specifically with sensitive skin in mind. Keep scrolling for our (and derm’s) favorites!
REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
best for hyperpigmentation
REN Skincare Radiance Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
This vegan-friendly toner does it all. First, it helps to exfoliate and remove an entire layer of skin so you’ll finally be rid of dead skin cells and excess sebum that clogs pores. The result is an overall brighter, smoother, and more hydrated-looking face. The secret to this toner is lactic acid derived from sugar cane and salicilin from widow’s bark extract. The two work together to gently remove skin cells to reveal a more youthful, brighter complexion.Senior commerce director, Gina Vaynshteyn, has been using REN Ready Steady Glow Daily for a couple years now, swearing by its powers to brighten her skin overnight — especially if she’s dealing with winter blahs (dull, uneven skin, or marks from old blemishes that won’t seem to fade away).
Key Ingredients: Azalaic Acid, AHA, BHA
Pros
- Multiple skincare issues addressed in one formula
Cons
- Potential allergy alert, with plant-based ingredients
InstaNatural Vitamin C Face Toner
best brightening
InstaNatural Vitamin C Face Toner
While Vitamin C can be a trigger for some sensitive skin types, if your skin can handle it, this is a great anti-aging option that will leave your skin brighter and more radiant. To counteract irritation, it contains lavender oil and geranium oil to keep skin from feeling utterly stripped.Key Ingredients: witch hazel, MSM, lavender oil
Pros
- Comes as a spray
- Good for all skin types
Cons
- Some reviewers report issues with dispenser
Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner
best alcohol-free
Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner
On Sale 20% off
This affordable toner is completely alcohol-free and pH balanced to gently cleanse, tone and refresh without over-drying or causing reactive skin to freak out. It also contains chamomile, which helps soothe irritation and calm redness.Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner 200 ml (Pack of 2) by Simple - $11.99
Key Ingredients: allantoin, chamomile, witch hazelPros
- Affordable
Cons
- Shouldn’t use if you have oily skin, will need something stronger
Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Toner
Pros
- Found at most drugstores
- Alcohol-free
Cons
- Has a strong fragrance
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