Toning - skipping this key step means that your skincare regime might not be as effective as it could be! Here are the best toners for your skin type:

There are a lot of misconceptions about toners, one being that they don’t do much at all for your skin. Essentially, a toner is a water or gel-based liquid that cleanses your skin (yes, even after double-cleansing) and restores your skin’s natural pH balance. This is super important, because after your regular cleanser, your face normally becomes more alkaline (aka more prone to damage and inflammation). Toners also prep your skin to better absorb the next skincare steps, and ultimately boost the overall efficacy of your skincare routine.

If you’re looking for the perfect toner that best suits your skin type – whether it’s dry, oily, acne-prone, sensitive or combination – here are our recommendations:

Best Toner for Dry Skin: 

An alcohol-free, gel-based toner that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils is great for those with dry skin. Look for formulas with hydrating ingredients, like the Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner. It contains aloe vera extracts to provide intense hydration to the skin and soothe any irritated or red problem areas.

Best Toner for Oily Skin: 

Look for a toner that gently exfoliates your skin while controlling oil production. The Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner removes dead and dull skin cells and acts as a mild exfoliant, without being harsh on the skin. It also balances and controls oil and sebum production, to keep your skin looking matte!

Best Toner for Acne-Prone Skin: 

Toners that are designed to balance the pH of your skin are ideal for those with acne-prone skin. Look for formulas that contain glycolic acid or salicylic acid, like the COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner. This toner maintains the skin’s optimal pH level, while preventing the early development of whiteheads and blackheads.

Best Toner for Sensitive Skin: 

If you have sensitive skin, finding the gentlest toner on the market can be a struggle. A favourite for sensitive skin types is the Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner, which is a hydrating and gentle toner that's formulated with no alcohol or parabens. It adds the perfect amount of hydration into your skin and soaks in quickly without irritating or aggravating sensitive skin, as it contains only eco-friendly and mild ingredients!

Best Toner for Combination Skin: 

For skin that’s both oily and dry, use a toner that will rebalance your skin’s pH and encourage cell turnover without drying out your skin. The Son & Park Beauty Water uses papaya extract to gently remove dead skin cells and debris after double-cleansing, while lavender water, rosewater, and orange fruit extract soothes and hydrates the skin.