Best Overall

Joanna Czech Skincare The Toner

$55 at AmazonView on Joannaczech.comView on Neiman Marcus

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, watermelon fruit extract| Benefits: Hydrates, soothes, balances the complexion | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you need a total skin reset, this toner from skin expert Joanna Czech will give your complexion the balance and hydration it needs. Editor-in-chief Hallie Gould was experiencing a bout of super sensitive skin when she tried this formula (named the Best Toner in the 2024 Byrdie Beauty Awards), and it changed her skin back to normal in a matter of days. “This formula is specifically meant to hydrate, balance, reduce inflammation, and repair a stressed-out skin barrier,” she says. “I’ve used it every day since.” Included in the formula is hyaluronic acid, fruit extracts, minerals, and stabilized vitamin C to keep the skin nourished and protected from external stressors.

This is a great pick if you’re skin is feeling especially inflamed or you suspect that your barrier is damaged, as it can restore it to its best state.

Best Budget

Thayers Witch Hazel Unscented Facial Toner

$11

$11 at Amazon$11 at Ulta$11 at Target

Key Ingredients: Witch hazel, aloe vera| Benefits: Balances, soothes, hydrates, minimizes pores | Size: 8–12 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This toner has long been considered the tried and true standard in toners. It covers many bases for combination skin—and it won’t run you more than $10. Its hero ingredient is witch hazel, which balances a greasy complexion, minimizes the look of pores, and soothes irritation. Meanwhile, aloe vera hydrates and calms inflammation. We also like that the gentle formula is derived from 98% natural ingredients and is free of alcohol and fragrance (although there are fragranced options if you so choose).

Best Exfoliating

REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Tonic

$38

$26 at Amazon

Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, willow bark extract| Benefits: Treat dull skin, addresses uneven texture, promotes even skin tone | Size: 3.3–8.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re looking for a toner with all the chemical exfoliating power, Ready Steady Glow is here for you. It contains lactic acid (an acid exfoliator that can firm skin), willow bark extract, and a form of salicylic acid (beta-hydroxy acid or BHA which can help shrink the look of pores). These ingredients exfoliate by essentially dissolving dead skin cells to address dullness, hyperpigmentation, and uneven texture. Note that chemical exfoliants are generally gentle on the skin, but they might still be too intense for daily use.

Michelle, tester with combination skin: “The toner helped even out my skin, and it added a little hydration to my skin after cleansing. My skin feels slightly brighter and much more refreshed.”

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Murad Clarifying Toner

$32

$29 at AmazonView on Murad.com$32 at Kohls.com

Key Ingredients: Witch hazel, algae extract, vitamin E| Benefits: Tightens pores, balances oil production, soothes, hydrates | Size: 6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Combination skin can often be acne-prone, particularly in those oily spots like on your T-zone. We love a clarifying toner (aka one that cleanses away dirt and oil) for that and Murad’s is one of the best. This no-nonsense toner leans on witch hazel and algae extract to absorb excess oil, tighten pores, and balance sebum production, while vitamin E soothes stressed skin and hydrates without clogging your pores. Those prone to breakouts will appreciate how this toner absorbs excess grease and balances sebum production while hydrating the skin without overloading pores with moisture.

Elena, tester with mature skin: “My skin looks really nice after using this toner—it’s glowing, smooth, and glossy. I love it.”

Best for Large Pores

Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner

$29

$28 at AmazonView on DermstoreView on Paulaschoice.com

Key Ingredients: Niacinimide, chamomile, ceramides| Benefits: Balances oil, minimizes look of pores | Size: 6.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The bad news: You can’t actually change the size of your pores. The good news: You may be able to make them appear smaller and less prominent by keeping them from getting clogged with gunk and grime. We love this oil-balancing formula from Paula’s Choice for that. Beyond making pores less noticeable, it contains antioxidants, chamomile, and ceramides that enhance, soothe, hydrate, and protect your complexion. While those ingredients should help make this work for sensitive skin, you might want to limit how much you use it if you’re prone to irritation or dryness.

Mathieu, tester with dry skin (not shown): “This toner brightened my skin and gave the surrounding area a bit of a glow.”

Best for Dry Skin

Belif Aqua Bomb Hydrating Toner

$24

$19 at Amazon$30 at Sephora$30 at Nordstrom

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, baobab seed extract, beta-glucan| Benefits: Hydrates, addresses uneven texture | Size: 6.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

It’s a common misconception that toners can’t be hydrating, but Belif made us rethink that. The brand’s Aqua Bomb Toner is perfect for combination skin craving a bit of hydration. It contains hyaluronic acid and baobab seed extract to keep moisture in your skin and smooth uneven texture. Meanwhile, beta-glucan is a mega-hydrator that also helps calm irritated skin and strengthen the skin barrier. Belif actually conducted clinical results, and 97.8% of participants said their dryness vanished after application.

Shannon Stubbs, writer with dry skin: “This is the cure for my parched, winter skin, and it can be used day and night since it’s so lightweight. A lot of heavier moisturizing products can cause congestion and acne, and I don’t have that problem with this. It’s as hydrating as some of my thicker creams.”

Best for Sensitive Skin

Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner

$48 at Sephora$30 at Ulta$30 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Calendula extract, allantoin| Benefits: Reduces redness, soothes, balances | Size: 8.4–16.9 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Since toners can be on the drying side, we recommend going with an alcohol-free one that relies on natural ingredients whenever possible. This gentle, alcohol-free toner from Kiehl’s is just the thing for combination skin on the sensitive side. Its all-star ingredients include calendula extract and allantoin, which can help minimize redness and calm inflammation while providing hydration where you need it all while balancing oil production. We love it for acne-prone skin, especially since it’s gentle enough to use every day. However, some might not appreciate the petal fragments in the liquid.

Best for Uneven Texture

Tatcha The Texture Tonic

$64 at Sephora$42 at Fragrancenet.comView on Ecosmetics.com

Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, niacinamide| Benefits: Smooths texture, exfoliates, reduces redness | Size: 2.5–5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Tatcha’s aptly named Texture Tonic is formulated to smooth uneven texture to reveal a more radiant-looking complexion. It calls on glycolic acid (another AHA) to gently exfoliate and slough off dead skin cells, while niacinamide helps reduce redness and minimize the appearance of pores. It does contain alcohol though, so if you’ve got super sensitive skin, this one might be a bit much for you.