The best toners hydrate, brighten and smooth skin. These multipurpose formulas have had a resurgence in skincare in recent years, providing a base layer of nourishment after cleansing.
Early exfoliating toners of the Nineties and early Noughties were often full of stripping ingredients – a one-stop shop for causing or exacerbating inflammation. By the mid-2000s, toners had, by and large, fallen out of popularity altogether. The new generation of toners, however, has a wider range of purposes, with many containing no exfoliants at all.
Toners are particularly great if you have dehydrated or dry skin as they’ll give your skin a much-needed boost of hydration and soothing ingredients such as squalane, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and fatty acids. But if you have oily or combination skin, some toners can take the place of your typical moisturiser, providing lighter alternatives as part of your summer skincare routine.
I investigated which offers the best value for money. From milky toners to non-exfoliating formulas, some of these are cult favourites among beauty buffs, while others are underrated gems that deserve a spot in your skincare routine.
How I tested
For context, I have rosacea and sensitive skin, and am prone to hormonal breakouts. Over a few weeks, I put a range of toners to the test, incorporating them into my morning and evening skincare routines to find the best ones. I considered the following factors:
- Absorption: I evaluated how quickly each formula absorbed into my skin to make sure it didn’t leave behind a sticky or greasy residue. I favoured the formulas that absorbed fast, felt weightless and caused no irritation.
- Formula: I considered the formula and the texture of each tone, whether it was lightweight or heavy. I preferred the formulas that felt comfortable on my skin.
- Scent: Fragrance was also important. If the formula was scented, I didn’t want it to be overpowering or cause irritation to sensitive skin.
- Skincare benefits: Above all, I wanted to see the benefits on my skin. I considered any short- and long-term results of each toner, assessing whether the formulas brightened, hydrated and smoothed my skin.
Why trust me
I am a beauty writer and editor with years of experience testing and writing about skincare (I have shelves full of serums, cleansers and of course toners). I’ve consulted dermatologists, interviewed experts, and most importantly, consider all skin types in my pieces. As someone with rosacea and sensitive skin, who’s prone to a hormonal breakout, I know the products that make a difference. For this review of the best toners, I’ve used some of them for years and others for less time, but I’ve been impressed with each one for different reasons.
The best toners for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Ilia Beauty the base face milk: £58, Spacenk.com
- Best budget buy – Byoma hydrating milky toner: £11.87, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for anti-ageing – Curél plumping hydrating gel essence: £13, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for boosting radiance – Tatcha the essence: £102, Spacenk.com
- Best luxury buy – Pat McGrath Labs the essence lotion: £81, Sephora.co.uk
