The 8 Best Toners We Tested That Deep-Cleaned and Refined Pores — from $28

The Best Toners We Tested: Tower28, Murad, Laneige, and More

In the world of skincare, toners have proven to be a crucial step in achieving healthy and radiant skin. While some may be tempted to skip this step in their routine, experts advise against it. Dr. Sarah Allen, MD, a board-certified physician and founder of Skin Clique, emphasises the importance of toners in maintaining the skin’s pH balance and preparing it to effectively absorb subsequent skincare products like serums, moisturizers, and SPF.

Gone are the days of drying toners that strip the skin. Modern toner formulas are now packed with various skincare benefits, offering exfoliation, hydration, and pore cleansing properties. To identify the best toners in the market, a team of experts embarked on a four-week testing journey, evaluating 24 brands including popular names like Laneige, Fenty Beauty, Murad, and Tower28. The assessment focused on factors such as texture, absorbency, cleansing abilities, hydrating effects, and overall results.

The team’s rigorous testing culminated in the identification of the top eight toners that stood out for their ability to deeply cleanse and refine pores with just one swipe. These top performers catered to a range of skin types and concerns, offering solutions for hydration, anti-aging, acne-prone skin, exfoliation, calming properties, pore minimization, and sensitivity. Among the standout products were Tower28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray, Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner, Renee Rouleau Elderberry Soothing Toner, Murad Clarifying Toner, Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer, Fenty Beauty Fat Water Hydrating Milky Toner Essence, SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion Toner, and Holifrog Utopia Microflora Toner.

Notably, each toner was carefully selected based on its specific benefits and suitability for different skin concerns. For instance, the Tower28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray, a refreshing alcohol-free formula, impressed users with its ability to soothe irritation and prevent breakouts. Meanwhile, the Renee Rouleau Elderberry Soothing Toner, designed for anti-aging benefits, demonstrated gentle yet effective results in neutralizing free radicals and promoting collagen production.

For those with acne-prone skin, the Murad Clarifying Toner was a standout product, offering pore-clearing and sebum-regulating properties. Individuals seeking gentle exfoliation found solace in the Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer, which effectively cleansed pores without drying out the skin. The Fenty Beauty Fat Water Hydrating Milky Toner Essence proved ideal for calming stressed skin, incorporating hyaluronic acid and tamarind to enhance moisture levels and skin plumpness.

Moreover, the SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion Toner targeted enlarged pores with its exfoliating alpha-hydroxy acids, while the Holifrog Utopia Microflora Toner provided a unique post-cleanse experience for sensitive skin, offering Microflora to promote clearer and balanced skin. Although not included in the top eight, other noteworthy toners such as Bellif Aqua Bomb Hydrating Toner, Biossance Squalene + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner, Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner, Innisfree Green Tea Facial Toner, Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner, and Thayer’s Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Toner garnered appreciation for their deep-cleansing and pore-refining abilities.

In conclusion, the search for the perfect toner may seem daunting, given the plethora of options available. However, with informed insights and expert recommendations, individuals can find the ideal toner to incorporate into their skincare regimen. Whether targeting hydration, anti-aging, acne-prone skin, exfoliation, calming effects, pore minimization, or sensitivity, the top-performing toners highlighted in the testing process offer promising solutions for achieving a clean, balanced, and rejuvenated complexion.