When formulated just right—sans alcohol or any skin-stripping ingredients—toner can actually be your skin’s best friend. It works to remove the last traces of dirt, oil and makeup to prep your skin for what comes next. Here are seven that you have to try.
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Restore Lost Moisture
Loaded with rose essential oil and rose hydrosol (a floral water), Baszicare Roseus Floral Hydrating Toner ($110) is an easy way to get a dose of moisture—just mist your skin with it—that takes hold in seconds. An added bonus: The softly rose-scented toner doubles as a midday makeup refresher.
Multitasking Mist
It took 12 years for Clé de Peau Beauté to make their Synactif Lotion ($175) and here’s why: The star ingredient, proprietary MACC, which enhances the functionality of the skin’s lymphatic system while strengthening the skin, allows the skin to work optimally and naturally without struggling to repair itself. It’s super hydrating, and we like that it also firms and brightens—it pretty much does it all and then some.
The Lotion Formulation
New from Sisleya comes their Essential Skin Care Lotion ($185), a lightweight, water-based skin prep that acts like a toner and can be used under your moisturizer. It floods skin with active anti-aging ingredients while providing a plumping and refreshing benefit, too—it’s perfect for those who don’t want to overload their beauty routine with extra steps.
Heals Skin
Decleor Aroma Cleanse Essential Tonifying Lotion ($27) is more than your average toner. This green tea– and orange peel–infused one protects and repairs skin while it also lifts away toxins and impurities.
Skin-Brightening Spray
Besides moisturizing skin, Amarte Aqua Mist Toner ($67) also employs a brightening complex that includes arbutin to create a more evenly tone—it’s even safe for those who have sensitive and reactive skin.
Safeguards Skin
Loaded with anti-aging peptides, orange stem cells and botanical astringents, HydroPeptide Pre-Treatment Toner: Balance and Brighten ($38) tightens pores, minimizes the look of wrinkles and offers an added layer of protection against free radicals when it’s used as an antioxidant treatment after applying sunscreen.
Extreme Exfoliation
The cult-classic Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 isn’t new, but it’s a staple. This one works to accelerates skin’s natural shedding process so that baby fresh, new skin emerges.