Skin-care routines have downsized greatly over the years. The days of 10-step regimens are behind (many of) us, with most people opting for a simple lineup to cleanse and preserve their skin. Toners are sometimes left out of those routines, but incorporating an exfoliating toner can be extremely worthwhile. To be clear, these aren’t the strip-your-skin-raw formulas you may remember from your teenage routines. Instead, they're nourishing and enriching.
By definition, a toner is used to stabilize the skin's pH, restoring it to its natural balance. But exfoliating toners are designed to do so much more, including evening tone, refining texture and reducing the telltale signs of aging. Many formulas are made with natural ingredients and emollients to gently remove dead skin cells, leaving you with a more luminous look. Below, see the best exfoliating toners for radiant and plump skin.
Exfoliating toners to help turn your skin around
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This tonic's formula is a delicate balance of natural acids that exfoliate, brighten, smooth, heal and reduce the signs of aging in one fell swoop. The combination also enriches your skin with minerals, vitamins and enzymes that revitalize it for a more youthful texture and appearance.
BUY ON DANUCERA - $88
BUY ON RESCUE SPA - $88
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If you're new to exfoliating toners, Versed's beloved Weekend Glow is a good place to start. Its potent formula is packed with actives to brighten dark spots, smooth skin and improve clarity. It even has bearberry extract and vitamin C for an extra brightening boost and antioxidant protection.
BUY ON VERSED - $18
BUY ON TARGET - $21
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Like your favorite clarifying shampoo, this toner is designed for deep exfoliation. But that doesn't mean it's harsh. The formula includes 2.0 percent salicylic acid to improve tone and texture and flavonoids from willowherb, which help dissolve excess keratin and gently slough away dead skin cells.
BUY ON ULTA - $21
4 / 7
As a micro-exfoliant, Cellcosmet's Active Tonic formula boasts non-aggressive actives and floral extracts instead of a long list of acids. The blend of rose and chamomile essences with salicylic acid works on different levels to stimulate cell turnover, restore the skin's natural pH and combat redness.
BUY ON CELLCOSMET - $125
BUY ON SAKS FIFTH AVENUE - $125
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This tonic is rich in vitamins thanks to botanical ingredients like rose petals and mucor miehei. Together, they gently tone the skin to even and refine texture without stripping it of moisture. Plus, it's great for mature and sensitive skin types.
BUY ON AESOP - $55
BUY ON NORDSTROM - $55
7 / 7
Emollients and almond milk don't just give this toner its milky consistency– they also hydrate the skin and replenish moisture to strengthen its barrier. The combination with Lipo-Hydroxy Acid creates a gentle toner that's comfortable for all skin types, especially those prone to dryness.
BUY NOW - $62
