Anyone who takes skin and scalp care seriously knows that – post wash – it all starts with a toner. Essentially a water based liquid (sometimes a gel), a toner hydrates the skin and gently exfoliates dead cells in preparation for your next stage of treatment. Think of it as a pre-treatment you don’t want to skip. Before you start shopping around, consider whether an astringent might be a better option for you than a toner. Astringents have the same function but are better at removing excess oil. If it’s a toner you’re after, here are your best options.

Thayers Witch Hazel Toner with Lavender

Thayer’s is a fantastic product that is in everyone’s good books because of one ingredient that even pricier brands tend to include, but that Thayer’s leave out: alcohol. Thayer’s own star ingredient – great at cleaning and known to treat a variety of skin conditions – is organic, non-distilled witch hazel. This toner also contains aloe vera and rose water, doing a wonderful job of toning your skin effectively and naturally, whilst balancing pH levels.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Mattifying Toner

Made with tea tree oil, this 100% vegan toner is the kind of environmentally sound and healthy product Body Shop faithful’s have come to depend on from the company over the years. Using fair trade ingredients from Kenya, this toner will remove residual makeup and impurities, and where you would usually have to turn to astringent, it’s also good oily skin too. 

Kiehl's Calendula Herbal Extract Toner

Another iconic toner worth trying, Kiehl's Calendula Herbal Extract Toner will do good things to your skin thanks to its powerhouse, anti-inflammatory ingredients like calendula. 

This one helps to combat redness, oily skin, and uneven texture, making it a true triple threat. Trust us — it's worth a spot in your daily skincare routine.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Want a powerful toner that won't wipe away your bank account? This under-$10 pick will do just the trick: It's filled with 7% glycolic acid to wipe away dirt and grime lingering deep within your pores, while aloe vera and ginseng calm and hydrate your skin.

AESOP In Two Minds Facial Toner

This fan-favorite toner may be a tad pricier, but it's definitely worth every penny. This toner keeps oily and dry skin types in mind with its mildly astringent formula, which is infused with witch hazel, niacinamide and chamomile. It's great for wiping away excess oil on your T-zone without drying out your pores.

Youth To The People Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner

If your flaky skin is in great need of exfoliation, look no further. This toner from Youth to the People features an impressive blend of lactic acid, glycolic acid, and kombucha that not only helps your skin’s texture, but also firms the look of the skin overall. The results: a smoother, softer, and clearer complexion.

Neutrogena Alcohol and Oil-Free Toner

Looking to save without sacrificing quality? Neutrogena's alcohol-free toner will fill the necessary step of refreshing your skin without spending too much. 

Not only is it affordable, but it's alcohol-free, oil-free, and hypoallergenic. This one is suitable for almost all skin types, especially those who need a gentle formula.

Pixi by Petra Glow Tonic

If your skin is looking a bit dull, then try swiping on this refreshing toner. It's popular for its under-$30 price tag that gives your skin a major radiance boost, thanks to its combination of glycolic acid, aloe vera, and ginseng. You'll be left with clearer, soft skin and a luminous glow after just a few swipes.