The Best Toner for Every Skin Type

By Erin Lukas and Marianne Mychaskiw
Updated Nov 02, 2018 @ 10:00 am
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Toner has probably been a part of your skincare routine since the beginning. But, your skin's needs have evolved beyond the three steps you swore by during high school. 

Not all toners are created equally, and depending on your current skin hangups, that alcohol-based formula you've been using could be doing more harm than good — especially if your complexion is on the drier side.

But, that doesn't been you should give up using toners all together. Used as a pre-grame to your favorite serum and moisturizer, they can help the skin absorb these products' active ingredients better, and wipe away any leftover makeup your cleanser didn't get. 

To help you find the toner you should be using, we've rounded up the best ones for every skincare struggle. 

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For Oily Skin: Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Facial Toner 

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$35
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If your skin has the tendency to get shiny, the clay in Fresh's toner does wonders for getting rid of excess oil. The ingredient works like a vacuum to suck dirt and impurities out of pores without leaving skin dry.  

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For Acne-Prone Skin: Kate Somerville Clarifying Treatment Toner

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$26
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This toner keeps skin balanced so that you're never too oily or too dry. In turn, your pores will be clear and you'll be less likely to breakout. For existing blemishes, the formula is infused with phytic acid, a natural exfoliant that soothes inflammation and fades old acne marks.  

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For Dry Skin: Erborian Ginseng Milk

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$27
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Using a toner on skin that's already pretty dry may seem counterintuitive, so in this case, try an essence instead, which should be patted directly onto clean skin rather than swiped over the surface with a cotton ball. Erborian's ginseng-rich formula hydrates skin, but also improves skin texture and tone. 

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For Anti-Aging: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

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$179
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Give your other anti-aging products an extra boost by using SK-II's cult-favorite essence as the step before your serum and moisturizer. Its hero ingredient is pitera, a clear liquid rich in vitamins and amino acids that's found in sake during the fermenting process. Pitera kick starts the skin's natural repairing process which will reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. 

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For Uneven Tone: Sulwhasoo Snowise EX Brightening Water

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$63
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Whether brought on by sun damage or post-acne marks, the infusion of ginseng and mulberry root in this gel-based toner will help to fade any hyperpigmentation without drying out your complexion. 

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By Erin Lukas and Marianne Mychaskiw