Picking a favourite skincare product is like being forced to pick a favourite child, but whenever someone asks me the one I can't live without I almost always say exfoliating toner. It wasn't until I started recommending one to every friend who would ask what their skincare routine was missing did I realise how much I loved them. Now, I use an exfoliating toner on a daily basis before bed to keep my combination skin in check. The result: a glowier, smoother, and softer complexion.
Years ago, toners were primarily formulated as an astringent, with dehydrating alcohol as the hero ingredient. Eventually, the industry evolved and split the toner category into two branches: toners that hydrate and soften, and toners that exfoliate. The latter does so using a family of active acids [1], like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids [2] (BHAs), and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) [3]. While each family functions differently (lactic acid, an AHA, smooths out the surface of the skin by promoting cell turnover; salicylic acid, a BHA, can cut through oil and bacteria hiding deep inside your pores; gluconolactone, a PHA, resurfaces skin and helps other skincare ingredient penetrate deeper) the main goal for each one is singular: to promote a brighter, radiant complexion.
Before you find the best exfoliating toner for you, there are a few things you should know. First, too much daily exfoliation can be, well, too much. How often you use an exfoliating toner in your routine totally depends on the formulation and your skin's sensitivity. If a toner includes a lot of AHAs, using it every other day will suffice, while BHAs are known to be of a gentler nature so they can be used daily. The best method is to introduce any new skincare product with active ingredients slowly and avoid using in tandem with other exfoliating tools or product, like a physical scrub, acid serum, or cleansing brush — and don't forget to wear sunscreen. Acids can make your skin more reactive to the sun, so protection is key.
Bottom line: listen to your skin as you go; pain or tingling isn't an immediate sign that something is "working." If a product consistently causes discomfort, it may be too powerful for your skin and that means it's time move on to the next. Luckily, I have a lot of favourite exfoliating toners that are compatible for every skin type and texture out there, so you've got options.
E.l.f. Cosmetics Supertone Toner
There are few moments in life as sweet as finding a skincare product that fits perfectly into your routine for less than $10. This huge bottle of toner from E.l.f. Cosmetics Supertone Toner [4] ($8) does exactly that and with the help of witch hazel, fruit acid AHAs, and aloe quickly evens out dull texture.
Pixi Glow Tonic
If you looked up "too good to be true" in the dictionary, you should find a photo of the Pixi Glow Tonic [5] ($15). It's affordable, effective, and gentle enough to use every single day. Wipe it over skin at night before applying a serum or moisturiser and wake up to a glowing complexion.
Ole Henriksen Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner
Making dark spots disappear feels like an uphill battle, but the Ole Henriksen Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner [6] ($29) makes them a non-issue. Even though this toner is supercharged with lactic and glycolic acids, it's compatible with all skin types, including people with dryer skin.
Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner
Another toner that totally lives up to the hype: Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner [7] ($18). It's mild, but deliciously balancing post-cleanse. Oh, and it's under $20.
Glamglow Supertoner Exfoliating Acid Solution Toner
If you fell in love with Glamglow's viral charcoal mask years ago, then you'll love the toner version. The Glamglow Supertoner Exfoliating Acid Solution Toner [8] ($42) is a shake-to-activate formula, so before soaking a cotton round in the liquid make sure to give it a good mix.
Glossier Solution
Aptly named the "Solution," Glossier's take on the exfoliating toner genre delivers by uniquely combining three groups of acids: AHAs, BHAs, and the lesser known PHA. Consider the Glossier Solution [9] ($24) a close alternative to that famous French — and very expensive — toner.
True Botanicals Nutrient Toner
There's this common misconception that you have to sacrifice soft and supple skin for a clear complexion, but the True Botanicals Nutrient Toner [10] ($48) proves that's not the case. For even your peskiest blemishes, this nourishing toner treats and clarifies while simultaneously balancing so you walk away from the mirror feeling refreshed and hydrated.
Ren Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Toner
Nothing makes applying your toner easier than a pump that perfectly dispenses the right amount of product onto a cotton round, but even if this toner came without it, I'd still love the REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Toner [11] ($38) for its fast-acting acid formula that keeps me complexion bright and glowy. The second I run out of this stuff I notice my skin dull almost immediately.
Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Toner
The French do a lot of things better than most, but Caudalie's Vinopure Toner might be my all-time favourite. In fact, this toner helped me overcome my fear of salicylic acid. While I usually rely on the pore-refining Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Toner [12] ($28) to fight off the first signs of a blemish, it's also the perfect post-cleanse step right before doing my makeup. It keeps oil away and makes my complexion look porcelain smooth.