When your skin doesn't respond as you'd like it to, skincare can get very confusing. While you can wash your face as often as you like, you can still experience problems like post-wash tight, uncomfortable skin, excess oil, clogged pores, and dryness.

Using more products is not the answer, particularly if you aren't sure what your skin is lacking. That's why using the right facial toner is important. Don't use all toners as a single step; find one that works for your particular skin type.

Hydrating formulas can help restore moisture, and exfoliating toners can help clear up excess oils and buildup. For this reason, we take a look at three of the best toners to reduce clogged pores and uneven skin tone, and the ingredients each of them might have that align with different skin care needs.

What Does A Facial Toner Do?

Facial toners are usually used after cleansing and before treatments or moisturizer. They can remove any signs of residue, add moisture, soothe the skin, or help exfoliate dead skin cells, depending on the formulation.

One size does not fit all in terms of toners. When skin is tight after cleansing, it's best to use a hydrating formula. For those with too much oil and blocked pores, it might be better to use an exfoliating toner that contains Salicylic Acid. Research has found topical salicylic acid to be useful in acne treatment because of its keratolytic and comedolytic properties.

Our Top Picks

With so many toner formulas available, choosing one can feel overwhelming. The best place to start is by considering your skin type and the concerns you want to address. Here are three options with different formulations to help you compare what may suit your routine.

WOWMD Gentle Balancing Toner

WOWMD Gentle Balancing Toner is a light, refreshing, and hydrating formula designed to enhance the skin after cleansing. It vigorously blends botanicals with hydrating elements to promote softness, comfort, and balance. The toner can be used on the face with a cotton pad or directly applied before serums and moisturizers.

Key Features

Best For: Hydration-focused routines and skin that feels dry or tight after cleansing.
Key Ingredients: One of the key ingredients include Green Tea Extract, Chamomile Extract, Aloe Vera, and Glycerin, added for a rejuvenated, healthy complexion.
Potential Benefits: Aloe vera and glycerin help provide hydration support, while green tea and chamomile extracts may help soothe the skin and leave it feeling soft, refreshed, and comfortable.
Usage: Apply to cleansed skin using a cotton pad or clean hands, or spray onto skin. Follow with serum and moisturizer.

DRMTLGY Clarifying Toner

DRMTLGY BHA Toner is an exfoliating formula that can help to clarify skin and treat issues like excess oil and clogged pores. Mix salicylic acid with botanical and soothing ingredients to help maintain smoother-looking skin. The toner can be used as part of a daily skincare regimen after cleansing.

Key Features

Best For: Oily or acne-prone skin looking for an exfoliating toner.
Key Ingredients: The formula contains 2% Salicylic Acid, Papaya Fruit Extract, Olive Leaf Extract, and Rosemary Leaf Extract.
Possible benefits: Salicylic acid helps to exfoliate the skin and clear the pores; allantoin might be able to help keep the skin feeling comfortable.
Usage: Apply to cleansed skin with a cotton pad, but not around the eye area. The brand suggests using it up to twice a day or according to the doctor's instructions.

CeraVe Hydrating Toner

CeraVe Hydrating Toner is a light, alcohol-free toner that replenishes and refreshes dry skin. It is a blend of ceramides, HA, and niacinamide that helps to maintain the integrity of the skin barrier and makes it soft and comfortable after cleansing.

Key Features

Best For: Normal-to-dry skin seeking hydration and barrier support.
Key Ingredients: The formula includes Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, and Niacinamide, which all help to support the skin barrier and hydration.
Potential benefits: Ceramides can help to maintain the skin barrier, hyaluronic acid can help hydrate the skin, and niacinamide can help calm the skin.
Usage: Apply with a cotton pad or clean hands to cleansed skin, avoiding the eye area. Follow with your usual skin care products.

How we chose these toners

We took into account the ingredients, intended skin type, formulation, ease of use, and cost of each toner. We also examined the purpose of each product, ranging from hydration to calming treatment, toning to exfoliating, to dry skin, and excess oil.

Which Type Of Toner Should You Use?

Your main skin concern can be a useful starting point:

If your skin feels dry or tight: Look for hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or aloe vera.
If your skin is oily or congested: Consider an exfoliating toner containing salicylic acid.
If your skin is sensitive: A simpler, fragrance-free or gentle formula may be easier to tolerate.
If you want barrier support: Look for ingredients such as ceramides and niacinamide.

Keep in mind that more active ingredients aren't necessarily a more effective toner. A useful product is one that has the right ingredients for your skin and is easy to use, as opposed to a stronger formula that can irritate your skin.

Look At The Ingredients First

Instead of relying on the words on the label, consider your skin type and the ingredients. Ingredients that contain water, like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, moisturize dry skin, and salicylic acid is frequently found in items intended to treat oily or acne-prone skin.

Why is Skin Type Important When It Comes to Toner?

Not all toners will address the same skin issues. Using a hydrating toner for dry or sensitive skin may be more beneficial, and using an exfoliating one when the skin is oily or congested may be more beneficial.

It will be easier to pick a product without adding any irritating or too active ingredients to your skincare regimen if you know your skin type and the ingredients in the formula.

Toner Safety and Skin Sensitivity

Some toners are not required to be applied twice daily — especially if they are exfoliating, like salicylic acid. Gradually introduce new products and stick to the instructions on the label. It is best to test the new formula first if you have sensitive skin, to help determine if there is any irritation before using a new formula on a larger area of skin.

Do not use a toner on damaged or obviously irritated skin, and discontinue use of a product if discomfort persists.

How to Add Toner to Your Routine?

Toner is normally used after cleansing. Follow product instructions and then use serums or other products for treatment, moisturizer, and sunscreen during the day, according to Consumer Health Digest.

When using toners containing exfoliants, don't layer on multiple additional high-strength actives unless you know your skin will tolerate this combination. Ease into the use of new products one at a time, which will help you pinpoint the source of irritation if there is a problem.

Making the Right Toner Choice

Choosing the right toner is not just about picking the most powerful one; it's about the one that will work best for you and your skin. Drinking water can be used to help with skin that feels dry, and exfoliating products might work better for oily or clogged skin.

However, ingredients, skin tolerance, and consistency in the use of a product are more important than just popularity. Think about your skin's needs first, then select a formula that meets them without adding extra steps to your routine.