10 Best Toners to Hydrate, Balance & Glow

No matter what your skin type is, everyone needs a good toner. Got healthy ‘normal skin’? No excessive dryness, no oil slicks, just balanced, happy skin. Lucky you! But here’s the thing: even normal skin needs love. A great toner can keep your complexion smooth, hydrated, and glowing while prepping your skin for serums and moisturizers. But with so many options, how do you choose the right one?

That’s where we come in. We’ve researched countless toners to bring you the 10 best toners—each carefully selected for its benefits, ingredients, and overall performance. Whether you want hydration, gentle exfoliation, or a radiant glow, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner
• Best for Hydration: LANEIGE Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer
• Best for Glow: CosRx Propolis Synergy Toner

1. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner (Best for Gentle Exfoliation)

If your skin craves a refreshing, lightweight toner that gently exfoliates without irritation, the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner is an excellent pick. Infused with centella asiatica extract for soothing benefits and PHA to remove dead skin cells without irritation, it’s perfect for daily use. Plus, its brightening and anti-aging properties help maintain a clear, youthful glow—all without clogging pores.

Pros:

• Mild daily exfoliation with PHA
• Soothes and hydrates with centella asiatica
• Safe for all skin types, including acne-prone skin

Cons:

• Too gentle for deep exfoliation
• Watery texture may feel too light for some

2. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner (Best for Hydration & Balance)

If you’re looking for a hydrating, alcohol-free toner that won’t disrupt your skin’s natural balance, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner is a top pick. Packed with squalane, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, and vitamin E, this formula deeply nourishes while gently removing leftover residue. It’s pH-balanced, meaning it won’t strip moisture, making it a perfect prep step before serums and moisturizers.

Pros:

• Hydrates and softens with nourishing oils
• Alcohol-free and won’t dry out skin
• Helps refine skin texture for a smoother look

Cons:

• Slightly thicker consistency than typical toners
• Higher price point compared to drugstore options
• Contains fragrance, which may not suit sensitive skin

3. CeraVe Hydrating Toner (Best for Strengthening the Skin Barrier)

Designed with dermatologists, Hydrating Toner by CeraVe is a lightweight, non-drying formula that does more than just refresh your skin—it restores and protects it. Infused with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, this toner locks in moisture, smooths skin, and helps maintain a strong, healthy barrier. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and non-comedogenic, making it an excellent choice for sensitive or easily irritated skin.

Pros:

• Strengthens the skin barrier with ceramides
• Hydrates and soothes with hyaluronic acid & niacinamide
• Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic—great for sensitive skin

Cons:

• Not exfoliating, so won’t help with texture or clogged pores
• Can feel slightly tacky before fully absorbing

4. CosRx Propolis Synergy Toner (Best for a Radiant, Dewy Glow)

If you’re chasing that glass-skin glow, CosRx Propolis Synergy Toner is your new best friend. Made with 72.6% black bee propolis extract and 10% honey extract, this toner deeply nourishes, hydrates, and soothes the skin while improving texture. The result? Plump, radiant, and healthier-looking skin with every use. Bonus: It also helps reduce redness, making it perfect for those with sensitive or irritated skin.

Pros:

• Delivers a hydrated, dewy glow
• Soothes and reduces redness with honey & propolis
• Works well for all skin types and seasons

Cons:

• Can feel slightly sticky until fully absorbed
• Not ideal for those who prefer a matte finish

5. LANEIGE Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer (Best for Deep Hydration)

A toner and moisturizer in one, the LANEIGE Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer delivers intense hydration in a lightweight, milky formula. Infused with White Tea Leaf Extract, ceramides, and peptides, it helps strengthen the skin barrier, improve elasticity, and lock in moisture—perfect for those who want long-lasting hydration without layering multiple products.

Pros:

• Deeply hydrates while reinforcing the moisture barrier
• Two-in-one formula saves time in your routine
• Gentle and soothing, great for sensitive skin

Cons:

• Rich texture may feel too heavy for oily skin
• Takes a bit longer to absorb compared to watery toners

6. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pore-Tight Toner (Best for Minimizing Pores)

If you want hydration and pore-tightening in one step, Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pore-Tight Toner is a must-try. Inspired by the Korean Aqua Peel Facial, this alcohol-free formula is packed with PHA + BHA to gently exfoliate, unclog pores, and refine skin texture. With 62% watermelon extract, cactus water, and glycerin, it also delivers a serious hydration boost, leaving skin plump, smooth, and refreshed.

Pros:

• Minimizes pores while keeping skin hydrated
• PHA + BHA provide gentle exfoliation for smoother skin
• Free of harsh ingredients, vegan, and cruelty-free

Cons:

• Can feel slightly sticky before fully absorbing
• Watermelon scent may not be for everyone

7. Charlotte Tilbury Daily Glow Toner (Best for Brightening & Smoothing)

For a radiant, pore-refined complexion, Charlotte Tilbury’s Daily Glow Toner is a luxurious acid-free formula that gently resurfaces the skin without irritation. Powered by niacinamide, peptides, and plant-derived actives, this toner helps to even out skin tone, reduce the appearance of pores, and boost natural radiance. The addition of Sodium Hyaluronate ensures lasting hydration, leaving skin plump, smooth, and glowing.

Pros:

• Brightens and smooths skin with niacinamide & peptides
• Acid-free formula is gentle yet effective
• Hydrating and pore-refining for a balanced complexion

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to other toners
• Mild exfoliation—not as strong as traditional acid toners
• Slightly perfumery scent, which may not suit sensitive skin

8. Beekman 1802 Pore Minimizing Facial Toner (Best for Oily & Blemish-Prone Skin)

If you struggle with visible pores, excess oil, or occasional breakouts, Beekman 1802 Pore Minimizing Facial Toner is a great pick. Infused with niacinamide and black tea ferment, this vegan, non-comedogenic formula helps to control shine, refine pores, and soothe blemish-prone skin. It also sweeps away leftover dirt and grime, leaving your skin balanced, refreshed, and toned without over-drying.

Pros:

• Minimizes pores and controls oil for a shine-free look
• Niacinamide + black tea ferment soothe and hydrate
• Vegan, plant-based, and safe for sensitive skin

Cons:

• Best suited for oily/combination skin, may not be hydrating enough for dry skin
• Slightly astringent feel, which some may find too strong

9. Eadem Cashmere Peel Gentle AHA + PHA Exfoliating Toner (Best for Brightening & Texture Refinement)

For those dealing with dull skin, uneven texture, or dark spots, Eadem Cashmere Peel Gentle Exfoliating Toner is a powerhouse. Featuring a 9% blend of lactic, azelaic, and tranexamic acids, it gently exfoliates, unclogs pores, and visibly evens out skin tone without irritation. Plus, panthenol, rice water, and colloidal oatmeal ensure hydration, making it effective yet soothing—perfect for those who want a refined, glowing complexion without harshness.

Pros:

• Gently exfoliates with AHA + PHA for smoother skin
• Brightens & fades dark spots with tranexamic acid
• Hydrating & soothing with panthenol and rice water

Cons:

• May tingle slightly on sensitive skin
• Not fragrance-free, which could be a concern for some

10. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (Best for Clearing Pores & Smoothing Skin)

A holy grail for those dealing with congested pores, breakouts, or uneven texture, Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a cult favorite for a reason. Powered by 2% salicylic acid (BHA), this leave-on exfoliant gently dissolves dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and smooths fine lines for a clearer, more radiant complexion. With an optimal pH of 3.2–3.8, it’s effective yet gentle enough for daily use on all skin types. Plus, it’s fragrance-free and non-irritating, making it a must-have for anyone looking to refine their skin.

Pros:

• Clears pores and prevents breakouts with 2% salicylic acid
• Smooths fine lines & evens skin tone over time
• Fragrance-free & gentle enough for daily use

Cons:

• Can be drying if overused, especially for sensitive skin
• Mild tingling may occur on first use

The right toner can truly elevate your skincare routine. Whether you need hydration, glow, or gentle exfoliation, there’s a perfect match for you in this list. So, which one are you trying first? Let us know in the comments!