Somewhere in between cleansing your skin and getting down to the business of moisturising and applying extortionately priced serums, toner helps to remove excess oil, dirt and traces of makeup.
Toning lotion also corrects and balances pore size as well as skin’s pH, thereby controlling breakouts, blemishes and acne.
INCREDIBLE.
New York based dermatologist Dr Hadley King says toners are “most helpful and necessary for people with oily or acne-prone skin, or for people who want extra cleansing after wearing makeup or other heavy skin products such as sunscreen”.
But that’s not all toner can do.
Some toners boost skin’s hydration by locking moisture into the pores, while good quality formulae clear the complexion of dead skin cells which heighten the appearance of dull, lacklustre and flaking skin.
A good toner also helps other skincare products seep deeper into the skin’s layers, so for those with dry skin, a hydrating formula is what you’re looking for.
A hunt for the perfect toner for dry, flaking skin is about as welcome as a hole in the head – but don’t fret gals, we’ve got you covered.
10. Thayers Astringent Witch Hazel Toner
One of the best brands for natural, herbal and organic skincare products in Australia, Thayers offers a world class Witch Hazel Toner for a very reasonable price.
This alcohol-free, hypoallergenic facial toner is suitable for dry, oily and combination skin types and protects against environmental impurities like dirt and oil.
It comes with a five star rating from customers, with one declaring the formula “changed my life”.
Thayers toner is an excellent antidote to breakouts for those with acne-prone skin.
Buy from Thayers official website for $24.99.
9. Garnier Micellar Water
Perhaps the most popular all-in-one cleanser and toner in the world, Garnier’s cheap and cheerful yet revolutionary micellar water removes make-up, cleanses skin and soothes irritations and blemishes with just a few swipes of a cotton pad.
Micellar water contains active ingredients that act as magnets for impurities, cosmetics and excess sebum in the skin.
Dermatologically tested, it’s suitable for all skin types, yes, even dry and sensitive skin, and a just few drops will do you every time.
A drugstore must-have for your skincare routine, it’s also great as a standalone makeup remover!
Buy a 400ml bottle from Priceline Australia for $13.99.
8. Mario Badescu Witch Hazel and Rosewater Toner
Cult favourite Mario Badescu has become a household name, in no small part thanks to their Witch Hazel and Rosewater facial toner.
This reasonably priced natural toner is infused with soothing aloe vera, black rose and rose oil to nourish and provide skin with an extra anti-oxidant boost.
It’s suitable for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive thanks to its calming properties.
Highly recommended by Australian skincare enthusiasts, the Mario Badescu toner comes with a 4.6 star rating online.
Buy from Mecca Australia for $21.
7. Fresh – Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner
This natural facial toner comes approved by Allure Beauty and Byrdie Australia readers, thanks to its rose petal-based formula infused with hyaluronic acid which minimises pores and hydrates by up to 46 percent throughout the day!
Made with rose fruit extract, rosewater and angelica leaf extract, Fresh facial toner comes highly rated for improving skin tone, moisture and radiance.
Regarded as one of the finest skincare products in Australia, this toner is suitable for normal skin, dry skin, oily skin and combination – so it’s a winner all round.
Buy this popular facial toner from Sephora Australia for $45.
6. Dermalogica – Multi-Active Mist Toner
Dermalogica’s Multi-Active Toner is described as the perfect ‘instant pick-me-up’ for tired, dull skin.
The best-selling, lightweight mist-on formula is easy to apply and dries quickly, promising to plump, hydrate and brighten skin creating a smoother texture and brighter radiance.
Infused with aloe vera, lavender, mint balm and soothing arnica, Dermalogica’s toner cleanses skin with just a few sprays.
Best of all? It’s PETA accredited and cruelty-free.
Buy from Adore Beauty for $52.36.
5. Clinique – Clarifying Lotion 2
Clinique’s exfoliating facial toner comes in three stages, Clarifying Lotion 1, 2 and 3 – but 2 is what we’re looking for as it’s specially for dry skin and combination skin!
The gentle, oil-free formula exfoliates skin to create a more even tone and texture by eliminating dead skin cells and minimising the appearance of pores.
Ingredients include water, aloe vera, and sodium laureth sulfate.
It’s dermatologist-formulated and comes with a four star rating from customers.
Buy now from Mecca Australia for $30.
4. Lush Cosmetics Kind Aromatherapy Toning Water
Made from natural, organic ingredients that will soothe even the most sensitive and dry skin types, Lush’s Kind Aromatherapy Water uses rosewater to calm inflammation, irritation and redness and lavender water to balance and soften skin.
It also contains generous volumes of natural ingredients like citronellol, geraniol and limonene which occur naturally in essential oils.
The result? Visibly reduced appearance of fine lines, and a more even balance in skin’s Ph levels which helps retain moisture and hydration more easily throughout the day.
This mist-on toner is ideal for a quick refreshing spritz every few hours, and it can also be used as a light makeup remover or cleanser.
Kind Aromatherapy Water comes with a 4.7 star rating from customers who love the fact it’s cruelty free and gentle on all skin types.
Buy online from Lush Australia for $20.95.
3. Milk Makeup Matcha Toner
This revolutionary toner for dry, acne-prone skin comes in a gel stick form rather than a lotion, perfect for busy women on the go!
Formulated with matcha tea, witch hazel and kombucha extract to detoxify and purify, this nourishing toning lotion is great for troubled skin prone to blemishes as it clears away excess oil and shrinks pores to prevent breakouts.
The only trouble is, you’ll need to order from the US as it’s not directly available Down Under just yet.
Shop from Sephora US for $37.
2. Shiseido Wrinkle Resist 24 Balancing Softener
This Shiseido softening lotion is a toner dermatologically formulated for aging, dry skin.
Enriched with Chlorella Extract, Mukrossi Extract and Gambir Extract, the gently exfoliating particles help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while the hyaluronic acid smoothes and improves overall skin tone and texture.
The formula contains generous amounts of moisture and hydrating elements to help the skin absorb other skincare products, like serums, cleansers and eye creams after use.
With a 4.7 star rating from happy customers, it’s worth a try!
Shop online from Shiseido’s official website for $65.
1. Pixi – Glow Tonic
Pixi’s Glow Tonic exfoliating toner is one of the best on the Australian market for dry skin types.
This cult-favourite gently buffs away dead skin cells to reveal beautifully healthy, glowing skin and a smooth, refined texture that’ll tempt you to go makeup-free all winter long.
With five percent glycolic acid to exfoliate, botanical ginseng to revitalise and aloe vera to soothe and calm, it’s ideal for sensitive skin, acne-prone skin and, of course, dry skin.
Pixi’s toner comes with a four star rating from satisfied customers, who love the fact it’s alcohol-free and gentle on skin.
Buy for a reasonable $28 from Sephora Australia. But think fast next time because it’s sold out online right now!
