In recent years, toners have made a remarkable comeback in skincare routines, thanks to advanced formulations by various brands focusing on hydration, brightening, and skin-smoothing properties.
The early editions of exfoliating toners from the Nineties and early Noughties often contained harsh ingredients that could strip the skin and exacerbate inflammation. Consequently, by the mid-2000s, toners had largely fallen out of favor. However, the latest generation of toners offers a broader spectrum of benefits, with many formulations now excluding exfoliants altogether. Modern toners are primarily designed to provide essential hydration post-cleansing, enhance skin texture, and alleviate inflammation.
Especially beneficial for individuals with dehydrated or dry skin, these toners deliver a vital infusion of humectants and soothing agents such as squalane, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and fatty acids. For those with oily or combination skin, certain toners offer such effective hydration that they can serve as a lightweight alternative to traditional moisturizers, particularly ideal for summer skincare routines. They effectively combat midday greasiness, making them indispensable summer skincare staples.
With a myriad of options available across various price points, the quest for the best toner becomes essential. Our testing focused on milky toners and non-exfoliating formulas, evaluating both cult favorites and underrated gems. Over several weeks, we incorporated these toners into our daily skincare rituals, applying them post-cleansing and sometimes in lieu of moisturizer and SPF. Our assessment criteria included absorption rate, texture, scent, and both short- and long-term efficacy.
Top Picks for 2024:
Best Overall Toner: Ilia Beauty the base face milk – £58, Spacenk.com
Best Budget Buy: Byoma hydrating milky toner – £11.87, Amazon.co.uk
Best for Anti-Ageing: Curél plumping hydrating gel essence – £19.50, Amazon.co.uk
Best for Boosting Radiance: Tatcha the essence – £102, Spacenk.com
Best Luxury Toner: Pat McGrath Labs the essence lotion – £81, Sephora.co.uk
These selections represent the pinnacle of toners available today, offering unparalleled benefits and value across various skincare needs.
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