For some people using toner as part of their skincare routine is essential while others don’t think it’s that important. Using a toner for sensitive skin can play a role in making your skin feel more comfortable and keeping it clear and hydrated.
If you have sensitive skin, you have to be extra careful of what you’re applying to your face. A harsh formula can easily irritate, inflame, or dry your skin.
Sensitive skin reacts badly to a lot of ingredients that’s why picking a toner for sensitive skin can take some time.
But once you get your hands on the right formula, toner can be a great addition to your skin-care routine for your sensitive skin.
It can rebalance and clarify your skin and wipe away excess oil and grime.
To spare you a lot of time, I included in this article the best toners for sensitive skin, how toners benefit the skin, and the ingredients you should look for in a toner to avoid irritating or harming your skin.
Table of Contents
Are Toners Good For Sensitive Skin?
Using an astringent, Alcohol-based toner on sensitive skin is the worst thing you could do. It will burn and irritate your skin and make it feel tight and uncomfortable.
This doesn’t mean you should not use toners if you have sensitive skin.
So to answer the question: Are toners good for sensitive skin? Yes. They are only if they contain soothing and gentle ingredients.
Toners have many benefits for the skin. Facial toners for sensitive skin can boost hydration, ease irritation & redness, and tone the skin.
They can also clarify the pores and maintain a healthy pH level. A good toner for sensitive skin will not dry out your skin, it will give it a healthy radiant look.
If you have skin disorders like Rosacea or eczema, you may need to consult a dermatologist before use.
Also, if you used a toner that stings or burns your skin, this means its formula is not suitable for your skin type and you need to change it.
Toner For Sensitive Skin: Top 11 Products In The Market:
1- Eau Thermale Avene Gentle Toning Lotion
Avene products always do the job right without irritating or drying the skin.
They are offering a gentle toner that is free of ingredients that irritate sensitive skin like Alcohol, oil, and paraben.
Also, its formula is hypoallergenic so it will not clog your pores or cause acne.
The Avene gentle toner can add comfort and softness to the most sensitive skin types.
Although it contains a light fragrance, it’s tolerated by sensitive skin to guarantee no skin reactions.
The toner has natural silicates to help protect the skin against external aggressors. And it contains also Avene thermal spring water that is known to soothe and soften sensitive skin perfectly.
As you can see it’s a simple skincare product that doesn’t contain too many ingredients which makes it a great choice for those with super reactive skin.
Lastly, the Avene Toner helps prepare your skin for good penetration of the next skincare product.
To use it: Shake the bottle well before use then with a facial cotton pad apply the toner to your face and neck daily.
Pros:
- Gentle toner.
- Alcohol-free.
- Paraben-free.
- Oil-free.
- Hydrate and soften the skin.
- Soothe the skin as it’s rich in Avene Thermal Spring Water.
- Hypoallergenic formula.
- Non-comedogenic.
- Leave the skin feeling fresh without burning or stinging.
- Lightly fragranced.
- Travel-friendly.
- Easy to use.
- Comes in a cute long plastic bottle.
Cons:
- Could be a little pricey for some people.
2- Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Calming Toner
This is an ideal toner for dry sensitive skin that can help calm your skin and reduce redness.
It can soothe and restore dry flaky skin effectively. The Paula’s Choice Calming Toner contains antioxidants and niacinamide which works on reducing fine lines and wrinkles and relieving redness.
So it’s a great anti-aging product that protects the skin from free-radical damage and other environmental factors that cause damage to the skin.
The toner contains also hyaluronic acid, evening primrose &borage seed oil, and vitamins C, E, & B3 to aid in restoring vital hydration after washing your face.
And it’s free of fragrance and paraben. Furthermore, the Paula’s Choice Toner is suitable for those with Rosacea, Eczema, acne, and super dry skin.
Pros:
- Science-backed formula.
- Fragrance-free.
- Paraben-free.
- Rich in antioxidants to keep skin looking healthy and young.
- Reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
- Soothe redness.
- Has hyaluronic acid, vitamins, and evening primrose & borage seed oil to help hydrate even the driest skin.
- Reduce free-radical damage and strengthen the skin’s barrier.
- Safe for people with Rosacea and Eczema.
- Help reduce acne and keep skin clear.
- Cruelty-free.
- 100% recyclable packaging.
- Made in the U.S.
Cons:
- It may sting some people’s skin.
3- Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner
If you’re looking for a mild toner for your sensitive or dry skin, The Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner is a great option.
It’s infused with Aloe Vera to nourish dry sensitive skin. Aloe Vera is known for its many benefits for the skin as it can soothe the skin and get rid of debris from pores.
It also can reduce signs of sensitivity like redness, irritation, or dryness.
Aloe Vera is a favorite ingredient for people with Rosacea, acne, and eczema. It helps hydrate their skin and eliminate painful symptoms.
So the Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner keeps the skin fresh, balances the pH level, and sweeps away the last bits of cleanser well.
Also, it’s alcohol-free and fragrance-free. For the best results, It’s preferred to be used twice a day.
To use it: Apply to your skin with a facial cotton pad and wipe in outward motions until the cotton pad comes clean then follow with a moisturizer.
Pros:
- An Aloe Vera Based toner.
- Leave the skin smooth, clean & toned.
- Reduce dryness, irritation, and redness.
- Hydrate the skin and maintain a healthy skin barrier.
- Rebalance the skin’s pH level.
- Lift away residue from pores.
- Alcohol-free.
- Doesn’t contain synthetic fragrance.
- Vegan.
- Cruelty-free.
- Made in the U.S.
Cons:
- Contain Paraben.
- Contain artificial color.
4- Dickinson’s Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner with Rosewater
The Dickinson’s Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner is a dermatologist-recommended product due to its effective benefits.
It can nourish and hydrate the skin and keep it feeling clean without tightness.
The toner contains witch hazel, a natural astringent that works on removing all impurities from your skin while keeping it soft and supple.
It also contains rosewater which is the best skin soother for sensitive skin.
It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help rebalance the skin’s pH and soothe irritation.
Also, rosewater can help reduce acne by keeping the pores clear and toning the skin.
Rosewater and witch hazel team up on preventing breakouts. It’s the best toner for sensitive skin and acne-prone skin.
The toner has other beneficial ingredients like vitamin E and hyaluronic acid which help refresh, tone, and cleanse sensitive skin without irritating it.
Lastly, it’s free of all the ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly.
- Contain 98% distilled witch hazel.
- Formulated with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.
- Contain rosewater.
- Moisturize and nourish the skin.
- Maintain the skin’s natural balance.
- Refine pores, reduce inflammation, and remove excess sebum and other impurities from the skin.
- Reduce pimples.
- Doesn’t contain alcohol, dyes, paraben, sulfates, or gluten.
Cons:
- Contain artificial fragrance but Many Amazon reviewers mentioned that the toner doesn’t burn, sting, or irritate their skin after use.
5- InstaNatural Vitamin C Facial Toner
The InstaNatural Vitamin C Facial Toner contains MSM that penetrates the skin and boosts its elasticity.
It prepares your skin to become more receptive to the next skincare products like serums and moisturizers.
The Vitamin C formula contains witch hazel, lavender oil, geranium oil, vitamin E & C, and glycolic acid.
Those ingredients help maintain soft and healthy-looking skin. Vitamin E and glycolic acid work on balancing the skin’s pH levels and keeping the skin smooth and supple.
Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that boosts the production of collagen and gives your skin a younger and tighter look. Also, it strengthens the skin’s protective barrier.
Furthermore, this face toner for sensitive skin even skin tone and boosts radiance while keeping the skin hydrated.
Another bonus, it can improve the appearance of pores, blemishes, and aging signs which leads to a healthy complexion.
Pros:
- The strong formula aids in moisturizing and nourishing sensitive skin.
- Contain Vitamin C & E, witch hazel, MSM, lavender oil, geranium oil, and glycolic acid.
- Help the skin to absorb moisturizers effectively.
- Keep skin soft and fresh.
- Restore the skin’s pH level and protect the skin barrier.
- Enhance skin radiance to keep it look young and healthy.
- Reduce signs of aging and blemishes.
- Minimize large pores.
- Paraben-free
- SLS & SLES-free.
- Dye-free.
- DEA, MEA & TEA-free.
- No harsh preservations.
- Polyethylene glycol-free.
- Cruelty-free.
Cons:
- It may have an unpleasant smell.
6- THAYERS Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial Toner
This is the best-seller toner on Amazon that many women with sensitive skin love to use.
It’s a gentle alcohol-free toner that can soothe, moisturize, and tone the skin.
The witch hazel facial toner can also refine pores and balance the skin’s pH level.
This toner is made with 98% natural organic ingredients like witch hazel and Aloe Vera.
Those two key ingredients leave skin feeling healthier and look radiant and beautiful.
Also, it’s non-comedogenic which means it will leave your pores clean and unclogged.
Furthermore, using the toner for one week improves skin texture significantly and helps it glow up.
An Amazon reviewer with extremely sensitive skin, enlarged pores, acne, and oily T zone mentioned after using this toner, all her skin problems improved. It doesn’t also dry out her skin.
Lastly, The facial toner comes with different scents to choose from like cucumber, rose petal, or lavender. And there is also an unscented edition you can have if you don’t prefer scented toners.
Pros:
- Gentle facial toner.
- Formulated with organic witch hazel and Aloe Vera.
- Dermatologist tested.
- Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.
- Tone the skin.
- Rebalance oily skin.
- Support the skin’s moisture barrier.
- Nourish and smooth the skin.
- Non-drying formula.
- Shrink and cleanse pores.
- Affordable.
- Paraben-free.
- Alcohol-free.
- Propylene glycol-free.
- Cruelty-free.
Cons:
- May dry out some people’s skin.
7- Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner
Another soothing alcohol-free facial toner that refreshes and cleanses the skin without drying it out.
This toner is infused with Calendula flower petals, Allantoin, and great Burdock Root.
Allantoin is a compound used in herbal medicine that can kill bacteria and calm redness.
Great burdock root is a natural ingredient that can improve dry skin. As for calendula, it’s extracted from the marigold flower that is known to be beneficial for soothing all skin types.
Those ingredients help improve sensitive skin problems and the feel of the skin. Also, they can soften the skin and even skin texture.
This toner is suitable for normal-to-oily skin types including super sensitive skin.
Lastly, its plant-based ingredients work as a skin soother which makes this toner a good option for sensitive skin.
Pros:
- Gentle herbal-extract toner.
- Alcohol-free.
- Contain soothing ingredients, calendula flower petals, allantoin, and burdock root.
- Keep the skin clean and fresh.
- Leave the skin supple.
- Even your skin tone.
- Reduce redness.
- No synthetic drying ingredients.
- Kiehl’s customer favorite since the 1960s.
Cons:
- A bit expensive, I guess this is due to its herbal-extract ingredients.
8- Proactiv Hydrating Facial Toner for Sensitive Skin
The Proactiv Revitalizing Toner is formulated with glycolic acid to help exfoliate the skin gently without causing irritation or drying.
It can lift away excess oil and dead skin cells and even skin tone.
The toner contains many good ingredients for sensitive skin like Aloe Vera, chamomile, allantoin, witch hazel, and vitamin B complex.
They help smooth the appearance of pores and calm irritation, leaving the skin fresh, smooth, and supple.
It’s designed especially for acne-prone sensitive skin as it helps with fighting acne as this toner balance the skin’s pH and keeps skin clean.
This makes The Proactiv Revitalizing toner the best face toner for sensitive skin.
If you go outside during the day, wear sunscreen to protect your skin as you’re using an exfoliating toner.
Pros:
- Gentle exfoliating toner.
- Contain calming botanical extracts.
- Unscented.
- Wipe away all impurities.
- Maintain the skin’s pH.
- Refine and tighten pores and prevent future breakouts.
- Soothe irritation and smoothen the skin.
- Hydrate and refresh the skin.
- Highly recommended for people with acne-prone sensitive skin.
- Alcohol-free.
Cons:
- Include paraben.
- Has artificial color.
- Not budget-friendly.
9- FAB Ultra Repair Wild Oat Hydrating Toner
This is the best soothing toner for dry sensitive skin that helps keep skin well-hydrated and calm.
Its key ingredient is hyaluronic acid which works as a moisture binder which means it can replenish cell moisture, hydrate the skin, and reduce wrinkles.
The FAB toner is also formulated with Oat milk, Colloidal oatmeal, Wild oats, and honey.
Those ingredients help soothe the skin and keep it nourished. Also, the FAB toner can relieve redness and reduce irritation due to its soothing ingredients.
An Amazon reviewer who happens to be a beauty adviser recommends this toner. She said that the FAB line helped clear her skin and soothe redness effectively. Plus, many people ask her what is her skincare routine after using it.
Pros:
- Soothing toner.
- the main ingredient is Hyaluronic acid.
- Contain other ingredients like oat milk, colloidal oatmeal, wild oats, and honey.
- Maintain skin moisture.
- Reduce redness.
- Calm the skin.
- Nourish the skin.
- Gluten-free.
- Cruelty-free.
- Easy to use.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- If you have Rosacea or Eczema, you may need to perform a patch test first to be certain it will not irritate your skin.
10- Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist Toner
As you know sensitive skin is more prone to damage and broken capillaries which could lead to premature skin aging.
To avoid this problem, you need to protect your skin and keep it well-hydrated.
Using antioxidant-rich toner can help firm and nourish the skin.
The Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist Toner is an anti-aging product that contains pea & bamboo extract, rose & clove extracts, white tea, vitamin C & E, and green tea.
This means it can boost skin elasticity, soothe & calm the skin, and reduce free radical damage.
Also, it smooths fine lines and prevents collagen breakdown which helps your skin look healthy and young.
The toner can create an antioxidant shield against free radicals.
To use it: spritz it onto your face but avoid direct contact with the eyes. It’s best to use it daily to get glowing skin.
Many Amazon reviewers swear by this product and highly recommend it.
Pros:
- Antioxidant-rich toner.
- Formulated with natural antioxidants like bamboo extract, rose & clove extracts, and white tea.
- keep the skin supple and hydrated.
- Refresh and soothe skin.
- Protect the skin against free radicals.
- Reduce fine lines and other aging signs.
- Nourish dry skin.
- No artificial color.
- Vegan.
- Gluten-free.
- No fragrance.
- Paraben-free.
- Cruelty-free.
Cons:
- A bit pricey but worth it.
11- Environ Youth EssentiA Vita-Peptide Toner
Another face toner for sensitive skin that is super effective and useful.
The Environ Youth EssentiA Vita-Peptide Toner is formulated with skin-nourishing ingredients that can boost hydration and stimulate new skin cell growth.
It’s a concentrated toner that contains a mix of peptides that team up to smooth wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and even skin tone.
Also, this toner wipes away residual makeup, cleanser, excess oil, and dirt in addition to maintaining the skin’s natural pH level.
This means it will refine your pores and fight breakouts.
The antioxidants in the toner work on enhancing a smoother complexion. And it leaves your skin looking healthy and young.
Plus, using this toner frequently give your skin a radiant glow and repair sun-damaged skin.
Lastly, the Environ Youth EssentiA Vita-Peptide Toner clarifies the skin without drying it out.
Pros:
- Concentrated toner.
- Contain peptides.
- Rich in antioxidants.
- Has witch hazel.
- Unscented.
- Boost collagen.
- Hydrate the skin.
- Firm and soften the skin.
- Leave your skin clear and your pores unclogged.
- Prevent acne.
- Non-drying formula.
- Balance the skin’s pH.
- Renew skin cells.
- Improve skin texture and complexion.
Cons:
- The Environ Youth EssentiA Vita-Peptide Toner is “a consultation only product” due to the high level of active ingredients in it. So if you wanna try it consult a dermatologist or skin specialist first.
How To Find The Best Toner For Sensitive Skin?
Toner is another step of skincare routines that comes after using a facial wash to cleanse your face and before applying moisturizer to your skin.
It removes the last bits of cleanser and prepares your skin for the next step in your skincare routine to guarantee better absorption.
You can’t just choose any toner randomly for your sensitive skin.
You should avoid the ingredients that could cause irritation or inflame your skin. You should also look for a toner that can address your skin issues.
Here’s what to look for:
Soothing Ingredients
Calming ingredients play a major role in keeping sensitive skin hydrated, nourished, and soothed.
Look for products that contain extra soothing ingredients like rose water, Aloe, vitamin E, chamomile, cucumber, hyaluronic acid, and allantoin.
Those calming ingredients suit sensitive skin and dry sensitive skin perfectly.
They help moisturize and calm the skin and rebalance the skin’s pH, leaving your skin healthy and toned.
Make sure you aren’t allergic to any of those ingredients to avoid skin issues before using the product.
You can perform a patch test. And also check the ingredients of the product before buying it.
Gentle Ingredients
Some ingredients are known to irritate the skin or cause skin reactions.
Alcohol and essential oils are the top ingredients that could irritate, dry, sting, or burn sensitive skin.
They are harsh on the skin and you should avoid them if you wanna keep your skin looking healthy.
Skin Concerns
Look for a toner that can fix a skin issue that you have. If you suffer from redness, find a toner that can relieve redness.
If your skin is dry and sensitive, pick a toner that can rehydrate your skin and maintain its healthy barrier.
And if you wanna get rid of acne or fine lines, choose a toner that can gently exfoliate your skin without drying it.
So always check first what bothering you then reach for a toner that can treat the problem and improve the appearance of your skin.
My Experience…
I have super sensitive skin and have Rosacea too, I don’t use many products to avoid flare-ups or skin reactions.
I don’t have a toner as I don’t think my skin needs it but when I notice that my skin is going on the dry side, I use organic rosewater or Aloe Vera. I also look for a toner that contains soothing ingredients like chamomile.
This helps hydrate my skin well, reduce redness & irritation, and balance the pH level of my skin.
It aids in making my skin more comfortable. And the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in them clear my skin.
So it’s something that I add to my skincare routine when I think I need it.
Conclusion
Finding a good toner for sensitive skin that can fulfill your skin needs without causing reactions is not easy.
So I included for you a list of the best gentle toners for sensitive skin above so you would check them and pick what suits your skin the most. And also check with your doctor before use.
Make sure to tell me which one you’re going to try?
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