Want Radiant Skin? These 7 Exfoliating Toners Are Essentials
If you’re looking to up your skincare game, adding an exfoliating toner to your routine could be a total game-changer. As the name suggests, these multitasking toners help slough off dead skin cells and impurities, leaving you with a brighter, more radiant complexion.
But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. That’s why we went straight to the experts to get their top picks for the best exfoliating toners out there.
What Does a Toner Do?
Before we dive into the recommendations, let’s do a quick refresh on what a toner actually does. Toners are water-based liquids that are swiped over the face after cleansing to remove any last traces of dirt, oil, and makeup. They help restore the skin’s pH balance and prep your face to better absorb any serums or moisturizers you layer on next.
Exfoliating toners take things a step further by containing gentle acids or enzymes that dissolve the bonds holding dull, dead skin cells to the surface. This allows fresh new cells to surface, resulting in a more vibrant, even-toned complexion.
When to Use Toner
Most skincare experts recommend using an exfoliating toner once or twice per week, depending on your skin’s sensitivity. Those with oily or acne-prone skin may be able to handle more frequent use, while those with dry or sensitive skin will likely want to limit it to once a week.
No matter your skin type, you’ll want to avoid over-exfoliating, which can strip your skin’s protective barrier. And lead to irritation, redness, and breakouts.
With that in mind, let’s get into the good stuff – the exfoliating toners that have earned rave reviews from skincare enthusiasts and experts.
Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector
This cult favorite combines three different acid types – alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), beta hydroxy acid (BHA), and polyhydroxy acid (PHA) – for multi-level exfoliation. The 10% blend includes lactic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid to slough off dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve skin texture. It also contains soothing aloe and glycerin to counteract any potential irritation. Users rave about the gentle yet effective formula that leaves skin smoother and more radiant.
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid
For those struggling with acne and bumpy texture, Paula’s Choice legendary salicylic acid toner is a must. It clears out pores and helps prevent future breakouts. The 2% concentration is potent enough to banish blemishes and control oil, but is also gentle enough for daily use. Many credit this toner for finally getting their acne under control and achieving a clearer, more even complexion. The completely non-abrasive liquid formula also contains green tea to soothe inflammation.
SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Talk about an overachiever! This Korean superstar toner packs a punch with a triple whammy of AHA, BHA, and PHA acids to exfoliate and renew skin. This allows it to exfoliate on multiple levels from the surface to deep inside pores. Despite the potent acid blend, it also contains moisturizing plant extracts like rosa damascena and centella asiatica to prevent excessive dryness or irritation. Users rave about the “miracle” results in improved skin tone and texture.
Peach Slices Acne Exfoliating Toner
This cult toner from Peach Slices contains glycolic acid to dissolve dead skin cells and exfoliate inside pores to clear acne. What’s great is that it’s vegan, clean, and smells amazing! The glycolic acid dissolves dead skin cells and helps unclog pores, while the tea tree oil helps kill acne-causing bacteria. Despite the powerful ingredients, it’s formulated at a pH of 4 to avoid disrupting the skin’s barrier. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and has a juicy peach scent thanks to natural fruit extracts.
COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
K-beauty fans rave about this affordable exfoliating toner spray that uses gentle AHAs and BHAs to shed dullness and smooth texture. Just a few spritzes are all you need. It helps shed dead skin cells, control excess oil, and clear out clogged pores to reveal smoother, more radiant skin. The unique mist spray format also makes it easy and mess-free to apply all over the face and neck. Despite the exfoliating acids, it contains hydrating ingredients like saccharomyces ferment filtrate to prevent over-drying.
Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner
This classic toner has been a mainstay in many makeup artists’ kits for decades thanks to its glycolic acid exfoliating powers. It leaves skin smooth and prepped for seamless makeup application. It uses a 2% concentration of glycolic acid, an AHA, to shed dulling dead skin cells from the surface and refine the appearance of pores. It’s extremely lightweight and non-drying thanks to ingredients like aloe vera and grapefruit extract. The brightening effects make it ideal for special events and photoshoots.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
At under $10, this cult-favorite budget buy from The Ordinary is a real steal. We’re a big fan of the formula, which relies on glycolic acid to shed dulling dead cells. The Ordinary makes exfoliation simple with its no-frills, budget-friendly formula. It uses a 7% concentration of glycolic acid, an AHA, to lift away dull, pore-clogging dead skin cells from the surface of skin. It has a water-like gel texture that absorbs quickly with no stickiness or residue. While potent, it contains ginger root and amino acids to soothe and prevent irritation. It’s suitable for weekly use on most skin types.
Tips For Using Exfoliating Toners
- Remember to always start slow when adding exfoliating acids to your routine to avoid irritation.
- And of course, sun protection is an absolute must when using any kind of exfoliating product.
- No matter you’re looking to brighten dull skin, clear up bumpy texture, or fade pesky dark marks, one of these pro-approved exfoliating toners is sure to help you put your best face forward.
Exfoliating Toners – The Key to Glowing Skin?
Ok, real talk – who doesn’t want skin that glows brighter than a thousand-watt lightbulb? That’s what we’re all chasing when it comes to our complexions, right? Well, let me let you in on a little skincare secret – exfoliating toners could be the golden ticket.
I know, I know…toners sometimes get a bad rap for being that unnecessary extra step. But hear me out! Exfoliating toners are those hard-working warriors that dig down. And dislodge all the nasty dead skin cells, grime and gunk that’s been camping out on your face.
The end result? A smooth, radiant, rejuvenated canvas that’s primed and ready to soak up all the luxury serums and creams you lather on afterwards. It’s like an all-access pass to amplifying the effects of your other skincare products to the max.
Now, I can already hear some of you wincing at the thought of anything remotely abrasive or irritating touching your precious, precious faces. No need to recoil in horror, though! Today’s exfoliating toners are a total dream team of gentle yet effective acids and enzymes that know how to get the job done without any unsightly redness or irritation.
From cult favorites like Pixi’s Glow Tonic to fancy-pants splurges like La Prairie’s legendary peel. There’s an exfoliating toner out there for every skin type and budget. Heck, some of them come in handy little pre-soaked pad form for nights when the very thought of cotton balls seems too strenuous.
The key, as with all good things in life, is moderation. No need to go overexfoliating like a maniac – that’s a one-way ticket to destruction town. A couple of sweeps with your toner a week is plenty to keep your complexion in tip-top shape.
At the end of the day, an exfoliating toner is just one more addition to your skincare routine. But it’s a darn good one that can help clarify, brighten, and renew your face like nothing else. Glow-getting has never been easier!
Continue Reading – Dewy, Not Dried Out: 13 Best Toners for Hydrated and Glowing Skin
