17 Best Toners for the Brightest, Smoothest Skin of All Time

A blend of hydrating hyaluronic acid and vitamin C-packed pineapple extract give this cute little toner its dark-spot-correcting powers. It's especially great for folks with acne-prone or oily skin, and it's v easy to apply—just dab a couple drops on a cotton round and smooth it over your clean face in the AM (and, obvs, don't forget to follow with a minimum SPF 30).

This toner from celeb esthetician Renee Rouleau is one of my all-time favorites—and for good reason. It's spiked with soothing and hydrating ingredients, like elderberry fruit extract (an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties) and sodium PCA, which help leave my skin noticeably softer and smoother. I like to use this bb in the P.M. after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Coconut water is the hero ingredient in this hydrating toner from Alaffia, but it's also got a handful of anti-aging and exfoliative properties from natural extracts (hi, neem and papaya). The coolest thing about this toner, though? It's housed in a super-convenient spray bottle for easy application.

I get it: It's tough to find an exfoliating toner that's gentle enough for sensitive skin, but this genius formula from The Inkey List definitely makes the cut. That's thanks to the formula's poly-hydroxy acid (aka PHA), which helps exfoliate the skin without any of the harsh side effects of alpha-hydroxy acids (like redness, dryness, or inflammation). It's also got brightening niacinamide and soothing aloe for good measure.

Smooth this celeb-favorite toner from Shani Darden along clean skin and you'll immediately fall in love with the silky texture—it's almost like an essence or serum. The formula features a smart combo of sake water (to soften your skin), rose fruit extract (to minimize oil) and niacinamide (to even your skin tone), so there's no doubt your face will love it just as much as you do.

The star ingredient in this toner—CoQ-10—definitely sounds a little science-y, but what it does is actually quite simple: It helps hydrate, soothe, and protect your skin every time you apply it. The formula also has a nice dose of hyaluronic acid and aloe vera for even more moisturizing and soothing. Win-win.

A powerful dose of AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids, including 8 percent lactic acid and 3 percent glycolic acid) gives this toner its skin-brightening abilities. Smooth it over clean skin 3-5 times a week, and the formula will help plump and smooth your dull, tired-as-hell skin over time.

Meet the toner that definitely deserves a spot in your acne-fighting regimen. The formula’s combination of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids targets zits, excess oil, and clogged pores, while its ultra-gentle neem-seed oil keeps your skin nice and hydrated.

If your skin feels dry AF regardless of how many moisturizers you layer on, try throwing this hydrating toner into the mix as your first step. Its hero ingredient—hyaluronic acid—helps your thirsty, thirsty skin retain moisture.

PSA: Unless you want to f*ck up your skin barrier, you should stay far away from physical exfoliants (i.e., those gritty face scrubs that can create micro-tears in your skin). Instead, look toward an AHA toner—like this one from Peach & Lily—to gently exfoliate your skin, minimize the appearance of pores, and smooth rough patches.

Sensitive skin types will love this calming toner from Avène, which soothes irritation and dryness every time you use it. Oh, and it’s dermatologist approved and hypoallergenic, so no need to worry about further irritating that precious little face of yours.

This drugstore toner is formulated with witch hazel—a natural astringent—making it gentle enough for all skin types, especially those with excess oil or acne. Bonus: It’s also spiked with hydrating aloe vera and rose water to help calm inflammation.

Made from 90 percent Pietra (SK-II’s proprietary fermented yeast that’s rich in vitamins, amino acids, and minerals), this cult-favorite toner leaves your skin noticeably smoother and brighter. Using your fingertips, pat a few drops across your face and neck twice daily.

Packed with zit-fighting tea tree water, complexion-balancing juniper berry water, and exfoliating grapefruit water, this lightweight formula helps minimize excess oil (meaning your T-zone doesn’t stand a chance). Spritz it on clean skin every morning or when you need a quick refresh in the afternoon.

It’s no secret that dark spots come hand in hand with acne-prone skin—and they definitely aren’t easy to treat overnight. That’s where this toner comes into play: It sloughs away dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover with the help of 5 percent glycolic acid. It also contains soothing aloe vera and collagen-boosting ginseng for a true glow-up.

This alcohol-free toner has a cocktail of hydrating ingredients, like vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, along with witch hazel to tighten your pores without drying you out. Bonus: It also moonlights as a gentle makeup remover—just run a soaked cotton pad over your skin and lashes.

An impressive blend of glycolic acid and grapefruit extract works to promote cell turnover, minimize fine lines, and ward off zits and discoloration in this cult-favorite toner. As an added bonus, it also looks pretty freaking cool in your bathroom cabinet.