The Best Exfoliating Toners Gently Slough Away Dead Skin for a Glowing Complexion
Skip the $300 facial for this at-home alternative.
As I’ve become more intentional about caring for my skin, my toner collection has seen an incredible transformation. I'm a firm believer that most at-home toners should hydrate the skin, and I have found some incredible formulas that make my sensitive, acne-prone complexion glow, even when I don't drink my full eight cups of water every day. But sometimes, even that's not enough to achieve that fresh, healthy radiance I'm after.
With all of this said, I also have extremely textured skin, and an exfoliating toner will always be in my skincare rotation because of it. If you’re in the same boat, key ingredients to start implementing into your routine include AHAs like glycolic acid and BHAs like salicylic acid, to name a few, but if you’re not someone who has time to scrutinize product labels (understandable), you’re in luck because over the past few months, I have been slowly testing some new-to-me toners, and I am extremely happy to report that there are still some incredible exfoliating options on the market. There are also some tried-and-true favorites that I’ve long been a fan of, and they still deliver the glistening, just-left-the-derm glow that I love.
In other words, the best exfoliation toners combine all of the aforementioned ingredients, can be stratified by skin concern, and feature some truly innovative dispensing mechanisms. No matter your skin type or the application experience you desire, I can guarantee there’s something out there for you. I’ve gone ahead and curated a list of the best exfoliating toners on the market, so if you’re on the hunt for a new one to add to your routine, start your research here.
I’m a big fan of Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner, and the pre-soaked pads took my obsession to new heights. Every time I use this product, my skin glows like I just got a full facial in under one minute. It could be because of the methylpropanediol, which helps to prevent water loss while visibly improving the skin’s glow, but I think the wipe itself has something to do with it—it’s like you’re giving yourself a chemical and physical exfoliation experience in one go.
This product is particularly fascinating to me because it leans primarily on gentle ingredients that overdeliver. Case in point? Zinc gluconate is typically used to support stronger exfoliants like AHAs or BHAs, but the ingredient itself helps stop sebum production, which is typically the job of the aforementioned ingredients. Other ingredients like niacinamide, seaweed extract, and even witch hazel follow the same formula, providing incredible benefits that address oil secretion, without being too harsh on the face. This is why it’s perfect for people who have acne-prone, oily, and very sensitive skin.
If you want results—and you want them fast—Caudalie’s Vinopure Salicylic Acid Toner is your best bet. Salicylic acid is the star of the ingredient list, which makes sense given that it's a true superstar for acne-prone skin. This French pharmacy pick is sure to deliver top-tier exfoliation without irritation.
Back on the toner pad front, innBEAUTY Project’s new Skin Prep Exfoliating Pads not only have glycolic and mandelic acids, but they also have ectoin and squalane. This means you’ll get a deep chemical and light physical exfoliating experience, all without compromising your skin barrier, thanks to the ultra-hydrating and protective ingredients infused into the formula.
You know her, you likely already love her, and she’s an icon for a reason. Biologique Recherche’s P50 lotion has been a staple for years, and it’s not hard to see why. There’s a blend of exfoliants (AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs), and while this product is well known for not smelling great, the entire beauty industry keeps coming back to it because it simply works. Hold your breath and go to town.
This entire brand is dedicated to treating acne-prone skin, and the Brightmeup toner feels like its ethos bottled up into one product. Key ingredients include BHA, niacinamide, and an azelaic acid derivative that helps balance sebum production while addressing the appearance of dark marks and hyperpigmentation.
Tatcha is one of my favorite brands of all time, and this Texture Tonic was one of the first few products I ever tried. Not only is the bottle massive and will last for months, but the formula is an elegant blend of AHAs, niacinamide, and wild rose that gently resurfaces the skin without making your face feel tight and dry afterward.
Thayers is one of my favorite drugstore brands of all time. The pore-refining toner has glycolic and lactic acids, is alcohol-free, and is primarily derived from natural ingredients. For the acne-prone people with sensitive skin, this is a fantastic, affordable option.
I’ve used this toner under my arms, on my neck, and even inside my ears—it’s truly a do-it-all formula. Glycolic acid is the main star of the show (and at a whopping seven percent), but the magic for me is in how much you get for less than $15. One bottle can likely last over a year.
Another immaculate drugstore formula comes from Naturium. BHAs and a Bioactive Fruit Complex (both used as brightening agents) combine with hydrating ingredients like glycerin to give your skin a glow while reducing dark spots. The best part? It’s less than $20.
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