The Best Toner for Combination Skin: Top Picks and Expert Tips for 2023

Combination skin can be quite a challenge, as it features both oily and dry areas, making it harder to find just the right skincare products. One essential yet often overlooked part of a skincare routine is the use of a toner. Toners are like gentle detoxifiers, removing dirt, makeup, and excess oils from your skin while balancing its pH levels. For those with combination skin, choosing the best toner is essential to maintain a healthy, vibrant complexion.

Toners formulated for combination skin are specifically designed to help regulate sebum production and provide hydration where needed without making the skin feel oily or heavy. Gone are the days of alcohol-laden, astringent toners. Modern toners are packed with nourishing ingredients, such as antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and gentle exfoliating agents, ensuring your skin gets the treatment it needs to be rebalanced and nourished.

When considering the best toner for combination skin, it is crucial to pay attention to the ingredients and choose products that are free from harsh chemicals, alcohol, and artificial fragrances. Keep an eye out for gentle exfoliants, like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), which help unclog pores and slough off dead skin cells without irritating the skin. Furthermore, seek out hydrating and soothing ingredients, such as aloe, chamomile, and cucumber, which can alleviate any areas of dryness or redness.

We took it upon ourselves to search for the best toners for combination skin, spending countless hours researching, testing, and evaluating a variety of products. In the following sections, we’ll discuss our findings and present our top recommendations for toners that can help you effectively balance and care for your combination skin.

Best Toner for Combination Skin

1. THAYERS Alcohol-Free Cucumber Witch Hazel Toner

2. CeraVe Hydrating Toner for Face

3. Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner

We have carefully curated a list of the best toners for combination skin that’ll help you achieve a balanced and flawless complexion. Dive in and discover the perfect product for your unique skincare needs.

THAYERS Alcohol-Free Cucumber Witch Hazel Toner

We think you’ll love this refreshing and soothing toner for its calming effect and excellent suitability for combination skin.

As someone with combination skin, we found the THAYERS Alcohol-Free, Hydrating Cucumber Witch Hazel Facial Toner to be quite a relief. The refreshing cucumber scent provided a calming effect, and the aloe vera helped soothe our skin without any irritation.

The product’s alcohol-free formula was a significant factor in our decision to try it, as alcohol can be drying and harsh on sensitive skin. With consistent daily use, we noticed a reduction in puffiness and irritation on our skin, and our complexion appeared more even.

However, we noticed that the toner might not be suitable for those with extremely dry skin, as it may require additional hydration after using the product. Additionally, if you have a sensitive nose, the light cucumber scent might not be your favorite. Lastly, the bottle design can be a bit cumbersome, you might need a cotton pad or a spray bottle for easy application.

In summary, if you’re looking for a gentle, alcohol-free toner that caters well to combination skin and provides soothing hydration, the THAYERS Alcohol-Free Cucumber Witch Hazel Toner with Aloe Vera is a great choice. Just keep in mind that extra hydration might be needed for drier skin types, and the scent and bottle design may not be for everyone.

CeraVe Hydrating Toner for Face

We recommend the CeraVe Hydrating Toner for those with sensitive or dry skin, as it gently cleanses and hydrates without irritation.

We recently tried out the CeraVe Hydrating Toner for Face and were impressed with its gentle formulation. Developed with dermatologists, this toner is alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic, ensuring it doesn’t clog your pores. Its lightweight formula is perfect for those with sensitive or dry skin, as it doesn’t cause irritation like some other toners on the market.

Due to its gentle nature, this toner may not be suitable for those with oily skin who require more rigorous cleansing. Also, its small bottle size (6.8 ounces) might require frequent repurchases if used daily. However, the product’s affordability and effectiveness may outweigh these minor drawbacks.

The CeraVe Hydrating Toner’s key ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides, attract and lock in moisture, while niacinamide helps repair the skin’s barrier and improve its overall appearance. After using this toner, our skin felt refreshed, balanced, and hydrated. It’s important to note that some users may need to be patient before seeing significant improvements in their skin, as this gentle formula might take time to show visible results.

Overall, the CeraVe Hydrating Toner is a great addition to your skincare routine if you have sensitive or dry skin. Its hydrating and soothing formula ensures a comfortable and irritation-free experience, leaving your skin clean, soft, and refreshed.

Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner

We highly recommend the Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Toner for those looking to minimize pores and achieve a more balanced, youthful complexion.

We recently started using Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner, and we’re impressed with the results. This toner is specifically designed for combination and oily skin, working to minimize pores, reduce blackheads, and create a smoother, more even complexion. The antioxidant-rich formula helps protect our skin from environmental stressors, keeping it refreshed and youthful-looking.

We find the consistency of the toner to be lightweight and easy to apply. It absorbs quickly, leaving our skin feeling balanced and hydrated. The product contains hydrating ceramides that make oily areas less noticeable, giving our skin that much-desired matte finish. As part of our day and night routine, we use this toner after cleansing to remove any remaining traces of makeup, unclog pores, and prepare our skin for moisturizing.

One downside we noticed is that the bottle design can cause too much product to be dispensed, which leads to some wastage. Moreover, though it’s a great toner for combination and oily skin types, those with dry or sensitive skin might not find it suitable. Additionally, its price point might not be budget-friendly for all users.

In conclusion, Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner is an excellent choice for those with combination and oily skin. It effectively minimizes pores, reduces blackheads, and leaves the skin feeling fresh and revitalized. It’s an essential addition to any skincare routine targeting excess oil and enlarged pores.

COSRX Alcohol-Free Cica Toner

A gentle and soothing toner that effectively hydrates and calms combination skin, making it a worthwhile purchase.

We recently tried the COSRX Alcohol-Free Cica Toner, and we can confidently say it’s a fantastic toner for combination skin. The fact that it’s alcohol-free makes it gentle, perfect for sensitive skin prone to redness and blemishes.

What we particularly appreciated about this product is the inclusion of Centella Asiatica as an active ingredient. Centella Asiatica, also known as Cica, is known for its calming and healing properties, which makes it beneficial for skin types prone to irritation. In our experience, this toner did an excellent job of soothing and hydrating the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed.

One feature we found exceptionally convenient is the spray nozzle, allowing for easy application and ensuring even distribution of the product on the face. In addition, the formula is free from artificial fragrances, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin or who prefer unscented products.

However, some users might find this toner not moisturizing enough, especially for dry or mature skin types. In that case, we would recommend using an additional moisturizer to lock in hydration. Finally, while we did not experience any adverse reactions, it’s worth noting that individual skin types can react differently to various products, so it’s essential to patch test before fully incorporating it into your skincare routine.

In conclusion, we highly recommend the COSRX Alcohol-Free Cica Toner for combination skin, particularly for those looking for a gentle, calming, and easy-to-use product.

Pyunkang Yul Facial Essence Toner

This Facial Essence Toner is a game-changer for combination skin, offering hydration and soothing benefits without irritation.

We’ve tested the Pyunkang Yul Facial Essence Toner on our combination skin and found it to provide exceptional hydration and soothing properties. The Milk Vetch root extract is the star ingredient, as it deeply penetrates into the skin, providing much-needed moisture. The toner also helps improve skin elasticity with its isoflavonoids.

Unlike other toners that have a liquid or watery consistency, this one features a slightly denser texture which may take a little longer to absorb into the skin. However, once it’s fully absorbed, your skin will feel refreshed and hydrated without any stickiness. The toner is dermatologically tested, verified as a zero-irritation product, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.

Although this toner doesn’t have specific brightening or pore-tightening effects, it does a fantastic job at balancing the skin and providing much-needed moisture for combination skin types. It’s formulated using only seven natural ingredients, so you can trust that you’re applying a safe and gentle product to your skin.

In conclusion, the Pyunkang Yul Facial Essence Toner is a great addition to any skincare routine for those with dry and combination skin types. The hydration and soothing benefits it offers, along with its minimal and natural ingredients, make it a top choice for healthy and happy skin.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Toner

We recommend this toner for its incredible combination of Salicylic and Glycolic Acids, leaving your skin refreshed and pores refined.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Toner is a game-changer for those of us dealing with combination skin. It’s particularly effective at unclogging pores and removing dead skin cells, thanks to its combination of Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid. From our personal experience, this toner leaves the skin feeling smooth and refreshed without any tightness or irritation.

As we’ve tested this toner on our oily and acne-prone skin, we noticed the gentle exfoliation working its magic in reducing blackheads, pimples, and excess oil. The toner is accommodating to sensitive skin, thanks to La Roche-Posay’s careful formulation. Even with sensitive skin, we can confidently use this toner without hesitating about potential breakouts or irritation.

However, it’s important to note that some users may find it drying, especially in their T-zone. We recommend using it sparingly at first and always following up with a good moisturizer. Additionally, some users noticed that it might make their skin feel slightly sticky. Remember, skincare results vary, and while many rave about this toner’s benefits, patience is key to achieving your desired results.

In conclusion, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Toner is an excellent addition to your skincare routine if you have combination, oily, or acne-prone skin. Its blend of powerful yet gentle ingredients works to refine your pores and improve your skin’s appearance. Just be mindful of the possible drying effects and give it time to show its full potential.

Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner

We highly recommend this toner for those with combination or dry skin looking for a gentle exfoliation and brightening effect.

From our experience, the Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner has been beneficial for improving our combination and dry skin. It offers a gentle exfoliation that leaves our skin feeling fresh and clean, and we’ve noticed a brighter and healthier complexion after consistent use. The absence of alcohol in its formula ensures that it doesn’t dry out our skin, while the addition of glycolic acid promotes rejuvenated and younger-looking skin.

The antioxidant properties of grapefruit extract present in this toner help protect our skin from environmental stressors that can lead to premature aging. This is a great bonus, considering our skin is exposed to these stressors every day. Despite these positives, we must mention that this toner might not be as effective for individuals with sensitive skin, as some users reported allergic reactions.

Regarding the fragrance, it has a mild, pleasant scent, but some users might prefer a completely unscented product. In terms of overall effectiveness, we observed a difference in the appearance and health of our skin. However, a few users reported no noticeable changes in their skin after using this toner. It’s important to remember that individual results may vary.

In conclusion, the Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner provides a gentle exfoliation and brightening effect that can greatly benefit combination and dry skin. With an alcohol-free formula, glycolic acid, and antioxidant grapefruit extract, it certainly has its merits. However, users with sensitive skin or a preference for fragrance-free products should proceed cautiously.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best toner for combination skin, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you’re selecting the product that’s right for your skin type and concerns. In this buying guide, we will provide you with essential tips and pointers to help you make an informed decision.

Identify Your Skin Concerns

First and foremost, it’s crucial to identify the specific concerns you have with your combination skin. This can range from excess oil production in the T-zone dry patches on the cheeks, sensitivity, or even hyperpigmentation. Knowing your concerns will not only help you find a toner that addresses them but also prevent any potential adverse reactions.

Look for the Right Ingredients

The best toners for combination skin should contain a balance of hydrating and oil-controlling ingredients. Here are some key ingredients to look for:

• AHA/BHA: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) gently exfoliate the skin, remove dead skin cells and unclog the pores, which helps to maintain an even skin tone and texture.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Provides hydration without being overly heavy or greasy, which is crucial for people with combination skin.
• Niacinamide: Helps in regulating oil production and minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores.
• Witch Hazel: Acts as a natural astringent, which helps in controlling excess oil.
• Chamomile and Aloe Vera: Soothe and calm irritated skin, as well as provide hydration.

Avoid Harsh Ingredients

While it’s important to choose a toner that addresses your specific skin needs, it’s crucial to avoid products containing harsh ingredients that can potentially cause irritation or worsen skin concerns. Steer clear from toners containing alcohol, artificial fragrances, or excessive amounts of essential oils.

Prioritize Packaging

Another consideration is the packaging of the toner. Look for opaque and air-tight containers, as these help preserve the efficacy of essential ingredients and prevent the product from breaking down due to exposure to light and air.

In summary, by considering your skin concerns, looking for the right ingredients, avoiding harsh ingredients, and prioritizing good packaging, you can confidently select the best toner for your combination skin. Remember to patch-test any new product to ensure it suits your individual skin needs, and don’t be afraid to consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top toners for acne-prone combination skin?

For acne-prone combination skin, we recommend using toners with mild exfoliating properties and ingredients that help regulate sebum production. Look for toners containing ingredients such as salicylic acid, tea tree oil, witch hazel, or niacinamide. Some top picks include The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, and Pixi Glow Tonic.

Which natural toners work best for combination skin?

Natural toners with astringent and soothing properties can be an excellent choice for combination skin. Ingredients such as witch hazel, rose water, cucumber, and aloe vera are particularly beneficial. We recommend Thayers Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free Toner, Burt’s Bees Rosewater Toner, and Herbivore Botanicals Jasmine Green Tea Balancing Toner.

How to choose a suitable toner for sensitive and combination skin?

If you have sensitive combination skin, it’s essential to find a toner free of harsh chemicals, alcohol, and artificial fragrances that can irritate the skin. Look for toners with calming, hydrating, and non-comedogenic ingredients like chamomile, calendula, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol. Some suitable options include La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution, Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner, and Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner.

What are the best hydrating toners for combination skin?

A hydrating toner is crucial for combination skin, as it helps to balance the skin’s moisture levels. Opt for toners containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera. Our top picks in this category are Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Hyaluronic Acid Lotion, Cosrx Aloe BHA Skin Toner, and Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner.

Which toners sold at Sephora are best for combination skin?

Sephora offers a range of toners suitable for combination skin, focusing on oil control, hydration, and gentle exfoliation. Some of our favorite options available at Sephora include Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner, Ole Henriksen Balancing Force Oil Control Toner, and Farmacy Deep Sweep 2% BHA Pore Cleaning Toner.

Are homemade toners effective for combination skin?

Homemade toners can be effective for combination skin if you use the right ingredients and know your skin’s needs. Try incorporating natural ingredients like rose water, witch hazel, green tea, or apple cider vinegar diluted with water into your homemade toner. However, it’s crucial to test these homemade toners on a small area of your skin first to ensure no adverse reactions occur.