Not using a toner already? You should be. While you may be reluctant to add yet another step to an already seemingly exhaustive skincare routine, the simple act of swiping a good toner over your face post-cleanse can make a significant difference to your skin. Although toner may not rank highly in your grooming hierarchy, the right toner for men will work cohesively with your cleanser, serum, and moisturiser; aiding in balancing the skin’s pH levels, clarifying oily and acne-prone skin, preventing clogged pores, and adding hydration back into thirsty skin.
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Plus, for those who shave regularly, toners have the added benefit of preventing ingrown hairs when used as an aftershave splash. To get the best results out of your toner, look for one with ingredients best suited to your skin type and concerns. Men with acne-prone or oily skin will benefit from a toner with salicylic acid and witch hazel; dry skin responds well to hyaluronic acid and soothing herbal extracts; and dull skin will benefit from exfoliation with glycolic or lactic acid to shed dead skin cells and reveal brighter, radiant skin.
Herewith, the best toners for men for every skin concern.
1. Triumph & Disaster Logic Toner
Ideal for combination and oily skin types, the Triumph & Disaster Logic Toner utilises the astringent properties of witch hazel to nullify excess oil and prevent greasy skin. Tasmanian pepper fruit soothes and calms irritation, while alpine willow herb regulates sebum production and reduces the appearance of pores.
Best for: oily, combination, normal skin types
2. Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore Toner
Made with natural BHA from white willow bark and AHAs from caviar lime extract, this refreshing toner works to unclog pores of dirt and impurities, exfoliate dead skin cells, and improve overall skin tone and texture. Enriched with squalane, it delivers a hit of moisture, ensuring skin feels hydrated and comfortable.
Best for: oily, combination, acne-prone skin types
3. Medik8 Pore Minimising Tonic → pores/oily
Looking to reduce the appearance of stretched or enlarged pores? This is the toner for you. While you can’t actually alter the size of your pores, the Medik8 Pore Minimising Tonic works to clear out the debris that can contribute to the appearance of large pores with three exfoliating acids; mandelic, lactic, and antioxidant-rich alpha lipoic acids, which work to promote a smooth, even skin texture. Meanwhile, red clover extract moderates sebum production and hyaluronic acid keeps skin hydrated and supple.
Best for: enlarged pores, oily, combination skin types
4. Paula’s Choice Advanced Replenishing Toner
As its monkier suggests, replenishment is the name of the game with this hydrating toner. It contains essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid to restore moisture to dry and dehydrated skin, with its lightweight milky texture working to soothe and lightly plump the skin.
Best for: dry, dehydrated, sensitive, ageing skin types
5. Aesop Parsley Seed Facial Toner
For guys who don’t really know what their skin type is, the Aesop Parsley Seed Facial Toner is the way to go. A refreshing, antioxidant-rich formula, this toner for men contains parsley seed, blue chamomille, and lavender to clarify and balance the skin, preparing it to recive serums and moisturiser.
Best for: normal, combination, oily skin types
6. Clarins Soothing Toning Lotion
Made with alpine herbs harvested from Le Domaine Clarins in the French Alps, the Clarins Soothing Toning Lotion uses roman chamomille, saffron, and crocus extracts to calm and soothe irritated, sensitive skin. Meanwhile, a microbiota complex works to rebalance skin flora, contributing to hydrated, comfortable skin.
Best for: sensitive, irritated, dry, dehydrated skin types
7. Youth To The People Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner
Another iteration that works to balance the skin’s microbiome, this time through probiotic-rich kombucha and tree bark ferment. Plus, the addition of lactic and glycolic AHAs work to even skin tone and smooth texture, while reducing the appearance of pores.
Best for: hyperpigmentation, dull, normal, textured, ageing skin types
8. Medik8 Press & Glow
A favourite at AR HQ, the Medik8 Press & Glow toner harnesses the power of PHAs (AHAs’ younger cousin) to lightly exfoliate and hydrate the skin. Gentle enough to use daily and in conjunction with actives like retinol and vitamin C, it contains soothing ingredients like prickly pear extract and aloe vera. Ideal for dull skin requiring a boost of radiance, or those struggling with uneven skin texture.
Best for: sensitive, textured, dull, normal skin
9. Ole Henriksen Dark Spot Toner
Specifically designed to target dark spots and pigmentation, the Ole Henriksen Dark Spot Toner combines exfoliating glycolic and lactic acids with clarifying witch hazel and calming licorice extract to promote even skin tone while addressing the appearance of fine lines.
Best for: hyperpigmentation, dull, normal, textured, ageing skin types
Words by John Deckard
