Editor tip: You can use it in the morning to prep skin for the day ahead as a protective base or at the end of the day to remove any lingering impurities after you remove your makeup.

Key ingredients: blue micro-algae, marine salicornia | Fragrance-free: no

Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner Alcohol-Free

Why we love it: Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Toner Alcohol-Free has been a fan favourite since the 1960s — and for good reason. This gorgeous, petal-infused formula is perfect for balancing normal-to-oily sensitive skin and helps to visibly reduce redness, control excess oil, and refine skin texture. The star ingredients are the calendula petals, a beloved medicinal herb in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, celebrated for their calming, skin-soothing properties. Plus, it’s alcohol- and fragrance-free, which is ideal for those with sensitive skin.

Editor tip: If you have irritated skin, this product contains allantoin, which is great for skin repair and healing.

Key ingredients: calendula, allantoin, great burdock root | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Firming: Sulwhasoo The Ultimate S Enriched Water

The Ultimate S Enriched Water

Why we love it: Sulwhasoo’s The Ultimate S Enriched Water is where tradition meets next-level innovation. Packed with the brand’s advanced ginseng technology — a hero ingredient in Korean herbal medicine — this facial toner helps tackle signs of ageing like a pro. Plus, it’s got RE.D Flavonoid, a fancy bioflavonoid from camellia seeds, to bring back that youthful glow. It’s also packed with peptides to boost collagen, plus niacinamide and squalene to keep your skin nourished and happy.

Editor tip: Camellia seeds are an unsung hero in skin care. They are packed with antioxidants and fatty acids that nourish and protect your skin without making it feel greasy.

Key ingredients: ginseng berry elixir, camellia seed, niacinamide, squalene | Fragrance-free: no

Best for Dry Skin: Clarins Soothing Toning Lotion

Soothing Toning Lotion

Why we love it: Clarins Soothing Toning Face Lotion is the ultimate gentle pick-me-up for dry and (you guessed it) super-sensitive skin. This alcohol-free toner is infused with a dream team of calming chamomile extracts to soothe and soften, while purple coneflower’s natural humectant properties help lock in moisture for lasting hydration. It also features the brand’s exclusive Microbiote Complex to protect, balance, and support your skin’s natural microbiome.

Editor tip: If your skin feels irritated or inflamed, pop this toner in the fridge for a half hour before use — it’ll give you an extra dose of calming, cooling relief.

Key ingredients: coneflower, chamomile | Fragrance-free: no

Best for Quick Hydration: Lancôme Tonique Confort Re-Hydrating Comforting Toner

Tonique Confort Re-Hydrating Comforting Toner

Why we love it: When your dry skin is thirsty for a quick drink, think pink with Lancome’s Tonique Confort. This pretty pink hydrating toner is packed with hyaluronic acid and promises to boost your skin’s moisture in just 30 minutes. With a dreamy mix of hyaluronic acid, acacia honey, and sweet almond oil, it hydrates deeply and leaves your skin fresh, glowy, and healthy. It gently clears away dirt, oil, and leftover makeup without ever drying out your skin. And let’s talk about the texture – it’s silky, milky, and absorbs like a dream, leaving your skin soft, clean, and ready for whatever’s next in your routine.

Editor tip: This iconic lotion got a refresh in its formulation in recent years: The formula was updated to include centifolia rose water to make it even more hydrating and soothing.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, acacia honey, sweet almond oil, centifolia rose water | Fragrance-free: no

Use these exclusive Boots discount codes for ££ off the best toners for sensitive skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are toners good for sensitive skin?

Toners can be a great addition to a sensitive skin routine as long as you choose one with gentle, skin-friendly ingredients. “Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are also super hydrating. You can also look for soothing options like chamomile and rosewater,” says Dr. Spearman. These help calm irritation, reduce redness, and provide lightweight hydration without overwhelming sensitive skin. “It’s essential to steer clear of alcohol-based toners, which can strip the skin and fragrance, which may cause irritation,” she says.

Do dermatologists recommend toners?

Dermatologists often recommend toners, but their necessity depends on your skin type and cleansing routine. “With a toner, the goal is to create a clean skin surface primed for the application of a subsequent hydrating product or products that target specific concerns,” says Dr. Khalifian. Toners can help rebalance the skin’s pH, remove leftover impurities after cleansing, and deliver ingredients that hydrate, soothe, or address specific skin issues. “Depending on your cleanser, people with sensitive skin may or may not need to add a toner to their routine, but it can be an effective way to enhance your skin regimen,” he says.

When should you not use toner?

Almost everyone can use a toner, but Dr. Khalifian notes that “If you have dermatologic conditions, such as eczema, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, or psoriasis, I recommend skipping the toner to prevent excessive dryness.”

Which toner is best for sensitive and acne-prone skin?

The best toner for sensitive and acne-prone skin is one that soothes irritation while effectively addressing breakouts without causing further sensitivity. “When incorporating toner into your skin-care routine, it’s essential to choose a product suited to your skin type and concerns,” says Dr. Khalifian. He recommends “hydrating and soothing ingredients like witch hazel, rosewater, and hyaluronic acid.” Witch hazel provides gentle astringent properties to help control excess oil and tighten pores without over-drying the skin. Rosewater offers anti-inflammatory benefits, reducing redness and calming irritation, while hyaluronic acid delivers lightweight hydration, ensuring the skin stays moisturised without clogging pores. Salicylic acid and niacinamide help regulate sebum production, making them ideal for sensitive, acne-prone skin.

Meet the experts

• Dara Spearman, MD, board-certified dermatologist and the owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, Indiana
• Saami Khalifian, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of SOM Aesthetics in San Diego

How we test and review products

When we test a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinise brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.