Top Toner Brands: Your Ultimate Skincare Refreshers

If you're looking to maintain a clear and radiant complexion, a quality toner might be just what you need in your skincare regimen. Toners play a crucial role in balancing your skin's pH levels and preparing it to absorb subsequent products. With so many options available, some of the top brands consistently recommended by beauty experts and skincare enthusiasts alike have set themselves apart in terms of efficacy and ingredient transparency. From cult-favorites like Thayers and Paula's Choice to luxurious picks like La Mer, there is a toner to suit every skincare goal and budget. For a detailed review and recommendations that might fit your specific needs, explore the comprehensive list below.

Illustration of toner

Best brands of toner in 2025

Kiehl's

Kiehl's is a renowned brand in the skincare industry, particularly noted for its high-quality toners and other skincare products. Established in the 1850s as an apothecary, Kiehl's has grown significantly, with men accounting for 39% of its overall sales, indicating a strong customer base among male consumers. The brand is known for its innovative products, such as the retinol product that uses micro-dosing technology to minimize side effects, making it suitable even for sensitive skin. Kiehl's holds a significant position in the U.S. skincare market, with its male cosmetics revenue projected to reach $562 million in 2021. The brand's products are popular for their effectiveness and gentle formulation, contributing to the growth of the skin toner market, which is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2023 to 2033.

Thayers

Thayers Natural Remedies, established in 1847 by Dr. Henry Thayer, is a renowned skincare brand that has been a fixture in medicine cabinets for generations. Known for its commitment to creating pure, effective, and cruelty-free products, Thayers is particularly famous for its Witch Hazel Extract, which is sourced from the flowering plant Witch Hazel and is available in alcohol-free toners, astringents, and facial mists. The brand has seen significant growth through strategic digital marketing efforts, including SEO, PPC, and social media campaigns, which have enhanced their online presence and driven traffic to their website. Thayers' products, such as their Alcohol-Free Facial Toner with Coconut Water, Witch Hazel, and Aloe Vera, are highly praised for their natural ingredients and effectiveness in skincare routines. With a long history and a strong customer base, Thayers continues to be a leading producer of high-quality toners. For more information about their product range, please visit Thayers Natural Remedies website.

Pixi

Pixi is renowned as one of the best producers of toners, particularly with their iconic Glow Tonic, which contains 5% glycolic acid to exfoliate and brighten the skin. This award-winning toner, created by makeup artist Petra Strand, has been a cult favorite for over 20 years, known for its ability to refine pores, soothe, and hydrate the skin. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and is alcohol-free and paraben-free. The Glow Tonic has a pH between 4.0 and 4.5, making it gentler than many other acid products. With its natural and skin-loving ingredients, Pixi has built a loyal worldwide following.

Paula's Choice

Paula's Choice is renowned for its scientifically backed skincare products, particularly its toners and exfoliants, which have garnered a cult following since the brand's founding in 1995. The Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a standout product, praised for its gentle yet effective exfoliation, clarity, and even skin tone, with over 63,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. This product is ideal for dull skin, clogged pores, and acne-prone skin, and its formula includes salicylic acid and green tea. The brand's commitment to using high-quality, active ingredients without unnecessary additives has made it a favorite among beauty enthusiasts. With a strong presence in the global skincare market, Paula's Choice continues to be a trusted name in the industry.

La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay, recommended by over 90,000 dermatologists worldwide, has established itself as a leading skincare brand, including in the toner market. In 2023, it was the fastest-growing skincare brand for the second consecutive year, according to NielsenIQ, with a strong presence in the global skincare industry. The brand's products, such as its face washes and moisturizers, are formulated with strict safety and efficacy standards, undergoing over 750 clinical studies. With a brand awareness of 42% among U.S. face care users and a usage share of 8%, La Roche-Posay demonstrates significant consumer loyalty, with 62% of users likely to use the brand again. For more comprehensive information on their skincare solutions, visit their official website.

The Ordinary

The Ordinary is renowned for its high-quality and affordable skincare products, particularly its toners, which have garnered significant praise for their effectiveness. The brand's commitment to transparency and science-based formulations has made it a favorite among skincare enthusiasts. For instance, The Ordinary's Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner is praised for its gentle exfoliation, rich hydration, and ability to achieve an even skin tone, all at an unbeatable price of $14 for 100ml. The skin toner market, which includes brands like The Ordinary, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2023 to 2030, reaching a revenue of US$2.0 billion by 2030. This growth underscores the increasing demand for products like those offered by The Ordinary. For more insights, you can visit their product beginner's guide.

Mario Badescu

Mario Badescu is a renowned brand in the skincare industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality toners. The Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner, for instance, is a popular choice for its anti-aging properties, featuring glycolic acid, grapefruit extract, and aloe vera to refine pores and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making it ideal for dry and mature skin types. Founded in 1967, the brand has built a reputation for simple, gentle, and effective skincare products, with a global presence and retail partnerships that make its products widely accessible. The skin toner market, which includes brands like Mario Badescu, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2023 to 2033, reaching a valuation of around $2.1 billion by 2033. This growth underscores the increasing demand for quality skincare products like those offered by Mario Badescu.

SK-II

SK-II is renowned as a premium luxury skincare brand, particularly celebrated for its iconic Facial Treatment Essence, often referred to as 'miracle water' among consumers. This essence, containing over 90% PITERA(tm), a yeast-derived bio-ingredient discovered in the 1970s, promotes skin barrier hydration, reduces fine lines and sun spots, and improves skin texture and tone. Despite facing a 34% sales slump in the Greater China region due to consumer backlash over Japan's release of treated radioactive water, SK-II remains confident in its recovery, driven by loyal consumer support and continued innovation.

Fresh

Fresh, a renowned brand in the skincare industry, is esteemed for its high-quality toners that cater to various skin types. The global skin toner market, expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2023 to 2030, is driven by consumer preferences for natural and organic products, a trend that Fresh has successfully capitalized on with its organic and naturally-sourced ingredients. Fresh's toners, known for their moisturizing and pH-balanced properties, contribute significantly to the market's expansion, particularly as consumers increasingly seek out products with full ingredient transparency. The brand's commitment to research and development has enabled it to introduce innovative products that differentiate it from competitors. As the market is projected to reach US$2 billion by 2030, Fresh remains a key player in the industry.

Clinique

Clinique is renowned as a leading producer of skincare products, including toners, with a significant user base and high brand awareness. In the UK, for instance, an estimated 2.5 million people used Clinique face creams and lotions in 2023, indicating a strong market presence. The brand's 3-Step System, which includes a toner step, has been a cornerstone of its skincare philosophy since its inception in 1967. In the United States, 21% of face care users utilize Clinique products, and around 14% of these users express loyalty to the brand. Clinique's products are known for their allergy-tested and fragrance-free qualities, appealing to consumers seeking reliable skincare solutions. You can explore more about their skincare offerings on their official website.