14 Best Toners For Sensitive Skin To Add To Your Beauty Arsenal

Include these non-comedogenic toners for sensitive skin to flaunt only good looks.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Rosmy Barrios, MD
Written by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Edited by Aditi Naskar, MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness
Fact-checked by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma  • 

You need to get two things right to get the best toner for your sensitive skin. While one is the right formula, the other is ingredients that do not irritate your skin type. Choosing the right products for this skin type requires utmost caution as it breaks out easily and reacts badly. But do not worry, leave it to us. In this article, we have brought to you some of the best toners that go well with sensitive skin types. Swipe up!

Dr. Rosmy Barrios, MD and medical advisor for the Health Reporter, says, “One of the main ingredients to avoid in toners is sulfates, such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, derived from Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate. Although it is often used in beauty products, it causes skin dryness, irritation, and allergic reactions. Nevertheless, it may be suitable for people who do not have dry skin.”

Top PicksCheck Price
Best Moisturizing Formula: Thayers Facial Toner
Price on Amazon
Best Alcohol-Free: Dickinson's Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner
Price on Amazon
Best Oil-Control: InstaNatural Vitamin C Toner
Price on Amazon
Best pH-Balanced Formula: Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner
Price on Amazon
Best Antimicrobial: Orange Blossom Water Face Toner
Price on Amazon
Best Exfoliation: Proactiv Revitalizing Toner
Price on Amazon
Best Fragrance-Free: Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner
Price on Amazon
Best Non-Drying Formula: Secret Key Aloe Soothing Moist Toner
Price on Amazon
Best Vegan: Tree To Tub Ginseng Green Tea Hyaluronic Repair Toner
Price on Amazon
Best Cruelty-Free: Paula's Choice SKIN RECOVERY Calming Toner
Price on Amazon

14 Best Toners For Sensitive Skin

1. Best Moisturizing Formula:Thayers Facial Toner

4.6
Thayers Facial Toner Image: Thayers

The Thayers Facial Toner contains witch hazel, rose petal extracts, and aloe vera. This clinically tested toner helps add moisture to your skin, remove impurities, and protect the skin from damage. Witch hazel helps tighten your skin pores and make it smooth without drying. Here’s an honest review of this tester’s experience of using this product.

Skin Type: Combination, Normal | Product Dimensions: 6.18 x 2.52 x 2.52 inches | Weight: 0.01 Ounces

Key Ingredient(s): Witch Hazel

Pros

  • Alcohol-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Visible results after 1 week
  • No animal testing
  • Certified organic ingredients
  • Propylene glycol-free

Cons

  • May dry out the skin.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 108,935 great reviews on Amazon.

Dr. Rosmy Barrios, MD and medical advisor for the Health Reporter, says, “Aloe vera soothes facial skin, helps reduce the scars that often remain after acne treatment, and most importantly, has moisturizing properties, so it is perfect for sensitive or dry skin.”

2. Best Alcohol-Free:Dickinson’s Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner

4.5
Dickinson's Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner with Rosewater Image: Dickinson's
Now 16% Off

This is an alcohol-free formula and contains witch hazel extracts. It helps keep your skin soft and supple by removing all traces of dust and impurities. The hyaluronic acid in this formula keeps the skin hydrated, and vitamin E and aloe vera prevent moisture loss. Here’s a video of this reviewer’s experience of using this product.

Product Dimensions: 2.5 x 3 x 7.68 inches | Weight: 1 Pounds

Key Ingredient(s): Rosewater, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E

Pros

  • Alcohol-free
  • Contains 98% natural witch hazel distillate
  • All-natural ingredients
  • Dye-free
  • Soap-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Does not cause dryness
  • Does not irritate the skin

Cons

  • Contains artificial fragrance

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The extensive 1,384 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.

3. Best Oil-Control:InstaNatural Vitamin C Toner

4.4
InstaNatural Vitamin C Toner Image: Insta Natural

This Vitamin C toner contains MSM that easily penetrates the skin to improve its elasticity. All the ingredients in this toner help reduce excess oil. The vitamin E and glycolic acid in the toner ensure to restore the natural pH levels without causing any dryness. This video of this reviewer’s experience will help you understand the product better.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal | Product Dimensions: 3 x 1 x 6 inches | Weight: 2.08 Ounces

Key Ingredient(s):  Witch hazel, MSM, Lavender & Geranium Oils

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • SLS and SLES-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • No formaldehyde releasers
  • Synthetic dye-free
  • DEA/MEA/TEA-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Polyethylene glycol-free
  • No unsafe preservatives

Cons

  • Unpleasant smell

protip_icon Did you know?
The InstaNatural Vitamin C Toner consists of witch hazel plant – Native Americans used its extract to cure common cold and fever in the olden days.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 6,054 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.

Thayers Facial Toner
Best Moisturizing Formula
Dickinson's Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner
Best Alcohol-Free
InstaNatural Vitamin C Toner
Best Oil-Control
Skin Type Combination, Normal- Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal
Dimensions 6.18 x 2.52 x 2.52 inches 2.5 x 3 x 7.68 inches 3 x 1 x 6 inches
Weight 0.01 Ounces 1 Pounds 2.08 Ounces
Rating
Reviews108,9351,3846,054
Price$10.95$5.87$16.95

4. Best pH-Balanced Formula:Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner

4.6
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner Image: Klairs

This toner has a fast-absorbing formula that improves your skin’s hydration levels and moisture retention, balances the pH, and calms your skin. It has a viscous essence or serum-like texture and can easily replace the serum from your sensitive skin care routine. Moreover, ingredients like Centella Asiatica, hyaluronic acid, and beta-glucan soothe and calm sensitive skin immediately.

Skin Type: Sensitive | Product Dimensions: 3.94 x 3.94 x 3.94 inches | Weight: 0.01 Ounces

Key Ingredient(s): Centella Asiatica, Hyaluronic Acid, Beta-glucan

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Synthetic dye-free
  • Does not irritate the skin
  • Does not cause breakouts
  • Not animal tested

Cons

None

5. Best Antimicrobial:Orange Blossom Water Face Toner

4.2

This is a multi-use Moroccan orange blossom floral water and a natural, alcohol-free toner. The orange blossom water is a natural astringent loaded with antimicrobial properties that keep your skin healthy. This scientifically formulated toner helps balance your skin pH, improves suppleness, and promotes healing and cell regeneration.

Skin Type: Perfect for all skin types - dry, combination, oily and sensitive | Product Dimensions: 2 x 5 x 2 inches | Weight: 4 Ounces

Key Ingredient(s): Orange Blossom Floral Water

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • 100% natural
  • Alcohol-free
  • Refreshing fragrance
  • Removes excess dirt

Cons

  • Takes time to show a visible effect.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received over 1,119 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.

6. Best Exfoliation:Proactiv Revitalizing Toner

4.6
Proactiv Revitalizing Toner Image: Proactiv

This alcohol-free toner contains glycolic acid, an AHA that helps exfoliate your skin gently, remove dead skin cells, regulate excess sebum production, and keep your skin clean and healthy. It contains botanical extracts like aloe vera, witch hazel, chamomile, allantoin, and panthenol (vitamin B complex) that help refine your skin pores and reduce skin irritation. It also reduces redness and relieves irritation in acne-prone skin.

Skin Type: Acne Prone | Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 1.7 x 1.4 inches | Weight: 6 Ounces

Key Ingredient(s): Glycolic Acid, Witch Hazel

Pros

  • Alcohol-free
  • Gentle formula
  • Prevents flare-ups
  • Reduces breakouts and acne inflammation
  • Dermatologist-tested

Cons

  • Contains imidazolidinyl urea
  • Contains parabens
  • Contains artificial color

protip_icon Pro Tip
Follow up this toner with the Proactiv Solution Repairing Treatment to get clear, blemish-free skin.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has garnered over 2,843 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.

7. Best Fragrance-Free:Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner

4.4
Mario Badescu Image: Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner

This toner sweeps away dust and residue from your skin and keeps it refreshed. The aloe toner by Mario Badescu is extremely gentle on your skin. It has a non-drying formula and does not contain irritants.

Skin Type: Sensitive | Product Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 6.5 inches | Weight: 9.6 Ounces

Key Ingredient(s): Aloe Vera

Pros

  • Alcohol-free
  • Non-drying
  • Fragrance-free

Cons

  • Contains propylene glycol
  • Contains parabens
  • Contains artificial color

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The overwhelming 228 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.

8. Best Non-Drying Formula:Secret Key Aloe Soothing Moist Toner

4.4

This soothing aloe toner does not contain any harmful chemicals and easily wipes out the residue of makeup dust and impurities from your skin pores, leaving them clean. This helps in preventing breakouts and reduces skin irritation. You can also use this toner as a hydration pack if your skin needs intense hydration.

Skin Type: Dry

Key Ingredient(s): Aloe Vera

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • Benzophenone-free
  • No chemical preservatives
  • Refreshing
  • Pleasant fragrance
  • Non-drying
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Allergen-free

Cons

  • Strong smell

Our Tester's Experience

"This aloe-based lightweight toner is hydrating and soothes my skin without any irritation. I also use it as an aftershave moisturizer for the body and it makes my skin feel supple and softer."


protip_icon Did you know?
This toner consists of Pasqueflower Extract – a Korean pasque flower, also known as a ‘grandmother flower’; it is used as a traditional Korean herbal remedy for malaria and amoebic dysentery.

9. Best Vegan:Tree To Tub Ginseng Green Tea Hyaluronic Repair Toner

4.3
Tree To Tub Ginseng Green Tea Hyaluronic Repair Toner Image: Tree To Tub

This hyaluronic acid toner has a unique skin-balancing formula that contains healing vitamins like B5, C, and E. This toner contains ginseng extracts that promote blood circulation, brighten your skin, and soothe inflammation. The other ingredients, like witch hazel, aloe vera, chamomile, and grapefruit seed extracts, keep your skin calm. It has a pH of 5.5.

Skin Type: All, Sensitive | Product Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 4.99 inches | Weight: 4 Ounces

Key Ingredient(s): Ginseng, Hyaluronic Acid

Pros

  • Repairs skin barrier
  • No harsh chemicals
  • No skin irritants
  • Dermatologist recommended
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • DEA/MEA-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan
  • Fair-trade

Cons

  • Expensive

10. Best Cruelty-Free:Paula’s Choice SKIN RECOVERY Calming Toner

4.5
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Calming Toner Image: Paula's Choice

This hydrating and soothing skin toner reduces flaky skin caused by excessive dryness and helps revitalize your skin. It fights the signs of aging, reduces redness, and nourishes your skin with antioxidants that enable your skin to cope with the environmental stress. It delivers essential lipids, antioxidants, and skin-restoring ingredients to keep your skin healthy.

Skin Type: Sensitive, Dry, Normal | Product Dimensions: 1.97 x 1.97 x 6.7 inches | Weight: 8.32 Ounces

Key Ingredient(s): Vitamin E, Primrose

Pros

  • Anti-redness and anti-inflammatory formula
  • Fragrance-free
  • Non-irritating
  • Paraben-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • No harsh chemicals

Cons

  • Might cause an allergic reaction.

Our Tester's Experience

"I love using this toner on my sensitive and aging skin. It soothes the skin without causing dryness. It offers that much-needed hydration and tackles redness."


11. Avène Eau Thermale Gentle Toning Lotion

4.5
Eau Thermale Avene Gentle Toning Lotion Image: Eau Thermale Avene

This is an alcohol-free bi-phase toner that nourishes your skin, keeps it healthy, and prevents any damage caused by harmful free radicals. It helps reduce the effect of constant dust and pollution exposure. This product matches the natural pH level of your skin and is tested for sensitivity, so it will not irritate your skin. It protects the skin’s natural barrier. You have to shake it to activate the ingredients before using it.

Product Dimensions: 1.97 x 2.36 x 2.36 inches | Weight: 6.7 Ounces

Key Ingredient(s): Avène Thermal Spring Water

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Paraben-free
  • Soy-free
  • Soap-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • Oil-free
  • Gluten-free

Cons

  • Contains artificial fragrance
  • Contains PEG

12. Pixi Vitamin Wakeup Mist

4.4

This is a treatment toner mist that claims to revitalize and brighten your skin. It has an orange blossom water base, which is infused with lavender and citrus extracts and arginine that keep your skin healthy, boost the moisture levels and form a protective veil on it. Spritz it on your skin to make it feel awakened and refreshed. 

Skin Type: Combination | Product Dimensions: 1.69 x 5.91 x 1.69 inches | Weight: 3.88 Ounces

Key Ingredient(s): Orange Blossom & Citrus Extracts

Pros

  • Suitable for all skin types
  • No animal testing

Cons

  • Contains polyethylene glycol

13. ZO Skin Health Calming Toner

4.7
ZO Skin Health Calming Toner Image: Zo Skin Health

This is a calming pH-balanced toner specially formulated for sensitive skin. It removes dirt and impurities from the skin and helps soothe troubled and weak skin. This toner contains witch hazel that reduces the appearance of skin pores, along with a blend of hyaluronic acid, allantoin, and panthenol that conditions, moisturizes and calms the skin.

Skin Type: Dry

Key Ingredient(s): Witch Hazel

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • No harsh chemicals
  • Clinically tested

Cons

  • Contains artificial fragrance

Our Tester's Experience

"This toner is very calming on my sensitive and damaged skin. It cleans the skin and prepares it for other products to absorb well. It does not sting my skin."


14. Environ Youth EssentiA Vita-Peptide Toner

4.5
Environ Youth EssentiA Vita-Peptide Toner Image: Environ

This is a concentrated toner and contains a blend of peptides that keeps your skin healthy, improves elasticity and skin tone, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. It removes residual makeup, dirt, or soap and maintains the natural pH balance.

Note: The Environ products are “consultation-only” products as they contain a high level of active ingredients. Do not use it without consulting a skin specialist or expert.

Skin Type: Acne Prone Skin

Key Ingredient(s): Peptides (Matrixyl)

Pros

  • Contains Matrixyl (peptide for collagen-boosting)
  • Contains witch hazel

Cons

None

You cannot pick toners randomly for your skin. You need to avoid the possible irritants and choose one that addresses your skin issues. Here are a few tips.

How To Pick The Right Toner For Sensitive Skin

There are two things you have to be careful about when choosing a toner for sensitive skin:

1. The Ingredients

Avoid any ingredients that might irritate the skin or you are allergic to. Alcohol and essential oils are the common ingredients that might irritate your skin and should be avoided. Look for calming ingredients like rose, chamomile, cucumber extracts, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, lavender, witch hazel, and willow bark extracts. Ensure that you are not allergic to any of these ingredients before using the products.

2. Skin Concerns

It is better to match your skin issues with the product that you are using. If your skin feels dry, try a rehydrating toner. If your skin is hyper-sensitive and super-irritated, use pH-balancing toners. If you have mature skin and acne issues, use exfoliating toners. These skin conditions can be chronic or short-lived. Whatever the issue is, adjust your toner accordingly.

Infographic: Tips To Apply Toner On Sensitive Skin Correctly

Toners do more than just balance your skin. They provide an extra layer of hydration to the skin and help sweep off the residue left behind by your cleanser. However, there is a common misconception that they are not for sensitive skin types. When used the right way, even sensitive skin can benefit greatly from toners. Check out the infographic below to learn more.

Tips To Apply Toner On Sensitive Skin Correctly (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

The Bottom Line

Anyone with sensitive skin knows that using the wrong skin care products can wreak havoc on their skin. Especially when it comes to toners, you need to be extra careful before picking them. The best toners for sensitive skin are devoid of alcohol and other synthetic chemicals. They are enriched with natural ingredients that will improve the overall health of your skin. Choose the Thayers Facial Toner for a moisturizing formula, the Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner for a fast-absorbing formula, and the Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner for a non-drying, gentle formula. Consider your skin concerns and thoroughly go through the ingredients list before choosing the best toners for sensitive skin.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Shiboli Chakraborti is a certified skin care coach who loves trying different skin products. She vouches for the best toners for sensitive skin for a rash-free and cooling experience. She believes they are a must-have for people with sensitive skin and cannot risk using products that further aggravate their skin. She has researched the products and reviewed them to help her readers pick the best ones. These toners remove impurities from your skin and seal your pores to protect them from allergens and foreign bodies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can toner irritate the skin?

Yes, only if it contains ingredients that do not suit your skin. Check the ingredients before buying. Alcohol is one of the most common irritants, so do not go for alcohol-based toners.

Is toner necessary for sensitive skin?

It is not a necessity. However, toner helps to clean the residue of cleanser or soap that might irritate the skin and prepare your skin for the next skin care steps. Using a toner is good for the skin, but it is not a necessity.

Is toner the same as astringent?

Astringents aid in pore closure, oil dry-out, and skin cleaning. Toners assist in cleansing, nourishing, and balancing the skin’s pH. Sometimes toners come with astringent properties.

Is an ordinary toner good for sensitive skin?

No, using an ordinary toner on sensitive skin can increase skin damage, exfoliate it even further, and make it allergic. Instead, opt for special toners made only for sensitive skin.

How can I use a toner on sensitive skin?

Follow these steps to use a toner on sensitive skin effectively:
•  First, clean your face with a suitable face wash.
•  Next, use cotton swabs and dip them in toners made for sensitive skin.
•  Next, apply it to your face gently.
•  Let it dry for a few minutes.
•  Follow with a good moisturizer.

Can I use toner every day on sensitive skin?

If you follow a healthy and disciplined skin care routine, apply toner on sensitive skin daily. Use one that is specifically made for sensitive skin; otherwise, it will make your skin more prone to allergic reactions.


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