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Finding a good toner for dry skin can be a challenge when you're not sure which ingredients will help to soothe, moisturise and hydrate whilst being kind to sensitivities. If you've already tried dozens of toners from drugstore to luxury and you're still no closer to finding your match, you need to know what to look for – and we can help.
We looked at sites like Boots and Amazon to find you the most effective toners for dry skin, including both affordable and high-end picks from Garnier, Kiehl's, and The Ordinary. We'll help you not only find the best product but to understand why it's the best. Moreover, we have partnered with Makeup Artist Claire Higgins for reviewing and fact-checking the article so that we can deliver you the best information.
A qualified Beauty Therapist and Makeup Artist. I provide professional makeup services for all occasions, whether it be for a bride on their wedding day or backstage at a photo shoot. I also enjoy teaching through hosting live talks on my social media, masterclass events, and 1-1 training. My favourite style of makeup is most definitely vibrant. I love a colourful eyeshadow palette... or 10!
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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Claire is a qualified Beauty Therapist and Makeup Artist; she provides professional makeup services for all occasions from bridal to backstage at photo shoots. Claire also teaches masterclass events as well as 1-1 training, and when she gets the chance, enjoys sharing her expertise hosting live talks on her social media. She's a big fan of the vibrant style and loves a colourful palette... or 10!
Keep up-to-date with Claire through her Facebook and Instagram page where you can learn the latest tips and tricks when it comes to makeup application and also get inspired to try new looks!
The most common ingredient of any exfoliant is known as glycolic acid, which is the most researched AHA (alpha hydroxy acid). Glycolic acid has a long list of benefits such as clearing away dead skin cells left behind from cleansing, to show new, fresh skin, which is good news for those dealing with dullness as a result of dry skin.
Along with this, glycolic acid aids the skin's collagen production to give your complexion a boost of vitality whilst fading brown spots caused by sun damage. The molecules of glycolic acid are so tiny that they can easily penetrate facial pores and go deep into your skin.
The second most researched AHA is lactic acid, which also removes dead skin cells while improving skin firmness. Not to mention, it has some pretty impressive hydrating properties, too, so it's a great one for dry skin types.
Keep in mind that lactic acid is a softer exfoliant, as its molecules are bigger than those of glycolic acid which means that they can't as easily penetrate the pores. However, although stronger acids may slough away dead skin more easily, it's important to consider your skin's vulnerability to harsh products when choosing an exfoliant. For sensitive skin, therefore, lactic acid is the better choice.
Pentylene glycol, aloe vera, butylene glycol, glycerol, rosewater, and honey are other examples of conditioning humectants that can help your skin to feel moisturised, so keep your eyes peeled for these too when choosing your toner.
Use a mask when you feel that your skin needs some extra TLC - browse our best face masks for dry skin!
No matter whether you have dry skin, sensitive skin, or both, it's important to avoid toners with tough astringents that could harm your skin in the long run. The use of alcohol in skincare is a tricky topic because, although it can be abrasive in certain forms, some varieties do have their benefits. Known as as fatty alcohols, cetearyl and cetyl alcohols in particular can actually boost the skin's hydration.
On the other hand, 'simple' alcohols like ethanol, isopropyl or ethyl alcohol can be extremely drying, which is not what you want if you already have dry skin prone to itchiness. If there are simple alcohols in your toner, it's better for them to be as far down the ingredients list as possible, or you could always go alcohol-free to be safe.
Fragrances keep everything smelling nice and fresh, which is why they're found in almost every beauty product. However, there's no way to know exactly what's in the 'fragrance' you see on the ingredients list; it could be made up of as many as 200 components!
Fragrances are also the number one cause of allergy issues in cosmetics, which doesn't bode well for dry skin as it's typically the most easily irritated skin type. With this in mind, those with especially sensitive skin may want to stick to toners with fragrance-free formulas to avoid any potential aggravators.
For some people, in small doses, fragrance can pose no visible signs of possible inflammation, redness, or allergies. If the ingredients list sits too long, it will indicate that it's far from a key ingredient and there are likely to be lower quantities of it included in the making of the product. Ideally, avoiding fragrances can promote a wider intake of clean, beneficial ingredients for your skin.
Wearing makeup on top of dry skin can cause unwanted flakiness. To prevent this from happening, use a primer for dry skin from our top 10!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Pixi Glow Tonic |100 ml | £10.00 Mid | Hydrating 5% Glycolic Acid Formula for a Glowing Complexion | ||
2 | Kiehl's Ultra Facial Toner|250 ml | £18.00 High Mid | A Mild, Alcohol-Free Toner With Effective Emollients | ||
3 | The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution|240 ml | £12.26 Mid | Gently Exfoliate Dry Skin With Glycolic Acid | ||
4 | Elemis Rehydrating Ginseng Toner|200 ml | £24.50 High Mid | An Effective Alcohol-Free Toner for Sensitive Skin | ||
5 | Natio Rosewater and Chamomile Gentle Skin Toner|250 ml | £6.80 Low Mid | A Calming Plant-Based Toner for Dry Skin | ||
6 | Ole Henriksen Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner|190 ml | £25.00 High Mid | Brightening Toner for Dark Spots and Mature Skin | ||
7 | No7 Radiant Results Revitalising Toning Water |200 ml | £6.95 Low Mid | Revitalise Dull Skin and Minimise Pores | ||
8 | Garnier Natural Aloe Extract Toner|200 ml | £1.74 Low | A Mildly Exfoliating Treatment With Aloe Vera | ||
9 | Garnier Natural Rose Water Toner|200 ml | £1.74 Low | An Affordable Drugstore Toner With 96% Natural Ingredients | ||
10 | Neal's Yard Remedies Rehydrating Rose Toner|200 ml | £16.00 High Mid | Rehydrate Skin With This Organic Rosewater Toner |
This popular toner contains 5% glycolic acid, offering mild exfoliation to enhance your complexion and smooth out the surface of the skin. It's also infused with red ginseng to energise, so as the name suggests, you'll be glowing all day!
The glycolic acid is third on the list, following from water and aloe vera extract, so it really does have everything dry skin needs. It's also alcohol-free, and can help to refine visible pores.
This alcohol-free solution uses the nourishing properties of squalane, apricot kernel, and avocado oil to hydrate your skin. Avocado oil, which is high in amino acid proteins, helps to hydrate your skin for long-lasting suppleness. The apricot kernel oil, which is high in vitamin E, provides a barrier of protection against external aggressors.
Using this toner will make your face feel soft and conditioned, without exposing it to any irritating chemical ingredients as it cleanses and removes debris at the same time. It also has a well balanced pH, which is exactly what the skin needs.
Targeting the outer layer of skin and penetrating the pores to improve clarity and radiance, the Ordinary's night-time toning solution would be a good match for dry skin types who want to rid their skin of flakiness.
Its formulation contains glycolic acid, amino acids, aloe vera and ginseng, so it'll help to lighten dullness and smooth out uneven texture with a mild exfoliation. This product can improve the appearance of your skin with continuous use over time, while creating a slight tingling sensation with each use.
This extra-gentle rehydrating toner is alcohol-free and an excellent choice for anyone with dry skin, especially those who are prone to sensitivities. With extracts of Korean Ginseng, Quillaja Wood and Sweet Betty Flower, this solution soothes any irritation on the skin and softens the texture.
It's also a rather affordable deal too, as the 200 ml bottle should last you a while. To maintain the natural pH level of your skin, ease tightness and prepare your skin for serum and moisturiser, we recommend that you give this product a go!
Next up, a plant-based, cruelty-free toner that's good for your skin and the planet! It's alcohol-free and very gentle, holding an evenly hydrating layer across the face. In addition to the conditioning ingredient, glycerin, this toner also contains the extracts of calming chamomile, rose, and orange.
The fruity flowery extracts make this toner smell incredible and it's a super gentle way to keep dry skin healthy. However, in addition to the natural ingredients, there are also added fragrances too.
In as little as seven days, this toner can reduce the appearance of dark spots and patches on your skin with the help of glycolic acid and lactic acid. It'll also plump out the skin to give it an even shine and work at targeting fine lines and wrinkles.
Witch hazel features too, which is a natural astringent that's known to refine and brighten the skin – perfect for dark spots and dry patches. Also, chamomile, sandalwood, and liquorice root extracts are included to soothe, so it's a winning formula for mature skin types which are also sensitive and dry.
Rich in glycerin, this toning solution will make dull skin look healthy and fresh, and feel super soft. As well as deeply nourishing your skin cells, it also minimises pores to even out your complexion and promises results in just a week.
Not only this, but No7's toner features the brand's own Tri-Vit Complex, including vitamin C and red ginseng, to really give dry skin the boost that it needs. It's also reasonably-priced and both fragrance- and alcohol-free, so it's suitable for everyone!
Enriched with aloe vera leaf extract, this is another pick from Garnier's new 96% natural range. The formula is extremely hydrating, helping to remove excess makeup and leave your skin looking and feeling refreshed. The salicylic acid is mildly exfoliating on the skin surface, scraping over the pores to clean any impurities.
While this is an effective exfoliant, it does contain fragrances and alcohol so if you happen to have easily-irritated dry skin, you should consider using it only as an occasional treatment or perhaps choosing another product.
In comparison to the other Garnier product on our list, this particular toner is intended to keep your skin supple and fresh rather than deeply cleansing. However, while it is high in glycerin, the alcohol content is listed third, meaning that it's also a potential irritant, too.
To treat dry skin with the power of nature, try incorporating this Neal's Yard toner into your daily routine. Made with aloe vera, glycerin, and fresh damask roses, this fragrant toner cleanses your skin to refresh and rejuvenate your complexion.
Though it is formulated for dry and sensitive skin types and made with 95% organically-produced ingredients, be careful if your skin is easily irritated, as this product does have a fairly high alcohol content.
A toner is a formula with cleansing, moisturising, and even exfoliating properties that you swipe over your face after washing it. It will remove any remaining impurities, help to balance out the pH level of your skin, and prep it to better receive the rest of the products in your routine.
However, dry skin can be very high maintenance, with small pores, dull patches and a general tight feeling on the face. To make sure that your toner doesn't worsen these skin conditions, you'll need to look for one that's formulated especially for dry skin.
It goes without saying that you need to follow up with a moisturiser for dry skin to lock in all the hydration. Of course, we have just the suggestions for you too!
We get it, you may always not have the time to mix up a homemade skincare treatment. But if you do happen to have a spare afternoon, why not try this all-natural toner? With honey and cucumber, it has soothing and hydrating properties and will help with puffiness, too.
Written and researched by Annie Speight
No. 1: Pixi|Glow Tonic |100 ml
No. 2: Kiehl's|Ultra Facial Toner|250 ml
No. 3: The Ordinary |Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution|240 ml
No. 4: Elemis|Rehydrating Ginseng Toner|200 ml
No. 5: Natio|Rosewater and Chamomile Gentle Skin Toner|250 ml
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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