These Are the Best Toners to Use If You Have Dry Skin

If you live with dry skin, you probably stick with cream cleansers, hyaluronic acid and glycerin-rich products along with oil-based moisturizers. You tend to avoid harsh soaps and alcohol-based products like the plague. Toners are another product you might also avoid for fear of further drying out, irritating or causing your skin to flake—after all, toners are just made to help balance out oily skin, right? Well, that’s not necessarily the case—there are now toners for all skin types, including dry skin. And by avoiding them, you might be doing your dry skin a disservice.

What Does a Toner Do and Why Do You Need One?

Back in the day, alcohol-based toners were originally created to remove excess oil and tighten up the skin, explains Anna Guanche, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Calabasas, California. “A toner is a terminology from a long time ago, sort of like tonic. It was named because the active ingredients used on the skin would give it a smooth, tight appearance, as if it was toned, like muscles,” she says. “In the past, it was also used to tighten and smooth the surface appearance with astringents, so it was mostly recommended for oily and acne-prone skin,” adds Guanche.

Even today, most people with dry skin still tend to associate toners with harsh astringents, so they don’t use them, Guanche says. But toners have evolved over time. Today, she says a more appropriate definition of a toner is anything used to clear impurities like dirt and pollution from the skin. (Yep, these can still linger even after you’ve used your cleanser.) “The toners of today have soothing agents to reduce redness and irritation and to hydrate and soothe dry skin,” she says. “Hydrating and soothing toners still help to cleanse the skin further, but without removing the skin's natural oils. In some cases, they can even help to alleviate dryness and flaking,” she notes.

Toners and Dry Skin

Buyer, beware. While the definition of a toner has evolved (micellar and rose water spray are two examples), some toners do still contain alcohol in high or low concentrations. You’ll want to avoid those high concentrations if you have dry skin, explains Erum Ilyas, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Montgomery Dermatology in Pennsylvania. “Most toners still have a percentage of alcohol in them and people with dry or sensitive skin will feel a burn or sting when applied,” she explains. Ilyas says dry skin sufferers will want to look for a post-cleanse, leave-on product like micellar water, or chose a hydrating formula toner infused with milder ingredients like rose water or chamomile. “The new-generation toners may actually help people with dry or sensitive skin, depending on the ingredients,” she says. “And applying a moisturizer on top will only seal in some of these benefits,” adds Ilyas.

The Best Toners for Dry Skin

Don’t rule out using a toner just because you have dry skin. For dry skin, Ilyas recommends toners that contain soothing and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin E, chamomile and antioxidants like green tea. Soothing ingredients like aloe vera, fruit extracts and essential oils will offer the hydration your skin craves. Some ingredients to avoid include salicylic acid and of course high concentrations of alcohol, all of which can be further irritating and drying.

As for using a toner for daily use, don’t forgo the cleanser first. “Toners are best used post-cleanse,” Ilyas says. “You’ll see the best results if you use a toner after each cleanse in the morning and at night. Essentially, the toner will help replace some hydration that may have been stripped away from cleansing, if you’re using a toner with a hydrating formula,” she explains.

Here’s a look at some of the best toners for dry skin and what they can do for you.

1. Eminence Organic Skin Care Stone Crop Hydrating Mist 4.2 fl. oz

Eminence Organic Skin Care Stone Crop Hydrating Mist 4.2 fl. oz

Eminence Organic Skin Care Full Size Gift

222 reviews

$39.00

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[listimage brand_id=500221 prod_id=8534] Need a bit more of that freshly cleaned feeling even after you wash your face? This organic facial mist provides that plus more, since it is also hydrating and soothing for dry skin. And if you’re wondering exactly what stone crop is, imagine an environmentally friendly plant easily grown on green roofs that can moisturize, reduce hyperpigmentation and provide anti-aging benefits to your skin.

2. Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner (8.4 oz.)

Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner (8.4 oz.)

$31 Gift

93 reviews

$44.00

250ml

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[listimage_fh brand_id=100083 prod_id=496] Any time your dry skin could use a bit of a pick-me-up, spray on this moisturizing toner. It is full of soothing and hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, lavender and balm mint. You’ll also appreciate the cooling cucumber and arnica flower extract, an ingredient full of powerful nutrients and beneficial compounds to calm and protect your skin.

3. PCA SKIN Hydrating Toner (7 fl. oz.)

PCA SKIN Hydrating Toner (7 fl. oz.)

115 reviews

$48.00

7 fl. oz.

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[listimage brand_id=100137 prod_id=76211] If you crave a bit of gentle exfoliation, look to this hydrating toner that’s enhanced with lactic acid and AHAs. “Dry skin may benefit from ingredients like lactic acid that help exfoliate dead, dulling skin cells,” says Tsippora Shainhouse, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles. It also contains watermelon, apple and lentil fruit extracts, which are antioxidant-rich and protect skin from environmental stressors.

4. Avène Gentle Toning Lotion (6.76 oz.)

Avène Gentle Toning Lotion (6.76 oz.)

68 reviews

$26.00

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[listimage brand_id=500107 prod_id=34218] Live with sensitive skin that’s also dry? You’ll appreciate this hypoallergenic and water-based toner/lotion hybrid. “Sensitive skin, mild emollient lotion toners are best to help alleviate dry skin and flaking,” Guanche notes. That’s because it is formulated with limited, but antioxidant-rich, ingredients like natural silicates and thermal spring water to protect and hydrate skin.

5. Herbivore Botanicals Rose Hibiscus Coconut Water Hydrating Face Mist (4 oz.)

Herbivore Botanicals Rose Hibiscus Coconut Water Hydrating Face Mist (4 oz.)

83 reviews

$36.00

120ml

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[listimage brand_id=504214 prod_id=67892] If you don’t want to bother with cotton pads and prefer a toner you can just spritz on directly, you’ll love this coconut water–based facial mist. (It’s also ideal for parched skin when you travel.) It contains soothing and hydrating aloe vera, plus antioxidant-rich rose extract to protect skin from free radical damage. It's also formulated with witch hazel, a natural ingredient to help with occasional breakouts without further drying out your skin.

6. Yon-Ka Paris Skincare Lotion Yon-Ka - Dry Skin Toner (6.76 fl. oz.)

Yon-Ka Paris Skincare Lotion Yon-Ka - Dry Skin Toner (6.76 fl. oz.)

60 reviews

$55.00

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[listimage_fh brand_id=500067 prod_id=41846] Dry skin sufferers will appreciate this toner-lotion hybrid that’s rich in essential oils. Unlike a lot of toners, it is alcohol-free and contains glycerin, which is ideal for dry skin. “Similar to hyaluronic acid, glycerin can draw moisture to the outer layers of the skin,” Ilyas says. And combined with calming lavender oil and lubricating castor oil, your skin will continue to feel hydrated throughout the day, even in the winter months.

7. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence (3.38 fl. oz.)

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence (3.38 fl. oz.)

369 reviews

$25.00

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[listimage brand_id=505436 prod_id=76764] If you are up for trying something new when it comes to skin care, this toner made with snail secretion filtrate (a K-beauty secret weapon!) is for you. Don’t be too freaked out—snail mucin can offer some impressive benefits, mainly because it is naturally rich in hyaluronic acid. “Most people think hyaluronic acid is an anti-aging [ingredient], but it's actually super hydrating,” Ilyas says. “They just give the appearance of anti-aging benefits when used topically by drawing moisture and holding it in the superficial layers of the skin,” she explains. She recommends using this with a moisturizer for best results.