Toners work to remove excess oil, stubborn dirt, or makeup residue after cleansing. However, if you have sensitive skin, choosing a toner can be tricky. You need to be mindful of the ingredients that can possibly trigger rashes or irritation in your skin.
With the expertise of Dermatologist Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz, we break down what toners are for and how they are used. To make your search easier, we also listed down 10 of our recommended toners for sensitive skin. All these items are available for purchase online, so you can order yours today!
Quick List - Top Toners for Sensitive Skin
Thayers
Combines the Power of Witch Hazel, Aloe vera, and Rosewater to Cleanse the Skin
Face Republic
Gently Sloughs Off Dead Skin Cells to Reveal a Clearer and Healthier Complexion
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Toners are skincare products that are applied after cleansing and before moisturizing. Their primary purpose is to prepare the skin for adequate absorption of skincare products.
Toners can help restore the skin's pH level after cleansing to support the skin barrier. They can also remove dirt, excess oil, and makeup you may have missed when cleansing your face. They may also exfoliate your skin, resulting in a smoother and more radiant complexion.
Additionally, toners for sensitive skin also possess soothing properties. They work wonders in calming and reducing redness or irritation, providing much-needed relief. Last but not least, these toners play a crucial role in preventing dryness by ensuring your skin remains hydrated throughout the day, offering continuous moisture and nourishment.
While toners and astringents have similar functions, they're not the same. Toners hydrate, balance the skin's pH level and enhance the absorption of skincare products, making it suitable for various skin types. Meanwhile, astringents are formulated for oil control and have alcohol content, which can potentially be drying and irritating.
There are many things to consider when choosing a toner for sensitive skin, but with all toners claiming to address your skin concerns, which one should you buy? Our pointers below can help you choose the right one for you.
Choosing the right toner depends on your sensitive skin type. To ensure you get the right toner, look for the following ingredients.
Toners containing ingredients like witch hazel, tea tree oil, Aloe vera, and salicylic acid are ideal for sensitive, acne-prone skin. These ingredients effectively target acne while maintaining a gentle approach. Witch hazel is known for its natural properties. It reduces inflammation, regulates oil production, and soothes acne-prone skin.
Tea tree oil, with its antimicrobial properties, combats acne-causing bacteria. Aloe vera provides moisturization while reducing inflammation and redness. Lastly, salicylic acid, a type of BHA, helps prevent acne breakouts by unclogging pores and exfoliating the skin.
Aloe vera acts as a humectant with anti-oxidant and even anti-microbial properties. The tricky thing with Aloe vera is that extracts generally vary in quality based on how they were extracted. So make sure you get it from a reputable brand!
For individuals with oily, sensitive skin, opting for a lightweight toner that effectively controls oiliness is key. Ingredients such as niacinamide, green tea extract, and hyaluronic acid can work wonders for your skin.
Niacinamide reduces pores and regulates sebum production, while green tea extract contains antioxidants that soothe and calm the skin and control excess oil production. Hyaluronic acid is lightweight, non-greasy, and provides hydration to the skin, balancing oil production.
Choosing a toner with hydrating and soothing ingredients is important if you have dry, sensitive skin. Some of the ingredients that are good for this skin type include rosewater, glycerin, and chamomile extract.
Rosewater soothes dry, irritated skin and provides much-needed hydration. Meanwhile, glycerin is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture. Lastly, chamomile extract has anti-inflammatory properties that calm dry, sensitive skin.
If you have sensitive skin, it's best to avoid common irritants such as alcohol, parabens, and fragrances. Despite their ability to control oil production, prevent bacterial growth, and enhance sensory experiences, these chemicals can potentially trigger allergic reactions and cause irritation. Furthermore, they can disrupt the skin's natural pH level, leading to dryness and increased sensitivity.
Alcohol, fragrances, and parabens generally have a bad rep in skincare, but did you know that parabens were awarded by the American Contact Dermatitis Society as the Non-Allergen of the Year in 2019?
Additionally, irritation to fragrance may be dose-dependent. Meaning it's possible to have a fragrance incorporated into a product, and the product would be perfectly safe in its finished formulation. Remember, personal sensitivities and personal tolerances dictate how our skin reacts to a particular product, with or without that fragrance!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best for | Key Ingredients | Alcohol-Free | Fragrance-Free | Volume | |||||
1 | Thayers Witch Hazel Facial Toner|Unscented | ![]() | Combines the Power of Witch Hazel, Aloe vera, and Rosewater to Cleanse the Skin | Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin | Witch Hazel, Aloe vera, Rosewater | 355 ml | |||
2 | Face Republic AHA/BHA Toner | ![]() | Gently Sloughs Off Dead Skin Cells to Reveal a Clearer and Healthier Complexion | Oily, Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin | AHA, BHA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Vitamin E | 160 ml | |||
3 | Céleteque DermoScience Hydration Alcohol-free Toner | ![]() | Cleanses Impurities While Soothing the Skin | Acne-Prone, Dry, Sensitive Skin | Glycerin, Witch Hazel | 125 ml | |||
4 | Human Nature Balancing Face Toner | ![]() | All-Natural Toner to Control Sebum and Fight Bacteria | Oily, Sensitive Skin | Sugar Beet, Elemi | 200 ml | |||
5 | Kiehl's Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner | ![]() | Cleans and Soothes Skin Without Stripping Away Moisture | Oily, Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin | Calendula Flower Extract, Allantoin | 250 ml | |||
6 | COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner | ![]() | Soothing Relief for Sensitive, Dehydrated Skin | Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin | Jeju Mineral Water, Centella asiatica | 150 ml | |||
7 | Cetaphil Brightness Refresh Toner | ![]() | A Refreshing Toner That Hydrates and Illuminates Your Skin | Dry, Oily, Sensitive Skin | Niacinamide, Sea Daffodil Extract | 150 ml | |||
8 | Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion | ![]() | Hydrates and Invigorates Dry, Sensitive Skin | Dry, Sensitive Skin | Hyaluronic Acid | 170 ml | |||
9 | Benton Deep Green Tea Toner | ![]() | Revitalize Your Skin With Green Tea Extract | Dry, Oily, Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin | Green Tea Extract, Centella asiatica | 150 ml | |||
10 | Mamonde Chamomile Pure Toner | ![]() | Pamper Your Skin With Chamomile's Soothing Properties | Dry, Sensitive Skin | Chamomile Extract | 250 ml |
Best for | Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Witch Hazel, Aloe vera, Rosewater |
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Volume | 355 ml |
Show your skin some love with Face Republic's AHA/BHA Toner! It regulates sebum production, prevents breakouts, and gently exfoliates with salicylic and glycolic acids. It also hydrates and protects skin from UV rays and pollution, thanks to sodium hyaluronate and vitamin E.
Additionally, calming ingredients like chlorella, Irish moss, tea tree, allantoin, and panthenol help soothe and reduce irritation. Plus, it's free from alcohol, parabens, and fragrance. Users notice improvements in skin tone, texture, and balance within weeks of regular use.
Best for | Oily, Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | AHA, BHA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Vitamin E |
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Volume | 160 ml |
A gentle way to refresh your skin, Céleteque DermoScience Hydration Alcohol-Free Toner is a lightweight, moisture-balancing toner that removes leftover dirt and impurities without stripping essential hydration. Formulated with witch hazel extract, it soothes and conditions the skin, leaving it soft, smooth, and perfectly prepped for moisturizer.
Its dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic formula is paraben-free, cruelty-free, and non-comedogenic, making it safe for daily use on sensitive skin. With no harsh scents or drying alcohol, users swear by its calming and hydrating effects after every use. This toner is perfect for dry and sensitive skin types looking for a gentle, non-irritating option.
Best for | Acne-Prone, Dry, Sensitive Skin |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Witch Hazel |
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Volume | 125 ml |
Best for | Oily, Sensitive Skin |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Sugar Beet, Elemi |
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Volume | 200 ml |
Best for | Oily, Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Calendula Flower Extract, Allantoin |
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Volume | 250 ml |
Best for | Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Jeju Mineral Water, Centella asiatica |
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Volume | 150 ml |
If you’re seeking a brighter, smoother complexion, Cetaphil's Brightness Refresh Toner is your ideal choice. This toner instantly enhances your skin’s radiance while softening and smoothing it. Infused with niacinamide and sea daffodil extract, it targets dark spots and uneven skin tone, delivering a visibly brighter complexion in just 4 weeks. It also provides up to 8 hours of hydration, keeping your skin fresh and supple throughout the day.
Moreover, the toner is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Dermatologist-tested for gentleness, it prepares your skin for the next steps in your skincare routine, ensuring a luminous, irritation-free glow. Users appreciate its smooth feel and lasting results, making it a favorite in their skincare collection.
Best for | Dry, Oily, Sensitive Skin |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Sea Daffodil Extract |
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Volume | 150 ml |
With Japanese skincare gaining popularity, the desire for radiant, dewy skin is rising. Thankfully, this toner can help you achieve that. Featuring four types of hyaluronic acid and hydrating Japanese ingredients, this lightweight toner deeply penetrates the skin to replenish and retain moisture, giving you a plump and smooth complexion.
Users consider it a holy grail product. They have noticed significant improvements in texture, moisture levels, and the enhanced absorption of other skincare products. They also like that it's unscented and alcohol–free, making it a perfect choice for their dry skin.
Best for | Dry, Sensitive Skin |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid |
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Volume | 170 ml |
Best for | Dry, Oily, Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Green Tea Extract, Centella asiatica |
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Volume | 150 ml |
Best for | Dry, Sensitive Skin |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Chamomile Extract |
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Volume | 250 ml |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Katrina Luz.
Definitely, there are toners that can be more drying than others. The key is turning your product, looking at the label, finding out what's actually in it, and if it's drying or not!
There are no hard-and-fast rules for this one. Since toners aren't a must in a skincare routine, it would be a good idea to start slow. For example, 2-3 times a week, and then adjust accordingly based on the response of your skin.
Keep in mind that applying with cotton pads adds an aspect of physical exfoliation. So you can adjust accordingly based on your skin type, skin concern, and the type of toner you're using (hydrating vs. exfoliating).
Finding the right products for your skin type may be difficult. Don't put yourself through the trouble of trying a million other products. Check out our articles below on other essentials you can use for your sensitive skin.
10 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Soaps for Sensitive Skin in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Exfoliators for Sensitive Skin in the Philippines | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
Editor: R. Umlas
Re-editor: Anna Aquino
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Thayers|Witch Hazel Facial Toner|Unscented
No. 2: Face Republic|AHA/BHA Toner
No. 3: Céleteque DermoScience|Hydration Alcohol-free Toner
No. 4: Human Nature|Balancing Face Toner
No. 5: Kiehl's|Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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