If there is any product in the perfect skincare regimen that often gets misinterpreted, it will be the toner.
Unfortunately, like the middle child – toners are severely misunderstood.
But with good reason!
You see, many men often associate toners with skin tone – I mean, they both have the same word after all, right?!
However, that’s where their similarities end.
Toners are not bronzers.
Toners aren’t an anti-aging solution.
Toners won’t get you that next job…
Instead, toners help mattify your skin by keeping oil production in check and balancing the pH level. They are, without a doubt, the secret weapon that men with oily skin rely on to help look their very best.
Here are the top men’s toners currently available:
Toners Compared
Ranking | Toner | Size (ounces) | Travel Friendly? | Scent | Price | Price per Ounce | All Natural? | Award | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Anthony Astringent Toner Pads | 60 Pads | Yes | Fresh | 30 | N/A | Yes | Best Overall | 98 |
2 | Baxter of California Herbal Mint Toner | 8 | No | Cedar and Mint | 17 | $2.13 | Yes | Luxury Pick | 97 |
3 | DTRT So Fine Toner for Men | 4.7 | No | Woody | 28 | $5.96 | No | Scented | 95 |
4 | InstaNatural Vitamin C Facial Toner | 4 | No | Citrus | 13 | $3.25 | Yes | Anti-Aging | 94 |
5 | Neutrogena Alcohol and Oil Free Toner | 8.5 | No | Fresh | 6 | $0.71 | No | Affordable | 91 |
6 | Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2 in 1 Toner | 8 | No | Alcohol | 8 | $1.00 | No | For Oily Skin | 90 |
7 | Pure Rose Water Facial Toner by Poppy Austin | 4 | No | Rose Water | 18 | $4.50 | Yes | All-Natural | 89 |
8 | Pure Witch Hazel Toner | 8 | No | Lavender | 7 | $0.88 | Yes | PH Balance | 88 |
9 | TreeActiv Balancing Herbal Toner | 4 | No | Hint of Rose | 22 | $5.50 | Yes | Removes Blackheads | 86 |
Best Toners For Men in 2023
Best Overall: Anthony Astringent Toner Pads
Unlike other toner products, Anthony’s purifying astringent toner comes in easy-to-use, minimal mess application pads.
These pads are plush and soft and are full of cleansing product that you can easily wipe on your face. No more putting the liquid in your hands, only to have some of it run into the sink or onto your counter.
After all, toner doesn’t grow on trees (and neither does your money).
With that being said, this toner actually does have some plant-derived ingredients such as the following:
- Witch hazel (also found in quality aftershave balms)
- Aloe
- Mint essential oils
These ingredients ensure that the product doesn’t dry out your skin, as well as putting in necessary vitamins to give you a healthy glow. Aloe, in particular, is full of good stuff that protects your skin and keeps it nice and fresh throughout the day.
This toner is great for all skin types, as it controls excess oil and tightens the pores to help keep dirt out. If you suffer from oily or acne-ridden skin, this can help keep your ailments to a minimum. For a sub-$30 price tag, you get 60 pads that are big enough to cover your face and neck, with solution to spare so they won’t run dry.
But don’t hesitate:
Use within 6 months for best results.
What customers are saying:Â Customers are happy with this toner for its effectiveness in removing makeup, grime and oil, shrinking pores, and providing freshness to the face. Some customers have issues with the pads drying their skin or the product leaking in transit.
Pros
- Comes in easy-to-use, minimal mess application pads
- Great for all skin types
- Controls excess oil and tightens the pores
Cons
- Unfortunately, these only last for 6 months before they go bad
Baxter of California Herbal Mint Toner
What We Think:
Baxter of California Herbal Mint Toner is a proven product by a brand that is an industry-standard.
Pros
Cucumber gives toner a cooling aspect
Ideal for men with difficult, hard-to-manage skin
Neutral-masculine scent
Cons
Some men may not like the cooling effect of the cucumber
Baxter of California is a company made for men, with an extensive list of products tailored to every man’s skincare needs.
From shaving to showering and everything in between, you are sure to find something that makes your life a little easier.
This toner is designed to give you a deeper, more intensive clean using key ingredients to ensure that you don’t dry yourself out. The top players in this product are the following:
- Cucumber
- Witch hazel
- Peppermint oil
The cucumber is an interesting addition, one that is often underused; it is there to give the toner a cooling aspect, especially because the peppermint oil can sometimes cause tingling.
Men will love this product because of its deep cleaning capabilities and its neutral-masculine scent. In fact, many customers appreciate the way that this toner works for them, as it does not dry them out or cause their skin to feel tight, unlike other facial cleansing products on the market.
With the addition of natural ingredients, this specially formulated solution is ideal for men with difficult, hard-to-manage skin.
Whether you have an oily complexion or sensitive skin, this toner is an ideal addition to your facial cleansing regimen.
Of course, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option – be sure to check our list of toner substitutes.
What customers are saying:Â Customers enjoy the pleasant scent of this toner and its effectiveness in maintaining moisture, providing a cooling sensation and tightening pores. However, some express concerns about the packaging and leakage issues.
DTRT So Fine Toner for Men
What We Think:
Looking for a toner that will help you with excess sebum production? The proven formula in this toner works hard to control oily skin, and it does so without drying out your complexion.
Pros
Reduces the amount of oils produced in the skin
Closes the pores so that dirt and other irritants can’t get in
Natural pine resin scent
Cons
When looking at the reviews, a few men did not like the scent of this product
Like Neutrogena’s oil-free toner, this toner for men is targeted at men who have excess sebum, a compound that causes oily skin.
It uses natural pine resin to help reduce the amount of oils produced in the skin and closes the pores so that dirt and other irritants can’t get in.
Pine resin also gives this toner a fantastic, neutral, earthy scent, so it works fantastically as an aftershave balm as well as a toning serum for after washing.
This product does not use alcohol, but it does have myristic acid and stearic acid, two compounds that help neutralize bacteria and prevent infection.
Charcoal powder is also present, and it offers both an exfoliating effect and a natural cleaning effect to your skin. Charcoal is used in many applications, from toothpaste to shampoo, but its primary purpose is to purify and cleanse. It is also a neutral compound so that it won’t mess with your skin’s natural pH.
For best results, use this toner after shaving or showering and pat onto your cheeks.
This helps aerate the solution and allows it to absorb into your skin faster. Allow to air dry, and feel your very pores tighten on your cheeks.
What customers are saying:Â Customers find that this toner works great, has a clean aroma and is invigorating. However, some believe it is a little expensive.
InstaNatural Vitamin C Facial Toner
What We Think:
InstaNatural Vitamin C Facial Toner helps fight the signs of aging while cleansing and revivifying the face. Made with mostly natural ingredients, this toner works to enhance natural beauty.
Pros
Fights the signs of aging
Made with mostly natural ingredients
Clears out your pores
Cons
Tea tree oil can cause skin irritation in some people. If you have sensitive skin, test this toner on a small area first before using it all over your face.
It is a well-known fact that vitamin C and skincare go hand in hand.
This toner by InstaNatural is full of not only vitamin C but also other ingredients such as witch hazel and tea tree oil.
Witch hazel is a popular ingredient in natural toners and skincare products because of the fantastic health benefits.
It is great for tightening your skin (a natural astringent), clearing out your pores, and giving you a cleaner, healthier look overall.
Tea tree oil is also a popular natural additive because of its cleansing properties. Together, you have a toner that works incredibly hard without parabens and phthalates.
This toner is different from the others on this list because it contains anti-aging and pH-balancing properties.
This works well for men with very oily faces or if you have trouble with breakouts. Toner is designed to be the second step in any face cleaning routine, as it closes the pores and prevents dirt and irritants from getting into your skin as easily.
This helps to prevent future acne breakouts and can even make your skin look younger and healthier.
What customers are saying: The toner works well and leaves skin feeling soft, refreshed and rejuvenated, but the scent may be unpleasant for some users.
Neutrogena Alcohol and Oil Free Toner
What We Think:
Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner works to clean and revitalize the face while allowing the skin to stay hydrated and clean. It is safe for sensitive skin and made by a highly trusted brand.
Pros
Safe for sensitive skin
Inexpensive
Cleans and revitalizes the face
Cons
Does not contain any natural ingredients
Alcohol is present in a lot of toners as a means to help sterilize and close up the pores.
However, the burn of alcohol is uncomfortable for many, and the feeling of your face tightening is not very pleasant.
Plus, if you already have dry skin, alcohol can dry it out even further. This toner from Neutrogena does not use alcohols or oils so that it won’t feel greasy, and it won’t dry out your skin.
Instead, it uses mild purifiers and ingredients to restore moisture to the skin while also cleaning out the pores for a healthier glow.
Because it contains no alcohol or oil, it’s perfect for any skin type. Oily skin will benefit from the cleaning properties of this product, and dry skin will love the cool and refreshing moisture that this product puts back into your face.
The only downside with this product is that it really doesn’t contain any natural ingredients; some people with sensitive skin may find that this product is a bit harsh for them. For an aftershave balm or just a good facial wash for men, this works fantastic and is incredibly cheap to try out.
What customers are saying: Customers appreciate that this toner is gentle and effective at unclogging pores, removing makeup residue, and making skin feel clean and fresh without over-drying.
Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2 in 1 Toner
What We Think:
Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Fight and Fade Toner is designed to combat acne and reduce symptoms quickly. With time, this product will renew skin cells for a younger, healthier appearance.
Pros
Contains salicylic acid
Quickly combats acne
Cons
May be harsh for sensitive skin types
Neutrogena is a well-known name in the skincare industry. It features numerous products designed to be fast and effective at combating various skin ailments such as wrinkles, acne, sun spots, and more.
This toner by Neutrogena targets your pores, effectively cleaning them out and tightening the skin to prevent future breakouts.
Unlike other products in this list, Neutrogena is not a natural product and does contain some manufactured solutions to expedite the cleansing process.
This toner is ideal for men with acne-prone, oily, or generally uncooperative skin types.
It contains salicylic acid, a powerful acne-fighter that works at the root of the problem, thoroughly cleaning out the pores and helping to mitigate future breakouts. While this is a great product for many skin types, sensitive skin may experience some discomfort using it.
If you’re looking for a gentler product, Poppy Austin’s Rose Water Toner or Anthony’s Toner Pads (also covered in this article) may be worth a try.
With that being said, salicylic acid works fast and is the choice ingredient for many top-of-the-line products.
Fortunately, you won’t be paying a luxury price as you can usually find it with a price tag under $15 bucks.
What customers are saying:Â This toner is effective in evening out skin discoloration and good for acne-prone skin. However, it may not work for sensitive skin, and overusing it can cause dryness. Some customers find the smell overpowering and the toner can cause burning or redness upon application.
Pure Rose Water Facial Toner by Poppy Austin
What We Think:
Pure Rose Water Facial Toner by Poppy Austin is a rose-water scented product with 100% organic and Moroccan ingredients.
Pros
100% organic and natural ingredients
Gentle and refreshing
Smells delightful
Cons
May need to be reapplied more frequently than other toners
This toner will make your face feel as though you were bathing under a waterfall, not because it is harsh, but because it is that refreshing.
This toner for your face contains 100% pure Morrocan rose water, which smells exactly like you’d expect it to. However, rose water is incredibly effective at getting out that deep-seated gunk in your pores; it opens your pores at first to help relieve your skin of residue and oil, then it tightens your skin for a firm look.
The biggest concern with this product would be the scent; if you aren’t into smelling like a rosebush, you shouldn’t worry about it with this product.
While the smell of rose is definitely present, after you allow it to dry into your skin, the scent should be barely there.
It is ideal for any skin type and skin sensitivity because it is a pure, natural product without any additives. There is no alcohol, no preservatives, and nothing that could dry out your skin.
In fact, rose water has numerous health benefits besides being a skin cleanser, like being an anti-inflammatory.
What customers are saying: Customers rave about this toner’s effectiveness in improving skin texture and hydration while offering a pleasant scent. However, some customers have concerns about the recent price increase and potential changes in product quality.
Pure Witch Hazel Toner
What We Think:
The Witch Hazel Toner is a nice blend of lavender, witch hazel, and aloe to repair skin and balance skin tones. This toner will clean and clear for one great price.
Pros
Helps balance natural pH
Can help reduce redness
Inexpensive
Cons
Witch hazel may be too harsh for some skin types
Witch hazel is responsible for the tight feeling you often feel after using toner. It is used to close the pores to help prevent dirt from getting in your face and then causing breakouts. This toner’s main ingredient is witch hazel, and this solution is infused with other vitamins and minerals to help balance your pH, rejuvenate your skin, and overall make you feel better throughout the day.
The vitamins used in this toner solution are A and E, which are incredibly important to maintaining optimal skin health.
This product also helps reduce redness and balance the skin’s natural pH, ensuring that your unique chemical composition stays perfectly in balance.
Aside from cleansing your face, this product also seeks to soothe and refresh while also removing dead skin cells that your cleaning solution may have missed.
Customers say this is a nice, clean, refreshing product that doesn’t smell too strong. It works great alongside other cleaning products and doesn’t aggravate the skin.
However, because of the strength of witch hazel, some buyers warn that people with especially sensitive skin may have some issues with this product.
What customers are saying:Â Customers with different skin types found success with this toner, describing it as refreshing, effective for acne and sensitive skin, leaving their skin feeling clean, moist and gentle on skin.
TreeActiv Balancing Herbal Toner
What We Think:
TreeActiv toner will leave your skin feeling radiant. It contains sulfur which helps to remove blackheads, whiteheads, and unclogs pores naturally. It’s cruelty-free and contains therapeutic and natural ingredients such as Vitamin C.
Pros
Cruelty-free
Spray-on toner for easy application
Removes blackheads, whiteheads, and unclogs pores
Cons
Unproven brand
This herbal toner by TreeActiv contains effective natural ingredients to give your face the attention it deserves.
Witch hazel, tea tree oil, clary sage, and rose water are all included in this product’s ingredient list, and each of these ingredients plays an integral part in this toner. Witch hazel is designed to help clean out the pores, letting them breathe and then tightening them to prevent dirt and irritants from getting in.
Tea tree oil is a disinfectant and takes the place of alcohol in this alcohol-free product. Clary sage is also a disinfectant and has high concentrations of organic compounds that your skin craves. As for rose water, it acts as an anti-inflammatory to help prevent acne breakouts, as well as being rich in vitamins A & E to maintain skin elasticity.
The best thing about this product is it is a spray-on toner. You don’t have to pour it into your hand or put it on a cotton ball; spray the product on your skin and let it air dry.
This ensures that your pores clean out fully and then close without putting dirt or bits of cotton in your skin.
What customers are saying:Â Customers are pleased with the natural ingredients and refreshing feel of this toner. While some did not see improvement in their skin, others believe it has helped reduce breakouts and hydrate their skin.