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Best Toner For Men

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

RankingTonerSize (ounces)Travel Friendly?ScentPricePrice per OunceAll Natural?AwardRating
1Anthony Astringent Toner Pads60 PadsYesFresh30N/AYesBest Overall98
2Baxter of California Herbal Mint Toner8NoCedar and Mint17$2.13YesLuxury Pick97
3DTRT So Fine Toner for Men4.7NoWoody28$5.96NoScented95
4InstaNatural Vitamin C Facial Toner4NoCitrus13$3.25YesAnti-Aging94
5Neutrogena Alcohol and Oil Free Toner8.5NoFresh6$0.71NoAffordable91
6Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2 in 1 Toner8NoAlcohol8$1.00NoFor Oily Skin90
7Pure Rose Water Facial Toner by Poppy Austin4NoRose Water18$4.50YesAll-Natural89
8Pure Witch Hazel Toner8NoLavender7$0.88YesPH Balance88
9TreeActiv Balancing Herbal Toner4NoHint of Rose22$5.50YesRemoves Blackheads86

Best Toners For Men in 2023

Best Overall: Anthony Astringent Toner Pads

Anthony Witch Hazel Pads Pore Cleaner: 60 Count,...

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:

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: 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

Luxury Pick
Baxter of California Herbal Mint Toner for Men |...

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: 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

Scented
DTRT So Fine Toner 140ml 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: 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

Anti-Aging
InstaNatural Vitamin C Toner, Facial Toner and...

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

Affordable
Neutrogena Oil- and Alcohol-Free Facial 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

For Oily Skin
Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Fight & Fade Acne...

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: 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

All-Natural
Poppy Austin 120mL Rose Water Toner for Face -...

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

PH Balance
Alcohol Free Witch Hazel Toner - Witch Hazel...

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: 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

Removes Blackheads
TreeActiv Balancing Herbal Toner, Natural...

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: 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.

Adam Williams

As the lead editor of Tools of Men, Adam loves men's grooming products. Particularly of interest is managing facial hair and perfecting the art of the modern man's skincare routine. His work has been featured or quoted in several publications, including New York Magazine, Vice, Sharpologist, MIC, Elite Daily, and more.