Dehydrating astringents made specifically to reduce oily skin is a thing of the past, but modern toners have made huge strides. Today’s formulations—like the hyaluronic acid toner—are far more sophisticated and filled with skin-enhancing ingredients, including hydrating agents like glycerin and exfoliating agents like glycolic acid, which will leave you beaming.
A toner’s principal role is to balance your skin’s pH after using the best cleanser and to give light exfoliation. You use it in between washing your face and prior o to applying a moisturizer of choice. Furthermore, it also helps clean away any leftover residue from your cleanser, including grime, pollutants, and makeup. Toners are intended to soften the face and get it ready for serum, and it also gives the complexion an appealing shine.
One of the most frequently-used skincare ingredients in the cosmetics industry is without a doubt hyaluronic acid. The primary advantages are its ability to hydrate the skin, lessen the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, and restore the moisture content of cells. Experts say it’s safe for use on all skin types, but individuals with dry skin will benefit the most from using it twice daily—morning and night—as part of a comprehensive skincare regimen. You can find it in a wide variety of products, from serums to over-the-counter supplements; here, we looked at some of the best hyaluronic acid toners on the market.
As alluded to before, toners that are alcohol-free and have moisturizing elements to moisturize the skin are also essential. Listed below are the most effective hyaluronic acid toners currently available on the market.]
- Effective exfoliation
- Hydration and soothing
- Pore-tightening
Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner is a light exfoliant that helps hydrate skin while also closing pores. This toner can be a game changer in any skin care regimen, as it prepares the skin for the remainder of your products and makes it plumper. In addition to pore-tightening actives including PHA and BHAs, it also has a mix of moisturizing ingredients to keep skin plump and smooth while also reducing the appearance of pores.
Inspired by the brand’s Korean Aqua Peel Facial, this pore-tightening, exfoliating toner helps create radiant, pillow-soft skin. The hyaluronic acid in this formula penetrates deeply into the skin and acts like a sponge, soaking up water and holding it there so the skin stays supple and moisturized. On the other hand, cactus water provides the product its springy, elastic feel, while watermelon extract intensively hydrates, calms, and reduces the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
“Discovered Glow Recipe on TikTok and I bought this among many other products to give it a go. Not only is it light on the skin and moisturizing, but it also leaves me glowing. I also have been using it as a base when using sheet masks and I have definitely seen an improvement in my skin,” says one buyer.1.
- Dual hydration and toning
- Nourishing
- Moisturizing
The Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner from fresh is an everyday toner with natural rose petals and hyaluronic acid that reduces the appearance of pores while hydrating your complexion. The brand’s best-selling, alcohol-free product boasts an unrivaled level of rose power: toning rose fruit extract, relaxing rosewater, and nourishing rose oil. As a result, the skin is left supple and ready for further treatments after being hydrated and cleansed.
Some of the ingredients, like rose extract, have been used for centuries for their toning effects, while others, like angelica leaf extract, aid in the skin’s ability to hold onto moisture. Also included in the recipe is rose water, which antibacterial characteristics may help decrease acne and enhance your complexion and minimize skin inflammation. Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid draws and retains moisture to increase suppleness.
“Hydration heaven. This product not only provides hydration immediately after washing your face but smells amazing. The floating rose petals in the bottle make it that much prettier and more authentic. I have been using this for over a year and particularly in the wintertime, it’s excellent for hydrating my skin right after washing. During the winter, face wash can sometimes leave my face feeling tight and dehydrated. I don’t think I will ever use another toner as this does the job flawlessly,” reviewers shared of this product.
- Gentle for daily use
- Hydrating
- pH neutralizing
Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Balancing Toner, like many others on our list, is ultra gentle and moderate enough to be used every day as part of your skincare regimen. When used after cleaning, it neutralizes the skin’s pH and eliminates any remaining traces of makeup or excess oil. Hyaluronic acid is only one of the ingredients here; other notable ones include purslane extract, glutathione, and panthenol.
Regarding the toner, one user shares, “Price is not my favorite but I’ve never found a hydrating toner that was compatible with my oily skin. This sinks in without leaving anything behind like excess oil and I use it both morning and evening. I also immediately notice after I’ve run out that my skin doesn’t feel as good.”
- Anti-aging
- Immediate healthy glow
- Hydrating and nourishing
Paula’s Choice’s RESIST Advanced Replenishing Toner is a super-hydrating solution that contains important omega fatty acids and powerful, unique antioxidants that, according to studies, may help skin appear younger by preserving and renewing its barrier. It protects and fortifies the skin’s barrier, aids in reducing the appearance of sun damage, and gives you a healthy glow immediately. This product has all the ingredients your aging skin needs to look younger, firmer, and more even-toned than ever before. Plus, it’s more on the affordable side!
“After using this for one week, all I can say is wow! I’ve tried so many different toners, and none of them nourished my skin the way this one did. It’s hard for me to find the correct skincare products since I have dry skin that is also acne prone,” explains one buyer. “This toner hydrated my dry skin without making it break out at all. I also feel like my skin is already looking younger. I’m in my late 20s and starting to notice my first signs of aging, but this toner is making my skin look how it did when I was 20 minus the acne.”
- Anti-pollution
- Soothing and revitalizing
- Hydrating
The LE TONIQUE toner from Chanel Beauty soothes and revives the skin. Once you’ve finished cleansing and toning, your skin will be ready for the next stage in your routine thanks to this lightweight formula from the brand. Marine Salicornia extract hydrates and strengthens the skin, while blue micro algae helps defend the skin from environmental aggressors.
Just like HA, sodium hyaluronate helps keep skin smooth and hydrated, and it also works to diminish the look of wrinkles. Furthermore, the salt form of the ingredient is minuscule enough to penetrate the epidermis, leading to enhanced hydration of the skin’s deeper layers. For those looking for something that’s both from a recognizable brand and high-end, this is a great contender.
Regarding the product, a user states, “Really happy with this purchase. Yes, you pay for it but as with most Chanel products, you get what you pay for. This toner is refreshing, soothing, and hydrating. It feels fantastic and I love the results with it. I don’t think I can go back to anything else.”
- Toning and tightening
- Affordable
- Hydrating
Q+A’s toning lotion is formulated with a special combination of hyaluronic acid and marine that works to increase skin suppleness and moisture. The product has a special texture that leaves a thin film on the skin, which has a toning and tightening effect. Squalane, another ingredient, is very hydrating and absorbs quickly.
If you’re looking for a more moisturizing alternative to a toner, try this toning lotion. Put some on your palms and rub it in until it’s absorbed into your skin. It’s a lot more affordable for those attempting to save their pennies and comes in at around $10.
Regarding the toning lotion, one buyer says, “I am obsessed with Q+A products. I use 11 of their products daily and interchangeably through night and day. Out of all of them, this toner is my absolute favorite, the reason being that it allows the vitamin C serum and superfood oil to sink into my skin better and perform a lot better. If I don’t add this on beforehand, the other products don’t work as well! obsessed with this line!”
- Quick absorption
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Calming and refreshing
The Aqua Bomb Hydrating Toner from belif is intended to provide the same level of explosive hydration as the brand’s fan-favorite True Cream. The formula calms and refreshes skin for a radiant appearance. This ultra-light also toner sinks right into your skin after cleansing, flooding it with moisture and preparing it for the rest of your skincare routine. According to reviews, the toner boasts a strong flowery scent that some may love while others, maybe not so much.
“I received this as part of a set. I found this toner light and gentle. It smelled nice and a little went a long way. I wouldn’t use this as my daily toner as I would want more pore minimizer ingredients but it would be good for sensitive skin,” explains one person.
- Antioxidant
- Versatile
- Refreshing with pleasant scent
The CoQ-10 Toner by Indie Lee prepares, balances, and refreshes the skin with skin-loving components such as cucumber, aloe vera, and papaya extract. It primes and softens skin that has been subjected to environmental aggressors and provides the right burst of antioxidants after cleansing or throughout the day. The brand’s reputation for excluding over 1300 substances and its vegan-friendly attitude make it a popular choice among clean beauty enthusiasts.
“The smell is amazing and it is so refreshing to dab on my face whether it’s before putting on my makeup or if I go makeup free! Love all of Indie Lee’s products as they are mindful when it comes to clean and safe ingredients,” one buyer stated.
- Lightweight and absorbent
- Gentle fragrance
- Hydrating
Hydrate your skin on a deeper level with this Blue Hyaluronic Acid toner from LANEIGE, intended to be the first step in your skincare routine after washing. After going through a 10-step microfiltration process, fermented hyaluronic acid is ready to provide intensive, long-lasting hydration, leaving the skin feeling happy and healthy. Thus, the resulting HA is better absorbed and more rapidly hydrating the skin deeply and for a longer period of time.
Speaking on the hyaluronic acid toner, a reviewer shares, “The toner definitely hydrates my skin well. I have used many toners before, and I will pick this up again because of the moisturizing power. It’s lightweight, absorbs well, and still keeps skin hydrated. The smell is light and not overpowering.