Tight, flaky skin in need of a moisture surge? To the dry skin guys and girlies out there, the frustration of an uncomfortable complexion and patchy makeup will be all too familiar. While your first instinct might be to reach for a hydrating serum or a rich moisturiser, don’t overlook the power the right toner can have on the skin when it comes to quenching dryness and dehydration. Despite their old school reputation of containing harsh ingredients that dry out the skin, the new generation of toners are here to rewrite the stars when it comes to skincare. Formulated with nourishing ingredients, these toners are here to elevate your base to new hydrated heights.
Still questioning whether a toner is right for your skin type? We’ve searched far and wide for the best toners for dry skin to add to your skincare routine, formulated with only the most nourishing ingredients for a glazed and dewy complexion.
Benefits of using a toner
Adding a toner to your beauty routine has a wide range of benefits for every skin type. From sweeping away impurities, minimising the appearance of pores, and brightening and tightening the skin, a toner is a flawless base bestie. It’s important not to forget about its less spoken about superpower though, which is its ability to hydrate. Ideal for those of us with dry skin, a toner is designed to restore balance and moisture to your complexion after cleansing, leaving it feeling refreshed and soothed. To get the most out of your toner if you have dry skin, opt for ones that contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, squalane, glycerin, aloe vera, or chamomile, and avoid alcohol-based toners which can dry out the skin.
Not only is a toner one of the most effective steps in your skincare routine, it’s also one of the most straightforward. Once you’ve washed your face, simply soak a cotton pad with the hydrating toner of your choice and sweep it over your face and neck. Follow with your favourite serum and moisturiser and enjoy glowing skin.
1. By BEAUTY BAY Hyaluronic Acid + Sea Moss Hydrating Face Mist
Though not technically a toner, we felt this dewy hydrating mist deserves a place on our shortlist (and in your dry skin routine). Enriched with nourishing hyaluronic acid and sea moss extract, this face mist works to soften and smooth skin, while helping to lock moisture into the skin. It’s also formulated with saccharide isomerate which strengthens and protects the skin barrier, giving your base the best chance at battling dryness.
2. Aēsop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Facial Toner
Bringing balance back to your skin, this refreshing toner is a dry skin must-have. Formulated with skin-loving ingredients including anti-inflammatory blue chamomile, parsley seed, and lavender stem, this antioxidant-enriched formula instantly hydrates and soothes the complexion.
3. COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence
COSRX are already TikTok famous for a wide selection of bestselling products, so you know you’re in safe hands with this one. This toner has been hailed as the ultimate buy for dry and dehydrated skin thanks to its potent dose of hyaluronic acid and ability to help the skin hold on to essential moisture.
4. Coco & Eve Antioxidant Hydrating Milky Toner
This hydrating, milky toner from Coco & Eve is ideal for soothing dry, easily irritated skin. It’s formulated with a range of antioxidants and coconut water to quench your skin whilst boosting its natural radiance. With a lightweight and fast-absorbing texture, this refreshing toner is the key to a plumper, more radiant complexion.
5. Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Revitalizing Toner
K-beauty fans, you’re going to love this one. Laneige are known as the true hydration experts thanks to their water science complex, making them a strong choice if you’ve got dry skin. Their toner is formulated with hyaluronic acid and Beta Pro-nol Complex™ to soothe and strengthen the skin barrier, helping it to retain that vital moisture. Trust us, this one’s a game changer.
6. Dr. Jart+ Vital Hydra Solution Biome Essence
Dr. Jart+ is another K-Beauty favourite praised for its high-performance skincare, and their toning solution is no exception. Ideal for those with easily irritated complexions, this toner is designed to calm and balance sensitive skin, while improving smoothness. It’s powered by hydrating hyaluronic acid to retain and restore moisture in the skin, for a radiant, dewy look we can’t get enough of.
7. Dermalogica Multiactive Toner
A flawless base starts with flawless skin prep, making this toner from Dermalogica a must-have. This light face mist features a formula of soothing arnica balm mint and lavender to calm stressed skin and encourage effective moisture absorption. Simply spritz over the skin after cleansing and follow with moisturiser or keep it handy for bursts of hydration throughout the day for glowing skin, 24/7.
8. Mario Badescu Witch Hazel & Rosewater Toner
Soothe and refresh your skin with this gentle, rose blend-infused toner. Powered by aloe vera, rosewater, and rose oil, this essential oil-enriched toner instantly replenishes the skin for a glowing, hydrated finish. Alongside its radiance boosting abilities, this gentle formula also works to smooth and refresh the skin by sweeping away impurities.
9. Eucerin Dermatoclean Clarifying Toner
Designed with sensitive skin in mind, this mild toner offers a gentle skin refresh without the risk of irritation. Infused with hyaluronic acid and APG complex, this hydrating hero work to nourish, tone, and refresh your complexion, while helping to protect the skin barrier. This non-drying formula also improves your skin’s ability to breathe, while ensuring your base is comfortable and moisturised at all times.
10. e.l.f. Cosmetics Keep Your Balance Toner
Unfortunately, dryness and dehydration often come hand in hand with dullness. Get one step ahead with this toner from e.l.f. Cosmetics, designed to remove the impurities that can contribute to dull skin, all while hydrating the skin. It’s formulated with nourishing hyaluronic acid, soothing aloe extract, and anti-inflammatory witch hazel, leaving your base refreshed and radiant in just one use.
11. Glow Hub Nourish & Hydrate Toner Essence
Dry skin doesn’t mean we have to miss out on a dewy glow, and this toner from Glow Hub is proof of that. Formulated with plumping hyaluronic acid, hydrating peach extract, refreshing coconut water, and soothing aloe vera, this toner deeply moisturises the skin, leaving you with a radiant, glassy complexion.