If you’re looking for a toner that will deeply hydrate without causing any irritation, this guide is for you. Here are our top recommendations for the best hydrating toners for sensitive skin.
Our Recommendations
1. Hydrating Toner
CeraVe Toner for Hydration and Skin Barrier Support
CeraVe Hydrating Toner
This hydrating toner from drugstore skincare brand CeraVe is packed with ingredients that quench the skin and support its protective barrier.
This non-drying, lightweight toner is an excellent gentle product for those looking for extra hydration and skin barrier support. It contains three essential ceramides, which are crucial for strengthening and maintaining the skin barrier, as well as hyaluronic acid, which attracts and locks in moisture. This affordable toner also contains calming niacinamide.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Oil-free
- Alcohol-free
- Dermatologist developed
Cons
- None
This gentle toner is free of common skin irritants, and is formulated to be safe for sensitive skin. It is also pH balanced, which is ideal for optimal skin health.
Aqua/Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Ppg-6-Decyltetradeceth-30, Peg-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether, Peg/Ppg/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Potassium Laurate, Ceramide Eop, Carbomer, Niacinamide, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "The structure, function, and importance of ceramides in skin and their use as therapeutic agents in skin-care products"
Accessed Jan. 25, 2022. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging"
Accessed Jan. 25, 2022. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "How Much Do We Really Know About Our Favorite Cosmeceutical Ingredients?"
Accessed Jan. 25, 2022.
2. SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner
Etude House Toner for Soothing and hydrating
Etude House SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner
This gentle toner uses 97% naturally derived ingredients, which work to hydrate, soothe, and balance the skin while repairing skin damage.
This refreshing and lightweight toner is a great daily go-to for those looking for a gentle formula that soothes and hydrates. It features anti-inflammatory panthenol, which hydrates, as well as madecassoside (derived from centella asiatica), which repairs skin damage. It also contains nourishing and anti-inflammatory camellia sinensis leaf extract.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Hydrating
- Gentle
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- May not be hydrating enough for very dry skin
This gentle toner is suitable for sensitive skin, and free of many common irritants, including fragrance, artificial colors, and parabens.
WATER, PROPANEDIOL, GLYCERIN, BETAINE, PANTHENOL, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, POLYGLYCERIN-3, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, DISODIUM EDTA, CARBOMER, MADECASSOSIDE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS ROOT EXTRACT, TOCOPHEROL, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Centella asiatica in cosmetology"
Accessed Jan. 10, 2022. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulations"
Accessed Jan. 10, 2022.
3. Ultra Repair Wild Oat Hydrating Toner
First Aid Beauty Toner for Soothing and hydrating
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Wild Oat Hydrating Toner
This soothing toner uses colloidal oatmeal, wild oats, honey, and other ingredients to hydrate and relieve irritated skin for a softer and calmer complexion.
Two of the star ingredients in this hydrating toner are colloidal oatmeal and wild oats, which soothe and protect the skin. It also features honey, a natural humectant that helps moisturize and restore the skin. The formula is particularly well-suited for dry and distressed skin.
Pros
- Hydrating
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Alcohol-free
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist tested
Cons
- Some reviewers complain that it feels sticky on the skin
In addition to the ingredients mentioned above, this toner contains anti-inflammatory propolis extract, a honey derivative that nourishes the skin. Hyaluronic acid helps attract and lock in moisture, and can smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Glycereth-26, Squalane, Sorbitan Oleate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Colloidal Oatmeal, Mel (Honey, Miel), Saccharomyces/Honey Ferment Filtrate, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Extract, So-dium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Beta-Glucan, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Ex-tract, Propolis Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Chlorphenesin, Benzoic Acid, Sorbic Acid
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Bee Products in Dermatology and Skin Care"
Accessed Jan. 10, 2022. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Anti-inflammatory activities of colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) contribute to the effectiveness of oats in treatment of itch associated with dry, irritated skin"
Accessed Jan. 10, 2022. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging"
Accessed Jan. 10, 2022.
4. Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
COSRX Toner for Soothing, hydrating, and plumping
COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
This gentle toner is packed with black bee propolis, honey, and other ingredients that heal, soothe, hydrate, and protect the skin for a more radiant complexion.
This soothing toner features two ingredients made by bees: propolis extract and honey extract. Nourishing and healing propolis extract is rich in vitamins, and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Honey extract moisturizes the skin to protect the skin’s barrier function. These ingredients (along with others in the formula) help to improve skin texture, plump and support elasticity, and boost radiance.
Pros
- Hydrating
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologist tested
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Some reviewers complain that it feels sticky on the skin
The heavy hitters in this toner are the propolis and honey, but the formula also contains additional hydrating ingredients, including sodium hyaluronate and cassia obtusifolia seed extract.
Propolis Extract, Honey Extract, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Betaine, Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Bee Products in Dermatology and Skin Care"
Accessed Jan. 10, 2022.
5. Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner
Paula's Choice Toner for Hydrating and Soothing
Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner
This milky toner helps to soothe and hydrate dry skin while also protecting it from environmental aggressors.
This toner is filled with antioxidants, essential lipids, and other ingredients that are perfect for hydrating, soothing, and protecting dry skin. It is super gentle, and was even formulated to be suitable for eczema-prone skin.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Gentle
- Hydrating
Cons
- May not be suitable for acne-prone skin
Some of the hydrating, soothing, and protecting ingredients in this toner include evening primrose oil, borage oil, Vitamin E, allantoin, and niacinamide.
Water (Aqua), Cyclopentasiloxane (hydration), Butylene Glycol (hydration), Glycereth-26 (hydration/texture-enhancing), Dimethiconol (hydration), Oenothera Biennis Oil (evening primrose oil/non-fragrant oil/antioxidant), Borago Officinalis Seed Oil (borage oil/non-fragrant oil/antioxidant), Sodium Hyaluronate (hydration/skin replenishing), Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E/antioxidants), Tocopherol (vitamin E/antioxidants), Ascorbyl Palmitate (vitamin C/antioxidant), Panthenol (skin replenishing), Allantoin (skin-soothing), Glycerin (hydration/skin replenishing), Hydrogenated Lecithin (skin-restoring), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (emollient), Niacinamide (vitamin B3/skin-restoring), Superoxide Dismutase (antioxidant), PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (emollient), Linoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate (stabilizer), Laureth-4 (texture-enhancing), Laureth-23 (texture-enhancing), Disodium EDTA (stabilizer), Sodium Benzoate (preservative), Chlorphenesin (preservative), Phenoxyethanol (preservative), Benzoic Acid (preservative), Sorbic Acid (preservative)
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils"
Accessed Aug. 5, 2021. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "How Much Do We Really Know About Our Favorite Cosmeceutical Ingredients?"
Accessed Aug. 5, 2021.
FAQs
What is the best Korean hydrating toner for sensitive skin?
Many people love Korean skincare products, since they’re typically free of irritating ingredients, and focus on prevention (rather than treatment) to achieve radiant skin. If you’re looking for a sensitive skin-friendly Korean toner that hydrates the skin, check out the Etude House SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner and the COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner. Both of these Korean toners are packed with ingredients that help hydrate and soothe sensitive skin.
Are toners good for dry, sensitive skin?
Yes, a toner can be great for dry and sensitive skin – you just need to find a toner that is well formulated for your skin’s needs. People with this skin type should look for formulas that help hydrate and/or soothe the skin, and avoid formulas containing ingredients that may cause irritation or dryness (like fragrances or drying alcohols). All of the hydrating toners mentioned above are suitable for dry, sensitive skin.
Should you use a toner everyday?
Toners are typically formulated to be used everyday, and many can be used up to two times per day (once in the morning, once at night). However, it’s important to pay attention to the instruction label on the toner you’ve chosen, and also take note of how your skin reacts to your toner. Some toners may contain more active ingredients (like chemical exfoliants) that may irritate the skin when used too frequently. That said, all of the toners mentioned above are suitable for daily use.
The Bottom Line
People with sensitive skin can greatly benefit from adding a hydrating toner to their skincare routine. If you’re looking for a toner that will deeply hydrate, consider using one of our recommended products in your routine.
