Looking for a toner that will help calm redness? Here are our recommendations for the absolute best toners for redness.

Our Recommendations

1. Supple Preparation Facial Toner

Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner

Klairs Toner for Hydrating and Soothing

Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner

This gentle toner is packed with botanical extracts that work to nourish, moisturize, soothe, and balance the skin’s pH level.

Skin types: All Skin Types
Best for: Hydrating and Soothing
Tested on animals: No
How to use: After cleansing, gently pat the toner into the skin. Follow up with a serum (if using) and moisturizer. This toner can be used twice daily.
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This vegan and cruelty-free toner is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a gentle moisturizing toner to add to their routine. It contains beta glucan and centella asiatica extract, which both soothe irritation and redness, as well as hyaluronic acid, which attracts and locks in hydration.

Pros

  • Gentle
  • Hydrating
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Artificial fragrance-free

Cons

  • Contains fragrant essential oils, which may irritate those with scent sensitivities

In addition to the ingredients mentioned above, this daily toner contains licorice root, which improves the appearance of uneven skin tone.

Water, Butylene Glycol, Dimethyl Sulfone, Betaine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Natto Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Chlorphenesin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer, Panthenol, Arginine, Luffa Cylindrica Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Beta-Glucan, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Lysine HCL, Proline, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Acetyl Methionine, Theanine, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Copper Tripeptide-1

  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Centella asiatica in cosmetology"

    Accessed Jan. 24, 2022.
  2. National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Hyaluronic Acid"

    Accessed Jan. 24, 2022.

2. PHA Toner

The Inkey List PHA Toner

The Inkey List Toner for Exfoliating and Smoothing Texture

The Inkey List PHA Toner

This gentle toner uses the power of polyhydroxy acid to gently exfoliate dead skin cells to improve skin texture and tone while locking in moisture.

Skin types: All Skin Types
Best for: Exfoliating and Smoothing Texture
Tested on animals: No
How to use: After cleansing, soak a cotton pad with the toner, and then sweep it across your face, neck, and chest. Follow up with a serum (if using) and moisturizer. This toner can be used twice daily.
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PHA molecules are large compared to other chemical exfoliants, so this exfoliating toner is excellent for those looking for a gentle exfoliation. PHA is also a humectant, so the 3% concentration helps lock in moisture.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Gentle
  • Fragrance-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Non-toxic
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Some reviewers complain about the bottle leaking during shipment

In addition to the PHA, this lightweight toner contains a 3% concentration of niacinamide, which minimizes blemishes and the appearance of large pores, controls excess oil, calms redness, and soothes the skin. Aloe leaf juice further works to calm the skin.

Water (Aqua / Eau), Propanediol, Gluconolactone, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ppg-26-Buteth-26, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide

  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information. "The use of polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) in photoaged skin"

    Accessed Jan. 25, 2022.
  2. National Center for Biotechnology Information. "How Much Do We Really Know About Our Favorite Cosmeceutical Ingredients?"

    Accessed Jan. 25, 2022.

3. Hydralight Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner

Paula’s Choice Hydralight Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner

Paula's Choice Toner for Refreshing and Balancing

Paula’s Choice Hydralight Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner

This is one of the best Paula’s Choice toners for normal to oily skin, as it is super lightweight but still effectively balances the skin’s hydration levels. It also contains ingredients that provide antioxidant protection.

Skin types: Normal, Oily and Combination
Best for: Refreshing and Balancing
Tested on animals: No
How to use: After cleansing, soak a cotton pad with the toner and swipe all over the face. Follow up with the rest of your skincare routine.
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This gentle toner is great for normal to oily skin, as it helps to balance the skin’s hydration levels without leaving a greasy finish. Additionally, it contains anti-irritants to calm the skin and soothe any redness.

Pros

  • Fragrance-free
  • Lightweight
  • Gentle

Cons

  • May not be suitable for sensitive skin

This toner contains willow herb extract, which helps soothe redness. It also contains green tea and grape seed extracts, which both have antioxidant properties and can protect the skin against environmental aggressors.

Water (Aqua), Methyl Gluceth-20, Polysorbate 20, Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Epilobium Angustifolium (Willowherb) Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Sodium PCA, Allantoin, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Bisabolol, Panthenol, PEG-90M, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Potassium Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol.

  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Protective Mechanisms of Green Tea Polyphenols in Skin"

    Accessed Aug. 6, 2021.
  2. National Center for Biotechnology Information. "The Topical Effect of Grape Seed Extract 2% Cream on Surgery Wound Healing"

    Accessed Aug. 6, 2021.

4. Resist Weightless Advanced Repairing Toner

Paula’s Choice Resist Weightless Advanced Repairing Toner

Paula's Choice Toner for Hydrating and Fighting Signs of Aging

Paula’s Choice Resist Weightless Advanced Repairing Toner

This lightweight toner is packed with ingredients that hydrate and fight the signs of aging while also reducing the appearance of pores and minimizing redness.

Skin types: Normal, Oily and Combination
Best for: Hydrating and Fighting Signs of Aging
Tested on animals: No
How to use: After cleansing, soak a cotton pad with the toner and swipe all over the face. Follow up with the rest of your skincare routine.
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This toner is excellent for normal to oily skin, as it helps renew and rehydrate the skin to minimize and prevent signs of aging without leaving a greasy finish. It also contains ingredients that soothe and calm the skin for an even, clear complexion.

Pros

  • Fragrance-free
  • Anti-Aging
  • Lightweight
  • Non-greasy

Cons

  • May not be suitable for sensitive skin

The key ingredient in this toner is niacinamide, which has been shown to minimize the appearance of pores, reduce redness, control sebum production, minimize fine lines, and act as an antioxidant.

Water (Aqua), Glycerin (hydration/skin replenishing), Ethoxydiglycol (hydration), Niacinamide (skin-restoring), Acetyl Glucosamine (hydration/skin replenishing), Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract (skin-soothing), Resveratrol (grape-derived antioxidant), Sodium Hyaluronate (hydration/skin replenishing), Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (skin-restoring), Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (skin-restoring), Phospholipids (hydration/skin replenishing), Epigallocatechin Gallate (antioxidant), Carnosine (skin-restoring), Genistein (antioxidant), Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract (skin-soothing), Adenosine (skin-restoring), Xanthan Gum (texture-enhancing), Citric Acid (pH adjuster), Polysorbate 20 (texture-enhancing), Butylene Glycol (hydration), Ethylhexylglycerin (preservative), Carbomer (texture-enhancing), Tetrasodium EDTA (stabilizer), Phenoxyethanol (preservative)

  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information. "The effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production"

    Accessed Aug. 6, 2021.
  2. National Center for Biotechnology Information. "How Much Do We Really Know About Our Favorite Cosmeceutical Ingredients?"

    Accessed Aug. 6, 2021.

FAQs

What is the best toner for redness and large pores?

A great option is the Paula’s Choice Resist Weightless Advanced Repairing Toner. It contains niacinamide, which both minimizes the appearance of large pores and calms the skin. The Inkey List PHA Toner is another great option if you’re looking for an exfoliating toner, as it also contains niacinamide. 

What is the best toner for redness for men?

Any of the options recommended above will work for men looking to minimize redness. It ultimately comes down to your skin type and specific needs. For example, if you have dry skin, you might want to try the Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner or The Inkey List PHA Toner.

Can toners cause redness?

There are some toners that may cause redness if they contain higher concentrations of active ingredients, or ingredients that your skin does not react well to. If you’re worried about a toner causing redness, try doing a patch test before using it on your entire face.  

The Bottom Line

Regularly using a targeted toner can make a major difference in facial redness. If you’re looking for a product that will calm redness, consider adding one of our recommended toners to your routine.