Mega-Hydrating Toners For Juicy Summer Skin (From $10)

If you ask us, toners don’t get the credit they deserve. They come in all kinds of formats, from hydrating powerhouses to skin-evening exfoliators and redness-soothing emulsions. They’re designed to be used after your cleanser and before your essence and serum. Think of toners like a prep step that helps to balance your skin’s pH, boost moisture retention, and more depending on your formula. Today, we’re discussing some gentle, hydrating toners that are a) are an easy addition for all skin types and b) affordable. Take your pick of the lot…

1. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, $25

Source: COSRX

Like a shot of pure gold – or in this case, snail mucin – COSRX’s essence works double duty as a glow-giving toner. Sodium hyaluronate adds a surge of moisture while arginine, an amino acid, plumps your skin and softens the appearance of fine lines. We love how this gloopy formula can be sloshed straight into your hands and gently patted into the skin.

2. BLK + GRN Rose Water Hydrating Toner, $17

Source: BLK + GRN

If you haven’t added a toner into your skincare routine yet, the BLK + GRN Rose Water Hydrating Toner, $17, is a no-brainer. The aromatherapy-meets-skincare toner contains sweet smellin’ fruit enzymes that gently exfoliate your skin for a smooth feel. DW, soothing rose water and watermelon extract balance things out with moisturizing radish ferment so your skin never feels tight or dry. Feel free to set and refresh your makeup with her too!

3. The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Gentle Exfoliating Toner, $12

Source: The INKEY List

The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Gentle Exfoliating Toner, $12, has a hero ingredient: polyhydroxy acid. These large PHA molecules gently buff away dead skin cells so your skincare products that follow can fully absorb and work their magic. Soothing aloe barbadensis leaf juice (basically aloe vera) and niacinamide also work overtime to calm and nourish, preventing your skin from feeling dry.

4. Versed Skincare Baby Cheeks Hydrating Milk Toner, $18

Source: Versed Skincare

Versed Skincare came through with this milky brew – it softens your skin with a luxurious blend of algae extract, bamboo extract, and coconut water. The gentle formula is also fueled with amino acids, vitamins and minerals to replenish your skin with a surge of glow-giving moisture. We love that it restores your skin’s natural pH post-cleanse so your skin never feels dry or thirsty.

5. CeraVe Alcohol-Free Hydrating Toner for Sensitive Dry Skin, $10

Source: CeraVe

You’ll always find this alcohol and fragrance-free formula at the top of derm-recommendation lists… Spoiler alert: it’s not because it’s so damn cheap. The skin-balancing formula packs ceramides to lock in moisture, hyaluronic acid to boost moisture levels, and niacinamide to brighten and soothe.

6. Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner, $15

Source: Mario Badescu

The Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner, $15, is perfect for the hot and humid months when your skin desperately needs a midday pick-me-up. The aloe-based formulation helps cool, tone, hydrate, and wash away any leftover makeup without stripping your skin. It’s also vegan, alcohol-free, and fragrance-free. It literally ticks every box!

7. Heritage Store Rosewater Facial Toner, $13

Source: Heritage Store

Sweep away leftover impurities with The Heritage Store Rosewater Facial Toner, $13. Formulated with soothing Damaskan rose oil that softens your skin and hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate, the vegan toner also minimizes the appearance of fine lines while hitting you with that dewy Jello-O glow.

8. Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner, $22

Source: Kiehl’s

Cucumbers contain anti-inflammatory benefits that brighten dull and tired skin making this cucumber-infused toner a winner. The mild, alcohol-free formula not only contains cucumber extracts to gently balance your skin and reduce redness but it also boasts camomile extract to soothe and hydrate.

Every skin type can benefit from incorporating a toner into their skincare routines – we discuss why it’s such an essential step here.

Disclaimer: Every product we review has been independently selected and tested without bias by our editorial team. Although some brands allow affiliate links, we never take payment to review products, so we may earn a commission if you purchase a product by clicking on one of our links.