Applying toner is one of the most neglected steps in skincare routines, but it is actually an important step you shouldn't miss. Toners work to remove excess oil, stubborn dirt, or makeup residue after cleansing. However, if you have sensitive skin, choosing a toner can be tricky. You need to be mindful of the ingredients that can possibly trigger rashes or irritation in your skin.
With the expertise of Dermatologist, Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz, we break down what toners are for and how they are used. To make your search easier, the mybest team also listed down 10 of their recommended toners for sensitive skin. All these items are available for purchase online, so you can order yours today!
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Experts featured in this article only reviewed the content of our buying guide. They had no part in the selection or ranking of products or services listed.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
Skin toners may not look like much due to their watery consistency, but they offer a bunch of benefits for your skin. Using them properly can improve your skin's overall health. Depending on which type of toner you are using, it can soothe, hydrate, and cleanse your face with a single wipe.
For people with sensitive skin, toners work wonders by restoring the skin's pH level. It also provides the necessary hydration to keep it looking young and plump. When used to cleanse, they can easily remove any dirt, oils, or leftover makeup to prevent the formation of acne or irritations.
Here are some points to consider:
Look for products with calming and hydrating ingredients.
Steer clear of harsh and drying ingredients.
Consult with your dermatologist for a professional opinion.
Screw caps, flip-top bottle caps, or spray type - see which packaging is the easiest one for you to use.
Sensitive skin often manifests as either being very dry or show redness in some areas. Whichever one your skin might have, there are specific toners to help control the condition. We’ve listed some common ingredients you can look for in your search for a toner.
Often taken as a tea, chamomile also has great benefits for the skin. When used as a toner, chamomile can impart its anti-inflammatory and vasodilating effects to relieve any redness. It can sometimes be referred to as a "natural skin bleach" and leave your skin bright and refreshed. Aloe vera is typically applied on sunburns, thanks to its soothing properties.
It is filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and enzymes that can treat any itchy feeling you may have. Due to their growing popularity, they have become more common among skincare products. This means they are easy to find and are fairly affordable. For other ingredients that can soothe the pores, you can check out witch hazel, green tea, licorice extract, cucumber, and peony extract.
Glycerin and hyaluronic acid be naturally found on the skin. Their main job is to hydrate the skin and lock in moisture. It works to help the natural barrier of your skin and improve the penetration of the products you’ll apply next. This can also protect your skin from damages caused by natural environmental factors like intense sunlight.
Rosewater has a number of benefits, including the prevention of fine lines and wrinkles. It also balances your skin’s oils to leave a bright, youthful glow. Other ingredients that are known to provide hydration are Moringa seed extract, plant collagen, Bija seed oil, willow bark extract, and papaya extract.
It is important to check your toner’s label before purchasing. Here are some common ingredients you need to avoid to prevent aggravating your sensitive skin.
Alcohol is a fairly common ingredient in skincare products. These are often labeled as methanol, isopropyl alcohol, or ethyl alcohol. They help the active ingredients penetrate the deep layers of the skin. Toners with this ingredient leave our skin feeling clean and oil-free.
However, this can also make your skin feel very dry, especially for those with sensitive skin. While alcohol might indeed clean your skin of impurities, they strip skin of natural oils and are harmful in the long run. Try out special alcohol-free toner formulations to prevent itchiness and keep your skin’s moisture and pH levels balanced.
Having sensitive skin means you need to stay away from harsh and unnecessary chemicals. Dermatologists claim that contrary to belief, dyes, fragrances, parabens are not harmful if they are in low doses or concentrations.
Dyes and fragrances are great add-ons but are typically non-essential. Parabens, on the other hand, are preservatives that help extend the shelf life of beauty products. To be on the safer side, it would be best to stick with odorless or naturally scented toners instead and choose one that's paraben-free. But then again, at the end of the day, it is all up to your preference and how your skin reacts!
Finding products for sensitive skin may not be the easiest task. If you are worried about getting your skin hiyang to multiple skincare products, then this is the perfect solution. This all-in-one toner from CosRx can be used as a toner, a mask, a facial mist, and cleansing water.
It effectively balances the skin's hydration, thanks to its hyaluronic acid content. Hyaluronic acid has many skin benefits, including anti-aging properties, the ability to increase skin elasticity, and the capacity to relieve redness. This skincare potion also contains Vitamin B5, which can help in skin recovery and regeneration.
Its consistency is watery to give a light and airy sensation when applied. This toner is also dermatologist-tested and is totally hypoallergenic, so your sensitive skin has nothing to worry about. It's also cruelty-free and contains no parabens, sulfates, alcohol, and artificial fragrances.
Human Nature prides itself on being an all-natural brand carrying mild formulas for all types of personal and household solutions. This gentle toner is perfect for people who have sensitive skin caused by extreme dryness. Each bottle is filled with plant collagen and Moringa seed extract that provides ultimate hydration.
This can be used to effectively remove makeup residue and grime build-up from dust and pollution. It is 99.8% natural, vegan, and hypoallergenic, preventing any possible irritations caused by harsh chemicals. This is recommended to be used after washing your face with a cleanser.
Reviewers of this product say that upon application, they did not feel any stinging sensation. It also effectively stopped the formation of acne in some users. The formula also leaves a light and smooth finish, making it perfect to pair with other skincare products, such as creams and serums.
When dealing with sensitive skin, less is more. This hydration toner from Celeteque contains everything you'll need to clean and hydrate your skin. It is cruelty-free and contains no parabens and harsh scents. This toner is made primarily with glycerin, which seals moisture in the skin's surface for a smooth and soft feel.
It is enhanced with witch hazel extract that works to relieve skin irritation and inflammation. It can also help restore damage on the dermis to improve its protection from potential contaminants. As it repairs your skin, it also takes with it any traces of stubborn dirt and grime.
On top of all these great features, it comes at a very affordable price that won't ruin your monthly budget. People who have tried this product say the alcohol-free solution is really gentle on their skin. Regular use of the toner also resulted in brighter-looking skin in just a few weeks.
Salicylic acid is a common ingredient of cosmetic products, thanks to its ability to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. This reveals the new layer of skin underneath, leaving your skin looking brighter. It can also relieve some redness or inflammation, which is a common manifestation of sensitivity.
The main highlight of this wonder from Innisfree is its Bija seed oil content. This ingredient is known to enhance and nourish the skin's natural defense barrier and keep it safe from any external contaminants. Another plus is that this product is free of parabens, synthetic colorants, and artificial fragrances for an all-natural solution.
Users of this toner say the formulation works well with their sensitive skin. It effectively prevents breakouts and can quickly heal any acne or pimples. It also leaves a light and refreshing feeling after every application.
Cetaphil is specifically formulated for sensitive types, making it ideal if you have skin that's prone to irritation. Their Brightness Refresh Toner helps you achieve hydrated, refreshed, and brightened skin. It's also fit for all skin types, so it's certainly a good pick!
It contains 2% niacinamide and sea daffodil to reduce dark spots and illuminate your skin, helping you achieve an even skin tone. Plus, this toner is not only refreshing, but it also does not feel sticky!
This paraben-free toner works when used both in the morning, as a toner, or before going to bed, as a cleanser. It is made with nourishing ingredients like willow bark extract, papaya extract, and rosewater to deliver all the nutrients your skin needs. It also has witch hazel extract to deliver a calming sensation upon application.
This product forms the perfect base, so your skin is ready for your other skincare products. It also has added exfoliating components to rid your skin of any dead skin cells and impurities. Users of this toner say that the benefits it provides make it worth the price tag.
Want to attain your favorite K-drama star's perfect glass skin? This pH-balancing toner from Acwell is made especially for that. This toner contains 10% licorice water and peony extract, both of which are known for their strong skin brightening capacity. Its light consistency lets it get absorbed by the skin to bring out its natural luminosity.
It maintains the skin's barrier by keeping the pH level at 5.5. And with its anti-inflammatory properties, you won't be struggling with any unwanted redness or irritation, too. After using a facial cleanser, apply a couple of drops of the toner on a cotton pad and gently wipe the face. You can also opt to use your hands and pat down any excess to let your skin absorb all of the product.
Made with 45% green tea water, this toner calms and soothes your skin. It has a pH level of 7, which means it is completely neutral and will not cause any harsh effects. Thanks to its low viscosity, it penetrates fast and deep into the skin's layer to deliver all its nutrients.
It also has additional calendula extract and coconut palm to strengthen the skin's protective barrier. This toner contains no ethanol, silicones, artificial colorings, and fragrances. It can also be used as a facial mist for when you want to replenish your skin's moisture throughout the day.
Stubborn makeup can be very hard to remove, and using harsh toners can cause even more damage. This bamboo micellar toner is full of nano-sized oil molecules that work by lifting any makeup residue on your skin without stripping it of its natural oils. It also works well to remove dirt and dead skin cells.
It is further enhanced with Aloe Vera to prevent the skin from drying out. This ingredient will definitely leave you feeling moisturized and rejuvenated after every application. It also has a fresh bamboo scent to give you a natural-smelling finish. Best of all, chemists and doctors have worked to make this toner specifically for Filipino skin!
RRAW is a great eco-conscious brand that's based here in the country. They practice by up-cycling their packaging and branding items. They also have a discount program for users who return their bottles for a refill. This is definitely worth a try!
Cucumber can do more than just quench your thirst on a hot, sunny day. It can also relieve clogged pores and reduce redness from irritation. This tonic toner from RRAW is a great alcohol-free mix that is made from all-natural ingredients.
The formula can work with all skin types but is ideal for those with sensitive skin. It works well by conditioning the skin and restoring its proper pH level. Users of this toner say this is a great alternative to makeup primers, as it can efficiently close the pores and leave a smooth base to apply on.
We're definite that you're now a step closer to getting healthier skin, but here's some more lowdown that we and Dr. Katrina think you should know more about!
Definitely, there are toners that can be more drying than others. Key is turning your product, looking at the label, finding out what's actually in it, and if it's drying or not!
There are no hard-and-fast rules for this one. Since toners aren't a must in a skincare routine, it would be a good idea to start slow. For example, 2-3 times a week, and then adjust accordingly based on the response of your skin.
Nowadays, cleansers have evolved to do their job gently yet effectivelyーprecisely to cleanse. Thus, gone are the days that toners are a must to cleanse what our soaps couldn't or remove the residues left on our skin by these old-fashioned cleansers. Toners aren't a must, but if you use toner and enjoy it, then go do you!
Finding the right products for your skin type may be difficult. Don't put yourself through the trouble of trying a million other products. Check out our articles below on other essentials you can use for your sensitive skin.
Author: Roxanne A.
Editor: R. Umlas
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
Beauty
Body care, Makeup, SkincareCameras
Camera supplies, Digital cameras, Drones and multirotorsHealth
Beauty supplements, Medical supplies, Feminine careHousehold goods
Air treatment, Bath and shower supplies, BlanketsPCs and laptops
Computer accessories, Computer components, Desktop pcsHome appliances and electronics
Air conditioners and coolers, Air treatment, Blenders, mixers, and food processorsFood and drinks
Alcoholic beverages, Baked goods and desserts, BakingKitchen supplies
Baking tools, Coffee and tea accessories, Food containersClothing
Brands and shops, Men's coats and jackets, Men's innerwearShoes
Men's shoes, Other shoes and footwear, Outdoor footwearAccessories
Bags, Accessories and jewelry, BeltsMom and baby
Baby books and toys, Baby food and snacks, Baby suppliesInterior and furniture
Beds, Carpets and rugs and mats, ChairsHobbies
Animes, Arts and crafts, Board gamesOutdoor
Camping beds and cots, Camping stoves, CoolersDIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Accessories, Badminton, BasketballPets
Cat supplies, Dog supplies, Fish and aquarium suppliesBooks, CDs, and DVDs
Books and magazines, CDs, Linguistics, dictionaries, and phrase booksGames
Console accessories, PC and console gamesCars and motorcycles
Car accessories, Car seats, Car suppliesGifts
Christmas-related gifts, Gifts for kids, Gifts for menHome improvement and tools
Door hardware and locks, Electrical, Gas stovesSmartphones and tablets
Smartphone accessories, Smartphones, StorageMobile data
Investment and asset management
Banking and finance
Credit cards, Debit cards, Services and appsInsurance
Car insurance, Life insurance, Medical insuranceAudio
Earphones, Gaming, HeadphonesSmartphone applications
Business apps, Dating apps, Education appsOthers
Others, Merch, Recreation