Here Are 12 Of The Best Exfoliating Toners For All Skin Types

We often contemplate if toner is actually necessary. Well, it all comes down to what you need. Is it actually helping your skin, or are you just using it because everyone tells you to? There are also several different toners out there and you need to find one suitable for your skin. An exfoliating toner can also be seen as a sort of chemical exfoliant. They tend to have less acid in them, so they can be used every day without drying the skin. Although, everyone’s skin is different. If you are unsure about whether an exfoliating toner is suitable for you, test it out. Use it once a day first. If your skin is able to tolerate it, then you can start using it more often. Side note, when using an exfoliating toner, make sure to also incorporate SPF into your routine! 

Different Toners For Different Skin Types

Seeing that everyone has different skin types, it’s only natural that we, over at Beauty Insider, try our best to cater to everyone’s needs! First off, we need to figure what ingredients and which toners are suitable for which skin type. 

Normal & Combination Skin

For those with normal and combination skin, you want to look for a toner that helps balance your skin. If you don’t have many skin concerns, using a toner can help exfoliate your skin. At the same time, it can also be your chance to enrich your skin with anti-ageing benefits! Look out for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid which helps increase moisture. 

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin can be tricky when picking out a toner because it gets irritated easily. Therefore, you guys should look for toners that are cooling, calming and healing! Search for toners that include powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients. Also, check out ingredients such as humectants and skin-repairing antioxidants. Look out for Aloe Vera and alcohol-free toners, as it is soothing and can help treat burns. 

Oily & Acne-Prone Skin 

Similar to those with sensitive skin, oily and acne-prone skin should also look out for alcohol-free toners. Although, this skin type should also choose a gentle exfoliating toner. This is because a gentle exfoliant can help remove dead surface cells. Thus, leading to clearer skin! Opt for toners that are balancing and contain acids or antibacterial agents. Ingredient wise, try looking for salicylic acid or glycolic acid. Anything that says AHA/BHA will be helpful as well!

Dry Skin

Lastly, for those with dry skin, you should opt for hydrating toners. Try using toners that provide moisturisation as well. Along with antioxidants, it can help create extra protection against the environment. Look out for ingredients such as glycerin and essential oils, which can help relieve dryness and retain moisture. 

1. CosRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

Recently creating an uproar as a new cult favourite in the beauty community is Korean brand CosRX. This exfoliating toner is suitable for oily skin. Its formula is gentle and rich in ingredients such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid and anti-inflammatory. It also has the benefit to help get rid of dead skin. Therefore, it can help you to achieve skin that is clarifying!

Price: $21.90

Where to buy: Watson Singapore

2. Pixi By Petra Glow Tonic

With only 5% of glycolic acid-infused, the Pixi Travel Glow Tonic contains balancing effects. This cult favourite also has the ability to help gently exfoliate and re-energise the skin! Thus, leaving your skin looking healthier and feeling more refreshed. Since it also includes aloe vera, it also helps soothe the skin and provide hydration. This toner is also suitable for all skin types and leaves your face looking brighter and smoother. 

Price: $20.26

Where to buy: Revolve

3. The Inkey List PHA Toner

Next up in our list of the best exfoliating toner is the Inkey List PHA Toner. PHA is a much gentler exfoliant which makes it suitable for those with sensitive skin! Since it doesn’t penetrate the skin as deeply as AHAs and BHAs, it is less likely to irritate. It also has the benefits to help clear clogged pores and contains niacinamide to help regulate oil. Thus, this exfoliating toner can help achieve that is smoother!

Price: $18.00

Where to buy: LookFantastic Singapore

4. Versed Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Solution

This clean beauty brand has the benefit to help increase your glow! Suitable for dull skin as well, this toner can help fade away hyperpigmentation. It also has the benefit to help even out your skin tone. Therefore, it helps your skin to achieve a brighter appearance! Since it’s also vegan and cruelty-free, it is suitable for oily, normal and combination skin types. 

Price: $24.31

Where to buy: Revolve 

5. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner

Also hailing from South Korea is Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner! Finally landing in Singapore, Glow Recipe came up with this toner to help get rid of pores. This powerful yet gentle exfoliating toner also helps reduce dead skin cells and refine the texture of your skin. Thus, it helps to achieve a brighter complexion that is also smooth. Since it is also alcohol-free, it is suitable for all skin types and even benefits the skin without stripping too much moisture!

Price: $23.00

Where to buy: Sephora Singapore 

6. Josh Rosebrook Daily Acid Toner

The Josh Rosebrook Daily Acid Toner has multiple benefits. It’s able to act as both an exfoliating and brightening toner. It has the benefits to help improve signs of ageing, skin damages and reduce redness. At the same time, it’s also able to help increase the hydration within the skin. Suitable for all skin types, this toner contains powerful ingredients to provide results! 

Price: $43.00

Where to buy: The Detox Market

7. Clinique Clarifying Lotion Twice a Day Exfoliator

The ever-popular Clinique has a range of clarifying lotions that cater to the needs of different skin types. This particular one is suitable for those with dry skin! Even though it contains salicylic acid, which by the way, is not just beneficial for oily skin. It’s also formulated for safe usage every day! 

Price: $40.00

Where to buy: Sephora Singapore

8. Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Its large following is because Paula’s Choice doesn’t use ingredients that cause irritation such as fragrances and dyes. The release of its 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is suitable for those with acne-prone skin. Using salicylic acid helps to remove dead skin cells, along with excess oils. Thus, it has the benefit to help keep your pores clear! 

Price: $45.00

Where to buy: Paula’s Choice

9. Georgette Klinger Phytic Exfoliating Toner

Moving on is a toner suitable for sensitive skin. The Georgette Klinger Phytic Exfoliating Toner uses an ingredient called phytic acid. This ingredient is an antioxidant that is derived naturally. Acting as the main ingredient, it helps get rid of dead skin cells and repairs environmental damage! Although, phytic acid is sometimes mixed with AHAs, which could potentially cancel out its gentleness. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the ingredients! 

Price: $32.53

Where to buy: Amazon Singapore

10. Bolden Skin Brightening Toner

If you suffer from hyperpigmentation, this toner is the one for you! The Bolden Skin Brightening Toner helps fade away dark spots and tightens pores as well. Its formula is also free from parabens and sulphates. It also has the ability to help regulate oil and prevent breakouts! Its formula also contains ingredients that brighten the skin such as algae extract, liquorice root and niacinamide. 

Price: $26.37

Where to buy: Amazon Singapore

11. GlamGlow Supertoner Exfoliating Acid Solution

This toner was formulated especially for fans of GlamGlow’s iconic Supermud Clearing Treatment. Its formula contains ingredients such as charcoal and clay, which can help leave the skin feeling refreshed! Along with a strong blend of up to 6 acids, it helps remove dead surface cells and clarifies the pores. Thus, it helps your skin to achieve a refined and purified look! 

Price: $56.72

Where to buy: Revolve

12. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA

Last but not least, we have The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA. The Ordinary is a known cult favourite and the lactic acid acts as a moisture magnet. Along with both the ingredients of lactic acid and hyaluronic acid, this toner helps hydrate and exfoliate at the same time! Suitable for those with dry skin, hyaluronic acid helps combine water with the collagen in your skin. Since it contains lactic acid, this toner is extra gentle and also suitable for sensitive skin. 

Price: $12.00

Where to buy: Zalora Singapore