These Expert-Loved Toners Gently Exfoliate and Brighten Skin

• Doesn’t burn

• Thinner consistency than original formula

Not only does this toner use PHAs to gently buff away dead skin cells and smooth texture, but it is also formulated with hyaluronic acid and green tea for a surge of hydration. Because of its gentle ingredients, this toner is perfect for everyday use without fear of causing any damage.

Key ingredients: Green tea enzymes, PHAs, hyaluronic acid

Size: 5.07 fl oz

Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “My first dance with Innisfree was with its Daily UV Defense Sunscreen, a nourishing protective coat against the sun. Since I thoroughly enjoyed that formula, I opted to try other areas in the Innisfree line-up, including this daily toner. I have sensitive skin and typically skip toning, but this gentle formula keeps my acne under control and leaves my skin smooth.”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor

• Brightens complexion

• May not be best for super sensitive skin

Many exfoliating toners depend on salicylic, glycolic, or even mandelic acid. However, Rose Ingleton MD’s iteration features glycolic acid and harnesses its power from citrus fruits. The addition of licorice root extract works to reduce the appearance of dark spots and encourage an even, brighter complexion.

Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, licorice root extract, Jamaican Superfruit Blend, pro-vitamin B5

Size: 6 fl oz

Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “My skin drinks up this antioxidant-rich toner. I’m a huge fan of the Rose Ingleton MD cleanser, and quickly became a toner devotee, thanks to this tonic. It doesn’t strip my acne-prone skin or make breakouts worse; with consistent use, I noticed how much more brighter and clearer my skin appeared. 10/10 in my book!”—Nerisha Penrose

• Fights acne and blackheads

• May not be suitable for dry skin

Paula’s Choice has created plenty of hero products that have made their way into our routines, but the most popular product is this salicylic acid toner. Dr. Westbay especially loves it for acne-prone skin. “Although this concentration of salicylic acid rarely causes irritation or dryness in a cleanser, it may be more drying if in a leave-on product. However, this formulation mitigates that by incorporating green tea, an antioxidant that soothes and minimizes irritation,” she reports.

Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, green tea

Size: 1 fl. oz.

Paula’s Choice rating: 4.2/5 stars

Our expert says: “A few months ago, I noticed my skin looked incredibly dull, and my makeup looked textured, no matter the primer I used. A co-worker inquired when I last exfoliated—I couldn’t remember, so I immediately grabbed this formula. I have sensitive skin, so I started using it once a week, then upped it to twice a week. Results took about a month, but I began to notice my skin looked brighter and my makeup was blending better into my skin. With any BHA (or AHA or PHA), make sure to use a hydrating moisturizer and SPF50 to get the best results.”—Danielle James, beauty expert

• Gives skin a glow

• Some may dislike scent

Famous for being a “facial in a bottle,” this exfoliator has won over countless dermatologists, estheticians, and skin care enthusiasts. “This toner is an excellent choice for combination skin and includes AHAs, BHAs, and hydrating PHAs. This synergistic combination helps to balance oil production, refine pores, and improve overall skin texture,” says Dr. Westbay. Additionally, she explains that the formula’s niacinamide and arnica help soothe and balance out the skin.

Key ingredients: Lactic acid, salicylic acid, malic acid, niacinamide, arnica

Size: 5.1 fl. oz.

Shop Rescue Spa rating: 4.9/5 stars

Our expert says: “Your skin isn’t dull, you just haven’t tried P50 yet. There’s a reason why this French skin care staple is beloved worldwide. The formula is a toner and an exfoliator that leaves you with brighter, tighter skin. When I first started using it, I swiped it on my skin with a cotton pad. For the best results, pat this product into your skin for maximum absorption.”—Danielle James

• A little goes a long way

• May not be suitable for daily use

Alpha hydroxy acids, like glycolic acid, work to exfoliate the surface of the skin, smoothing away texture like fine lines and sloughing away dead skin cells to reveal a glow. Even though it’s not its intended use, many have discovered that the formula is helpful for lightening dark areas, like armpits, and keeping body odor at bay.

Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, Tasmanian pepperberry derivative, ginseng root, aloe vera

Size: 8 fl. oz.

Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars

Our expert says: “When my skin was at its worst, not only did a new pimple crop up every single day, but tiny bumps and dry patches also plagued the rest of my complexion. This toner kept all of that texture in check, allowing the makeup I applied over my angry, red blemishes to appear as smooth and seamless as possible.”—Carol Lee, beauty writer

• Alcohol-free

• Some may dislike scent

Inside this Instagram-worthy pink bottle is a formula that does everything you want an exfoliating toner to do while also providing hydration. “This toner gets its BHA power from willow bark, a natural form, which works to unclog and decongest. These effects are amplified by the addition of polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) that provide gentle exfoliation,” Dr. Westbay explains. Meanwhile, watermelon extract and cactus water nourish and deeply moisturize the skin.

Key ingredients: Betaine salicylate, hyaluronic acid, tea tree extract, watermelon extract, cactus water

Size: 5 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Like many others, I have used the harsh exfoliating toners. This is not one of them, yet still very effective (don’t let the color pink fool you). I had a mild case of milia under my eye and used this a few times a week, and it disappeared. If you are a newbie to the idea of using a liquid to slough off dead skin, give this a try. Don’t be fooled by the gentleness—it will work.”—Kathleen Hou, ELLE beauty director

• Suitable for all skin types

• Some may dislike dispenser

When you have sensitive skin, or even if you don’t, exfoliating can be nerve-wracking; if you do it too much, you risk causing irritation and throwing your skin barrier out of whack. However, if you don’t do it enough, you won’t be able to reap the true benefits. This product is formulated with PHAs, which are so gentle that even those with irritable skin can get away with applying it daily. The inclusion of soothing aloe vera extract doesn’t hurt, either.

Key ingredients: Polyhydroxy acid, prickly pear extract, aloe vera extract, acai extract

Size: 6.7 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Keeping my acne-prone skin in check is no small feat, especially when every breakout leads to a dark spot that takes forever to fade. However, I found relief in this gentle toner, which uses PHAs to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of texture. The pump spout makes it easy to control how much product is needed, and after a few uses, I noticed how radiant my skin looked, so I started using it on my chest and arms, too.”

• A little goes a long way

• Results take time to see

Tatcha’s The Texture Tonic exfoliates using gentle fruit AHAs. The chemical exfoliators collaborate with other ingredients, like niacinamide and mugwort, to even out the skin, calm redness, and remove unwanted texture.

Key ingredients: Fruit AHAs, niacinamide, Japanese mugwort, wild rose

Size: 5 fl. oz

Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I cannot stress enough how much I love this product I absolutely love this and have noticed a HUGE difference in my skin since I began using this line. Thank you so much!!!”

• Pore-shrinking

• May not be suitable for sensitive skin

This Good Molecules pick features a trio of texture- and acne-fighting acids: glycolic, lactic, and salicylic. “By using regularly, this treatment can create blurred and tighter skin, eliminating fine lines and wrinkles,” Akram, a celebrity esthetician based in Alexandria, VA and the founder of Sarah Akram Skincare, explains. She also adds that it reduces the appearance of pores overnight.

Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid

Size: 1 fl. oz.

Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I bought this on a whim, I was desperate to heal my fungal acne. I used it at night after I washed my face, and when I woke up, my acne hadn't looked this good in a very long time. I now use it every other day, and my acne is mostly gone.”

• Brightens dark spots

• Some may dislike scent

If toners aren’t your thing, and you’d like to add a brightening mask to your routine, consider this option from Hyper Skin. The formula “includes niacinamide to battle uneven skin tone and eliminate darkness and hyperpigmentation. Salicylic acid and sea buckthorn are also featured as ingredients to minimize acne,” says Akram.

Key ingredients: Niacinamide, salicylic acid, sea buckthorn

Size: 1.7 fl. oz.

Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “After even one use, my pores looked smaller, and my skin looked smoother. I have prior scars and hyperpigmentation on my cheeks, and this brightened the spots, making my skin look more even. Recommend!”

• Alcohol-free

• May take time to see a difference

You can pat in toners with your hands, but many prefer to soak a cotton pad and apply it that way. These pre-soaked pads feature glycolic acid to exfoliate, aloe vera to soothe, ginseng to revitalize, and sugars that brighten the skin and boost hydration.

Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, ginseng, aloe vera, fructose, sucrose

Size: 60 pads

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “This is my favorite skincare product ever. I have combination skin, and this does not dry your skin, yet it keeps the oil away. Best I [have] ever used. I have sensitive skin, and this stuff does not make my face red at all.”

According to Dr. Westbay, “exfoliating toners can be beneficial for various skin types and concerns, but they may not be suitable for everyone,” she says. Here is her guide to the types of benefits you’ll see, depending on the state of your skin:

Dull Skin: Exfoliating toners can help brighten the complexion by removing dead skin cells that can make the skin look dull.

Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: BHAs, like salicylic acid in exfoliating toners, can penetrate and clear out pores, reducing acne and blackheads.

Uneven Skin: Regular use of exfoliating toners can help fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots and even out skin tone.

Textured Skin: AHAs in exfoliating toners can smooth out rough patches and improve skin texture.

Mature Skin: Exfoliating toners can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by promoting cell turnover.

Frequency depends on your skin type and concerns. Dr. Westbay says that those with oily skin, which is typically thicker, may be able to tolerate daily use. However, unless the formula has a low acid concentration and a soothing formula, it’s better to be more cautious and use it about every other day, according to Akram. “It is recommended to use exfoliating toners a few times a week, as the chemical ingredients can irritate and cause redness to the skin if overused, leading to more breakouts,” she says.

According to Dr. Westbay, these skin types should steer clear of them:

Sensitive Skin: Those with sensitive skin should be cautious, as exfoliating acids can cause irritation and redness. If used, it should be a gentle formula and not used too frequently.

Rosacea or Eczema: People with conditions like rosacea or eczema should avoid exfoliating toners, as they can exacerbate these conditions.

Dry Skin: While some dry skin types can benefit from exfoliating toners, they should be used sparingly and followed by a good moisturizer to prevent over-drying.

Skin with a Compromised Barrier: If your skin barrier is damaged (e.g., from over-exfoliation or harsh products), it’s best to avoid exfoliating toners until your skin has healed.

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Carol Lee consulted skin care experts to learn about the best exfoliating toners. She also read through countless customer reviews and evaluated each product on its features.