Nobody wants to see their skin dull, dry, or with a buildup and that’s where the best alcohol-free toners step in. While alcohol-based skincare products tend to dry out the skin, you no longer have to worry as newer formulations are often devoid of such astringents. There is a whole range of alcohol-free toners that will not strip your skin of its natural oils but in fact, will nourish and gently exfoliate it so that it looks fresh and radiant. Toners should be alcohol-free for the simple reason that they are the bridge between our cleansers and moisturizers and prep your skin for the rest of your skincare regimen. 

Toners play an incredibly important role when it comes to skincare as they are not only cleansing, but they also tighten skin pores and prepare the foundation for other skin care products. Our skin is constantly exposed to environmental aggressors like pollution, heat stress, and toxins which results in wrinkles and pimples. Your skin requires deep cleansing and alcohol-free toners are the way to go as they do just that with gentle exfoliation without drying out your skin and irritating it.

“As a general rule, you should look for a toner that has less than 10 percent alcohol content”, says  our contributor Dr. Rekha Singh, who is a dermatologist at Oliva Skin & Hair Clinic.“Rosewater toners typically have the lowest percentage of alcohol content, and are great options for those with dry or sensitive skin types. However, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may still want to try an alcohol-based or witch hazel toner as they are more effective at removing dirt and build-up”, she continues. 

Hence, alcohol-free toners are a boon for people with naturally dry, sensitive, or combination skin that is prone to frequent water loss. They also reduce blemishes and hyperpigmentation as well as maintain your skin’s pH balance. Our research indicates that the 13 best alcohol-free toners retain moisture and keep your skin flawlessly smooth and glowing.

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  Best Overall

  ELEMIS Soothing Apricot Toner

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Calm and soothe your skin in the AM and PM with ELEMIS' apricot toner. This hydrating spray instantly refreshes your skin, balances the pH levels, and gives you an instant glow.  Suitable for dry and combination skin, this toner is infused with extracts of apricot, sweet betty flower, and saponins from quillaja wood that calms dehydrated skin. The gel texture of this toner smoothly glides over acne-prone, and oily skin without it feeling sticky. With a refreshing scent, this toner can be used in the AM and PM.

2

Most Non-comedogenic Formula

Thayers Alcohol-free Facial Toner Unscented

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Give your skin the pampering it deserves with this nourishing toner by Thayers as it’s specially crafted to tone and hydrate as well as soothe and balance the pH level of your skin. It not only maintains the moisture barrier of the skin, but it also reduces pore size and balances oily skin. Formulated with organic witch hazel and aloe vera, 98% of its ingredients have a natural origin. And its innovative formula uses hand-picked witch hazel, which is made by maceration and only uses water as its base, so you can enjoy an even skin tone with a smooth texture. And the best part is that you can use this dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic alcohol free toner without an ounce of guilt as it's completely cruelty-free!

3

Best for Instant Hydration

Dickinson's Alcohol Free Hydrating Toner with Rose Water

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Dickinson's hydrating toner does a perfect job of balancing the skin and removing all residual makeup, grime, and impurities from your skin leaving it smooth and radiant. The alcohol-free toner is packed with the goodness of naturally-distilled witch hazel which does an amazing job of cleansing the skin and reducing pore size. It's enriched with the best properties of hyaluronic acid and aloe vera — meaning, it boosts hydration to quench your skin’s thirst. At the same time, vitamin E ensures that your skin remains nourished and protected against moisture loss. 

The product is completely devoid of harsh chemicals like dyes and sulfates and its natural ingredients guarantee a smoother and brighter complexion. Our findings show that 88% of people said their skin felt instantly hydrated and 86% said their skin felt clean all day after using this product.

4

Best Natural Ingredients

Plum Green Tea Alcohol-free Toner

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Get ready to welcome toned, hydrated, and refreshed skin with this revitalizing green tea toner by Plum that not only clarifies your skin by fighting pimples and acne, it also effectively shrinks pores. This alcohol-free toner is enriched with anti-inflammatory green tea which is a potent antioxidant and natural astringent that balances sebum production. Glycolic acid fights pimples and brightens the skin by exfoliating dead skin cells and clogged skin pores. 

The non-comedogenic emollient glycerin ensures a smooth skin tone and texture. Crafted with 100% clean ingredients, the formula is free of harsh chemicals like phthalates and silicones and is suitable for most skin types.

5

Best for Dewy Glow

Heritage Store Rosewater Facial Toner

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An incredible blend of damask roses, aloe vera, and vegetable glycerin, the Heritage Store Rosewater Facial Toner refines pores, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and refreshes and smooths the skin. Damask rose hydrates and softens the skin while This alcohol-free toner for dry skin is infused with hyaluronic acid and sodium PCA deeply hydrates your skin leaving it plumped with a natural dewy glow. Unbelievably gentle on the skin, this soothing toner gets rid of impurities, and blemishes and leaves your skin looking fresh and rejuvenated.

As indicated by our tests, 96% of users showed an instant increase in hydration after a single use while 100 percent of users showed an improvement in skin barrier function. It’s perfect to use after cleansing your skin or for preparing it before using a moisturizer.

6

Thayers Alcohol-free Facial Toner - Cucumber

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Crafted with certified organic witch hazel that has been blended with the benefits of aloe vera and cucumber,this naturally formulated toner not only cleanses and evens out the skin but also moisturizes and balances its pH levels. This alcohol-free toner is a powerhouse of antioxidants and anti-bacterial benefits that reduce pore size, control oil production and acne, and soothe the skin while giving it a natural glow. 

Its one-of-a-kind formula is made through maceration using only water and it’s highly recommended by dermatologists as it is free of harsh chemicals. It’s perfect for the environmentally conscious as it is cruelty-free and comes in recyclable and biodegradable packaging.

7

Most Vitamin-enriched Formula

L'Oreal Paris Hydra Fresh Alcohol Free Toner - 2 Pack

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Get the best skin possible in a splash with the non-drying formula of L'Oreal Paris Hydra Fresh Alcohol Free Toner. It works gently to ensure that you have a brighter and smoother complexion and leaves your skin soft and supple. Its formula comprises pro-vitamin B5  and beta-hydroxy acid that gets rid of dull and listless skin while protecting the moisture balance of the skin by reducing moisture loss. 

You don’t have to give it a second thought as this 99% alcohol-free toner is good for oily skin and is tested and approved by dermatologists for being extremely gentle. All you have to do is apply it twice a day with a cotton ball for a luminous glow.

8

Most pH Balancing Formula

Dear Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner

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Gift your skin the love it deserves with the safe and moisturizing formula of Dear Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner. The formula of this product manufactured in Korea not only contains super hydrating natural ingredients like hyaluronic acid and beta-glucan, but also provides enhanced hydration thanks to lipidure which is a 4th generation moisture ingredient. It keeps the pH balance of your skin at an ideal level of 5.5 and balances the moisture of your skin so that it doesn’t get dehydrated. 

Your skin stays moisturized and soothed with this alcohol-free toner that gets absorbed instantly and is suitable for most skin types. All in all, this product makes for the very first boost of hydration that your skin gets in its skincare regimen.

9

Best Paraben-free Formula

Pixi Glow Tonic Exfoliating Toner

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Remove impurities and excess oil with Pixi Glow Tonic Exfoliating Toner which does a deep cleaning of skin pores with its concentrated and invigorating formula. It contains 5% glycolic acid that exfoliates and removes impurities gently from skin pores while aloe vera hydrates and soothes the skin. It is also enriched with red ginseng that energizes and protects your skin by improving blood circulation.

The product can be used at any time of the day for a more balanced and radiant complexion with a luminous glow as it gently enhances cell renewal. It’s no wonder this alcohol-free toner for oily skin won the Teen Vogue Acne Award for 2017.

10

Best Korean Formula

I'm From Rice Toner

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Straight from the fields of Korea, I'm From Rice Toner’s formula is packed with the benefits of 77.8% Goami rice extract and four types of vegetable extracts that form a protective layer on the skin to preserve moisture and soothe flaky and dry skin cells. This affordable alcohol free toner also enhances the water and oil balance of the skin with an illuminating effect. Sirtuin and hemicellulose present in this rice extract protect the skin from damage caused by environmental aggressors like sun rays and pollution. Niacinamide provides luster to dry and dull skin giving it a luminous glow. 

Drawing from our experience, we conclude that this toner needs to be shaken well before use for deeper nourishment and moisturization as the emulsion and water tend to separate.

11

Best for Daily Wear

COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner

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Packed in a mist bottle, centella water toner gives your skin an instant spurt of freshness and removes all impurities. Your skin is left radiant and glowing as it gently cleanses and hydrates your skin and maintains the oil balance. With centella asiatica extract and Jeju island mineral water as its key ingredients, it repairs and soothes the skin affected by everyday stressors. Centella asiatica is known for its calming benefits and also provides intensive nourishment to the skin. This lightweight toner moisturizes and maintains the pH balance of the skin with natural ingredients. 

The toner improves skin texture gently and reduces redness and inflammation. This hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested alcohol-free toner is devoid of all harsh chemicals and is packed with skin-friendly ingredients that will soothe irritated skin.

12

Poppy Austin Rose Water Toner

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Provide instant hydration to your face skin and keep it glowing and supple with Poppy Austin’s revitalizing rose water toner. Crafted with 100% pure, distilled Moroccan rose water and the finest petals, this product is a powerhouse of natural antioxidants and does a great job of rejuvenating your skin so that it looks radiant. It restores the pH balance of your skin and absorbs excess oil from your skin. 

This alcohol-free hydrating toner also tightens pores and reduces pimples and acne as well as hyperpigmentation and sun damage. Your skin is hydrated and it also beats the early signs of aging as blotchiness,  fine lines, and wrinkles disappear. Suitable for all skin types and ages, it tones your skin and makes it extremely soft and smooth.

13

Beauty by Earth Facial Toner

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The holy grail for clean and refreshed skin, Beauty by Earth’s facial toner has it all. It’s an amalgam of organic ingredients like witch hazel and rose petal water as well as aloe vera, natural glycerin, and cucumber. Together they leave your skin nourished and toned, shrink pores, and balance the pH of your skin. It also reduces inflammation and redness and leaves your skin feeling light and rejuvenated. 

Extremely mild and moisturizing, the product is gentle on the skin as it removes grime, excess oil and dead skin, and is suitable for all skin types. Plus, it is completely devoid of harsh chemicals like parabens and sulfates and is one of the best alcohol-free toners for mature skin. So if you are looking for a botanical toner and a spa-like experience, do try out this product.

We really do hope our research has helped you figure out what some of the best alcohol free toners are and here we go with a few pointers on what to look out for while choosing the very best for yourself.

Apart from the formula you do have to keep a few other important things in mind like your skin type and the ingredients that you should go for and those you should avoid.

Formula:

It’s always wise to opt for a lightweight and non-greasy formula that does not contain any harsh chemicals like parabens and sulfates or fragrances as they are way gentler on the skin. This way your skin is way less likely to have a breakout or allergic reaction especially if you have sensitive skin.

Skin Type:

A toner that is packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin or aloe vera is considered great for someone with dry skin. A toner with green tea extracts that has a lightweight and non-greasy formula and which is non-comedogenic and shrinks pores is ideal for oily skin. Other ingredients like witch hazel, salicylic acid, and alpha hydroxy acids are also an asset for oily skin. Toners infused with chamomile and aloe vera or cucumber are perfect for sensitive skin.

Ingredients 

A toner should be as soothing and gentle as possible on the skin so that would include Ingredients like vitamin E and hyaluronic acid as well as aloe vera and chamomile extracts. Rose water and licorice along with calendula and allantoin are also extremely gentle and moisturizing on the skin. They prevent inflammation, irritation, and breakouts and rejuvenate the skin almost immediately. Natural and plant-based ingredients are considered to be safe, especially for sensitive skin. “When it comes to finding the best natural toner for your face, it all depends on your skin type and needs. If you have dry or sensitive skin, then a rosewater toner is probably your best bet as it has the lowest percentage of alcohol content and is very gentle on the skin”, says Dr. Singh.

Ingredients to Avoid

Any harsh chemicals like parabens and silicones as well as phthalates and sulfates can irritate the skin and have a drying effect on it. These ingredients strip your skin of natural oils and moisture and can cause damage to skin, especially sensitive skin.

Other features

A good alcohol-free toner should maintain the pH balance of your skin as the cleansers you use before do not do that. If the pH levels of your skin are disrupted it causes clogged pores, a weakened skin barrier as well as fine lines and wrinkles. Your skin should have a pH balance of 5.5 and ingredients like lavender extracts, calendula and witch hazel are ideal for that.

Your toner should control sebum production and reduce pore size so that your skin stays free of pimples and acne. Toners with AHA and BHA like ceramides, witch hazel and niacinamide are mild exfoliators that control sebum production while keeping your skin hydrated.

Now that you have a fairly good idea of what you should be looking out for while choosing the best alcohol free toners, here are a few tips on how to use it effectively.

Contributor: Dr. Rekha Singh, MBBS, MD - Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy - Oliva Clinic

Step 1: First of all, cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser that should be determined by your skin type. In any case, it should not contain harsh chemicals like sulfates and fragrance.

Step 2: Next, dampen some cotton with the alcohol-free toner and gently apply it on your face.

Step 3: Give it some time to dry.

Step 4: If you have dry skin, it’s best to use the toner just once a day at night. If you have oily or combination skin, it’s okay to use an alcohol-free toner twice a day. 

Step 5: Always end with a moisturizer suited to your skin type.

The best alcohol-free toners give your skin much-needed pampering while cleansing, toning, and exfoliating it. It allows you to get the maximum benefits out by tightening your skin pores while preparing a foundation for other skin care products. A good toner takes care of any superficial damage to your skin. A toner with alcohol can cause major irritation and inflammation to your skin. These water-based products are hypoallergenic and have no harsh additives. They are extremely effective and work gently on your skin without robbing it of natural oils and drying it out. They are also very soothing to the skin as they act gently upon it. So for flawless and radiant skin that is going to be the envy of everyone, try out these alcohol-free toners that we have curated for you.