11 Best Toners for Mature Skin to Bring Back Balance

Toners have come a long way from their alcohol-laden past. The best toners for mature skin are more about supporting your skin rather than stripping it, which is a critical shift. As we age, skin cell turnover and moisture retention slow down leading to everything from dryness and discoloration to wrinkles and uneven skin texture—fun, right?! (That even goes if you had naturally oily skin to begin with.)

This is completely natural and to be expected, but the good news is that there are skin-care products at hand that can make your skin feel its absolute best—case in point, a toner. While they’re not a must-have for everyone, as board-certified dermatologist Pooja Rambhia, MD, puts it, the right formulas filled with the right ingredients can replenish lost moisture, remove impurities, and boost your skin barrier, as well as prime your skin for the rest of your products. Think of them as an extra layer of care tailored to your skin’s evolving needs.

If you’re looking to boost hydration and maintain your aging skin’s moisture levels—something that naturally decreases with age—keep scrolling to discover dermatologist-recommended toners that are backed by Allure editors.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, $99
• Best for Firming: Shiseido Eudermine Activating Essence Lotion, $90
• Best for Plumping: Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturizer, $36
• Best for Combination Skin: Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Facial Sebum Toner, $18
• Best for Dry Skin: Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Serum Toner, $39
• Best for Oily Skin: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner, $13
• Best for Acne-Prone Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution, $17

Frequently Asked Questions

• Should I use toner on mature skin?
• What is the best toner for a 50-year-old woman?
• Who should not use toner?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

Why we love it: Facial toners and essences are often lumped together, but they serve distinct purposes—unless you’re using a toner-essence hybrid, which do exist, FYI. While they both follow cleansing, put simply, toners lean towards exfoliation, while essences focus on delivering moisture, making them a standout choice for mature skin (and a worthy addition to this list). And SK-II Facial Treatment Essence isn’t just any essence; it’s a Hall of Fame Best of Beauty Award winner that uses SK-II’s proprietary Pietra complex. As the legend goes, scientists realized Japanese sake makers had extraordinarily soft, ageless hands so the brand formulated a similar yeast and fermentation process, Pietra, that appears in most of its products. Filled with minerals, vitamins, and amino acids, the ingredient supports a healthy skin barrier by targeting signs of aging with hydration and skin-brightening benefits.

Tester feedback: “For me, this essence immediately gets rid of that tight feeling my cleanser leaves behind. I notice that my brown skin looks instantly brighter,” says editor-in-chief Jessica Cruel. This product is like a booster for every product you layer on top. Serums sink in faster. Creams seem to moisturize longer. And it takes the sting out of chemical exfoliants, too. I've combined it with hundreds of products, and I've never had a bad reaction. I can honestly say it's one of the only beauty products that I'm still using 10 years after I was first introduced to it.”

Key ingredients: proprietary pietra complex | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Firming: Shiseido Eudermine Activating Essence Lotion

Why we love it: Shiseido Eudermine Activating Essence Lotion, another essence, is jam-packed with texture-smoothing ingredients—an ideal formulation as age comes with slower skin cell turnover, which can contribute to fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration. The star ingredient in question is fermented kefir extract, a prebiotic that promotes skin regeneration. At the same time, vitamin C targets your skin tone, evening it out while brightening, and then a double dose of hyaluronic acid draws in water and retains moisture. The result? Dull skin becomes more radiant, while texture and congested pores are a thing of the past.

Tester feedback: Deputy beauty director Elizabeth Siegel calls this a “cult-classic,” noting that “it made my skin dewy right away, fulfilling one of my biggest goals in life! (I’m only half-kidding.)”

Key ingredients: rice ferment, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C | Fragrance-free: no

Best for Plumping: Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturizer

Why we love it: Although Laneige Cream Skin Toner and Moisturizer’s liquid formulation is incredibly airy, it packs a serious moisture punch. It’s basically a face toner-moisturizer hybrid that combines the richness of a cream with the lightweight feeling of a toner thanks to a blending process that breaks up the cream into tiny particles and stabilizes them, resulting in a moisture milk. This 2023 Best of Beauty winner uses ceramides and peptides—i.e., two ingredients your skin loves for suppleness and firmness—along with protecting antioxidants, to deliver all-day softness and plumpness while reinforcing your moisture barrier.

Tester feedback: A toner-moisturizer hybrid in mist form? Genius for midday refreshers. Commerce editor Sarah Han keeps her bottle at her work desk so it's always within reach. “It's so easy to give my skin a boost of moisture—especially after a few hours straight of staring at my computer (I know, I know, eye strain),” she says. “It's lightweight, too, a crucial factor for muggy New York City summer days.”

Key ingredients: glycerin, vitamin E, green tea | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Combination Skin: Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk

Why we love it: Beauty of Joseon is one of those Korean skin-care brands that just gets it right. Case in point: This rice milk toner that is loved by Allure editors and board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal, DO, who calls Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk his all-time favorite K-beauty toner due to its soothing properties—an excellent feature for mature skin. When shaken, the water and emulsion layers blend together resulting in barrier balance and hydration, making it perfect for sensitive and combo skin types, too. Ingredients like rice extract and panthenol deliver amino acids and vitamins that replenish and brighten your skin, resulting in a refreshed, glass-like appearance.

Tester feedback: Han is also a big fan of Beauty of Joseon products, noting: “I love the sensorial aspect of shaking and mixing the dual layers and seeing the formula transform into milky emulsion goodness. I have combo skin and I find that this formula works especially well for that, but I think a lot of skin types—including oily, acne-prone, and redness-prone skin—would benefit from this rice milk. My shiny-as-heck T-zone is toned down and my skin feels so much smoother after my double cleanse.”

Key ingredients: rice extract, rice amino acids, kaolin clay, ceramides | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Serum Toner

Why we love it: With age, comes dryness—it’s just a fact of life. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find solutions out there to help combat this and deliver the moisture your skin craves. An excellent addition to your skincare routine? Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Serum Toner, which is a serum-toner-hybrid that is loved by Allure editors. Forget about toner’s notorious drying reputation with this pick thanks to its ceramide-rich blend—meaning it’s a skin-identical ingredient that is one of the main contributors to a healthy skin barrier—alongside moisturizing panthenol. It’s basically a one-stop-shop for plump, bouncy skin.

Tester feedback: “This toner single-handedly saved me from crusty retinol face. When I first gave retinol a go, I'd smooth on a layer of this toner before and after applying and it handled the unpleasant dryness like a champ," says shopping producer Sarah Hoffmann. "I've tried many milky toners in my day and consistently come back to Dr. Jart—this toner and the matching moisturizing cream will never leave my routine, they're just too good to my sensitive and occasionally dehydrated skin."

Key ingredients: ceramides, panthenol, glycerin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Oily Skin: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner

Why we love it: The Ordinary doesn’t just impress us on the price front. Its transparent, straightforward formulas skip the guesswork, making skincare both accessible and easy. For mature skin, Dr. Rambhia loves The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution because it's a powerhouse exfoliant with a small molecular weight that allows it to sink into your skin with ease. “Glycolic acid works like a molecular key,” she says, meaning it dissolves the bonds holding onto dead skin cells, allowing them to shed more effectively. This results in a smoother texture and a brighter, more even tone. Plus, Dr. Rambhia explains that its ability to penetrate deeper into your skin helps stimulate fibroblasts—those collagen-producing cells responsible for keeping skin firm and bouncy, a common sign of aging. Bonus: It works well on your body, particularly underarms for odor.

Tester feedback: "After 10 minutes of looking like I got a vampire facial with this stuff spread all over, my face comes out the other side brighter and clearer," our tester explained. "It's absolutely my go-to, even for my sensitive and reactive skin."

Key ingredients: glycolic acid, aloe vera, ginseng root | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution

Why we love it: Adult acne is a very real thing, FYI. That’s where the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution comes in clutch. This toner combines 0.5 percent salicylic acid—an acne-blasting BHA that dives deep into excess oil-clogged pores to clear congestion and blemishes—with glycolic acid, an AHA that gently exfoliates the surface for smoother, brighter skin. The result? A one-two punch that tackles breakouts without compromising your skin barrier. Dr. Rambhia explains that the balanced formula makes it a great option for those who find stronger exfoliants too harsh, and for dry, mature skin.

Editor’s tip: Dr. Lal recommends this formula for makeup wearers due to the exfoliation properties that break down leftover residue post-cleansing.

Key ingredients: salicylic acid, glycolic acid, spring water | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Redness: Beekman 1802 Milk Shake Hyaluronic Acid & Squalane Facial Toner Mist

Why we love it: Look past the cutesy name and packaging, as well as the super convenient mist delivery, for just a second to acknowledge the formulation behind this toner for dry skin. Beekman 1802 Milk Shake Hydrating Toner and Face Mist is not just a quick mid-afternoon skin pick-me-up, Beekman’s toner is filled with hydrating hyaluronic acid and glycerin, moisturizing squalane, along with soothing chamomile and mugwort—two ingredients that have excellent redness calming properties. Per usual, Beekman uses its signature goat milk complex which delivers major moisture benefits thanks to its peptides and growth factor properties, the latter of which also contributes to cell growth, regeneration, and healing. Not just a refreshing spray after all, huh?!

Tester feedback: “Adorable name and packaging aside, there's a plethora of reasons to love Beekman 1802's Milk Shake Toner—namely its biphase formula of squalane and hyaluronic acid, which you have to shake to combine, hence the name,” says senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen. “Those ingredients are a match made in heaven for my skin when I need hydration and soothing, which is pretty much always. But my favorite element of all is its misting nozzle, which delivers a spritz so even and so fine, you don't have to brace yourself for impact.”

Key ingredients: squalane, hyaluronic acid, mugwort, goat milk | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dark Spots: Kiehl’s Daily Refining Milk-Peel Toner

Why we love it: Reduced skin cell turnover oftentimes results in skin looking flat and dull—a byproduct of aging. But don’t fret: An easy and great way to increase radiance and fade hyperpigmentation is to find an exfoliating product like Kiehl’s Milk-Peel Gentle Exfoliating Toner, recommended by Dr. Rambhia. “This toner brightens the skin while maintaining moisture—it’s gentle enough for everyday use, replenishes hydration, and protects the skin barrier,” she says, noting that it’s safe for daily use and mature skin will find that their complexion looks overall brighter, smoother, and softer.

Editor’s tip: LHA—or lipo-hydroxy acid—the main ingredient in this formulation is a salicylic acid derivative that is ideal for improvement in skin tone, clogged pores, and wrinkles.

Key ingredients: capryloyl salicylic acid, squalane, adenosine | Fragrance-free: yes* (*contains essential oils which may be irritating)

Best for Sensitive Skin: Eau Thermale Avène Soothing Toning Lotion

Why we love it: A staple brand in the French skincare world, Avène gets it right when it comes to delivering formulations that are gentle, everyday staples. A favorite of Dr. Lal’s for sensitive skin, the Soothing Toning Lotion is a go-to for post-cleansing to remove leftover makeup and grime. In true Avène fashion, the formula features the brand’s signature thermal water to soothe, soften, and calm your skin, while working to balance hydration levels.

Editor’s tip: As the legend goes, in 1736, the signature Avène Thermal Spring Water’s skin-soothing powers were first discovered when a horse with itchy skin rolled in the water regularly to find relief.

Key ingredients: thermal spring water, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate | Fragrance-free: no

Best Drugstore: CeraVe Hydrating Toner

Why we love it: Little secret—you don’t have to drop major dollars to get a toner that delivers on formulation and results. Just take a peek at the CeraVe Hydrating Toner, which is available at virtually any drugstore and is jam-packed with impressive ceramides, lipids, humectants, and antioxidants. It gets the seal of approval from both Dr. Lal and Dr. Rambhia for its budget-friendly price and ability to improve hydration while simultaneously smoothing and calming your skin. “This toner supports the skin barrier while leaving the skin soft and plump, making it a great choice for those over 50,” says Dr. Rambhia.

Editor’s tip: The formulation is non-comedogenic, alcohol-free, oil-free, astringent-free, and fragrance-free making it a safe choice for hyper-reactive skin types.

Key ingredients: niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

While toners are not always a necessary addition to your skincare routine, mature skin can benefit from a formula that supports your skin barrier while addressing skin concerns that come with aging, explains Dr. Rambhia. “Look for toners containing hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which help maintain moisture levels as skin's natural retention decreases with age,” she says, adding that other ingredients to look for include niacinamide, peptides, ceramides, and antioxidants. Dr. Lal and Dr. Rambhia both agree to avoid any formula that contains alcohol as it will cause and exacerbate dryness.

“Remember, at this age, less is more,” says Dr. Rambhia, who adds that you want to focus on nurturing your skin rather than aggressive exfoliation. Collagen, the key protein responsible for skin’s firmness, elasticity, and moisture retention, begins to decline at 20. Studies show that women lose 30 percent of collagen during the first five years of menopause, with levels continuing to drop gradually afterward. Because of this, Dr. Rambhia says that someone in their fifties should look for a toner that focuses on replenishing and supporting their skin with hydrating glycerin and hyaluronic acid, barrier-strengthening ceramides, collagen-boosting peptides, and antioxidants to combat environmental damage.

There is no age too old for a toner, according to Dr. Lal. That said, he explains that if you adequately cleanse, you may not find a need in your skincare routine for one. Evaluate your skin: “If it’s healthy and balanced without a toner, there's no need to introduce one into your routine,” says Dr. Rambhia, adding that some people's skin simply functions better with a minimalist approach.

As for who should definitely not use one, Dr. Rhambhia advises patients with compromised skin barriers, active eczema, or severe acne or rosacea to skip toners entirely, as even gentle formulations can disrupt the delicate balance of their skin. “Those using multiple active ingredients like retinoids or prescription medications should also be cautious, as adding a toner might lead to irritation or sensitivity,” she says.

Meet the experts

• Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY.
• Karan Lal, DO, a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, AZ, and New York, NY.

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We are particularly discerning when writing about skin-care devices. This is because of the increased risks and, in many cases, the high price points, that accompany at-home dermatological tools and devices.

Each device undergoes extensive testing and must be approved by a senior member of our beauty team prior to appearing in Allure. Additionally, our editorial team consults board-certified dermatologists and cosmetic chemists about the science behind product claims and independently reviews any studies cited by brands. Testers consider performance across four primary categories: efficacy, safety (including ease of use), research and the science behind specific claims, as well as product value. To learn more information on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Read more on mature beauty:

• 14 "Botox in a Bottle" Skin-Care Products That Soften Fine Lines
• 14 Best Retinol Creams to Target Fine Lines & Wrinkles
• 12 Best Serums for Mature Skin, According to Dermatologists

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