7 Best Vitamin C Toner Essentials That Actually Work Wonders for Your Skin
Toners have always been known as three things - the extra step to rid your skin of any excess dirt, an astringent that tames ultra-oily skin, or a pre-routine hydrator. Well, times have changed as have the formulas and make of today's toners.
Now, toners achieve all of that but more gently, considering various skin types, and incorporating active ingredients for a subtler treatment during the toning process.
So if you are looking for a routine-minimizing, spot-fading, brightening, texture and toning evening prep step product, keep reading to find out the 7 Best Vitamin C Toners (and two bonus hydration boosters) that bring out the fountain of youth from the get-go.
What is a Vitamin C Toner?
What is a Toner?
A toner is a multipurpose, thin, lightweight, watery liquid. Toners serve to balance the skin's pH while also gently ridding the skin of dirt or grime left over from the face wash, hydrate, make your pores appear smaller, and assist in prepping the skin to better absorb all the following ingredients in a skincare routine.
What was once sectioned off for certain skin concerns, is now open to a variety of skin types and concerns with new and gentle innovative formulas.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is a collagen-boosting, photoprotecting, dark spot fading, brightener and more that is pretty much one of the most raved-about products in the skincare world. If you're looking to trade in dull, uneven skin texture and appearance for brighter, clearer, radical damage-free skin, this ingredient is for you.
How Do You Use It?
There are two popular ways to apply toners: by pouring it into your hands and patting it in, or by pouring it onto cotton pads and gently applying it to the skin. Both methods deliver the product to the skin, but using cotton pads can also help exfoliate and remove excess dirt or makeup residue. The choice depends on your skin type, preference, and what was applied to the skin before washing off.
Tip: When using vitamin C, avoid including it as a toner and serum in your routine to prevent skin irritation. Your skin may take a few weeks to adjust to this ingredient, especially if you have sensitive skin. If irritation persists, please consult your dermatologist for alternative products or ingredients suitable for your skin type.
Best Vitamin C Toners
Best Overall: Murad Environmental Shield Essential-C Toner
To prepare your skin, it's essential to use a high-performing product that sets the stage to soak up the upcoming skincare. The Murad Environmental Shield Essential-C Toner rejuvenates and energizes, combating the negative effects of harsh environmental conditions while maintaining proper pH balance. This formula provides deep moisture for a plump, radiant appearance. Orange flower and coneflower extract strengthen your skin's natural defenses, ensuring maximum protection. Natural moisture factors condition and hydrate, leaving skin soft and supple with a balanced pH level. Users love that a little goes a long way for varying skin types and that it's gentle with high-level brightening benefits.
Skin Types: Combination, Dry, Balanced/Normal Skin
Skin Concerns: Dryness, Dullness, Radical-Protection, Firmness
Ingredients: Coneflower Extract, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Rice Amino Acid, Orange Fruit Extract
Formulated Without: Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, Gluten, Mineral Oil, Formaldehyde, Oxybenzone, Petrolatum/Petroleum
Best Portable: GOODAL Green Tangerine Vita-C Toner Pads
Once again, we adore a product that streamlines our skincare routine. In this case, a 5-in-1, pre-soaked toner pad takes the cake for maximum impact with minimal effort. Enter the Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Toner Pad, your all-in-one solution for exfoliating, moisturizing, brightening, toning, and clarifying. This formula yields effective brightening results, giving you radiant, clearer skin with its green tangerine extract, which boasts vitamin C derivatives ten times more concentrated than those found in regular tangerines. These gentle, hypoallergenic vitamin C toner pads are unscented and enriched with hyaluronic acid to restore that plump, youthful glow we all crave. Natural fruit extracts such as lemon and bilberry provide additional exfoliation, revealing smoother skin without any harsh side effects. Users love it for its gentle exfoliating and brightening features that don't break the bank.
Bonus: You can even use these pads as a targeted mask for areas with hyperpigmentation. Simply press a pad onto your face and leave it on for approximately ten minutes.
Skin Types: Sensitive, especially Dry, Combination Skin
Skin Concerns: Dullness, Hyperpigmentation, Dryness, Unexfoliated
Key Ingredients: Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Extract, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Formulated without: parabens, sulfates, phthalates
Best Ultra-Brightening: SOME BY MI Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Toner
If you're looking for something to take brightening to the next level, the Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Toner is a must-try. With its powerful combination of Galactomyces and pure Vitamin C, this toner is a true "brightening synergy" formula that also shields against environmental damage, promoting an even complexion. It works quickly and effectively, delivering impressive results while minimizing irritation. Packed with nourishing and moisturizing ingredients, it also enhances skin elasticity. The result? Bright, hydrated, and smooth skin that radiates with a healthy glow. Users love its spot-fading magic but warn against applying it without a coat of SPF overtop to minimize irritation.
Skin type: All
Skin concern: dark spots, hyperpigmentation, acne spots, dullness, wrinkles
Key Ingredients: Galactomyces, Pure Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Adenosine
Formulated without: fragrance and colors, parabens, sulfates, animal products, mineral oil and silicone.
Best Soft Exfoliating Brightener: Pixi Beauty Vitamin-C Tonic
Everyone loves a 2-in-1 product that cuts short an otherwise lengthy skincare routine without reducing results. The Pixi Beauty Vitamin-C Tonic does just that with its brightening and exfoliating dynamic duo formula that brings together the ever-potent antioxidant, vitamin C, with fruit and willow bark extracts, a gentle exfoliant mix. This tonic seals the deal with a splash of probiotics that serve to strengthen the skin barrier. The formula delivers more by reducing sun damage with vitamin C and Ferulic Acid to bring you a new, freshly evened-out skin tone. The result is a luminous finish that takes away the need for an exfoliating step in your routine.
Skin Types: All
Skin Concerns: sun damage, uneven skin tone, unexfoliated
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Probiotics, Willow Bark Extract, Aloe Vera, Orange, Lemon, and Grapefruit Extracts
Formulated without: Alcohol and parabens. It is not tested on animals.
Best Higher-Strength Exfoliating Brightener: Corsx Refresh ABC Daily Toner
Introducing the Corsx Refrsh ABC Daily Toner, a beloved Korean skincare brand's latest 2-in-1 duo. This self-proclaimed savior for dull skin is a skin-revitalizing toner cocktail infused with AHA, BHA, and Vitamin C. It works wonders in improving skin texture, gently exfoliating to remove dead skin cells, and toning to leave your complexion refined and radiant, all with minimal irritation. The formula, rich in fruit extracts and hypoallergenic ingredients, absorbs instantly, leaving your skin luminous, soft, and prepped for the next steps in your skincare routine.
Skin Types: All
Skin Concerns: Dull and tired Skin
Key Ingredients: 62% COSRX GOLDEN-RX Complex (Pitahaya Extract, Kiwi Extract), AHA (16% apple water) + BHA (17% white willow bark water), Niacinamide
Formulated without: Animal Testing-FREE, Parabens-FREE, Sulfates-FREE, Phthalates-FREE
Best Brightening and Oil Control: InstaNatural Vitamin C Toner
Introducing the InstaNatural Vitamin C Toner, your ally for balancing oil, brightening, soothing, and fighting signs of aging. This powerful toner combines Vitamin C, Witch Hazel, and botanical extracts to protect against environmental aggressors, hydrate, brighten, and prevent the appearance of fine lines. Its targeted formula addresses discoloration, dryness, and fine lines, revealing a radiant and even complexion. Without a doubt, this product not only surpasses your typical vitamin C toner, but it also excels at fulfilling its fundamental purpose - fortifying the skin barrier and enhancing collagen production.
Skin Types: All
Skin Concerns: Fine lines, discoloration
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Witch Hazel, MSM, Lavender Oil, and botanical extracts
Formulated without: Mineral Oil, Parabens, Petroleum, Polyethylene Glycol (PEGs), SLS/SLES, DEA/MEA/TEA, Polyethylene Glycol (PEGs), Synthetic Dye. It is also cruelty-free.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Versed Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Solution
For those who want a higher kick of exfoliation with vitamin C as your supporting character, then the Versed Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Solution is for you. This remarkable product effectively addresses dark spots, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and post-acne marks. With a potent formula packed with multi-exfoliating ingredients, this toner effortlessly removes dead skin cells, revealing a fresh and luminous complexion. Infused with bearberry extract, a hydroquinone substitute, kojic acid, and azelaic acid, along with vitamin C, this exfoliating powerhouse not only enhances skin texture but also brightens and evens out the skin for a flawless and radiant finish. Users love the fast-acting process of this product - it delivers and it delivers fast.
Skin Types: Combination, Oily, Acne-Prone
Skin Concerns: Acne-Prone, Aging Skin, Dullness, Dark spots, Hyperpigmentation, Uneven texture
Key Ingredients: Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Azelaic Acid, Kojic Acid, Bearberry Extract, Vitamin C
Formulated Without: parabens, silicones, sulfates. This product is cruelty-free and vegan.
Bonus: Best Vitamin C Essences
Essence comes after toner and is primarily made to deeply hydrate the skin and prep the skin for the following skincare products.
In today's age, some toners and essences cross over and do both jobs in one product, so you may not need both.
Because of that, if an extra boost of hydration is what your skin needs more of, we leave you with 2 of our favorites (which in our opinion can compliment and/or substitute your toner).
Best Antioxidant-Rich & Anti-Aging: Olehenriksen Barrier Booster Orange Ferment Vitamin C Essence
For a deep-rooted brightening experience, the Olehenriksen Barrier Booster Orange Ferment Vitamin C Essence is your ticket to a bright and hydrated complexion. This vitamin C essence instantly doubles hydration and improves brightness by 17% over time. It's powered by fermented orange peel extract, orange stem cells, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. This lightweight, quick-absorbing, antioxidant-rich essence deeply moisturizes, enhances complexion, and protects against pollution and free radicals. The orange scent adds to the experience, leaving your skin plump, supple, radiant, and healthy. This toner is great for varying skin types with oily-skinned users raving about it most. However, if you have sensitive skin, fragrance may be something to avoid.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Skincare Concerns: Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Dryness, and Dullness
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C (Ethyl Ascorbic Acid), Fermented Orange Peel Extract, Orange Stem Cells, Hyaluronic & Polyglutamic Acids, Niacinamide
Formulated Without: This product does not contain parabens, sulfates or phthalates
Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and comes in recyclable packaging.
Best Dewy Finish with a Shot of Caffeine: Laniege Radian-C Brightening Treatment Essence
With the world cooing over the glazed donut aesthetic, Laniege brings you one step closer to achieving it with its Radian-C Brightening Treatment Essence that hydrates, brightens and wraps it up with a dewy finish. This luscious and illuminating essence is a potent blend of Super Berry Complex and vitamin C EAE. It works wonders in promoting a more even, toned, and supple complexion while enhancing the absorption of other skincare products. Experience the benefits of smoother skin with quick absorption and a non-sticky feel upon application (pledged by most of those who have used it!). A pump of caffeine ties it all together with an assist in depuffing and tightening the skin.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Skincare Concerns: Dryness, Dullness, and Uneven Texture
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C EAE, Super Berry Complex, Caffeine
Formulated Without: Free of parabens, formaldehyde, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, sulfates SLS & SLES, triclocarban, triclosan, and contains less than one percent synthetic fragrance.
Conclusion - Best Vitamin C Toner
All the toners above are great for brightening the skin, evening the skin tone, and protecting it from environmental radical damage but each has its unique additional feature. For an overall brightening, hydrating fan-favorite pick, the Murad Vitamin Essential-C Toner is the way to go. For a portable 5-in-1 product, the Goodal Toner Pads are a must-try. For the ultimate exfoliating toner with a touch of vitamin C, try Versed Solution. Whether you need a toner that packs the ultimate punch or something more gentle, we've got something for you.
Vinisha Venugopal
FAQs
Can you use salicylic acid with vitamin C?
The short answer is yes, you can use both in one routine unless otherwise stated by the products used or if your skin begins to get irritated. Rule of thumb: Use salicylic acid before vitamin C.
Can you use vitamin C with tretinoin?
Yes. The most common way of using the product is to use vitamin C and tretinoin at night or on alternate evenings. This way you reap the benefits of both products without running the risk of irritating your skin.
Do you use toner before or after face mask?
The answer here is both - depending on the type of toner. If you have a toner that hydrates and rids the dirt only, then use it before the mask to prep the skin to reap maximum benefits. If the toner has active ingredients and is soothing, then use a mask to soothe and penetrate the newly-opened pores with a shot of the active ingredients in the toner.
Does face toner expire?
Yes, most products expire within 12 months after being opened. If the toner has changed colors, separated, has developed an odor, or feels different on the skin (wash it off), it's time to toss it.
Do you put vitamin C toner on before or after moisturizer?
Your vitamin C toner will go on before the moisturizer since moisturizers are thicker in consistency.
How We Curated the List
Whether your skin falls under the category of uneven skin tone or has dark patches, there's always a way to learn how to make your skin work for you.
There are products on the market that will bring you the brightening, smoothening product you are looking for but the main thing is finding an ideal set of ingredients to aid your unique skin concerns and skin irritation. This can be hard given all the ingredients like the slough of ingredients available on the market from citric acid to sodium ascorbyl phosphate to sodium citrate.
We've taken the guesswork out of it for you and compiled a concise list of the best ingredients for hyperpigmented skin that will fit both your budget and your needs.
Whether you're looking for a luxury option or something more affordable, we've got you covered.
Next Up: 7 Best Ingredients For Hyperpigmentation for the Ultimate Glow Up
Sources
Face Toners: The Skin Care Product Gets a Reboot
Why is topical vitamin C important for skin health?
Toner vs. Essence: What's the difference?
Retinol and Vitamin C: How to Use Them Together Without Irritation
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