The Best Toners for Mature Skin to Keep Skin Plump and Glowy

As we age, maintaining healthy skin requires a bit more maintenance than wearing sunscreen, drinking water, and getting enough sleep—and that's where an anti-aging toner comes in. What difference does a toner make? According to board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, toners can "benefit complexion, hydrate, exfoliate, and firm the skin, all contributing to anti-aging."

We consulted expert dermatologists, Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD and Dr. Jenna Queller, MD, FAAD to unpack what a toner actually does and the best toners for mature skin.

Our Top Picks

• Renee Rouleau Elderberry Soothing Toner
• Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner
• Revision Skincare Soothing Facial Rinse
• Environ Youth EssentiA Vita-Peptide Toner
• Murad Essential-C Toner

The Basics

Queller explains that, in general, "a toner is used to cleanse the skin, effectively removing impurities that remain after washing your face. Traditional toners or astringents are alcohol-based solutions that strip the skin and give people that 'clean' feeling." Murphy-Rose adds, "Years ago, toners were harsh drying astringents. New age toners provide many skin benefits and are often well-balanced for skin."

"Depending on your skin type and the ingredients in the formula, toners can soothe skin, tighten skin, or balance out oil production," so you "should be particularly conscious of your skin type when selecting a toner." And "the efficacy of the toner depends on its active ingredients," Queller advises.

The Anti-Aging Benefits

Queller explains that "our skin is naturally acidic, but that can change after cleansing due to the alkaline nature of soap. When this happens, your skin needs to work overtime to return to its normal levels (and that may result in oil), but using a toner can help restore this balance quickly. It also removes chlorine and minerals present in tap water."

That's where the anti-aging benefits come in. Specifically, "toners can help close pores and tighten cell gaps after cleansing, thus reducing the penetration of impurities and environmental contaminants into the skin. They also decrease the appearance of pores. Applying a small amount of toner to a soft cotton ball and gently blotting your face with it will remove oil and give the appearance of smaller pores. Some toners moisturize the skin and some toners are humectants (contain hyaluronic acid), which means they help to bind moisture to the skin."

This creates a foundation for softer, smoother, firmer, and healthier skin.

The Best Anti-Aging Ingredients

When you're looking for an anti-aging toner, the ingredients you use are super important. Murphy-Rose says you do have to be realistic—no toner will do what Botox can do, but they do work well together to promote more youthful skin over time.

"Some of the best anti-aging ingredients include vitamin A-derived ingredients like retinol, antioxidants including vitamins C and E, resveratrol, and coquinone 10, exfoliants like AHAs and salicylic acid, humectants like hyaluronic acid, and moisturizers to optimize water balance. These ingredients provide anti-aging benefits by boosting collagen production, improving skin quality, promoting hydration, reducing hyperpigmentation and protecting against free radical oxidative damage," she adds.

Potential Problems

As with all skincare products, there are a few things to keep in mind. For example, "it can be very drying and irritating for many people and then result in sensitivities and rashes. If you have stubborn makeup that needs removing, use a gentle makeup remover or towelette, followed by a gentle cleanser. Previously, traditional toners were drying as an astringent to the skin. Nowadays, formulations are much more gentle. If you have sensitive skin but like using toners that remove makeup well, try micellar water. Like a magnet, it captures and draws out makeup and oil from your pores. It's very gentle, so it can also be used as a makeup remover.

The Fix

No matter what your skin type is, oily/acne-prone or dry/sensitive, Queller advises avoiding all alcohol-based toners. Sensitive skin types in particular need to be careful, also avoiding anything with retinol, glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide. "These will be too drying and may even cause the skin to break out," Queller says. "Instead, look for one that is water-based and has ingredients like rosewater or chamomile extracts and vitamin B derivatives like panthenol, which help lock in moisture and keep your skin well hydrated." Queller also suggests looking for toners containing glycerin or hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid replenishes your skins moisture levels, making it feel softer and look hydrated.

Shop The Best Toners for Mature Skin

Renee Rouleau Elderberry Soothing Toner

Designed for sensitive and aging skin, this soothing toner contains strong antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties while remaining free of alcohol, parabens, and synethetic fragrance.

Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner

Murphy-Rose recommends this glycolic-acid based toner. "This is a glycolic acid-based toner that exfoliates and smoothens to promote younger-looking skin. Glycolic acid can also promote collagen stimulation for younger skin," she says.

Revision Skincare Soothing Facial Rinse

This toner is soothing, oil-free, and hydrating. "What's nice is it is gentle enough for all skin types. This alcohol-free rinse is filled with antioxidants, botanical extracts, and moisturizing nutrients," says Queller.

Environ Youth EssentiA Vita-Peptide Toner

Containing peptides that "improve fine lines, skin tone, and elasticity, this toner layers well with other products and can be used year-round without drying out your skin. It's also great for sun-damaged skin," Queller tells us.

Murad Essential-C Toner

Another one of Murphy-Rose's is faves the Murad Essential C Toner, which she explains, "contains a blend of anti-aging antioxidants to protect against environmental stressors plus licorice root to brighten the skin."

Chanel Lotion Confort Silky Soothing Toner Comfort + Anti-Pollution

This Chanel toner is great for anyone with sensitive skin looking for a gentle toner that will hydrate, soothe, and soften their skin. Plus, the Blue Micro-Algae helps to shield complexion from pollution.

Skincare Junkie Pore Therapy Daily Toner Pads

"These pads are next-generation toner pads that gently exfoliate, reduce dullness, and minimize the appearance of pores while hydrating. Hyaluronic acid helps to plump skin to hide fine lines. The combination of exfoliation and hydration promotes more youthful skin. They are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, pregnancy-safe and have been clinically tested on sensitive skin," explains Murphy-Rose.

Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner

Queller says this "is another toner that's great for dry and sensitive skin. It contains antioxidants and niacinamide to help with wrinkles and fine lines. It can also help even out skin tones."

Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence Moisturising Toner

Use this toner after cleansing to set the tone for well-hydrated, glowing skin.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner

Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow toner is a cult fave for a reason. Watermelon extract not only makes it smell like a Jolly Rancher, but it also hydrates and soothes the skin. The PHA and BHA do double duty—the PHA works to gently slough away dead skin cells, while the BHA cleans the junk out of your pores for a fresh, smooth look.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution

If you're looking for a product that's both affordable and reliable, you're in luck. The Ordinary's toner is made with 7 percent glycolic acid, which is just enough to give your skin a refreshed glow, but not so strong you risk over exfoliation.

What to Look for in a Toner for Mature Skin

• Skin Type: Dr. Queller recommends not using any alcohol-based toners, no matter your skin type. And, if you have sensitive skin, avoid ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and retinol that will dry and irritate your skin.
  
• Anti-Aging Ingredients: Dr. Murphy-Rose recommends looking for active ingredients that work well together and not only improve skin quality but also provide benefits like boosting the production of collagen and hydration and reducing hyperpigmentation. These include ingredients, such as resveratrol, salicylic acid, and vitamins A, C, and E. Plus, find ones that are water-based and include Hyaluronic acid for moisturizing benefits.