This Skincare Product Gets a Bad Rap, But It's My Secret Weapon for a Glowing Complexion

Best for: Clogged pores

Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, witch hazel and green tea extract

First up is the Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. This is easily one of the best toners I've ever used, and I know tons of editors who would say the same. The main ingredient in this formula is salicylic acid, so it's a great option for those of you with oily or clogged skin. It works to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores, while also increasing skin cell turnover. The result? A smoother, clearer complexion. While you can use this product everyday, I recommend slowly introducing it to your skincare routine to avoid any irritation.

Best for: Dry skin

Key ingredients: Ceramide trio and beta-glucan

Next up is a new favourite of mine. It's a milky toner, but I've noticed a huge difference since adding it to my skincare routine. It has a runny, milky consistency, and can be applied straight from the hands onto the face. It's great for dry skin as not only does it soothe the complexion, but a trio of ceramides work to boost the skin barrier and lock in moisture. I personally like to apply this in the morning before doing my makeup, but you can also use it at night for a hit of hydration.

Best for: Oily skin

Key ingredients: Lipo-hydroxy acid

If you have oily skin you might want to try this toner from La Roche-Posay. Not only has it been designed with oily skin in mind, but it's also suitable for sensitive and blemish-prone skin, so you don't have to worry about irritation. Exfoliating LHA helps to eliminate excess oil and unclog pores to leave you with a clearer, balanced complexion. As a beauty editor, I know I can rely on La Roche-Posay for gentle yet effective skincare, and this toner is no exception.

Best for: Sensitive skin

Key ingredients: Polyglutamic acid, cica and a barrier lipid complex

Byoma is a great brand for sensitive skin as the products have all been designed with the skin barrier in mind. This milky toner soothes skin and locks in hydration and I tend to reach for this on those days when my complexion is in need of some TLC. No, it won't help with clogged pores or blemishes, but what it will do is leave your skin feeling calm and soft.

Best for: Dull skin

Key ingredients: Glycolic acid

Having reached cult status on TikTok, this toner has developed a loyal following for its impressive results and purse-friendly price tag. At 7% glycolic acid (which exfoliates the top layers of your skin), it is quite punchy, so use this a couple of times a week at first to see how your skin adjusts. Although I personally don't reach for this all the time, it's great for those occasions when your skin is looking a little dull and lacklustre, as it helps to remove those dead skin cells and leave you with a luminous finish.

Best for: Texture and pores

Key ingredients: Succinic and glycolic acids

I have been loving this toner as of late, and not just because it smells amazing. New from Fresh, the clever formula works to smooth skin texture, tighten pores, reduce excess shine and add subtle luminosity. It contains glycolic acid that works wonders at breaking down dead skin cells, and although I don't use it every night (as that would be a little too much for my sensitive skin), when I do use it I notice that my complexion looks (and feels) a whole lot brighter and smoother.

Best for: Post-blemish marks

Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, tranexamic acid and aloe vera

If post-blemish marks are getting you down, let me introduce you to this toner from Medik8. It's easily one of the best Medik8 products around—and considering how good all Medik8 products are, that's saying something. The 2% BHA toner contains salicylic and tranexamic acid to decongest the skin, reduce oiliness and minimise the appearance of post-blemish marks. If all this talk of acid sounds a little scary, don't fear, as the formula also contains aloe vera to help soothe and hydrate the skin. That being said, you might want to introduce this product gradually into your routine to see how your skin reacts.

Best for: Dry or sensitive skin

Key ingredients: Allantoin and marshmallow root extract 

I know what you're thinking, another Paula's Choice toner? Yep, the brand has really got the formulas right when it comes to this product category. However, while the previous toner I mentioned is great for oily or clogged skin, this option is ideal for those of you with dry or sensitive skin. A cocktail of hydrating ingredients helps to soothe, reduce redness and replenish moisture, leaving your skin feeling happy and healthy. My sensitive complexion can't get enough.

Best for: Dull skin

Key ingredients: A blend of AHAs and BHAs

You didn't think I'd do this roundup without including this cult classic from Ren, did you? Yes, this toner is a bestseller for a reason. I've used this for as long as I can remember, and I'm sure I will continue to repurchase it for years to come. As the name suggests, this is a great option for dull skin as the formula helps to remove dead skin cells and pore build-up for a smooth, glowing finish. It has been formulated for daily use, but I like to use it two to three times a week.

Best for: Blemish-prone skin

Key ingredients: Salicylic acid and organic rosewater

Caudalie's Vinopure range has been designed specifically for blemish-prone skin, and although I don't reach for the products all the time, I know I can rely on them whenever my skin is having a breakout. One product I rely on in particular is the Vinopure Purifying Toner. With 100% natural salicylic acid, it works to gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells that may contribute to breakouts. This star ingredient also helps to reduce inflammation and control oil production, so it really is magic in a bottle. Oh, and it smells delicious.

Best for: Dull skin

Key ingredients: Glycolic acid and aloe

This was the toner to use back in the day, and it's still a cult product within the beauty community thanks to its glow-boosting properties. Glycolic acid works to gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells, while aloe works to soothe and hydrate the skin, ensuring your complexion isn't left feeling dry or stripped after using. Although it's suitable for all skin types, if you have sensitive skin I would recommend gradually introducing this to your skincare routine and seeing how you get on.