The Best Alcohol Free Toners

4 Mar 2020

I started working with Adore Beauty in the warehouse just over 2 years ago. I am now part of the marketing team here at Adore HQ. I usually spend my time trying to keep my house plants alive, taking walks along Merri creek and showering the cat with obsessive affection. The most important skincare tip I've learnt here is to wear SPF every day - If only I could tell that to my younger self!

Over the past few years, toning has become a vital step in almost every skincare routine. In fact, since being first introduced by the Korean whiz kids and their skincare knowhow, toners have only grown in popularity and efficacy. But the days of toners being laden with drying alcohol are gone. These days, toners generally use more softening ingredients to gently exfoliate the skin, helping reveal your skin’s natural glow.

Toners are meant to be swept over the skin once you’ve cleansed and before you moisturise or apply serum. A good fragrance free hydrating toner can help unclog pores, remove excess oil, and clear away dirt for a more clarified surface. Toners are perfect at prepping the skin for any products you add after, helping moisturisers sink into the skin easily.

While there are a lot of alcohol toners on the market, we feel more drawn to a softer approach. This is your need-to-know guide for toning your skin with an alcohol-free toner to help unleash your inner glow.

Is an Alcohol Free Toner Better?

A good toner should get rid of any grime and minimise the damage that your skin suffers on the daily. A toner that contains alcohol could irritate the skin and cause redness. An alcohol-free toner will still help clear skin but won’t cause any further damage. It just has a softer touch!

There are many benefits to an alcohol free face toner. Alcohol in products can cause dryness and actually bring on a breakout, which is less than ideal. Toners with alcohol could also damage your skin’s protective barrier, causing excess oil production and annoying shiny patches.

Why Should You Use an Alcohol Free Toner?

After all this, you might be asking yourself, Are toners good for your skin? Well, they certainly can be! And this is where the alcohol free toner walks in. As any good toner should, a toner without alcohol will unclog pores and regulate the pH balance of your skin.

A toner shouldn’t be used to cleanse your skin or remove makeup. Its job is to help dislodge the impurities that your skin picks up during the day. The benefit of an alcohol fragrance free toner is that it often includes minerals and vitamins that help soften the skin instead of drying it out.

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What are the Benefits of Using an Alcohol Free Toner?

If you have combination skin or a T-zone that gives you trouble, a toner with alcohol could promote more pimples than you’re used to. An alcohol free toner for oily skin is a great idea. An alcohol free toner for sensitive skin won’t be as harsh on skin. It’ll help keep redness at bay, and you’ll hopefully avoid irritation.

If you have dehydrated skin (most of us do), you should be drinking your 8 glasses of water a day and using products that won’t further dry out skin. An alcohol free hydrating toner is a good idea, especially if you live in a colder climate.

Is a Face Toner Necessary?

Dermatologists state that though toners aren’t a necessary step, one with a formulation suited to your skin type is a good idea. If you have especially clogged pores or very oily skin, a toner could help balance skin out. An alcohol free toner for acne prone skin could also be a great addition to your clearing arsenal.

Everyone’s skincare regime should be personalised, but an alcohol free toner with added active ingredients could help target specific skin issues. Look for added Retinol, exfoliants, and antioxidants to help keep your skin where you want it to be.

What are Astringents and are They Good for Your Skin?

An astringent is a liquid-based formula that's used to help clear impurities from the skin’s surface. An astringent can contain alcohol, but it can also be made from natural ingredients and botanicals. Many people try and use an astringent on their face if their skin is super oily.

Are astringents good for your skin? You should avoid alcohol-based astringents if you have very dry skin, as the harsh alcohol may cause further irritation. Alcohol astringents can also make acne worse if you’re already suffering. It’s a good idea to use a natural astringent toner or an alcohol free toner for acne prone skin.

An astringent can be good for some skin though. It can tighten pores, reduce inflammation, provide an antibacterial barrier, and tighten the skin. Using an astringent on oily skin can be a good idea because it’ll reduce excess oil. Avoid alcohol-based astringents if you have eczema or rosacea, and always follow up with a high-protection sunscreen. Do your research and pick out the best astringent toner for oily skin and the best astringent toner for sensitive skin.

Are Toners Good for Your Skin?

A toner can be very good for your skin. An alcohol free toner especially will help clear skin and minimise the appearance of pores. The best toner without alcohol can be used daily and will help enhance your skin. The best face toner is one that makes your skin feel good and lifts away unwanted imperfections.

Check out these alcohol free toners that your skin will love to lap up...

With Rose Water

Vanessa Megan Rose Hydrosol Pore Refining Toner

$39.95

4.9 of 4 reviews

Vegan, cruelty-free, certified organic, and made in Australia, Vanessa Megan Rose Hydrosol Pore Refining Toner is a pure rose water toner that will soothe and soften skin. It’s alcohol-free, paraben-free, sulphate-free, and artificial fragrance-free so will refine skin with a kind and caring approach. Great at balancing sebum production, this toner is perfect for both oily and dry skin.

Made with the highest-quality organic Bulgarian rose, Vanessa Megan Rose Hydrosol Pore Refining Toner balances and restores the skin’s pH levels. It also contains acne-fighting antibacterial properties and offers a boost of soothing hydration. Spritz onto the face throughout the day to freshen up. Mix with your favourite face oils and serums to deliver the ingredients to a deeper skin layer. It's a great natural skin care toner.

With Hyaluronic Acid

Vanessa Megan Group 11 Active Mist 100ml

$49.95

5 of 1 reviews

Vanessa Megan Group 11 Active Mist has been formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and microparticles of Silver, Copper, and Gold to help you get the healthy glow you crave. This facial mist has been formulated with wild-harvested ingredients from the Australian outback. It’ll help tackle sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Vanessa Megan Group 11 Active Mist 100ml contains the ‘magic’ trio of Copper, Silver, and Gold, which are naturally occurring and known for their healing and anti-ageing properties. Helping to boost production of collagen, elastin, and hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, this mist will help nourish skin and bring out your inner glow. Simply spray it on liberally, morning and night, before you apply your serum and moisturiser. You just might find it’s the best natural toner for face.

Calm Combination Skin

Pai Rice Plant & Rosemary BioAffinity Tonic 50ml

$60.00

5 of 1 reviews

Pai Rice Plant & Rosemary BioAffinity Tonic helps address the needs of combination skin without any harsh drying effects. This certified-organic, sulphate-free tonic contains Rice Plant Water, which is rich in balancing minerals such as calcium and magnesium. The Rosemary in the formula acts as a natural antibacterial agent, and the Probiotics included boost the skin’s natural barrier.

Is it the best alcohol free toner for acne? Well, it’s designed for people with sensitive skin, including acne-prone skin. The bottle is recyclable and biodegradable, and sustainable practices have been adhered to wherever possible. Use Pai Rice Plant & Rosemary BioAffinity Tonic regularly to clear the skin of imperfections.

The Perfect Pick-Me-Up

Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner 50ml

$16.20 $18.00

4.3 of 50 reviews

Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner is a bestseller for a reason. It’s known for keeping skin plumped, refreshed, and lifted. The invigorating mist toner both hydrates and refreshes the skin while helping you maintain a silky, smooth complexion. Ideal for all skin types, the lightweight formula helps protect the skin from irritation.

PETA-accredited and totally cruelty-free, Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner 50ml binds moisture to the skin’s surface to help prevent drying water loss. Lavender, Aloe, Balm Mint, and Arnica soothe the skin and help prevent irritation. If you’re looking for an alcohol free toner Australia, just a quick spritz of this formula will help get your skin to a more hydrated state. Use as often as you feel is necessary.

To Replenish and Nourish

KORA Organics - Balancing Rose Mist 100mL

$42.00

4.2 of 33 reviews

This potent little product is so much more than a pretty pink bottle! Replenishing and nourishing, KORA Organics - Balancing Rose Mist offers antioxidant protection and hydration. What is the best natural toner for face? Well, the Rose Flower Water, Geranium Oil, Hibiscus Extract, and Noni Extract in this formula makes it a great option. The soothing blend of ingredients refreshes and invigorates for a quick glow. Balancing Rose Mist also helps tone skin and minimise the appearance of pores.

Vegan and cruelty-free with no added nasties, KORA Organics - Balancing Rose Mist can be spritzed onto the skin before moisturising or used throughout the day to help maintain the skin’s freshness.

Liven Up Your Skin

A great natural face toner for acne, Black Chicken Remedies Hydrate My Face Toning Mist boasts botanical hydration. It also helps tone the skin and give it a boost of refreshing energy. The soothing blend of essential oils and pure floral waters make it a fun and fresh way to wake yourself up mid-morning. The spritz is suitable for all skin types and acts as a perfect cool-down for those with a little sunburn.

Black Chicken Remedies Hydrate My Face Toning Mist is a face-saving pick-me-up that also makes a great travel companion. Perfect for air travel, use it to help maintain the skin’s healthy moisture levels by spritzing throughout your flight. The toning spray can also be used over or under makeup.

Perfect for Ageing Skin

UMA Oils Ultimate Brightening Rose Toner

$97.00

4.1 of 11 reviews

Beautifully packaged and elegantly executed, UMA Oils Ultimate Brightening Rose Toner is an organic toner that helps even skin tone and texture. If you’ve spent too much time in the sun, or you’re starting to see the effects of ageing, this intensely concentrated, brightening formula will soothe and hydrate dry, dehydrated skin.

UMA Oils Ultimate Brightening Rose Toner is a botanical elixir that produces real results. It’s got Watermelon to help tone, Tomato Extracts to help banish blemishes, Rose Oil to nourish and hydrate, Sandalwood to help overcome uneven patches, and more. Made for skin health and mental well-being, the soothing formula is made using ingredients from a family-owned, family-run estate.

How to use: KORA Organics Balancing Rose Mist

Looking to find more alcohol free skin care, makeup more? Discover your new favourites in our Clean Beauty guides:

Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty’s highly trained Customer Service team. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.