In the world of skincare, there’s some debate about whether toners are really necessary for mature skin. A few times, dermatologists have told me that as a 46-year-old woman, a toner isn’t essential to my routine—especially if I’m already using a good, gentle cleanser. (On that note, I could write a whole other story about how much I love Neuraé’s Caring Cleanser.) But if you ask Maryam Zamani, MD, a dual board-certified plastic surgeon, a good toner does have its benefits—especially for those, like me, with peri- or post-menopausal skin.
“One of the traditional roles of a toner is helping maintain the skin’s naturally acidic pH,” she says. “This matters more for mature skin than people often realize: Aging skin has a higher baseline surface pH and a weaker ability to bounce back to a healthy acidic range after cleansing. A well-made, mildly acidic toner can help close that gap and support a healthier barrier, which serves as the foundation for the rest of your routine.”
Vogue’s Favorite Toners for Mature Skin:
– Best Hydrating: PCA Skin Hydrating Toner, $48
– Best for Dullness: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, $99
– Best for Dry Skin: Ilia The Face Base Milk, $58
– Best for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution, $19
– Best Mist: Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence, $76
What’s more, she says modern toners have evolved to do more than their traditional jobs. “The biggest misconception is that all toners are drying, because people still think of the alcohol-based, astringent formulas from the past,” she says. “Today’s toners are very different. Many are made to hydrate, support the skin barrier, and deliver beneficial ingredients, making them a completely different type of product than they were decades ago.”
With that in mind, I’ve started trying out toners over the past couple of weeks, treating this post-cleansing step as a smart part of a modern, anti-aging routine.
“One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing in skincare is that we’re no longer trying to fight the skin—we’re trying to support it,” says Kristin Cabeda, MPAS-PAC, a board-certified master injector and owner of Plumped in North Carolina. “For mature skin, that means focusing on hydration, barrier function, and healthy cellular communication instead of aggressive stripping or over-exfoliation. A thoughtfully made toner can be one of the simplest ways to build that healthier foundation.”
Ahead, find the toners that dermatologists and Vogue editors recommend for balancing your skin’s pH and more.
In This Story:
– Should you use a toner on mature skin?
– What are the benefits of toner for mature skin?
– How We Tested
– Meet the Experts
Best Hydrating: PCA Skin Hydrating Toner
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PCA Skin Hydrating Face Toner, $48 at Amazon, $48 at Bluemercury, $48 at Nordstrom
Why We Love It: “Formulated to help restore the skin’s natural pH after cleansing, this toner focuses on the essential functions that support healthy skin,” Dr. Zamani says. “Its well-balanced mix of humectants provides lightweight hydration while creating an ideal environment for the products that follow to work their best.” For mature skin, a healthy skin barrier is the foundation of any effective skincare routine, she notes, adding that PCA’s formula is a “reliable everyday toner that delivers excellent basics with very little risk of irritation.”
More to Know:
– Key Ingredients: Watermelon, apple, and lentil-fruit extracts, Jania Rubens extract, evening primrose oil
– Best For: Hydrating, softening, and smoothing the skin; all skin types
– Size: 7 fl oz
Best Luxury Toner: La Mer The Essential Tonic
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La Mer The Essential Tonic, $140 at Bluemercury, $140 at Nordstrom
Why We Love It: “This is a well-made, hydrating toner that helps replenish moisture and soothe dry skin,” says Cheryl Karcher, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “It’s particularly appealingFor patients with mature, dry skin, this toner is made with La Mer’s exclusive ingredients. It contains the brand’s signature Miracle Broth—a blend derived from kelp that soothes and boosts radiance. It also includes Comforting Ferment, a mix of marine-based ingredients that supports the skin barrier, increases hydration, and, like the Miracle Broth, restores radiance. Dr. Zamani adds that the formula includes ingredients with “real anti-aging potential, such as peptides and a stabilized vitamin C derivative.”
More to Know:
Key Ingredients: Comforting Ferment, Miracle Broth, peptides
Best For: Hydration, plumping, smoothing, radiance, even skin tone
Size: 6.76 oz
Best Mist: Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence
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Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence – $98
Why We Love It: While most hydrating toners and essences are used day and night, this farm-fresh formula can be used all day long. Brand founder Tata Harper uses it as the first step in her skincare routine to plump her skin and improve absorption of the serums and moisturizers that follow. But that’s not all: “This product works as a setting spray, an on-the-go hydration boost, and more,” Harper says. “It’s also great as a post-sun refresher to instantly rehydrate skin after a day outdoors.” Dr. Zamani adds one note: While she says the formula “does an excellent job of restoring the skin’s natural pH after cleansing and providing lightweight hydration”—and that its botanical blend “creates a luxurious sensory experience”—she warns that the inclusion of alcohol and citrus flower water may not be ideal for those with sensitive, dry, or reactive skin. “For resilient skin, it’s a well-designed formula that performs its core functions beautifully,” she says.
Editor’s Experience: “After looking into aftersun skincare, I’ve become addicted to the feeling of a soothing post-sun product. Without one, my skin feels tight, dry, and irritated. (I once wrote a story on aftersun skincare…) I’ve used this essence for a while, but when Harper mentioned it can refresh the skin after time outdoors, it was a lightbulb moment for me. Now, instead of just using it after cleansing, I reach for it anytime I need a skin refresh. The light, floral-scented mist delivers such a gentle layer of hydration that it doesn’t even mess up my makeup.” —contributor Jenny Berg
More to Know:
Key Ingredients: Plant glycol, dual low-weight hyaluronic acid, sugar acids
Best For: Hydration, radiance, elasticity, better product absorption
Size: 4.1 oz
Best for Gentle Exfoliation: Augustinus Bader The Essence
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Augustinus Bader The Essence Exfoliating Toner – $100
Why We Love It: Powered by Augustinus Bader’s TFC8, a proprietary complex that supports cell renewal, “This formula seems designed with pH balance in mind, while providing lightweight hydration and a carefully chosen blend of ingredients that offer meaningful antioxidant and anti-aging support, including peptides and green tea,” says Dr. Zamani. She notes that the formula is also free of fragrance and synthetic dyes, making it a great choice for anyone looking to reduce irritation. “One thing to consider is the inclusion of a gentle exfoliating acid,” she adds. “While it’s likely at a low concentration, it’s better suited for an evening routine, where it can work with the skin’s natural overnight repair process.” Overall, she calls The Essence “a well-designed, evidence-based formula that’s especially good for those seeking effective skincare without unnecessary irritants.”
Editor’s Experience: “I’m completely obsessed with Bader’s The Essence. As a hybrid exfoliant, toner, and essence, this 3-in-1 product makes skincare easy. I usually reach for it when I want hydration.”Its lightweight, watery texture sits well on the skin. The fact that it gently purifies my pores is truly an added bonus. —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
More to Know:
Key Ingredients: TFC8, phytic acid, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, gluconolactone, wasabi ferment, white peony extract
Best For: pH balance, hydration, antioxidant support, gentle exfoliation, sensitive skin
Size: 3.38 fl oz
Best for Dullness: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
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SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
$99 AMAZON
Why We Love It: A classic since its 1980 launch in Japan—where it earned the nickname “miracle water” among local makeup artists—SK-II’s treatment essence is still an insider’s pick. “This is one of my favorite essences, and I frequently recommend it in my practice,” says Cheryl Karcher, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. The product is made with 90 percent pitera, a yeast-ferment-derived bio ingredient that’s rich in vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. “Fermented pitera helps improve radiance, smoothness, and overall skin quality over time,” Dr. Karcher says. She adds that the classic product is especially well suited for those targeting dullness, uneven texture, and early signs of aging.
Editor’s Experience: “Whenever my pores start feeling invisible or I have rougher texture, I give my skin some TLC with this essence. It genuinely keeps you feeling soft and smooth—nothing quite like it!” —K.M.
More to Know:
Key Ingredients: Pitera, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol
Best For: Clarity, radiance, smoothness
Size: 2.5 oz
Best for Dry Skin: Ilia The Face Base Milk
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Ilia Beauty The Base Face Milk Essence
$58 AMAZON
$58 NORDSTROM
$58 ILIA BEAUTY
Why We Love It: “This formula is exceptionally well suited to mature or dry skin because it prioritizes hydration and barrier repair above all else,” Dr. Zamani says. “With three forms of hyaluronic acid alongside nourishing lipids and fatty acids, it helps replenish moisture, reinforce the skin’s protective barrier, and reduce the dryness that often becomes more pronounced with age.” Since the formula is free of fragrance, synthetic dyes, and alcohol, Dr. Zamani deems it an excellent choice for sensitive or easily irritated skin. “Rather than functioning as a traditional toner, it behaves more like a lightweight moisturizer, wrapping the skin in lasting hydration while creating an ideal foundation for the rest of your routine,” she says. “For anyone whose primary concern is dryness, dehydration, or a compromised skin barrier, this is one of the strongest options available.”
Editor’s Experience: “My skin seriously loves this stuff. Not only is it lightweight and never ever pills, but it’s also full of good-for-skin ingredients—hyaluronic acid, prickly-pear-flower extract, and squalane—that improve the look and feel. I like to use this when my skin is on the drier side and requires a little extra moisture before face cream.” —K.M.
More to Know:
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, barrier renewal complex, prickly pear flower extract
Best For: Hydration, reducing redness, strengthening the skin barrier, smoothing skin texture
Size: 3.4 oz
Best for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution
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La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution Toner
$19 LA ROCHE-POSAY
Why We Love It: Infused with La Roche-Posay’s thermal spring water, which soothes the skin with minerals and antioxidants, this clarifying toner gently decongests pores. Made with salicylic and glycolic acids for exfoliation, the product is particularly well-suited for those with oily skin, or anyone looking to target uneven texture. It’s also a favorite acne treatment among Vogue staffers, who have witnessed its ability to whisk away pore-clogging debris and oil, while improving skin texture. While a hydrating toner can be used every day, Dr. Zamani says that oneProducts containing exfoliating acids should be used less often. “I usually recommend two to three times a week for mature or sensitive skin, and you can adjust based on how your skin handles it,” she says.
More to Know:
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, La Roche-Posay thermal spring water
Best For: Clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, raised pimples, enlarged pores, uneven skin texture
Size: 6.76 fl oz
Best for Uneven Skin Tone: I’m From Rice Toner
$28 at Amazon | $28 at Nordstrom
Why We Love It: “This formula stands out because of its clinically supported active ingredients, especially niacinamide and adenosine,” Dr. Zamani notes. She explains that both ingredients have strong evidence for improving skin barrier function, refining texture, and softening fine lines over time. Plus, “The formula is clean, gentle, and unlikely to cause irritation, making it a great choice for mature or sensitive skin.” Rather than focusing on deep hydration or pH balancing, she says this K-beauty product is best for delivering targeted skin-care benefits. She especially recommends it to patients looking to address early signs of aging, uneven tone, or a weakened skin barrier. “Overall, this is a thoughtful, evidence-based option that works more like a treatment step than a classic toner,” she says.
More to Know:
Key Ingredients: Goami rice extract, niacinamide, glycerin, portulaca oleracea extract, adenosine
Best For:
Size: 5.07 oz
Everything You Need to Know
Should you use a toner on mature skin?
“Absolutely—but not the toners many people remember from years ago,” says Cabeda. “Historically, toners were often alcohol-based and designed to strip excess oil from the skin. Today’s formulas have changed dramatically.” Modern toners and treatment essences are designed to add hydration, support the skin barrier, calm inflammation, and prepare the skin to better absorb the products that follow, she says. “For mature skin specifically, keeping a healthy skin barrier becomes more important as natural oil production decreases with age. A well-formulated toner can be an excellent first step after cleansing, helping to restore moisture and create an ideal environment for active ingredients like peptides, antioxidants, retinoids, and growth factors.”
What are the benefits of toner for mature skin?
For aging skin, a toner offers several key benefits, says Shantani Smith-Pannell, a licensed esthetician and educator at Ogle School Atlanta. “A well-formulated toner can provide an immediate layer of hydration and soothing ingredients that help improve comfort and boost the effectiveness of serums and moisturizers.” She adds that a high-quality toner can support and strengthen the skin barrier, and reduce any tightness after cleansing.
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a complete approach to give well-rounded recommendations. First, we rely on Vogue’s wide network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to find the standout products in the industry, especially those they would use on their own clients. We combine their expertise with our editorial best practices to create thoughtful selections. For toners for mature skin, we chose the best based on these features: ingredients, texture, weight, finish, and the skin-care concerns they address. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to decide which ones to recommend to you. Read more about our testing methodology here.
Meet the Experts
Maryam Zamani, MD, is a dual board-certified plastic surgeon at Zamani Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills.
Cheryl Karcher, MD, is aA board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
Kristin Cabeda, MPAS-PAC, is a board-certified master injector and the owner of Plumped in North Carolina.
Shantani Smith-Pannell is a licensed esthetician and educator at Ogle School in Atlanta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs based on the topic Does mature skin really need a toner Dermatologists explain with clear natural questions and direct answers
General Beginner Questions
1 What exactly is toner and how is it different from a moisturizer
Toner is a waterbased liquid that you apply after cleansing but before moisturizing Its main job is to remove leftover traces of dirt or makeup and rebalance your skins pH Moisturizer on the other hand adds hydration and seals in moisture They do different things
2 Ive heard toner is just for oily skin Is that true for mature skin too
Thats an old idea Traditional harsh toners were for oil control but modern toners are much gentler For mature skin the right toner can actually add hydration and plumpness not strip oil
3 Does mature skin really need a toner or is it just a marketing gimmick
Dermatologists say its not a musthave like sunscreen or moisturizer but it can be very helpful If you choose the right one it can address specific concerns like dryness dullness or fine lines Its a beneficial step not a gimmick but its optional
4 Can using a toner make my wrinkles worse
Only if you use the wrong type A harsh alcoholbased toner can dry out mature skin making fine lines more noticeable But a hydrating alcoholfree toner will actually help plump the skin and make wrinkles look less obvious
Benefits Skin Concerns
5 What are the main benefits of using a toner on mature skin
The top benefits are 1 Extra hydration 2 Improved texture 3 Better absorption of your serum and moisturizer and 4 Gentle exfoliation to brighten dull skin
6 Can toner help with age spots or uneven skin tone
Yes if you choose a toner with active ingredients Look for ones with gentle exfoliating acids or brightening ingredients They can help fade dark spots