The truth about toners

Natural Health, June, 2004

You can clear away excess oil, moisturize and protect your complexion--all with one swipe of a toner-soaked cotton ball. Here, best bets for your skin type.

DRY OR MATURE SKIN

Toners loaded with moisturizing ingredients like glycerin (from vegatable oils), soy, sweet almond oil and vitamin E are best for deep cleaning and hydrating the complexion. Try Elemis Rehydrating Ginseng Toner ($30; elemis.com) with glycerin and astringent ginseng extract, or Desert Essence Age Reversal Facial Toner ($7; desertessence.com), which contains hydrating sea algae extract and soothing chamomile.

SENSITIVE SKIN

Alcohol can dry out and irritate delicate skin, so opt for alcohol-free toners with botanicals like cucumber, witch hazel and chamomile. Try Renee Rouleau Elderberry Toner ($21.50; reneerouleau.com) with a calming elderberry extract plus vitamins A and C, or Aveda All-Sensitive Toner ($7.50; aveda.com) with anti-irritating licorice and coconut-derived moisturizers.

OILY OR ACNE-PRONE SKIN

Look for astringents with blemish fighters like salicylic acid or mattifying ingredients like powder. Try Aveeno Clear Complexion Astringent ($7; at drugstores) with salicylic acid and moisture-rich soy extract, or Estee Lauder Sparkling Clean Mattifying Oil-Control Lotion ($18.50; esteelauder.com), which contains the absorbent powders kaolin and silica to minimize shine.