A toner is a welcome step in any skincare routine to brighten, exfoliate, or hydrate post-cleansing, but applying the watery formula to a cotton round takes precious seconds—especially if you're in a hurry. With the best toner pads, that problem is solved, as the active formula is already soaked in and ready to go.
Like regular toners, there are different toner pad formulations depending on your skin concerns. According to Nava Greenfield, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, a good exfoliating toner pad can even replace the regular exfoliation step in your skincare routine.
So, which toner pads should you add to your routine? Read on for our picks for the 10 best toner pads for every skin concern, including best sellers and the ones Greenfield uses herself.
The Best Toner Pads
Pros
Great to use before serums and moisturizer for better absorption
Cons
Some reviewers don't love how saturated the pads are
These refreshing toner pads are saturated in a gentle rosewater formula that feels amazing either at the end of a long day or first thing in the morning. The ingredients all lean more hydrating and nourishing, so you can use them daily.
Key Ingredients: Damask rosewater, hyaluronic acid
Best for: All skin types
Customer Review:
"These pre-moistened rose-infused toning/exfoliating pads are so convenient! They leave my sensitive skin feeling hydrated, but clean without any stickiness. I keep them refrigerated for that extra cooling, soothing sensation. Great product!" —Sharon
Best With Vitamin C
innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening + Exfoliating Toner Pads
Pros
Triple-powered formula is brightening, exfoliating, and hydrating
Cons
Some reviewers noted they can tingle on sensitive skin
Not only can you use these brightening pads as your toner step, but you can also wear them as targeted masks for a more intensive treatment. You can cut them in smaller pieces (clean scissors, please!) to make the most out of each one, too.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, niacinamide, green tea enzyme, Hydro-Soothing Complex
Best for: Dull skin; dry, combo, normal Skin
Customer Review:
"I've been using these for a week and I'm absolutely obsessed! They don't have a strong smell, they haven't caused any irritation, and they are super moisturizing! My face looks significantly brighter after using these and I will definitely be buying them again." —hearthalo
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Pros
Fragrance-free
Cons
They may be drying on sensitive skin
Greenfield both uses and recommends these clearing pads from her practice, "which combined provide gentle exfoliation and are great at reducing pore size and brightening the skin."
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, witch hazel
Best for: Acne-prone, oily skin
Pros
Contains more pads (100) than most products
Cons
Contains fragrance
Mediheal has an entire lineup of toner pads, all for different skincare concerns. This version, featuring a CollagenFactor complex, is best for fine lines and wrinkles, and can also be used as a treatment mask.
Key Ingredients: Micromolecular collagen, ceramide, milk protein
Best for: Mature skin
Customer Review:
"Love this product! My face feels and looks amazing! My husband also swears by it! He uses it on his forehead every morning to calm his deep sleep wrinkles!" —Emmy L
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Pros
Doesn't sensitize skin
Cons
Pricey for the number of pads you get
There are a lot of exfoliating toners out there, but these toner pads from YSE Beauty are designed specifically to not disrupt your skin barrier. You'll also love the dual-sided, textured pad, which has a little pocket for your fingers—it makes them so easy to use.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, grape extract, sodium polyglutamate, gluconalactone, ectoin
Best for: All skin types, including sensitive skin
Customer Review:
"I've used these for just a couple days now and have seen an immediate difference in my skin. My pores are smaller, everything looks smoother, glowy. These magical discs are going to be a staple for me." —Lisa O.
Pros
Convenient packaging
Cons
May be too harsh for those with sensitive skin
Made with a base of willow bark water and 1 percent BHA, these soothing pads help control excess sebum and unclog pores. The result? Clearer, smoother skin without irritation.
Key Ingredients: BHA, willow bark water, tea tree oil
Best for: Acne-prone skin, clogged pores
Customer Review:
"My skin issues are pore size, texture, and blackheads and using this product people tell me it looks like I have glass skin. My skin feels smoother way less blackheads. It’s a product I’ll need to use for life so I really hope it never gets discontinued." —Emily
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Best Skin-Smoothing Toner Pads
ELEMIS Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads
Pros
Improve the look of skin tone and texture
Cons
Contains fragrance
If you're looking for a "facial in a jar," these beloved toner pads from Elemis both smooth skin texture and brighten skin tone. Technically, they can be used daily, but we recommend starting with two or three times a week to avoid over-exfoliating.
Key Ingredients: Patented Tri-Enzyme Technology, lactic acid, Probiotic Ferment Complex
Best for: Uneven texture, clogged pores
Customer Review:
"After a few times of using this product, the texture of my skin is almost smooth. I have always struggled with combination skin, and using harsher products like toning pads/etc. has always been hard on my skin. These resurfacing pads have an exfoliant on one side that has helped break down dead skin & that is a game changer!" —faithsable
Pros
Non-drying
Cons
The pads themselves are on the small side
It's true: The astringent you grew up with is also available in convenient pads. The key ingredient, witch hazel, helps balance oil production and reduces inflammation, while aloe hydrates and soothes. Plus, these also have salicylic acid to help fight acne and clear blackheads.
Key Ingredients: Witch hazel, salicylic acid, aloe vera
Best for: All skin types
Customer Review: "Love Thayers products! After I wash my face I use the pads to get any trouble spots and my skin an improved. I look back on old pictures and see a big change." —Jalia
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Pros
Great for tackling breakouts on sensitive skin
Cons
Acids can make skin sun-sensitive
If you're looking for a formula that's hard-working but gentle on skin, you found it in Barefaced's Toning Pads. Packed with exfoliating acids, they're remarkably gentle thanks to soothing ingredients like green tea, chamomile, and aloe.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, mandelic acid, green tea
Best for: Normal skin, dry skin
Customer Review:
"These have been a game changer for extra smooth skin and smaller pores. Recommend following suggested use of tapering up to daily use as it took a few weeks for my skin to be able to handle these daily. Generously sized pads. Able to wipe down my face, neck and back of arms where I have KP." —Kate
Pros
Alcohol-free
Cons
Some reviewers reported a bit of skin peeling
There's a good chance you've tried these brightening, exfoliating skincare pads before—and good news: They're still that good. Packed with 5 percent glycolic acid, they get the job done sans frills and sans irritation.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, aloe
Best for: Brightening
Customer Review:
"I have been using Pixi products for years and they never disappoint! I have tried more expensive products and always go back to Pixi. This tonic leaves my skin feeling fresh, clean and looking amazing." —Mandi R.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do All Toner Pads Offer Similar Benefits?
Like regular toners, different toner pads offer different benefits. "It depends on the ingredients in the pads," explains Greenfield. "Some toner pads are focused on cleansing, some on hydration, and others on exfoliation. One pad cannot do it all."
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How Are Toner Pads and Toner Different?
Aside from the delivery system, it depends on the individual product. "I cannot say which is better or worse because they are all different," says Greenfield. However, if you're looking to streamline, she says, "Toner pads are more convenient because they require less steps at home as the pads are pre presoaked." That being said, the derm notes they can contain preservatives that can cause irritation—so check the formula and always do a patch test to make sure you don't have a reaction.
Can Toner Pads Be Used Daily?
"Depends on the pad and your skin!" says Greenfield. "As a general rule, don't exfoliate every day—you need days of recovery [in between.]" At the same time, she says you can also clog pores with too much moisture. Always read the instructions for the product you're using, and start on the lower end of the recommendations; for example, if it says to use three to five times per week, start with three and increase from there.
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More Recommendations for Glowing Skin
- The 15 Best Milky Toners and Essences for Instant Hydration
- What Does Toner Do—and Do You Need It? Here's a Derm's Take
- The 10 Best Collagen Face Masks for Plump, Glowing Skin
- The 11 Best Ice Face Masks to Soothe and De-Puff
Meet the Expert
- Nava Greenfield, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City.
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