Whether you’re newly initiated into the CTM skincare routine, are looking to switch up your regular toner or just want your tired skin to cool down – having a trusty toner close at hand is never a bad idea. Luckily, this is not a benefit only a few can enjoy. I took one for the team, ran some trials and tests, and did some digging around to round up some effective toners for every budget.
Under Rs. 100
Dabur Gulabari Rose Water – Rs. 70
Skin Type: All
Pros:
I like to call rose water the gateway drug to any toner you may ever use. For a budget friendly toner, rose water is wonderfully versatile and you can add it to your regular face pack for extra benefits. Since it doesn’t foam like a lot of toners I know, it even works well as a face mist.
Cons:
Alas, even our heroes have feet of clay. While the Dabur Gulabari may be a big win on the budget, it contains parabens and is not real rose water, just a whole lot of fragrance!
Perhaps that explains the low price as well.
Under Rs. 200
Biotique Bio Cucumber Pore Tightening Toner – Rs. 175
Skin Type: Combination to oily and acne prone skin
Pros:
Ingredient geeks like me will delight at the fact that this toner has only 5 very natural, very easy to understand ingredients (bye-bye parabens and tongue-twisting chemicals)! Additionally, the Biotique Cucumber Pore Tightening Toner is organic, preservative free, paraben free and cruelty free. Cucumber, Mother Nature’s very own air-conditioner, works its magic well in this toner. Moreover, it also restores the skin’s Ph balance and gives you a nice fresh glow. As for the pores – for a product in this price bracket, it actually does a very decent job at pore tightening. If you have moderately visible pores, you should absolutely try this one!
Cons:
This toner has a surprisingly strong smell that takes some getting used to. Some may also experience a mild burning sensation. So, if your skin tends to act sensitive every now and then, do a patch test first. The packaging is also the “typical Biotique” bottle that’s not exactly user friendly, especially in a world on spray-top toner bottles!
Under Rs. 300
Lotus Herbal BasilTone Cucumber & Basil Clarifying and Balancing Toner – Rs. 285
Skin Type: Combination to oily skin
Pros:
Unhealthy lifestyle, stress, pollution, relentless application of harsh chemicals on the face are all factors that can throw your skin’s Ph balance out of whack. And the one key to a healthy, flawless skin is maintaining is Ph balance. Here’s a toner that helps you do just that – while being somewhere in the mid-range budget. BasilTone does a very thorough job of removing makeup, and residue cleanser and grime. Regular use can also reduce blackheads, and clear out the skin. All those who have been struggling with oily skin can breathe a sigh of relief with BasilTone, as it does a wonderful job at getting rid of excess oil without drying out the skin or causing a breakout.
Cons:
Although it comes well-enriched with natural extracts of cucumber and basil, it also contains parabens.
Under Rs. 1000
The Body Shop Seaweed Oil Balancing Toner – Rs. 876
Skin Type: Combination and acne prone
Pros:
Continuing our romance with natural products, let’s take it to the next level with The Body Shop! Honestly, I can barely complete a skincare related list without mentioning The Body Shop. And this time it’s the Seaweed Oil Balancing Toner. The product claims to purify, refresh and moisturise the skin, and it comes through on every claim. Not only that, the toner forms a nice protective layer, giving your skin an extra moisturising boost. It also tightens pores and firms the skin, leaving you with clean, soft and supple skin!
Cons:
Cumbersome packaging that may not be travel-friendly. Not suitable for dry skin.
Under 2000
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner – Rs. 1650
Skin Type: All
Pros: Ah, Kiehl’s! The brand that makes us all want to work harder and be worthy of its glorious existence in our lives. Out of Kiehl’s vast, wonderful and interesting magic box of skincare products comes the Ultra Facial Toner. Unlike the other toners on this list, the Ultra Facial toner has a creamy white consistency. This one not only cleans out the excess debris, but is also immensely hydrating. It contains wonderful ingredients such as Sweet Almond Oil, Kernel Oil, Avocado Oil and Vitamin E, all of which are easily absorbed by the skin. What’s more, it leaves behind an amazingly smooth skin that you can’t help but keep caressing. You know how some products just put you in a nice mood because it feels so good? This is one of those!
Cons:
It is very pricey for a toner.
What’s my personal favourite? The Body Shop Seaweed Oil Balancing Toner!
Which of these toners are you excited to try? Know something I don’t? Help me blow up my dough better by recommending other interesting products to talk about!