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STYLE | Beauty | Skin

The alcohol-free toners that are perfect for sensitive skin

From good ol' witch hazel to amino-acids, these toners have it all

By Ho Guo Xiong - 

Photo credit: jessicazwu / Instagram
Photo credit: jessicazwu / Instagram
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Most people consider toning an unnecessary step in their skincare routine. However, when used after cleansing and before moisturiser, toners help remove any residual makeup and oils while balancing the pH of your skin.

Depending on the type of toner you pick, they can also provide additional benefits. For example, exfoliating toners with alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) such as glycolic and lactic acid and beta hydroxy acids (BHA) like salicylic acid can help remove gunk from pores and refine skin texture over time. Another subset is hydrating toners, which, as the name suggests, provide a boost of hydration.

For those who have sensitive skin, finding the right toner can be difficult. But one ingredient they have to specifically avoid is denatured alcohol. This particular alcohol (not to be confused with fatty alcohols that are moisturising) could dry out and weaken the skin barrier despite providing that cooling sensation we love in Singapore’s weather.

If you have skin that’s easily irritated and fussy, here are a few alcohol-free toners to add to your skincare routine.

This article was first published on Cleo Singapore.

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner, $69

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For those looking to achieve that Korean glass skin or Japanese mochi skin, hydration is the way to get there. This gentle Fresh toner harnesses the power of rose to soften and refine the skin while boosting hydration levels.

Laneige Cream Skin Refiner, $38

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Another hydrating pick, this Laneige toner contains amino acid-rich white leaf tea water to nourish and strengthen the skin barrier. For people with oily skin, you can try incorporating this into your night-time routine.

Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner, $59

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A cult favourite from Kiehl’s, this employs a trifecta of calendula, allantoin and great burdock to soothe and refresh.

Thayers Unscented Facial Toner, $23.90

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This contains witch hazel that tones the skin and reduces irritation, and aloe leaf juice and glycerin that provide hydration. If you fancy a scented version, choose among a few variations, including rose and lavender.

Primera Miracle Seed Essence, $85.99 from Yesstyle

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This Primera essence is a long-time K-beauty secret. It’s packed with lotus seed extracts that are chock-full of amino acids, which in turn, hydrate and strengthen skin. It also contains niacinamide to brighten the complexion.

Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion, $22.90

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Hada Labo is known to use hyaluronic acids (HA) of different molecular weights to penetrate and hydrate deeper the layers of skin. This original version contains HA with four molecular weights, but you can also opt for the light version, which has HA of three molecular weights, and a rich version that contains HA of five molecular weights.

CosRX Centella Water Alcohol Free Toner, $22.90

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Packaged in a convenient spray bottle, this CosRX contains centella asiatica leaf water, vitamin B5 (panthenol) and allantoin to calm and hydrate sensitised skin.

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