The 7 must-have toners for smooth, pore-free skin

Tone your skin

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If an oily complexion or large pores are an issue for you, then toning is one skincare step you shouldn’t skip. Toners not only have astringent properties to tighten pores, they often also help to remove excess oil and balance the complexion.

Despite that, toners were left out of many women’s regime in the past because of their reputation of dehydrating and drying out skin.

Thankfully, they have upped their game and these new generation toners do so much more than just work on pores. Many have hydrating properties to keep skin looking fresh and plump, gently exfoliate to smooth the complexion and treat other concerns on top of acne and oil.

We’ve put together a list of the best toners that not only tighten pores and treat excess sebum but are also moisturising enough to plump and refresh, giving you a “pore-less” appearance. Time to slap on these watery wonders!

Hydrating Toning Lotion, S$84.00, Clarins

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This toning lotion not only provides gentle moisture and softens the skin but also helps maintain the perfect balance for normal to dry skin types, leaving your complexion feeling refreshed and comfortable without any tightness or dryness.

Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner, $69, Fresh

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Alcohol-free and suitable for all skin types, this not only tones and cleanses but also hydrates, softens, refines pores and primes your skin for the rest of your skincare ritual. It’s made with rose fruit extract that has astringent properties to refine the look of pores but also stimulates collagen synthesis to help skin look smoother.

Glow Tonic, $44, Pixi

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Great for sensitive skin, this alcohol-free toner gently accelerates cell renewal to give you a brighter, glowing complexion. It contains ginseng extract to energise and improve circulation, as well as aloe vera to soothe, hydrate and reduce the appearance of pores. After continued use, it leaves your skin tone clearer, and with a more even texture.

Calendula Herbal-Extract Alcohol Free Toner, S$ 44, Kiehl’s

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Loved by Kiehl’s customers since the 1960s, our cult-favorite alcohol-free toner is enriched with Calendula, a natural powerhouse packed with five skin-soothing compounds known to calm redness, reduce excess oil, and ease sensitivity. Gentle yet effective, this toner is perfect for balancing normal to oily skin, including sensitive types. Experience a more even, refreshed complexion with our signature calming formula that leaves your skin feeling soothed, hydrated, and comfortable.

Prestige Rose Micro Lotion, $160, Dior

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Infused with Rose de Granville extract, which is rich in purifying minerals such as zinc, copper and magnesium, this helps rebalance skin, especially in hot or humid weather. It also intensely hydrates, refines skin texture, tightens pores and controls shine for a velvety finish.

Floral Toning Lotion, S$ 145, Sisley

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The Floral Toning Lotion gently removes leftover makeup and impurities while calming and softening the skin. Made with natural extracts of Rose, Cornflower, and Witch Hazel, it’s especially kind to dry, sensitive skin. This alcohol-free lotion tones and soothes, helping to prep your skin perfectly for the rest of your skincare routine.

Weightless Advanced Repairing Toner, S$ 40,50, Paula’s Choice

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A refreshing facial toner that boosts hydration and provides a light moisture boost, while helping protect your skin from everyday environmental stressors.