Achieving a flawless complexion is what every women desires. However, as we age and our skin naturally matures, it often becomes much more challenging. Toners are a wondrous solution to help hydrate and brighten the skin, especially for those dealing with fine lines or wrinkles.
If you're new to toners, Paula Brezavscek, a board-certified physician associate and the founder of Azala Skin Clinic in Miami, is here to help. "As skin matures, it tends to get a little thirstier and a lot pickier," she says. "A good toner gives it that first drink of water after cleansing, helping to plump and soothe."
In addition to Brezavscek, we also spoke with Natia Rufolo, a board-certified aesthetic nurse practitioner, PDO thread specialist, and the founder of INJX by Nat Aesthetics, to learn more about how toners specifically benefit mature skin — and hear their product recommendations.
See below to find the best expert-approved toners for mature skin. To round out the list, we also included a Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner as well as a mom-approved pick. Score these buzzworthy toners now from top brands like Paula's Choice, La Roche-Posay and more — starting at under $20.
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How do toners benefit mature skin?
According to Rufolo, toners hydrate the skin, which is important to make fine lines appear softer and also allow other skin care products to absorb more effectively.
"Some toners also deliver active ingredients that support the unique needs of aging skin," she explains. "Toner also helps restore the skin’s natural pH balance after cleansing, which is important for maintaining a healthy microbiome and optimal skin function."
When it comes to using a toner, Brezacscek tells users to think of it as a "wingwoman" for your skin care routine as they "hype" up other products and make sure your skin is set to glow. [Toners] "also make your fancy serums and creams work even harder by helping them absorb more efficiently," she mentions.
What to look for in a toner for mature skin
When it comes to investing in a quality toner for mature skin, experts say it's a necessity. "Think of toner like the opening act for your skin care routine; it sets the stage for everything that follows," states Brezavscek.
"For mature skin, skip the old-school astringents and look for ingredients that love your skin back: hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide to smooth and brighten, and antioxidants like green tea or vitamin C to protect your glow," she suggests. "And please, no harsh alcohols. We’re hydrating, not dehydrating."
Rufolo explains how mature skin typically comes with issues like dehydration, diminished elasticity, sensitivity and a slower rate of cellular turnover. "When it comes to choosing a toner for mature skin, the right toner should be formulated to support and nourish the skin, not strip it," she notes.
"Because the skin barrier weakens over time, ingredients like ceramides and fatty acids are key," adds Rufolo. "These ingredients replenish the skin’s natural lipids and help keep the barrier strong and resilient."
For anti-aging benefits, Rufolo, like Brezavscek, also recommends niacinamide (vitamin B3) as it helps with a wide variety of symptoms. "Niacinamide improves texture, calms redness, and even boosts collagen production. Peptides are also really great to support firmness and elasticity," she says.
The best toners for mature skin, according to experts and tested by editors
This Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Toner won best overall toner as part of our Shop TODAY's 2025 Beauty Awards. This hydrating formula is great for mature skin as it helps to minimize the appearance of fine lines, according to the brand.
“This is my new favorite toner!” raves TODAY researcher Kayiu Wong. “I love how soothing and hydrating this leaves my skin. It is lightweight and makes my face instantly feel refreshed and moisturized. It does not irritate my sensitive skin, which is a huge plus! I’ll definitely be repurchasing!”
Rufolo loves how instantly soothing and refreshing this Thermal Spring Water Face Mist feels, especially on mature or sensitive skin.
"It contains a high concentration of Selenium, a powerful natural antioxidant that helps calm inflammation and protect against environmental stress," she mentions. "This makes it perfect for reducing redness, hydrating throughout the day and prepping the skin before your skin care routine."
"I just love that this is a spray," says deals editor Rebecca Brown. "Since I so often don’t have cotton pads available, I love that I can just spray this on my skin and pat it in, and it settles so quickly without feeling drying."
Brezavscek recommends this Paula's Choice toner to her clients all the time. "It’s like a comforting hug for your skin, rich in antioxidants and omega fatty acids, perfect for anyone with dry, sensitive or post-procedure skin. It hydrates, calms and supports your skin barrier beautifully," she adds.
“Mature skin tends to struggle with water loss, so a toner rich in humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin can immediately replenish moisture and provide that plump, supple feeling,” says Rufolo.
"I really love the Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer because it delivers the hydration of a moisturizer with the light texture of a toner," shares Rufolo. "The blend of ceramides, peptides and white tea extract works to deeply nourish, strengthen the skin barrier and leave the skin feeling soft, plump and calm. It’s perfect for mature skin that needs hydration and barrier support without feeling heavy or greasy."
Sarah Whitman, mom of associate partnerships editor Lauren Witonsky, reviewed this lightweight toner and was impressed with its positive results. "It had good toning properties without being overly dry," she suggests. "It left my skin feeling toned, but not stripped of oil. As well, it was a little bit moisturizing, which is nice in a toner."
"I particularly liked that it came in a glass bottle," shares Whitman. "So many beauty products come in plastic, that this was a nice change. I also appreciated that it uses natural ingredients, is artificial-fragrance free and is vegan."
"[This is] a super refreshing mist that hydrates without heaviness," suggests Brezavscek. "It’s alcohol-free (thank you!), packed with antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients, and it layers effortlessly under serums and creams. I love how it gives the skin an immediate glow without any stickiness."
Rufolo really like this toner because "it helps restore the skin’s natural pH after cleansing, which is especially important for mature skin as the acid mantle becomes more fragile with age," she explains. "It contains soothing ingredients like aloe and witch hazel to calm, prep and hydrate the skin for better absorption of serums and treatments. I love that it’s alcohol-free, making it ideal for daily use in aging or sensitive skin."
Frequently asked questions
If you have mature skin, a toner is a great asset to any skin care regime. "I get it, toner feels optional, but for mature skin, it can be a total game changer," says Brezavscek. "It boosts hydration and helps other products sink in better. I always say: if your skin is parched or sensitive, the right toner can be your quiet hero."
"Personally, I believe they are a really important step," explains Rufolo. "The right toner can help restore your skin’s pH after cleansing, deliver hydration, prep your skin for serums and support the skin barrier, which is especially important as we age."
"Many of my more mature clients share that they’ve never used a toner before and aren’t sure where to fit it into their routine," notes Rufolo. "It’s simple: apply your toner right after cleansing, before your serums or moisturizer. You can either dispense it onto a cotton pad and gently swipe over the face, or simply pat it in with your hands if it’s a more hydrating, essence-style formula."
Rufolo explains that some toners come in spray bottles to mist over your face and neck after cleansing.
"This is another concern I hear very often from patients with drier or more sensitive skin," says Rufolo. "There are excellent toners designed specifically for hydration and barrier repair, containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides and panthenol. These formulas help lock in moisture and improve skin comfort rather than causing dryness."
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best toners for mature skin by enlisting the recommendations of two board-certified skin care experts. We also included a Shop TODAY Beauty Award-winning toner, as well as a tried-and-true mom favorite as well.
Meet the experts
- Paula Brezavscek, PA-C is a board-certified physician associate and the founder of Azala Skin Clinic in Miami.
- Natia Rufolo, FNP, NP-C is a board-certified aesthetic nurse practitioner, PDO thread specialist, and the founder of INJX By Nat Aesthetics.
