The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (2025)

  • Best Hydrating Toner Pads
  • Best With Vitamin C
  • Dermatologist Pick
  • Best for Fine Lines
  • Best Exfoliating Toner Pads
  • Best for Blackheads
  • Best Skin-Smoothing Toner Pads
  • Best Witch Hazel Toner Pads
  • Best Multi-Action
  • Cult Favorite
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • 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

    Best Hydrating Toner Pads

    FEMMUE Rose Infused Face Toning Pads

    The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (7)

    Pros

    • The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (8)Great to use before serums and moisturizer for better absorption

    Cons

    • The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (9)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

    • The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (11)Triple-powered formula is brightening, exfoliating, and hydrating

    Cons

    • The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (12)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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    Dermatologist Pick

    Schweiger Dermatology Group ClearMe Pads

    The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (13)

    Pros

    • The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (14)Fragrance-free

    Cons

    • The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (15)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

    Best for Fine Lines

    Mediheal Collagen Ampoule Pad

    The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (16)

    Pros

    • The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (17)Contains more pads (100) than most products

    Cons

    • The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (18)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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    Best Exfoliating Toner Pads

    YSE Beauty Your Favorite Ex Exfoliating Pads

    The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (19)

    Pros

    • The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (20)Doesn't sensitize skin

    Cons

    • The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (21)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.

    Best for Blackheads

    COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad

    The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (22)

    Pros

    • The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (23)Convenient packaging

    Cons

    • The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (24)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

    • The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (26)Improve the look of skin tone and texture

    Cons

    • The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (27)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

    Best Witch Hazel Toner Pads

    THAYERS Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Blemish Clearing Pads

    The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (28)

    Pros

    • The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (29)Non-drying

    Cons

    • The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (30)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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    Best Multi-Action

    Barefaced Toning Pads

    The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (31)

    Pros

    • The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (32)Great for tackling breakouts on sensitive skin

    Cons

    • The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (33)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

    Cult Favorite

    Pixi Glow Tonic to-Go Pads

    The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (34)

    Pros

    • The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (35)Alcohol-free

    Cons

    • The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (36)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

    The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (37)

    Do All Toner Pads Offer Similar Benefits?

    The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (38)

    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?

    The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (39)

    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?

    The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (40)

    "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 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (41)

    • 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

    The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (42)

    • Nava Greenfield, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City.

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    Why Trust Harper's Bazaar?

    The 10 Best Toner Pads for Brighter, Smoother Skin (43)

    For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

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