Incorporating a facial toner into your wet shaving routine can significantly enhance your skincare regimen. Toners help to balance your skin’s pH, remove any leftover impurities, and prepare your skin for moisturizers or aftershaves. By choosing the right toner, you can achieve a smoother, healthier complexion while minimizing issues like razor burn and irritation. Understanding the benefits of these products can lead to a more enjoyable and effective shaving experience.
Top Picks
[Note: Amazon links for convenience and are affiliate but you should be able to find many of these products locally.]
- Best Overall: Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial Mist Toner with Aloe Vera, Rose Petal – $8.77
- Best Value: Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner – $4.94
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Dickinson’s Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner with Rosewater – $5.87
- Best Hydrating Toner: CeraVe Hydrating Toner – $9.97
Criteria For Selecting The Best Toners
When selecting the best facial toner for your wet shaving routine, consider factors such as skin type, ingredients, and specific skin concerns. Look for alcohol-free options to avoid drying out your skin, and choose toners with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or witch hazel to calm irritation. Additionally, consider the product’s price and overall value to ensure you are making a wise investment in your skincare. The group who tested these products preferred well-established products with a background known to many traditional wet shavers.
Thayers Alcohol-Free Lavender Witch Hazel Facial Toner
Thayers Alcohol-Free Lavender Witch Hazel Facial Toner can be a great addition to your skincare routine, especially if you’re into wet shaving. This toner not only hydrates but also soothes your skin, making it feel refreshed and balanced. With its gentle formula, it’s perfect for daily use. Just a few spritzes can help calm irritation from shaving, leaving your skin feeling soft and revitalized.
Why You’ll Love It
- Soothes and hydrates skin
- Alcohol-free for gentle care
- Great for post-shave irritation
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Gentle and soothing formula
- Pleasant lavender scent
- Non-drying and suitable for all skin types
Cons:
- Some may find the scent too strong initially
What Others Say
Users appreciate how this toner calms their skin after shaving and helps reduce the appearance of pores. Many have noted that it leaves their skin feeling refreshed and hydrated without any greasy residue.
- It really lives up to its hype! I have peeling skin and redness sometimes due to the cold, and this helps eliminate redness within seconds. It does not dry out at all and is antibacterial for acne-prone skin. Plus, it has a gorgeous smell like fresh roses.- MINA
Current Price: $8.16
Rating: 4.7 (Total: 128,040+)
Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner
Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner could be a must-have for anyone looking for a “best value” product, especially if you’re into wet shaving. This toner is uses 100% natural witch hazel, making it a gentle yet effective option for purifying your skin. It removes excess oils and impurities without leaving your skin feeling dry or irritated.
Why You’ll Love It
- Gently removes impurities and excess oil
- Fragrance-free and non-irritating
- Perfect for sensitive skin types
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 100% natural and cruelty-free
- Soothes and refreshes skin
- Great for daily use
Cons:
- Some users mention a strange scent, but it’s not overpowering
What Others Say
Users appreciate how this toner effectively cleanses and balances their skin, especially after shaving. Many have noted that it leaves their skin feeling clean and refreshed without any sticky residue.
- The Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner is an excellent addition to my skincare routine! It’s made with 100% natural witch hazel, which is known for its ability to cleanse and tighten pores, leaving my skin feeling refreshed and smooth. I love how it removes excess oil without over-drying my skin, making it perfect for my combination skin.- AmyG
Current Price: $4.94
Rating: 4.7 (Total: 33,991+)
Dickinson’s Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner with Rosewater
Dickinson’s Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner with Rosewater could be a great addition to your wet shaving routine. This toner is made with 98% natural ingredients, including witch hazel and rosewater. It gently cleanses and hydrates your skin, making it suitable for daily use.
Why You’ll Love It
- Hydrates and nourishes the skin
- Alcohol-free and gentle on sensitive skin
- Removes impurities without drying
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Contains natural ingredients like rosewater
- Soothes and refreshes skin
- Great for all skin types
Cons:
- Some users mention the scent that may not appeal to everyone
What Others Say
Users write about how this toner effectively cleanses and hydrates their skin, especially after shaving. Some appreciate how it leaves their skin feeling fresh and balanced without any tightness.
- I was surprised, but it removes eye makeup quite well (not waterproof). Leaves a pleasant feeling on the skin after wiping the face. Affordable yet a high-quality product—I recommend it!- Veronica
Current Price: $5.87
Rating: 4.7 (Total: 18,948+)
Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial Mist Toner with Aloe Vera, Rose Petal
Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial Mist Toner is an excellent addition to your wet shaving routine, and one of Sharpologist owner Mark (“mantic59”)’s favorite products. This toner combines the soothing properties of witch hazel with the hydrating benefits of aloe vera and the refreshing scent of rose petals. It’s perfect for daily use, plus it’s alcohol-free, making it gentle on all skin types. If you’re serious about skincare, this is a product you’ll want to keep on hand.
Why You’ll Love It
- Hydrates and tones the skin
- Soothes irritation after shaving
- Alcohol-free and suitable for all skin types
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Contains natural ingredients like witch hazel and aloe vera
- Soothes and refreshes skin
- Great for all skin types
Cons:
- Some users mention a slight scent that may not appeal to everyone
What Others Say
Users appreciate how this toner effectively hydrates and refreshes their skin, especially after shaving. Many enjoy the light rose scent and how it leaves their skin feeling balanced and rejuvenated without any tightness.
- I love having this facial mist at my desk while I work. It’s been great to spritz throughout the day to keep my skin hydrated in the dry winter weather. The scent is very light and pleasant, not overly floral. Good quality spray pump, doesn’t feel like it will break or stick.- allison
Current Price: $8.77
Rating: 4.7 (Total: 17,468+)
CeraVe Hydrating Toner
CeraVe Hydrating Toner is your go-to solution for a refreshing and hydrating experience post-shave. This toner is packed with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and essential ceramides, making it perfect for sensitive and dry skin. It gently removes any leftover makeup and impurities while balancing your skin’s pH. You can use it daily after cleansing or whenever your skin needs a little pick-me-up. It’s alcohol-free and fragrance-free, so you don’t have to worry about irritation. If you’re looking to enhance your wet shaving routine, this toner is a fantastic addition.
Why You’ll Love It
- Hydrates and soothes the skin
- Removes impurities without stripping moisture
- Non-comedogenic and suitable for sensitive skin
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Gentle formula that works well for sensitive skin
- Alcohol-free, so it won’t dry out your skin
- Dermatologist-developed for optimal skin health
Cons:
- Some users wish it were a bit more affordable
What Others Say
Users appreciate how this toner hydrates and balances their skin without causing irritation. Many have noted significant improvements in their skin’s texture and hydration levels after just a few uses.
- I’m not kidding! I’ve been having skin issues and I have dry sensitive skin. Swollen puffies, puckering and deep red marks which can be outbreaks as allergic reactions to fragrances and ingredients, so I do have to be very careful when selecting a product. If you are looking at this product, you have come to the right place! I kid you not, it arrived today and I went right in, washed my face and applied this toner and WOW! my face marks started to disappear; my face felt relief and moisturized AND very comfortable with a single use.- Starfish
Current Price: $9.97
Rating: 4.6 (Total: 9665+)
FAQ
What should I look for when choosing a facial toner to enhance my wet shaving routine?
When selecting a facial toner, consider your skin type and specific needs. Look for alcohol-free options to avoid drying out your skin, especially after shaving. Ingredients like witch hazel, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid can soothe irritation and provide hydration. Additionally, choose a toner that offers benefits such as pore refinement and oil control if you have oily or combination skin. Always check for any allergens or irritants that may affect your skin.
How do I properly incorporate a toner into my skincare routine after shaving?
To effectively use a toner after shaving, start by cleansing your face to remove any shaving cream or residue. Apply the toner using a cotton pad or your hands, gently patting it onto your skin. This helps to soothe any irritation and prepares your skin for moisturizer. You can use the toner both morning and night, but it’s particularly beneficial after shaving to calm the skin and reduce redness. Follow up with a good moisturizer to lock in hydration.
Can using a toner help with post-shave irritation and razor burn?
Yes, using a toner can significantly help with post-shave irritation and razor burn. Toners with soothing ingredients like aloe vera and witch hazel can calm inflamed skin and reduce redness. Look for toners that are specifically designed for sensitive skin, as they are less likely to cause further irritation. Applying toner immediately after shaving can also help to close pores and prevent ingrown hairs, making it a valuable step in your shaving routine.
Wrapping Up
Incorporating a quality facial toner into your wet shaving routine can greatly enhance your skincare. By choosing a toner that suits your skin type and addresses your specific concerns, you can achieve a smoother, healthier complexion. Whether you opt for a hydrating toner, one that minimizes pores, or a soothing formula, the right choice can make a significant difference in your overall skincare routine.
[This post was written jointly by Mark “Mantic59,” Otto Wright, and Sophie Leclerc.]
