Best Toners for Every Skin Concern: Sensitive, Dry & Acne-Prone Skin Solutions
Skincare routines are only as effective as their foundation—and that begins with the right toner. At SONYA DAKAR, toners aren’t an afterthought—they’re an essential step in a balanced skincare routine. Developed with decades of skin expertise, our collection of natural, alcohol-free toners is designed to hydrate, soothe, and prep your skin without stripping or irritation. Whether you're dealing with dryness, breakouts, or dullness, the right toner can rebalance your complexion and elevate the results of every product that follows.
But do I really need to use a toner?
This question comes up a lot, and we get it…it’s one more step in your skincare regimen and it can seem overwhelming to add in one more step on top of your usual cleanser, moisturizer, eye cream, neck cream and serum treatments. Toners of the past had a reputation of being unnecessary, super drying (since they typically contained a high dose of alcohol), and mostly for people with very oily skin and/or severe acne breakouts. That said, the toners of TODAY are a very different story. We know what an absolute game changer a high-quality, all natural, hydrating toner (that’s also a treatment) can really be for your skin, and here’s why:
Toners Minimize Pores
A good, natural toner will work to close up and essentially “seal” the pores on your face, protecting you from dirt, debris and environmental damage that can sometimes breach the surface of your skin and cause damage and breakouts.
Toners Balance Your Skin’s pH Level
Not only do toners minimize pores, but they also help to balance your skin’s pH levels which, in turn, ensures that your skin is better able to absorb any skincare products that you apply after using the toner. Essentially, using a clarifying toner is prepping your skin to really soak in and absorb more of your favorite serums and moisturizers.
Toners Are a Good Final Cleanse
We also love that toners remove those last traces of makeup that your facial cleanser can sometimes leave behind. A perfectly cleansed face = good skin, always.
But when it comes to toners, we have one stipulation...
As a rule of thumb, always avoid toners formulated with ingredients like alcohol, witch hazel, or menthol all of which will irritate your skin. The toners of today should be gentle yet effective on your skin.
The natural toners in the SONYA DAKAR Toner Collection are more than just your run-of-the-mill toners…they are treatment toners addressing three different, yet specific, skin concerns: blemishes, redness/irritation, and antiaging/hydration. “I created these alcohol free toners as a much-needed elixir to treat my client’s skin. Now more than ever we need to replenish and protect our skin after cleansing, as well as throughout the day,” explains Sonya.
Each toner is formulated with anti-pollution ingredients to also help treat inflammation, oxidative stress, skin dullness, and premature wrinkles. They even have centella asiatica extract to help protect your skin from that blue light damage we’re all getting from being on our cell phones and computers 24/7!
Why Toners Are a Summer Skincare Essential
Summer brings longer days, warmer weather—and a whole new set of skin concerns. Whether you're battling sweat-induced breakouts, feeling extra dry from sun exposure, or struggling with redness and irritation, toner is one of the easiest and most effective ways to bring balance back to your skin.
Our alcohol-free toner collection is designed to support your skin’s needs through the hottest months of the year:
If your skin gets oily or acne-prone in the heat, our Green Energy Clarifying Toner helps remove excess oil, minimize the appearance of pores, and gently rebalance skin without over-drying. It’s ideal for post-workout, post-sunscreen, or anytime you need a refresh.
For dry or sun-parched skin, reach for Rubica Hydrating Toner. It’s rich in protective antioxidants and skin-plumping hydration, making it perfect after a day in the sun or a dip in the pool.
If summer triggers sensitivity or flare-ups, our Blue Butterfly Calming Toner is your go-to. With ultra-soothing botanicals, it cools, calms, and helps reduce redness—especially helpful after sun exposure or seasonal irritation.
Using a toner after cleansing helps sweep away leftover sunscreen, sweat, and environmental debris while prepping your skin for serums and moisturizers. It's a small step with major benefits—especially when temperatures rise.
How Toners Support Skin During the Dry, Cold Winter Months
Winter weather can take a serious toll on your skin. Cold air, indoor heating, and low humidity strip away moisture and compromise your skin barrier—leading to dryness, flakiness, redness, and increased sensitivity. Adding the right toner to your routine during this time of year can help replenish hydration, calm inflammation, and restore balance.
Each toner in the SONYA DAKAR collection is carefully formulated to combat common cold-weather skin concerns:
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If your skin feels tight, dry, or dull, Rubica Hydrating Toner delivers a boost of moisture with antioxidant protection, helping to soften and plump skin that’s been depleted by dry air and indoor heat.
- If winter leaves your skin red, reactive, or uncomfortable, Blue Butterfly Calming Toner offers instant relief with soothing botanical extracts. It’s ideal for calming wind-chapped skin and minimizing sensitivity from environmental stress.
- If your skin breaks out from heavy moisturizers or fluctuating humidity, Green Energy Clarifying Toner helps keep pores clear and skin balanced—without stripping or irritating.
Think of toner as your skin’s first layer of defense in winter—restoring hydration, reducing inflammation, and ensuring your serums and moisturizers absorb more effectively.
So, which SONYA DAKAR Toner is for you?
IF YOU HAVE ACNE-PRONE SKIN…
Green Energy Clarifying Toner: If you struggle with acne and annoying breakouts, use this clarifying toner throughout the day and get your most clear and radiant complexion yet! This instant purifying toner boasts clarifying niacinamide and salicylic acid (the gold standard in fighting acne), coupled with eucalyptus and rosemary to nourish and protect the skin (also key when fighting breakouts). The alcohol-free formulation provides gentle exfoliation to refine pores without stripping, while green coffee extract boosts skin energy.
IF YOU HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN…
Blue Butterfly Calming Toner: For even those with the most sensitive skin, this soothing toner will hydrate AND reduce redness. Dealing with red, itchy skin? Irritation? Rosacea? This natural toner, with an extra-gentle formula, is formulated with blue butterfly flower, olive leaf and gotu kola, all working together to nourish, refresh and, most importantly, calm skin. The gorgeous blue hue is naturally derived, as no synthetic ingredients are ever used in SONYA DAKAR products (i.e. you’re extra safe from more irritation). Use it throughout the day to calm, hydrate and refresh skin and you can thank us later. DISCOVER
IF YOU HAVE DEHYDRATED SKIN…
Rubica Hydrating Toner: If you suffer from dry, dehydrated skin that’s aging, use this hydrating toner throughout the day for an instant boost of hydration and radiance. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C (for a double boost of hydration, elasticity and firmness), the toner’s Insta-worthy pink hue is also naturally derived. And even though SONYA DAKAR products are never formulated with synthetic ingredients, this natural toner DOES contain powerful antioxidants from ginkgo, cucumber and apple to keep your complexion youthful and glowing all day long. Dry, aging skin no more!
So, regardless of your skin type, you now have plenty of options to GET TONED
