Skin Awards 2023: 12 Toners, Essences, and Masks For a Revitalized Complexion

Call them the workhorses of the skin world. If you’re not familiar with how toners, essences, and masks work, here’s a primer.

Toners and essences are often mistaken for one another. They are similar, but serve distinct purposes. While toners are used to eliminate makeup residue, dirt, and excess oil, and restore the skin's pH balance, essences are applied directly to the skin after toning to provide nourishment and hydration. Sheet masks, meanwhile, are able to address issues such as acne, inflammation, and redness. 

When buying one of these products, you should know your skin type and what ingredients to skip. "Salicylic acid and alcohol can exacerbate dry skin and should be avoided," said Elizabeth Ranelli, DNP, FNP-BC, CANS, a board-certified family nurse practitioner who specializes in aesthetics. "As we age, our skin's ability to retain moisture decreases, [so] it's best to avoid harsh products that contain alcohols, or parabens." 

People with sensitive skin should also avoid products with fragrances and dyes, said fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic surgeon Maya K. Thosani, MD, FAAD, FACMS. "A dermatologist can help be a guide when the product counters have so many options to choose from."

Make these toners, essences, and masks a useful  and indulgent part of your self-care routine:

Toners and Essences

Lumene Nordic Clear Clarifying Liquid Exfoliant

Products meant to exfoliate and mitigate breakouts can sometimes sting, but Lumene Nordic Clear Clarifying Liquid Exfoliant does the opposite. “It gently controlled a nasty breakout on my nose and removed makeup residue after cleansing,” said Cheryl S. Grant, editorial director of Health Special Projects. With ingredients such as azelaic acid, it is ideal for oily, combination, and blemish-prone skin.

Dr. Zenovia Skincare Vitamin C Brightening Toner

Give your skin a dose of vitamins C and E with Dr. Zenovia Skincare Vitamin C Brightening Toner. Designed to hydrate and improve skin tone, this winner made a big impression on Katrina Chernoff, Health’s General Manager. “This product smells amazing, and it really helped to moisturize my flaky-dry cheeks,” she said.

Curel Hydrating Water Essence

Chernoff tried Curél Hydrating Water Essence and was pleased to find it moisturizing. "Within days, the redness on my cheeks started to clear up, and they looked brighter,” she said.

Paula’s Choice Skincare Resist Advanced Replenishing Toner

Ensuring you have a clean face, especially after a long day of wearing makeup or sweating, will help your skin stay healthy. Restore balance and revive tired skin with a toner like this one. "I was concerned at first that Paula's Choice Skincare Resist Advanced Replenishing Toner was milkier than others I've tried, but it definitely lifted any leftover grime and makeup and left my skin feeling refreshed," said Health associate editorial director Amber Brenza.

AbsoluteJoi Balancing pH Toner

AbsoluteJoi Balancing pH Toner is a product you’ll want to add to your skincare routine. "I have tried many toners, and I loved this from the first time I used it,” said Grant. “Maybe it is because it's alcohol-free and doesn't aggravate my skin, or perhaps it is the soothing oat kernel extract, or lubricating ingredients. All I can say is it made my skin happy."

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 5 Percent Glycolic Acid Peeling Toner

Finding a toner can be quite a task, especially when you want one with an astringent effect. We found a winner in L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 5 Percent Glycolic Acid Peeling Toner, which helps peel away dead skin, reduces the appearance of dark spots, and moisturizes with aloe vera. It’s also free of fragrance, parabens, alcohols, mineral oils, and dye.

Perricone MD High Potency Face Finishing & Firming Toner

Immerse yourself in the scent of roses while enjoying the benefits of Perricone MD High Potency Face Finishing & Firming Toner. This product can create a clean slate for makeup or  any products you apply before bed. Its alpha-hydroxy acids slough away dead skin cells, and the rose water it contains helps soothe and hydrate your face.

Sheet and Eye Masks

Repêchage Triple Action Peptide Mask

Repêchage Triple Action Peptide Mask boasts cooling properties that are particularly welcome when skin needs a little extra love. Effective on all skin types, the mask has special benefits for dry skin, which  drinks up its blend of peptides to reveal a revitalized visage.

Yes To Cucumbers De-Puffing Under Eye Masks!

If you’ve ever held a DIY spa day at home, you’ve probably put cucumber slices on your eyes to reduce puffiness. Yes To Cucumbers Depuffing Under Eye Masks kick that idea up a notch: Made with 100% cotton, they are vegan-friendly and can quickly soothe that sensitive under-eye area.

Snow Fox Skin Care Pre+Probiotic Sake Mask

Our skin is constantly exposed to irritants that can upset its natural balance and microbiome. A good way to bring everything back is with Snow Fox Skin Care Pre+Probiotic Sake Mask. It’s chock-full of skin-supporting ingredients, from fructooligosaccharides that balance skin microbiota and Bifida Ferment Lysate that enhances the skin barrier to Rice Ferment (or Sake) Filtrate, which improves tone^.

Doctor Babor Tightening Cream Mask

Mature and dry skin sometimes go hand-in-hand. To fight this, you need a product that is great at nourishing and smoothing, such as the Doctor Babor Tightening Cream Mask. Apply its buttery texture to your face and enjoy!

Arbonne Radiance Sheet Mask With Niacinamide

Algae extract, vitamin C, and ginseng root all hydrate and brighten the skin—and they are all found in the vegan-certified Arbonne Radiance Sheet Mask with Niacinamide. Its powerful blend also includes soothing cucumber and birch leaf extracts.

Fact checked by Melinda Dodd.