Expert Tested: The Best Clean Toners and Facial Mists of 2025
NoneStanding in front of the beauty aisle, you might wonder: do I really need a toner or facial mist? Aren't they just glorified water? If you've tried conventional toners, you might associate them with that tight, stripped feeling from alcohol-heavy formulas. Or perhaps you've invested in expensive mists that seemed to evaporate without any noticeable benefits.
The truth is, today's clean toners and mists are far more than simple refreshing sprays. When formulated properly, they serve as vital treatment steps that balance pH, deliver active ingredients, and prep skin for the rest of your routine. But finding products that deliver actual results – not just a momentary feeling of freshness – can be challenging.
This is where the 10th Clean Beauty Awards comes in. Through over three months of testing by clean beauty experts and advocates, the top X clean toners and facial mists that provide measurable skin benefits have been rigorously determined. Whether you're looking to hydrate, balance, or treat specific skin concerns, these products prove their worth beyond basic refreshment.
Evaluation Criteria
Performance
- Hydration retention
- Absorption
- Immediate and short-term benefits
User Experience (30%)
- Spray pattern/application
- Layering ability
- Packaging functionality
The Top Products
#1: SeaSoaked Skin - /Restorative/ Marine Facial Mist- $42
Revitalize your skin with SeaSoaked Skin's /Restorative/ Marine Facial Mist. This powerful blend of plant extracts and polysaccharides works to restore moisture, balance your skin’s natural pH, and provide a refreshing boost. With its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, it gently plumps, tightens, and tones the skin, minimizing pores and smoothing fine lines. It also promotes collagen production, brightens dull skin, and aids in reducing hyper-pigmentation. A daily hydrating treatment for a rejuvenated, glowing complexion.
Expert Notes:
"This facial mist delivers a refreshing burst of hydration with a big, beautiful mist. I love how it contains skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and artichoke leaf extract to keep my skin feeling soft and plump. The witch hazel and salicylic acid make it a great option for anyone looking to keep their skin balanced.
The ocean-inspired formula really stands out, and while the scent is a bit unique for skincare, it definitely reminds you of a breath by the ocean. I was a little concerned that the sea salt might be drying, but I actually didn’t notice any irritation or dryness.
Overall, this is a great mist for refreshing the skin throughout the day, and I love the balance between hydration and clarifying ingredients. If you enjoy fresh, ocean scents and a mist that feels ultra-refreshing, this could be a perfect match!" - Judy Cardona, @judyrina
"I am obsessed with this marine facial mist. It isn't just another watery spray, it's truly backed with botanicals (seaweed!) that you can feel working to actively hydrate and restore the skin. I love using it with my nighttime skincare routine, or whenever I need to restore and repair my skin!" - Leah Meyers, @beautiflybyleah
#2: Ellie Bianca - Hydrating Face Toner with Hyaluronic Acid & Niacinamide - $49.99
Revitalize your skin with Ellie Bianca’s Hydrating Face Toner, packed with nourishing ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide. This alcohol-free toner not only hydrates and refreshes but also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while restoring moisture balance. Witch hazel tightens pores, fights acne, and reduces inflammation, while White Willow Extract gently exfoliates and cleanses. Perfect for tackling maskne, giving your skin a midday pick-me-up, or even misting your makeup sponge for a hydrating boost. A versatile toner for smoother, brighter skin.
Expert Notes:
"This face toner is beautiful and o love the spray bottle. Packaging is sturdy and easy to travel with! Love the ingredients and how it feels on the skin!" - Brianna Salerno, @blessedholisticlife
"This toner is a gem! It’s lightweight, super hydrating, and filled with gentle, skin-loving ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. I love that it’s alcohol-free and made with all-natural ingredients, so it feels ultra-soothing and refreshing on my skin, and didn't cause any irritation.
The scent is really subtle, which I appreciate in a toner. Although it has a very lightly sticky finish, if layered under an oil or moisturizer its not noticeable.
If you’re looking for a gentle, hydrating and balancing mist that works for all skin types, this one is definitely worth checking out! 💧✨" - Judy Cardona, @judyrina
#3: Veriphy Skincare - Hit or Mist Facial Toner - $48
Dubbed “the best mist that ever existed,” Veriphy Skincare’s Hit or Mist Facial Toner is a refreshing blend of PhytoSpherix®, aloe, green tea, and blue lotus extracts. This versatile mist hydrates, soothes irritation, and refines pores, while PhytoSpherix® supports collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production, helping to promote a firmer, more radiant complexion. The antioxidant-rich green tea and blue lotus extracts protect your skin from environmental stressors. Perfect as a toner or midday hydration boost, this luxurious mist leaves skin feeling rejuvenated, calm, and visibly brighter.
Expert Notes:
"Gorgeous bottle!! The color is stunning and the feeling of the spray is the best one! Comes out perfectly! I also loveeee the smell and the way my skin soaks it up. Great for prepping skin before makeup and also for setting after!" - Brianna Salerno, @blessedholisticlife
#4: LYOS - Moistaholic Face Toner 100ml - $43.19
The Moistaholic Face Mist is a refreshing, moisture-locking elixir designed to instantly hydrate and revitalize thirsty skin. With just a few spritzes, this addictive mist delivers immediate hydration and restores the plumpness your skin craves. It’s formulated with antioxidant-rich birch sap, apple water, and ectoine to lock in moisture and nourish the skin. Unlike traditional toners, you can spray it directly onto your skin for an effortless, lasting hydration boost. Say goodbye to cotton pads and enjoy the full benefits of this ultra-moisturizing mist.
Expert Notes:
"I really love this toner. It's so refreshing and hydrating. My one critique is that the cap doesn't fit on so tightly, so it's not great to travel with." - Leah Meyers, @beautiflybyleah
"This toner is beautiful, with the pink glass bottle - it's a dream! The formula itself is super hydrating and refreshing, packed with nourishing ingredients like birch sap, honey extract, and oat kernel extract to keep the skin feeling soft and plump.
One thing to note is that the scent is quite noticeable—it smells amazing, but if you’re sensitive to strong smells, you might want to keep that in mind. I also found that it leaves a slight sticky finish, which may not be for everyone, but it definitely helps lock in hydration.
Overall, if you love a hydrating toner with a touch of beauty, this could be a great fit for your routine! Would definitely recommend pairing it with a light oil or moisturizer for the ultimate glow." - Judy Cardona, @judyrina
"I love the hot pink bottle and how it sprays! It really gets your whole face! Super hydrating and I love it before I apply my makeup. Also great for a daily hydration throughout the day!" - Brianna Salerno, @blessedholisticlife
#5: Rosemira Organics - Roses in Bloom Hydrating Toner - $46
This sweet-scented toner combines two complimentary rose hydrosols with neroli hydrosol and rose de Mai essential oil to create a luxurious hydrating experience. Historically used to maintain a youthful glow, these ingredients promote blood flow and balance the skin’s pH while tightening pores. With naturally purifying properties, it offers a gentler alternative to harsher acne treatments and is particularly healing for sensitive skin. Ideal for soothing dermatitis and irritation, this toner also acts as a powerful anti-wrinkle treatment, leaving your skin refreshed and nourished.
Expert Notes:
"Despite the strong scent, I did really enjoy this toner and noticed that it helped my skin replenish nicely. I also felt like it made the rest of my skincare work better!" - Leah Meyers, @beautiflybyleah
"If you love roses, this toner is an absolute dream! Made with pure rose hydrosols and neroli, it feels ultra-refreshing and luxurious on the skin. The mist is fine and delicate, delivering a boost of hydration with every spritz.
The scent is heavenly for any floral lover, and I love how simple and natural the ingredient list is. While I personally had to discontinue use (as my skin can be a bit reactive), I think this would be perfect for normal, skin types looking for a gentle, hydrating toner.
If you’re looking for a refreshing, botanical facial mist with the most gorgeous rose scent, this is definitely worth checking out!" - Judy Cardona, @judyrina
A well-formulated toner or facial mist preps, balances, and enhances your skincare routine in ways that water alone never could. This year’s standout clean formulas showed that these products deserve a permanent place on your shelf, offering real skin benefits beyond surface refreshment.
However, skincare isn’t the only part of a beauty routine that can be both effective and indulgent. A high-quality bath soak can transform an ordinary bath into a self-care ritual, delivering relaxation and skin-loving ingredients in one step. Next, we reviewed the best clean bath soaks of 2025, identifying the most soothing and therapeutic formulas for a truly restorative experience.
Follow us on Instagram (@CertCleanInc) for more clean beauty recommendations from this year’s judging panel. You can also subscribe to our newsletter and grab your free copy of the 2025 Clean Beauty Awards Ultimate Guide, a full rundown of this year’s top-performing products
