Guide
What does toner do and do you need it?
Toners used to be high-alcohol liquids meant to remove soap residue after cleansing and "tighten" the skin. Today's toners are mostly light liquids that hydrate, soothe or gently exfoliate. It is not an essential step, but chosen well it gives your skin a real boost.
Where it fits in your routine
- Cleanse
- Tone
- Treat
- Moisturize
- Protect
Do you need a toner?
Short answer: no, it is not essential. Most cleansers today have a pH close to the skin's own, so there is no need to use toner to "balance pH". But toner can be an easy way to give your skin extra hydration, soothing ingredients or a regular, gentle exfoliation.
If you want to keep your routine simple, you can skip toner and go straight to serum or moisturizer. If you do use one, knowing what you use it for makes it much easier to pick the right product.
Types of toner
- Hydrating toners: hydrate the skin straight after cleansing with humectants such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid and betaine; for dry and dehydrated skin
- Soothing toners: panthenol, centella asiatica, allantoin or oat extract for redness-prone and sensitive skin
- Exfoliating (acid) toners: contain glycolic, lactic or salicylic acid; for rough, dull-looking and oily skin. These are really exfoliants
- Essences: slightly richer hydrating liquids with more actives, used after toner in Korean skincare
What to look for when buying
- No alcohol (alcohol denat., SD alcohol) near the top of the ingredient list, especially for dry and sensitive skin
- No fragrance, menthol or essential oils for sensitive skin
- A stated percentage for acid toners, and a low-strength product to start with
- A purpose that suits your skin: hydration for dry skin, a mild acid for oily skin, soothing ingredients for sensitive skin
How to use it
After cleansing, pour a few drops of toner into your palm and press it into your face, or apply it to a cotton pad and sweep gently. Hydrating toners work better on slightly damp skin; some people like to layer them two or three times.
Start acid toners two or three evenings a week and increase the frequency as your skin adjusts. On nights you use an acid toner, do not add other strong actives such as retinol, and never skip sunscreen the next morning.
Using a cotton pad gives a light mechanical cleanse, but some product stays in the pad. Pressing hydrating toners in with your hands is more economical.
Common mistakes
- Using alcohol-heavy, "squeaky clean" toners on oily skin: the drier the skin gets, the more oil it may produce
- Using an acid toner morning and night, every day, together with other acids
- Using toner instead of a cleanser
- Skipping moisturizer after toner
FAQ
Does toner shrink pores?
It cannot permanently shrink pores. Ingredients such as salicylic acid can help pores look smaller by clearing them; the tightening effect of alcohol-based toners is temporary.
Is toner the same as micellar water?
No. Micellar water is a cleanser used to remove makeup and dirt. Toner is a care step applied after cleansing to add hydration or active ingredients.
Should I use toner in the morning or evening?
Hydrating and soothing toners can be used morning and evening. Acid toners are mostly used in the evening, a few times a week.
Can rose water replace a toner?
Pure rose water is light and refreshing but weak in terms of humectants or active ingredients. Some rose water products also contain fragrance and alcohol; check the label if your skin is sensitive.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. If you have a skin condition, are pregnant or take regular medication, talk to your dermatologist or pharmacist before starting a new product.
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