Skincare routines - we've all got one, but let's be real, some of us are still wondering if we're doing it right. You've likely got the basics down: cleanser, SPF, and moisturizer. But then there are the extras - serums, eye creams, spot treatments, and of course, toners. The question is, do you really need a toner?
Past experiences with astringent and drying toners may have left a negative impression. But modern toners are a different story - they're hydrating, packed with beneficial skincare ingredients, and can be tailored to your skin type and goals.
We consulted three dermatologists and a product development expert to get the lowdown on toners. Here's what they have to say to help you decide if a face toner is right for you.
What Is Toner?
Think of toners as the ultimate skincare multitaskers. They're thin, water-like formulas that do so much more than just cleanse your skin. Applied after washing your face, toners "prime" your skin for the rest of your skincare routine. But toners have come a long way from their origins.
Originally, toners were designed to remove excess oil from the skin, making them a go-to for people with acne. These old-school toners were often packed with high concentrations of alcohol, which left skin feeling dry and tight.
Fast forward to today, and toners have undergone a major transformation. According to dermatologists Joshua Zeichner, MD, and Sejal Shah, MD, modern toners are all about nourishment and replenishment. They're designed to soothe, brighten, and even fight signs of aging, while also prepping your skin to absorb the rest of your skincare products.
What Are the Benefits of Face Toner?
Toners are more than just a simple step in your skincare routine. While they may help balance your skin's pH after cleansing, they offer a multitude of benefits. Here are a few benefits of toner:
- Removes impurities: Toners can remove oil, dirt, bacteria, makeup, and pollution that your cleanser might miss, says Dr. Debra Jaliman, MD.
- Replenishes the skin: Modern toners nourish the skin with moisturizing, brightening, or exfoliating ingredients, depending on their formulation.
- Soothes the skin: Many toners contain soothing ingredients like ceramides, aloe, and centella asiatica to target issues like redness, inflammation, and dullness.
Do I Need Toner?
The truth is, toners aren't essential in a skincare routine. Most people can achieve the same benefits through other products they're already using.
- Exfoliating toners? You can get the same results with retinoids or exfoliating serums containing glycolic acid.
- Hydrating toners? Hyaluronic acid serums can provide the same benefits.
- Brightening toners? Vitamin C serums can deliver similar results.
That being said, if you still want to use a toner, go for it! A basic, gentle, hydrating, or moisturizing toner can complement your routine nicely. Just be cautious: using a toner with active ingredients already present in other products can lead to irritation. In that case, opt for a gentle, hydrating toner to avoid any issues.
How To Use Toner?
To get the most out of your toner, use it immediately after cleansing to remove any remaining impurities and prep your skin for the next steps in your skincare routine. You can apply toner in a few ways:
- Pour into palms and pat into skin in layers
- Soak a reusable cotton round and gently blot the skin
- Use a spray toner for easy, waste-reducing application
How Often Should You Use Face Toner?
Don't be afraid to add skincare toner to your skincare routine, but be prepared for some trial and error. Dr. Sejal Shah says the frequency of use depends on your skin type, concerns, and ingredients.
Start with toners containing active ingredients 2-3 times a week and increase as your skin becomes more tolerant. Hydrating toners can be used a couple times a day.
What Ingredients Should You Look for in Toners?
When shopping for a toner, look for ingredients that address your specific skin concerns. Here are some popular options:
- Witch Hazel: Anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and removes lingering makeup and grime.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Replenishes hydration levels and purifies the skin.
- Salicylic Acid: Exfoliates dead skin cells, ideal for acne-prone skin.
- Honey Extract: Emulsifies and moisturizes, perfect for dry skin.
- Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Speeds up skin cell turnover for smooth, bright skin.
Different Types of Toners to Try
Toners come in different types to address various skin concerns. Here are some examples:
Clarifying Toners:
Target breakouts and blemishes with gentle, hydrating ingredients.
Colleen Rothschild Clarifying Solution
I'm a fan of the Colleen Rothschild Clarifying Solution. This gentle yet effective toner is perfect for sensitive, reactive, and acne-prone skin types. It combines salicylic acid with calming burdock root and chamomile extracts to exfoliate and balance the skin, reducing pores and flaws. Skin is smoother and more even-toned with regular use.
Peach & Lily Snail Rescue Blemish Busting Toner
I love this snail mucin toner. With 95% snail mucin, it deeply hydrates and purifies the skin, clarifying pores and minimizing their appearance. It tackles blemishes, uneven skin tone, and dullness, while being cruelty-free and suitable for all skin types. Hyaluronic acid and cica add to its soothing and healing properties.
Moisturizing Toners:
Suitable for dry or sensitive skin, these toners provide hydration and strengthening ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
Belif Moisturizing Bomb Toner
This moisturizing toner is a lifesaver for dry, dehydrated skin. It consists of comfrey leaves and seals in moisture for hours on end, giving skin a soft, dewy, plump feel. It's also a gentle and harsh-free toner, and it helps to balance the water and oil levels, so it's perfectly suited to dry skin types.
Exfoliating Toners:
Gently remove dead skin cells, offering a healthy glow. Choose from gentle (lactic acid, PHAs) to stronger (glycolic acid, salicylic acid) options.
Innisfree 7% PHA Green Tea Enzyme Gentle Exfoliating Toner
I'm loving this gentle exfoliating toner. With 7% PHA and Green Tea Enzyme, it smoothly exfoliates and hydrates the skin, improving texture and leaving it feeling soft and supple. It's perfect for daily use, vegan, fragrance-free, and cruelty-free. Plus, clinical results show a visible difference in skin texture and hydration after just one use. Ideal for sensitive and all skin types.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
This toner is 7% glycolic acid, which is a harsh exfoliant that reveals smoother, brighter-looking skin. The glycolic acid breaks up dead skin cells, reduces fine wrinkles and lines, and contributes to a more even skin tone. Tasmanian Pepperberry infused in the toner calms and smooths the skin so it may be used many times. Fantastic to use night time, topped with SPF during day time. Don't use it on sensitive skin.
Soothing Toners:
Calm irritated or sensitive skin with ingredients like cica, rose water, or aloe vera.
CosRx Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner
I'm obsessed with this soothing toner. It's made with Centella water and Jeju mineral water to provide long-lasting hydration and soothe sensitive skin, reducing inflammation and redness. The simple, hypoallergenic formula doesn't include harsh ingredients or artificial fragrances and is perfect for sensitive skin types. Use as a toner or apply as a refreshing mist throughout the day for soft, soothed, and glowing skin.
FAQs
What toner do dermatologists recommend?
Dermatologists recommend hydrating toners that can be used daily without disrupting your skincare routine. However, if you choose a toner with active ingredients, be sure to avoid using serums with the same ingredients to prevent irritation.
Can I skip toner and use moisturizer?
If you don't want to use a toner, that's okay. You can skip it and focus on using a nourishing moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
What's the difference between toner and essence?
Toners cleanse, hydrate, and protect, while essences accelerate skin cell turnover for smoother, firmer skin and can be used as a primer.
READ MORE: Hyaluronic Acid Serum 101: What It Does and Why Your Skin Needs It
