The Truth Behind Toners: Do You Really Need One?

If you’re pretty adept at skincare routines, you know the drill: first, cleanse, moisturize, and lastly, protect with SPF. But beyond these core steps, we’ve also been introduced to many other processes aimed at making skincare routines more effective. There are just enough products to confuse you, from serums to exfoliators, face masks, and eye creams.

We could go about each of these products all day, but we’ll focus on one that continues to divide opinion among skincare enthusiasts: toners. What makes them effective? Are they worth the hype, or should we just skip it altogether? To better understand the truth behind toners, we walk you through these beauty products, their benefits, types, and how to apply them if you choose one.

What Does Toner Do?

Skin toners, sometimes called exfoliating acids or essences, are water-based lotions used after cleansing and just before moisturizing. These products typically prime your skin for other steps in a skincare routine, helping to remove dirt that remains on the skin after cleansing.

We’re all familiar with the role of cleansers in any skincare routine; however, while they remove dirt and dead cells from the skin, they also tend to strip off some natural oils, which can cause the skin to feel dry. Applying toners after cleansing increases the skin’s water content, which aids in absorbing other products into the skin.

So why, then, does it divide so much opinion? Well, most people still view skin toners as what they used to be, a product that removes excess oil from the skin. Traditional toners were notoriously harsh, often leaving the skin dry and tight. Thankfully, modern toners have evolved, now containing several ingredients that soothe, brighten, and nourish the skin.

Toners are also formulated to balance the skin’s pH after using highly alkaline pH cleansers. However, with various pH-balanced cleansers available today, toners may not necessarily be needed in all skincare routines. There are many arguments for and against toners; ultimately, it depends on your preference, routine, and products. But it does have a lot of benefits.

Benefits of Toners

The core benefit of a toner is to nourish and replenish the skin’s moisture lost after cleansing. However, some folks tend to use it as a second-step cleanser to remove makeup and other dirt that cleansers might have missed.

Alongside cleansing the skin, toners also balance and regulate the skin’s pH level, a process that helps hydrate the skin and strengthen its barrier. What more? Toners eliminate excess oil and dead cells, helping to unclog the pores and making it ideal for acne-prone skin.

Finally, modern toners are formulated to provide the skin with a healthy dose of antioxidants, soothing agents, and hydrating ingredients to protect the skin from free radicals and address anti-aging symptoms.

Who Needs a Skin Toner

A skin toner is essential for folks looking to target a specific skin condition, particularly with acne-prone skin. These products prep the skin for better absorption, making follow-on products more effective.

That said, many of the benefits often attributed to toners can be achieved through other skincare products. For instance, those looking to eliminate excess oil and dead skin can opt for an exfoliating serum. Similarly, a hyaluronic acid moisturizer or antioxidant serum can protect from anti-aging and free radicals.

If you must use one, always make sure the toner does not contain similar active ingredients to other skincare products in your routine to avoid irritation. Opt for a subtle, hydrating toner to prevent complications if you already have a targeted routine.

Are Toners Suitable for All Skin Types?

Several toners are available today, each formulated with unique ingredients to address specific skin concerns. As such, you should choose based on your skin type and requirements. Let’s categorize these toners based on skin types.

Normal and Dry Skin

Folks with dry or normal skin would benefit more from a toner formulated with hydration-boosting ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid or any other powerful humectant capable of keeping the skin moisturized and hydrated for long.

Also, avoid alcohol-based toner or harsh ingredients, as they could dry out the skin a lot more. Some good options include Laneige’s Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer, CeraVe Hydrating Toner, and COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Toner.

Sensitive Skin

With sensitive skin, the immune system tends to overreact to an irritant or allergen; hence, it’s always best to use products that do not contain irritants like alcohol, sulfate, parabens, fragrances, or too many actives.

Instead, use toners with skin-soothing ingredients like rosewater, aloe vera, and green tea. Some toners specially formulated for sensitive skin include Paula’s Choice Nourishing Milky Toner, Thayers Rose Petal Toner, and Bioderma Sensibio H2O.

Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

The key to choosing skincare products for oily and acne-prone skin is checking for an ‘oil-free’ or ‘non-comedogenic’ tag – skin toners are no exception. Some ingredients to look out for include AHAs and BHAs, which help to exfoliate the skin and reduce excess oil. 

AHA and BHA toners are formulated to keep the pores clear of oil and debris, boosting the skin’s collagen and elastin. The best toners for acne and oily skin include the Murad Clarifying Toner, Innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Toner, and the Farmacy Deep Sweep Toner.

Versatile Toners

It’s also possible to get a skin toner that works for all skin types without any adverse reaction. Such toners typically contain antioxidants and are generally alcohol-free. An excellent example of such toner is the lightweight Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Facial Toner, formulated with soothing ingredients, antioxidants, and no trace of fragrances, making it ideal for all skin types. The Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Toner is another excellent choice for versatility.

Possible Ingredients to Look Out For

As we’ve seen, the toner you choose depends mainly on how well the formulation complements your skin type. You can find a diverse list of ingredients in different skin toners, but most products have some standard components to look out for.

• Witch Hazel: This ingredient serves as an astringent in toners, causing the skin cells and other tissues to contrast. It also contains several anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal components ideal for cleansing and minimizing pores.
• Hyaluronic Acid: This comes as no surprise; the need to make toners ‘less drying’ makes hyaluronic acid a predominant ingredient in most products. This ingredient works to rehydrate the skin after cleansing.
• Honey Extract: Honey is a staple in skin care due to its moisturizing and emulsifying properties. This also makes honey extract a viable alternative to hyaluronic acid, and its presence makes the toner perfect for dry skin.
• Salicylic Acid: This is the go-to ingredient for formulating skin toners capable of removing dead cells. Aside from its sloughing properties, salicylic acid is also oil-free, making it perfect for acne-prone skin.
• AHAs and BHAs: AHAs help to boost cell turnover and improve the skin’s texture and complexion. On the other hand, BHAs are typically used to replace salicylic acid in removing dead cells.

How to Use Toners

Timing is vital when using toners; always apply it after cleansing to balance the skin’s pH before moisturizing. Toners are lightweight, so you do not need to use a lot; just pour a small amount onto a cotton wool and gently wipe your face. Alternatively, you can mist it onto your face if it comes in a spray bottle.

Consistency is also vital to achieve the best result. How often you use these products will depend on your skin type, specific concerns, and the ingredients in the product. It’s possible to use a toner daily, but if you’re using it for the first time, it’s best to introduce it gradually, like about twice or thrice weekly, to build tolerance to the active ingredients.

Ultimately, the decision to use a toner is up to you. Explore different products to discover what works best for your skin. But remember, it’s all about consistency; whether you’re looking to include a toner into your skincare routine or not, stay consistent to see the best results.