What Does Toner Do For Your Skin?
Many people use it in their daily skincare routine, but what does toner do for your skin? We’re here to answer all your questions about toner.
While some people question whether toner is really necessary in a skincare regimen, all skin types can enjoy the benefits of toner. But only, of course, if you’re using a hydrating facial toner—not something too harsh and drying.
So, what does toner do to your skin and is it worth including in your daily routine? Here’s everything you should know about toner.
What is Toner?
Toner is a skincare product often formulated with a water base. Some dermatologist refer to it as a liquid moisturizer but it also boasts cleansing effects. Toner helps balance the skin’s pH level and remove impurities that remain on the skin after cleansing. Essentially, it gently cleans the skin while replenishing moisture so that skin feels soft and nourished instead of tight, dry, and irritated.
Most face toners contain antioxidants, exfoliators, and anti-inflammatories like niacinamide, rose water, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid. Together, they work to remove the buildup of dead skin cells, reduce excess oil, hydrate the skin, and soothe any redness or irritation.
What Does Toner Do For Your Skin?
When used regularly, toner is an excellent skincare product for keeping your skin hydrated, preventing breakouts, rebalancing pH levels, and calming sensitive skin.
To get the most benefits from toner, it’s important to look out for the right ingredients. Toners with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, for instance, are great for dry skin because they help restore the skin barrier by sealing in moisture.
If you have oily skin or acne-prone skin, on the other hand, use toner with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). An exfoliating acid toner with lactic acid, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid cuts through oil and removes dead cells to clear pores, eliminate excess oil, and banish blemishes.
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Top Toner Benefits
So, what does toner do for your skin? Here are all the benefits of toner for skin.
- Cleanses: Removes dirt, makeup, and dead skin cells on the skin’s surface
- Hydrates: Adds an extra level of hydration, especially with ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid
- Balances pH: Restores your skin's pH balance to help you maintain glowing, healthy skin
- Tightens Pores: Makes pores appear smaller by temporarily tightening them
- Reduces Redness: Soothes red, irritated skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties
- Improves Skin Tone: Certain formulas can help brighten dark spots and discoloration
- Improves Skin texture: Leaves skin feeling smoother and fresher
- Makes Your Products Work Harder: Using a face toner helps your skin absorb other skin products better, maximizing the benefits
Not all toners are made equal. To get the best benefits from toner, choose a product that’s gentle, alcohol-free, and enriched with nourishing, hydrating ingredients. The right toner will address your skin’s needs and ease specific skin concerns.
How to Use Toner
Now you know what toner does for face, let’s take a look at how to use it in your daily skincare routine.
1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. You want to make sure you’re starting with clean, fresh skin before applying toner.
2. Put a dew drops of your toner on two cotton pads. For best results, dab the pads under the chin and move your way up the face, gently massaging the skin instead of swiping.
3. Let the toner soak in for a couple of minutes. You don’t need to wash it off.
4. Finish. Complete your skincare routine with your fave serum, moisturizer, and of course: sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Do Dermatologists Recommend Toner?
The truth is, toners can be helpful at hydrating the skin, soothing redness, and preventing breakouts. That being said, some dermatologists say they can over-complicate your skincare routine.
It’s not that dermatologists don’t recommend using toner. It’s simply that toner is an additional step that you may not technically need when your daily regimen can be boiled down to three simple steps: cleanse, moisturize, sunscreen.
Of course, if you have the time and your skin isn’t too sensitive or reactive, including a toner does have its benefits. Just make sure you’re avoiding alcohol-based astringent toners which are typically very harsh and can exacerbate dryness.
The best toner contains gentle, hydrating ingredients like witch hazel, aloe, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide. If you have specific concerns like dark spots, fine lines, or acne, choose a hydrating toner with antioxidants and acids like vitamin C, retinol, and salicylic acid.
Different Types of Toner
Not all toners are created equal! Depending on your skin type and concerns, you’ll want to choose a toner that works best for you. Here are the most common types of toners to choose from.
Hydrating Toners – Packed with humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, these toners replenish moisture and soothe dry or sensitive skin.
Exfoliating Toners – Formulated with AHAs, BHAs, or PHAs, these help remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote a smoother complexion.
Balancing Toners – Ideal for oily or combination skin, these toners help regulate oil production and maintain the skin’s pH balance.
Soothing Toners – Infused with ingredients like chamomile or aloe vera, these toners calm irritation and redness.
What’s the Difference Between Toners and Astringents?
Toners and astringents are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. Toners are typically gentle, alcohol-free, and formulated to hydrate, soothe, and balance the skin. Astringents, on the other hand, contain alcohol or witch hazel and are designed to tighten pores, reduce oil, and combat acne.
While astringents can be effective for oily and acne-prone skin, they can also be drying and irritating for those with sensitive or dry skin. If you have combination skin, a toner is usually the better choice for daily use.
Is It Good to Use Toner Every Day?
It depends on the type of toner and your skin’s needs. Hydrating and soothing toners can be used daily (even twice a day) without any issues. Exfoliating toners, on the other hand, should be used in moderation—typically 2-3 times a week—to avoid over-exfoliation and irritation. Always listen to your skin, and if you notice any redness or dryness, adjust your usage accordingly.
Are Toners Really Necessary?
What does toner do for your skin? As you can see, toner can clearly do a lot for your skin. Toner isn't a must-have for everyone, but it can be a game-changer depending on your skin concerns. If you have dry skin, a hydrating toner can add an extra boost of moisture.
If you struggle with breakouts, an exfoliating toner can help keep pores clear. While not essential, the right toner can enhance your skincare routine by prepping your skin for serums and moisturizers.
Feature photo by Polina Tankilevitch
