What Does Toner Do? Benefits, Ingredients, & How to Choose the Right One for Your Skin

With the boom in influencer culture, everyone is trying to sell someone else something. 

Overconsumption is rampant in the wellness and beauty communities. 

It makes you wonder: do I really need that 14-step skincare routine? 

You're not the only one who's been thinking, and among the skeptics, toner is one of the first products that get tossed. 

Some think that they don't need it because they already have a strong cleanser, or sensitive skin that just won't work with it. 

But when used correctly, toner can be one of the most important steps in your routine. 

That's because toner is a skincare product applied after cleansing to remove any lingering impurities, restore pH balance, and prepare the skin for the next steps in your routine. 

It also helps soothe, refresh, and protect the skin. 

Other benefits include:

• Soothing and revitalizing the skin
• Protecting against environmental damage
• Minimizing the appearance of pores

The specific effects can vary depending on the type of toner and its ingredients.

In this article, we'll help you decide if toner is a must-have in your skincare routine or if it's time to skip it and save both time and money. 

Keep reading to find out what's best for your skin.

What is a Face Toner?

Face toner is a water-based solution made with soothing ingredients.

It's used to remove leftover impurities on the skin, rebalance pH levels, and boost absorption of other products.  

With so many options to choose from, it can feel overwhelming. 

But whatever your skin type and concerns, there's a toner made for you.

What Does Face Toner Do?

Toner offers a range of benefits that make it a valuable step in any skincare routine, including: 

• refreshing the skin without stripping away natural oils
• removing residual dirt, makeup, SPF, and oil after cleansing
• prepares the skin to absorb moisturizers and treatments better
• improves skin tone
• smooths rough patches
• helps brighten skin and lighten dark spots 
• provides a boost of hydration
• cleans and tightens pores
• removes dead skin to make a smoother base for makeup

The potency and combination of these effects will depend on the specific toner's formulation. 

How and When to Use Toner

Generally, toner is used after cleansing and before moisturizing in both morning and night routines.

For exfoliating toners, soak a cotton pad, then gently sweep it across the face in upward motions.

If you're using a hydrating toner, apply it directly to your face and press it gently into your skin.

To boost absorption, apply toner within one minute of cleansing while your skin is still damp. 

Who Should Use Face Toner? 

Toner can enhance any skincare routine, but it's especially helpful for certain skin types and needs. 

Those with oily or acne-prone skin benefit from toner's ability to balance oil production and help prevent breakouts. 

It is also useful for makeup wearers, as it preps the skin for smoother application and helps makeup last longer. 

For people who live in hotter climates, toner helps clean SPF, which can still linger after cleansing. 

If you have hard water with high pH levels, toner balances your skin to help other products absorb better.

And for those with dry and sensitive skin, toner is a better option than astringent because toner is alcohol-free. 

Common Toner Ingredients and Their Effects 

Understanding the ingredients in your products is one of the best ways to know if a product will work for you.

Toners are made with ingredients that target specific skin concerns.

There's a toner for your goals, whether it's hydration, exfoliation, brightening, etc.

Here are some of the most common toner ingredients and how they can benefit your skin. 

Hydration

• Hyaluronic acid holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water to deeply hydrate skin.
• Aloe vera soothes, hydrates, and may help fade acne scars.
• Rose water refreshes, hydrates, and fights bacteria with antioxidants.

Exfoliation 

• Glycolic acid (AHA) removes dead skin, brightens, and targets signs of aging.
• Lactic acid (AHA) gently smooths and evens out tone, great for sensitive skin.
• Salicylic acid (BHA) clears out pores and controls oil, ideal for acne-prone skin.

Balancing 

• Witch hazel helps tighten pores, reduce inflammation, and control oil.
• Tea tree oil fights acne-causing bacteria and calms irritated skin.

Brightening 

• Niacinamide smooths texture, shrinks pores, evens tone, and calms skin.
• Arbutin fades dark spots and helps even out skin tone.
• Licorice root extract soothes irritation and brightens by targeting hyperpigmentation.

Antioxidant

• Vitamin C brightens skin, protects against damage, and boosts repair.
• Green tea extract calms irritation and defends skin with antioxidants.

With so many products emerging and fading over time, it's easy to question if some of them are actually worth it.

Is it good, or just trendy?

But toners are timeless.

The right one can give your skincare routine a much-needed boost.

Not sure where to look? 

Start by checking out our acne clear antioxidant toner and detox toner.