Understanding Facial Toners

What is facial toner?

People have been taking care of their skins for thousands of years. History shows that Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt is said to have indulged in milk baths with a mixture of milk, honey and sea salt to exfoliate and soften her skin.

Traditional skin care treatments for softening skin have included milk and lemon juice, both of which contain Alpha Hydroxy Acids or AHAs, most popular and common of which are Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid.

Glycolic acid is favored for its small molecular size and deep penetration, while lactic acid is a slightly larger, gentler option suitable for sensitive skin.  

Consumer attention was first captured when AHA products incorporating fruit and sugar derivatives were initially marketed towards acne treatments, anti-aging products and hyperpigmentation applications. AHAs are also favored for improving skin tone and condition, while enhancing overall texture.

In cosmetics, skin toner or simply toner refers to a water-based lotion, tonic, or wash designed to cleanse the skin and prepare it for the application of other skincare products, such as moisturizers and serums that follow. In addition to removing residues left behind after facial cleansing, the present-day toners are also loaded with nourishing and replenishing ingredients that leaves the skin with a fresher, smoother and more hydrated look.

How to use a toner in your routine

1. Cleanse your face to remove dirt, oil, and makeup.

2. Apply toner immediately after cleansing, either by:

   a. sweeping toner over your face with a cotton pad

   b. misting toner over face

   c. patting toner over face with clean hands

3. Allow it to absorb for 30–60 seconds.

4. Follow with serums, moisturizer, and SPF (in the morning). 

Girl applying toner with a cotton pad.

Girl misting toner over her face.

Girl applying toner over face using fingertips.

What does Toner do

Well-formulated toners simultaneously deep cleanse, moisturize, shrink pores, balance skin’s pH, and add a layer of protection against impurities. They deliver skin the ingredients it needs for a healthy hydrated appearance.

Benefits of using toner

• Toner provides deeper clean by removing stubborn traces of oil, dirt or makeup cleanser might have left behind.

• Restores skin's natural pH balance which can be thrown off by some cleansers. A healthy pH level supports the skin's natural barrier for a supple hydrated skin and a slower appearance of signs of aging like wrinkles.

• A hydrating toner prepares your skin to absorb moisture more effectively. Look for a toner that is rich in hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.

• Enhancing absorption: Applying a toner prepares your skin to better absorb the serums, moisturizers, and other treatments that follow maximizing the effectiveness of the actives.

• Delivering active ingredients – Many toners are formulated to contain antioxidants, exfoliants, or humectants that hydrate, soothe, or brighten the skin.

• Exfoliation: Helps remove dead skin cells that can dull the complexion.

  • Opt for chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs over physical scrubs, which can be too harsh. AHAs (like glycolic acid) brighten the skin, while BHAs (like salicylic acid) work deeper into the pores to clear out impurities.

    
    
    
    

When to use toner

Toners can be applied during both your daytime and nighttime routine. Think of it as a wake-up call for your skin, prepping it for the day and at night, removing any remaining dirt and impurities that may be left behind by cleanser and make it ready for all the goodness that you apply next.

How to choose the best toner for maturing skin according to experts

Maturing skin requires special care and attention to maintain its health and slows down the process of aging. By understanding their active ingredients and key benefits, one will be able to find the right toner formulation that can help address common concerns of mature skin such as fine lines, dullness, dryness, wrinkles and uneven texture, helping to restore vitality, firmness and brightness.

Simple tips for choosing and using an anti-aging toner

• Avoid an alcohol-based toner that can cause skin dryness and irritation. Consider products with hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin .

• Choose a toner without fragrance, especially if you have sensitive skin.

• Make sure to wash your face before applying toner—and if you are on a sensitive side, you may love a lightly foaming, gel formula cleanser. While a toner can help clear away dirt and impurities, it shouldn’t replace facewash.

• Apply toner before serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen.

• When trying out a new product into your routine, it’s always a good idea to conduct a patch test first to see if your skin will like it.

Do you really need a toner

In short, no, though the full answer is more complicated than that. Toners aren’t a must-have part of a skin care routine because whatever benefits missed from not using it can be provided by other products like serums and moisturizers. However,

it does not only preps the skin for the rest of the routine but also helps in maintaining a perfect pH balance.

Once you start using a well-formulated toner, you'll agree that toning is no longer an optional step - it becomes obligatory.