For decades, cleansing, toning, and moisturizing have been the cornerstones of many skincare routines. While the first and final steps are unavoidable, is toning truly necessary? What is a toner in the first place? The following are the advantages and disadvantages.
What Exactly Is a Tone?
A toner is a liquid that is used to remove any remaining makeup, dirt, or oil following cleansing. Historically (circa ’90s), they were aimed at reducing oiliness and combating blemishes. They were, however, a little too effective at reducing oil, and developed a reputation for being extremely astringent and drying.
Toners have become more sophisticated in recent years. Many are alcohol-free, which means they are less drying. Each formula is unique and may contain ingredients that are moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, or exfoliating.
Toner’s Advantages
A toner’s advantage is that it can help minimize the appearance of pores. Additionally, it restores the skin’s pH balance, returning it to an acidic state, which purifies the skin and improves its ability to absorb moisture and other beneficial ingredients from serums and creams applied afterwards.
Is toner, then, necessary? Technically speaking, no. However, the right one, when used properly, can significantly improve your skin.
The Most Effective Toners for Each Skin Type
There are a plethora of toner options available on the market. Here are some outstanding picks for all skin types.
- Oily: Sunday Riley Martian Mattifying Melting Water-Gel Toner ($55) is a unique cooling gel formula that regulates oil production and imparts a matte finish to the skin.
- Dry: The herbal extracts and antioxidants in Context Skin Hydrating Toner ($35) will hydrate parched skin.
- Sensitive: Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner ($21) is gentle, pure, and uncomplicated.
- Acne-prone: Murad Acne Control Clarifying Toner ($25) contains witch hazel, algae extract, and grape seed extract, which work together to purify the skin and diminish blemishes over time.
- Mature: Rejuvenate aging skin with Tata Harper’s Hydrating Floral Essence Moisturizing Toner ($89). Hyaluronic acid replenishes moisture, while gotu kola extract improves the elasticity and tone of the skin.
- Dull: Look for toners that contain exfoliating agents such as glycolic acid and alpha-hydroxy acids. Pixi Glow Tonic ($29) exfoliates dead skin cells, accelerates cell renewal, and energizes skin for a more radiant appearance.
IMPORTANT INGREDIENTS: Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide that occurs naturally in the human body. It protects and lubricates our joints, nerves, hair, skin, and eyes. When used in skincare, it acts as a moisture binder, clinging to the water in the cells (while also attracting and holding water from the air), plumping them.
IMPORTANT INGREDIENTS: Alpha-hydroxy acids are a class of acid compounds derived primarily from plants that work to exfoliate the skin. They are available in a variety of forms (for example, glycolic and lactic acid) and vary in size, which affects their penetration and potency.
When to Use Toner and How to Use It
Toner is applied following cleansing and exfoliation—daily, nightly, or both. It’s best to apply it while the skin is still slightly damp to maximize absorption. Traditionally, toner was applied using a cotton pad and swept across the face. However, some people prefer to pat it on like a serum, which also works.
The Various Alternatives
Other products perform a similar function to toners. Micellar water is designed to be used as a secondary cleanser to remove any remaining makeup, dirt, or grime.
Facial mists are an easy way to refresh skin by instantly hydrating and shrinking the appearance of pores. Both of these types of products, like toners, are frequently infused with moisturizing, nourishing ingredients.
If you already use one or both of these, you can probably skip toner—that is, unless you enjoy a lengthy routine, which is understandable given how indulgent skin care is. Continue in that case.