What Does Face Toner Do and Why Is It Important?

While you know you’re supposed to use toners, no one quite knows what they do. They fit in somewhere between your cleanser and serum and make your skin seemingly smooth. But is this water-like skincare ingredient a must or just a filler? Read on to find all the benefits of toner and understand what does a skin toner do.

Keynotes:

• Skin toners are water-based skincare products that help you balance the skin’s pH, remove residual dirt and oil, and prepare the skin for better absorption of actives.
• Choosing the right toner depends on your skin type—exfoliating actives for oily skin and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid for dry or sensitive skin. Lactic acid helps you cleanse and hydrate at once.
• Use toner twice daily after cleansing and before moisturising to maintain a healthy, well-prepped complexion.

Face toner is a water-based or alcohol-based skin care product. It can be used after cleansing and before moisturizing your skin. While it was once an optional step, toners are now widely recommended by dermatologists for maintaining skin health, especially if you have oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin.

But what do face toners do? At times, your cleanser is unable to get through to all the dirt and impurities in the skin. This is where toners come in to cleanse away any remaining dirt and dust in your pores. With your skin deeply cleansed, toners help you avoid acne breakouts and zits. Modern toners usually use skin-friendly ingredients that cleanse your skin but don’t leave it too dry at the same time. Toners also have pH-balanced formulas that keep your skin barrier healthy and prevent moisture loss.

The purpose of facial toners goes beyond cleansing. Here are all the benefits of skin toner you should add to your regular skin routine -

Balances Skin’s pH

The benefits of toner help you maintain the pH, or the acidic balance of your skin. Typically, healthy skin has a slightly acidic surface pH that ranges from 4.7 to 5.75. This is your acidic mantle - a thin film that naturally protects your skin against infections. It also prevents TransEpidermal Water Loss (TEWL), or loss of hydration from the surface of your skin.

Why do you need it?

Most of the cleansers you use are generally alkaline. They can increase the risk of irritation or dermatitis, especially if you have sensitive skin. This is why layering your cleansers with toners helps you restore this balance, reducing sensitivity and inflammation. Try using gentle exfoliating cleansing gels that don’t throw your skin off balance.

Removes Excess Dirt and Oil

You’d think a cleanser does it all, but it’s time to shake that belief. Your skin isn’t a flat surface and has several layers and pores that go deep beyond the surface. A cleanser may not help you get rid of all the dust, dirt, and oils. This is why a second cleanse with toners is crucial for your skin’s health. These “second cleanse” benefits of a toner help you prevent acne, pimples, and clogged pores.

Why do you need it?

If you have an oily skin type or live in humid areas, your skin probably produces too much oil. This oil can mix with pollutants and dirt to clog the pores and trigger acne. Face toner benefits help you keep your skin cleansed and free from impurities. Toners also keep your T-zones (forehead and nose) balanced, making them appear less shiny.

Prepares Skin for Better Absorption

Cleansed and balanced skin absorbs skincare actives more efficiently. The benefits of a skin toner can make your skin more receptive to ingredients like vitamin C, retinoids, and peptides. These ingredients can now penetrate your skin without having to seep through any impurities or oils.

Why do you need it?

The better the absorption, the better the effects. When your skincare actives aren’t able to penetrate the skin, they may give you visible effects. This is why toner benefits are crucial for layering your skincare. Toners also strengthen your skin barrier, making it more resistant to any irritation caused by serums.

For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

Those with oily or acne-prone skin benefit from toners that regulate sebum and unclog pores. Look for products with exfoliating ingredients -

• Salicylic Acid (BHA) : Salicylic acid is oil-soluble exfoliant that helps you penetrate sebum and clear out the pores and reduce inflammation. In gentle concentrations, salicylic acid toners benefit pimple-prone skin.

You can also try ingredients like niacinamide and glycolic acid.

For Dry or Sensitive Skin

Look for gentle ingredients when it comes to toning dry or sensitive skin. Humectants, pH balanced formulas, and gentle ingredients are key.

• Hyaluronic Acid Toner: A proven humectant, HA is known to hold 1000 times its weight in water to plump up your skin and hydrate it from within.

You can also try ingredients like glycerin, panthenol, and squalene.

Gentle Toners for All Skin Types

If you have combination skin or don’t know what your skin falls under, look for toners with lactic acid.

• Lactic acid Toners: While being a gentle exfoliant, lactic acid also manages to hydrate your skin. It also acts as a comedolytic and unclogs your pores, preventing acne.

Lactic acid toners also mattify oily zones while hydrating dry areas. Look for dermatologically tested and non-comedogenic ingredients before investing in a toner.

Now that you’ve narrowed down the benefits of using a skin toner, here’s how to add it to your skin regimen -

• Cleanse: Use a pH-balanced, gentle cleansing gel.
• Tone: Apply a lactic acid toner using a cotton pad or by patting with your hands.
• Treat: Allow your toner to get absorbed and layer skin illuminating serums with Thiamidol and hyaluronic acid.
• Moisturize: Lock in hydration with a lightweight moisturizer.
• SPF: Finish with broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day. Swap it for a repairing night cream before bed

You can apply toner twice a day, for your AM and PM skin routines. You can also apply it on slightly damp skin to maximise the benefits of using a skin toner.

While they may be a daily new addition, facial toners do play a crucial role in the regular skin regimen. Look for formulations that support the skin’s pH, barrier function, and moisture levels. Layer your toner with dermatologically-formulated Eucerin skincare products to complete your skin regimen.

1. Should I use toner before or after moisturiser?

   Always apply toner before moisturiser. Toner preps the skin for better absorption and restores pH after cleansing, which helps moisturiser work more effectively. Start your skin regimen from the lightest to the thickest product.

2. Can toner replace a cleanser?

   No. Toner is not a substitute for a cleanser. While it removes residual debris, it does not offer the deep cleansing needed to remove dirt, makeup, or excess oil.

3. How do I choose the right toner for my skin?

   Match your toner to your skin type. For oily/acne-prone skin, look for exfoliants like salicylic acid and lactic acid. For dry/sensitive skin, choose hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Always check for dermatological testing and avoid harsh alcohols.

4. Is alcohol-free toner better for sensitive skin?

   Alcohol helps you kill bacteria, reduces excess sebum and leaves skin with a cool and pleasant astringent feeling. Look for toners with low concentrations of alcohol that do not dry out the skin.

• Cherney, K. (2022, June 30). What does toner do for your face? Healthline.
• Eucerin. (n.d.). The importance of skin’s natural pH. Eucerin International.
• Umali, R. L., & Ligsay, A. D. (2019). Anti-sebum efficacy of guava toner: A split-face randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study. ResearchGate.
• Thongchai, W., & Soonthornchai, W. (2023). The efficacy of different facial toners in improving skin hydration and sebum control. Cosmetics, 10(5), 133.