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What is Toner? Your Complete Guide

What Is Toner? Your Complete Guide

Toner is a wash or lotion specifically made to clean the skin and a perfect weapon to fight pimples. It is usually applied to the face with a cotton ball or applicator. Toners also help in minimizing the appearance of pores, when pores are not visible the skin will look smoother. Toners are used as a secondary cleanser, it removes the remaining dirt left behind after washing. 

A good toner will benefit the skin when used correctly. There are three types of toners and their main job is to exfoliate, hydrate and treat the skin. Aloe vera, green tea, and witch hazel are all common ingredients in a natural toner. These natural ingredients have long been used for skincare. Although toners offer a lot of benefits for the skin, it usually contains alcohol, which can dry out the skin. As a result, the skin can be irritated and look dull, so be sure to check the ingredients list before applying it. 

Why You need Face Toner


What is a Toner?

A Toner is a water-based liquid form applied to the skin right after cleansing. It is meant to gently refresh the skin without removing its natural moisture. Toners help to wash off dirt, oils, and other impurities. Toners can actually hydrate the skin and improve its elasticity. Always choose toners containing natural products and stay away from certain ingredients that dry out the skin. Most toners contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) that work as exfoliants and antioxidants that prevent the breakdown of skin collagen. Toners also contain different kinds of ingredients that are helpful in treating a number of skin issues, including dryness and acne. 

How does Toner work for skin?

A Toner does wonders to the skin. Facial toners work by cleaning dirt, oils, and impurities. It also temporarily tightens skin and creates a smoother-looking face. When following a certain skin regimen, the toner is the one preparing the skin to absorb skin products like moisturisers and serums which are applied to the face after cleansing. When following a certain skin regimen, the toner is the one preparing the skin to absorb skin products like moisturisers and serums which are applied to the face after cleansing. With constant use, toner can bring back the skin's natural acidic state, it is a quick-absorbing liquid that delivers skin an instant hit of hydration. 

What are the types of toner?

Listed below are the types of toner.  

  • Exfoliating Toners: Exfoliating toners normally contain a type of hydroxy acid or fruit enzymes. This kind of toner increase cleansing significantly. It removes dead skin cells on the top layer of the skin. Exfoliating toners get rid of dullness, roughness, and flakiness of the skin.  From clogging to fine lines, exfoliating toners address a wide range of skin problems
  • Hydrating Toners: Among the 3 toners, the hydrating toner is the gentlest facial toner. It contains humectants or glycerin. To give the skin an instant boost of hydration and nourishment is the whole point of a hydrating toner. It also helps in eliminating the tight feeling some cleansers leave on the skin.  
  • Treatment Toners: Treatment toners are specifically formulated to solve specific skin problems. This specific toner is intended to do more than hydrate the skin because it has potent active ingredients. 

How to use toner?

Incorporating toner is a vital step in a good skin care regimen. When applying toner to the face, make sure that it is washed and already clean. Depending on the consistency of the toner, it can be applied with a cotton ball, fingertips, or spray.  It can be used in the morning and night skin routine immediately after cleansing the face and before applying moisturizer or serums. Toners can be used twice daily if there is no stinging or burning sensation in the face. If the skin is sensitive, try using it once a week, then move to every other day, and eventually on a daily basis. 

What are the benefits of toner?

What are the benefits of toner?


Listed below are the benefits of using toner. 

  • Reduces the appearance of pores: Toner helps create a luminous appearance of the face by making the pores less visible. When pores are smaller, the skin will look more polished and glossy.
  • Protects skin from harsh elements: Facial toners are formulated to aid the skin remain clean and safe from environmental stressors.
  • Tightens skin temporarily: When used twice daily, facial toners help the skin to be firmer and tighter because it is an amazing rejuvenator. 
  • It is refreshing: Spraying the skin with a rose-scented toner is a good way to start a daily routine. It refreshes the skin and leaves it more healthy-looking. It is also a rewarding treat for the skin during the night. 
  • Soothes skin: Toner can give the skin a calming effect by eliminating discomfort and temporary redness. 
  • Remove oil and makeup: Having clean skin is one key to achieving a flawless look. Toner helps remove oil, makeup, and other impurities that cause unwanted acne. 
  • Helps skin in maintaining moisture: Facial toners, especially the one that contains rose water, make the skin hydrated naturally. It also helps increase moisture absorption.

  • What are the risks of toner?

    What are the risks of toner?


    Listed below are the risk of using toner.

  • Skin drying: Like many other beauty products, toners may contain alcohol, which can dry out the skin. Make sure to check the ingredients list and its alcohol content. 
  • Temporary Redness: Some users of toners, especially with dry skin, may experience temporary skin redness. If the toner stings and has a burning sensation, it is advised to stop using it. 
  • Skin irritation: Toners can cause skin irritation when used excessively. This happens, again, because of its alcohol content.

  • Which is the Best Toner for Oily Skin?

    When looking for the best toner for oily skin, it is best to stick with a product that contains salicylic acid. This is an oil-soluble ingredient that can penetrate the pore. Some of the best toners for oily skin is The Pixi Glow Tonic by Pixibeauty, Witch Hazel Mattifying Face Toner, and  La Roche-Posay Serozinc Toner. The Pixi Glow Tonic by Pixibeauty is an amazing toner featuring glycolic acid that removes excess grease and leaves skin smoother. Another toner that is effective in preventing oily skin and best of all, affordable, is the Witch Hazel Mattifying Face Toner. It contains glycolic and lactic acids that gently exfoliate and get rid of excess oil. It also helps temporarily shrink pores. While, La Roche-Posay Serozinc Toner, is a refreshing solution that targets oily skin. It also contains thermal spring water that helps soothe and purify the complexion. 

    Which is the Best Toner for Dry Skin?

    When the skin is dry, it is best to avoid toners that could eventually reduce the moisture level of the skin. Stay away from toners with a high alcohol content that can dry out the skin and opt for a toner with a hydrating moisturiser. Some of the best toners for dry skin are  The Avène Gentle Toner for Sensitive Skin, Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic, and Kiehl's Ultra Facial Toner. The Avène Gentle Toner for Sensitive Skin is specially formulated for severely dry and sensitive skin, it contains natural silicates that act as a protective cover to keep aggressors out and maintain moisture. This product is totally alcohol-free. It contains the very popular Avène Thermal Spring Water which help soothes irritation, and dryness and leaves the skin supple and softer. Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic, on the other hand, is an amazing facial toner that is one of the popular toners in the industry. This toner increase hydration level using a mixture of chamomile, aloe vera, and cucumber. It also contains an alcohol-free formula and vitamin E which adds to moisture levels and protects the skin from harsh impurities. There is a pharmaceutical brand devoted to coming up with excellent and natural formulas, and that is Kiehl's Ultra Facial Toner. This gentle toner is high in vitamin E which helps in protecting and maintaining the balance of the skin. When it comes to treating dry skin, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Toner has the perfect alcohol-free ingredient.

    Which is the Best Toner for Acne-Prone Skin?

    A good anti-acne toner should effectively eliminate excess oil without leaving the skin dry. It should also contain ingredients that fight breakouts. Some of the best toners for acne-prone skin are Celeteque Acne Solution Oil Control Toner, VMV Hypoallergenics  Id Anti-Acne Toner, and  Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Toner.  Celeteque Acne Solution Oil Control Toner is a crowd favourite when it comes to toner for treating acne. It has aloe vera and chamomile extracts that remove dirt and grease from the face. The best thing about it is the affordable price. Next on the list is the VMV Hypoallergenics  Id Anti-Acne Toner, this powerful but gentle toner is designed to treat acne from different areas of the body. It has salicylic acid and green tea, which are essential in preventing acne. Another toner that helps in preventing breakouts is the Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Toner. This product removes excessive sebum production from the sebaceous gland. It is also used in removing makeup and remaining dirt on the skin after cleansing.

    Which is the Best Toner For Men?

    Men are very particular when it comes to skin products, and that includes toners. A good toner for men should keep up with the active lifestyle and also provide cleansing ingredients perfect for the grooming process. Some of the best toners for men are Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, and The Horace Tonic Lotion. Men can try the Kiehl's Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner, suitable for all skin types. It gives a gentle astringent effect to tired-looking complexions. It is packed with good benefits of cucumber extract, which is known to have moisture-locking properties. Second, on the list is The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution. Contrary to its name, there is nothing ordinary about The  Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, because it features 7% glycolic acid, an effective exfoliating property. The Horace Tonic Lotion is designed to tighten and minimize the visibility of pores, remove excess oil, and refresh the skin. It is formulated with organic sage floral water, responsible for helping tighten pores and manage oil production. 

    Can toners make your acne worse?

    No. Toners are formulated specifically to clean the face and fight pimples. Toners actually improve the skin quality, especially the ones with lesser alcohol content and made from natural ingredients. To achieve a smoother and flawless complexion, find a toner that is suitable depending on the skin type. It should cleanse, moisturize, and protects the skin.