What is a Toner and What Does It Do?
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Toners have long been a staple of many skincare routines. For many skincare novices, though, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what steps are needed or what all these products even do. Do you need all of them? Can some of them be skipped?
With words like serums, essences, ampoules, toners, and emulsions, it can be super confusing (and super expensive) trying to figure out how to use all of these on your skin. For me, one of my must-haves in my skin routine is a toner. My skin just doesn’t feel the same if I don’t pat in toner into it.
In this post, I’m going to talk about everything I’ve learned about toners and when and how they’re used in a skincare routine.
What is a toner? Purpose and Definition
A toner is a skincare product that hydrates the skin, preps it for subsequent products, and returns the skin back to its normal pH balance. Typically, a toner is used right after cleansing the skin.
Using a very drying cleanser can leave the skin barrier damaged and can lead to your skin feeling dry, tight, or red. Toners are used to bring much needed hydration and nutrients back to your skin.
Toners also help to prep your skin for subsequent skincare products. A damp, hydrated skin will much easier absorb other products you apply onto your skin. A dry sponge, to use an analogy, will have a more difficult time absorbing liquid than a sponge that’s already damp.
Toners vs Essences and Serums?
You should generally apply your skincare products in order from least viscous to most viscous. Toners usually go before essences or serums. The difference between an essence and a toner is that essences are usually more concentrated with nutrients than a toner. Essences and toners are also not designed to rebalance or bring the skin back to a good pH level like toners are. They are designed to nourish the skin and address any skin issues.
Toners vs Micellar Water?
The intention of a micellar water and toners are different. Micellar water is intended to clean impurities like makeup, dirt, and sunscreen off your face. Using micellar water is a very gentle way to remove eye makeup without pulling on the skin way too much. Toners, on the other hand, are used after face cleansing to bring back much needed moisture to the skin and prep the skin for your other skincare products.
How is toner applied?
There are two ways I know of to apply toner. The first one is pouring a little bit of toner on a cotton pad and gently swiping it onto your skin. Be very gentle when you do this to reduce skin tugging. The second is pouring a little bit of toner onto your hand and patting it directly onto your skin. I personally like the second method more because I don’t have to waste so much cotton pads and more of the product gets onto my skin.
Want to try something a little extra for your skin? A few years ago, something called the 7-layer method became really popular in Korea. It involved applying your toner on your skin 7 consecutive times and the result is plump, glowing, hydrated skin. I’ve tried this a few times and while my skin did feel really moist and plump, it was way too much effort (and product) for me to keep up long term.
If you want to try the 7-layer method for yourself, make sure you choose the right toner for your skin type and you avoid any kind of toner that has any harsh alcohol or fragrance.
How toners affect the skin’s pH level
Many (not all) cleansers on the market can be alkaline (has a pH of 8-9) and can throw off the natural pH level of our skin (has a pH of 4-5). Our skin is naturally more acidic and if your skin has ever felt tight, dry, red, or uncomfortable after using a certain kind of cleanser, there’s a chance that it throws your natural skin’s pH off kilter. A good toner brings the pH level of your skin back to 4-5.
People used to think that in order for a cleanser to be effective, it had to be very alkaline and thus, very drying on the skin. However, there are pH balanced skin cleansers out on the market now that do a great job of cleansing the skin without drying it out. I love COSRX’s Good Morning Cleanser when I’m reaching for a lower pH cleanser.
Favorite toners
I have four favorite toners I love to recommend. The first one is the Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner. Pyunkang Yul is a Korean brand and their products are so mild that it can be used on babies! The brand also has a history of making products for people with eczema so I love this toner when my skin is feeling particularly sensitive.
I also love the Etude House Moistful Collagen Toner. This toner has been around for years and people (including me) really love it. Formulated with collagen, this toner packs immense hydration to your skin. Also as a side note, Etude House is also a Korean brand and they make makeup in the cutest packaging!
The third toner is one you can find at your local Target or drug store: Pixi Glow Tonic. This toner is a cult beauty favorite. It contains glycolic acid to gently exfoliate the skin and contains no alcohol. My skin did look glowy when I was using this so I definitely recommend it as a low cost toner.
The last toner I’ll recommend is one you can also find at Target: Thayers Witch Hazel Toner. The witch hazel ingredient in this toner provides the skin with antioxidants to help keep your skin clear and glowing. I’ve really enjoyed this as well!
