Face Toner: What It Is For and How to Choose One
Face toner is a liquid used after cleansing, before a serum or cream. Today there is a wide variety of toners: some hydrate, others soothe, and others gently exfoliate the skin.
In this article you will learn whether a toner is needed at all, how different toners differ and how to use them safely.
In brief. A toner is not essential, but it can complement your daily routine. Gentle, hydrating toners free from alcohol and fragrance are suitable for dry and sensitive skin.1 When using toners with acids, sun protection is essential during the day.2
Is a toner necessary?
No. The main steps of skincare are gentle cleansing, moisturising and sun protection. A toner is an additional step that can be useful if it matches your skin's needs.
In the past, toners were needed to remove traces of alkaline soap and restore the skin's usual, slightly acidic pH. The pH of healthy skin is usually below 5.3 Modern gentle cleansers affect the skin less, so a toner is now usually chosen for other properties.
What types of toners are there?
| Toner | What it does | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrating | Provides moisture to the skin with hyaluronic acid, glycerin or aloe | Dry, dehydrated and normal skin |
| Soothing | Reduces the feeling of tightness and irritation with panthenol, aloe or centella | Sensitive skin that flushes easily |
| With AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid) | Gently exfoliates the surface layer of the skin | Uneven skin texture, oily and combination skin |
| With BHA (salicylic acid) | Cleanses pores | Oily, breakout-prone skin |
| With alcohol | Gives a feeling of freshness and a matte effect, which is why it is often chosen for oily skin. It can dry out and irritate the skin, so for dry and sensitive skin it is better to choose alcohol-free toners. In the ingredients list, alcohol is most often labelled as | Occasionally for oily skin; not suitable for dry skin1 |
Toners with acids: what is important to know
AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid) can increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun. Therefore, when using them during the day, you should apply sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight.2
The amount of salicylic acid in cosmetics in the EU is restricted: in most products it may not exceed 2%.4
Example. If you start using a toner with 5% glycolic acid, use it 2–3 times a week in the evening for the first two weeks. If your skin does not sting or turn red, you can use it more often.
Do not combine several strong products at once. If you use a toner with acids in the evening, do not use an exfoliator or a retinoid the same evening without the advice of a cosmetologist or dermatologist.
How to use a toner
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry.
- Pour the toner onto a cotton pad or into your palms and gently press it into the skin. When using a spray toner, spray with your eyes closed.
- While the skin is still damp, apply a serum or cream.
- In the morning, finish with sunscreen, especially if you use toners with acids.2
Selected face toners
Commercial information. The products listed here are available in our shop. This is not a ranking of effectiveness. Before buying, check the ingredients and instructions for use on the product page.
DR.SANTE Hyaluron Mezzo Pro Mist Toner 150 ml
Hydrating spray toner with sodium hyaluronate and peptides, for all skin types. Spray after cleansing, from a distance of 15–20 cm, with your eyes closed.5
Gentle soothing and hydrating toner with aloe and turmeric extracts. Intended for dry, sensitive and dehydrated skin.6
MIYA BEAUTY.lab Glycolic Acid Toner 5% 150ml
Toner with 5% glycolic acid, pH of about 3.2, with rose hydrolat and aloe. Start with a few times a week in the evening and apply sunscreen during the day.7
TOŁPA Dermo Face Sebio+ Facial Toner 2 acids 5%: AHA+LHA 200 ml
Toner for oily, breakout-prone skin with 5% lactic acid and a capryloyl salicylic acid (LHA) complex, centella and aloe. Apply sunscreen during the day.8
Frequently asked questions
Can micellar water replace a toner?
Not quite. Micellar water is intended for removing make-up and impurities, while a toner prepares the skin for the next skincare steps.
Does a toner close pores?
Pore size mostly depends on genetics and skin type. Toners with acids can help cleanse pores, so they may look less noticeable.
How can I tell that a toner is not suitable?
If your skin stings, turns red, feels tight or peels after using a toner, stop using it. If the irritation does not go away, consult a dermatologist.
Scientific sources
- American Academy of Dermatology. Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin. aad.org
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Alpha Hydroxy Acids. fda.gov
- Lambers H, Piessens S, Bloem A et al. Natural skin surface pH is on average below 5, which is beneficial for its resident flora. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2006;28(5):359–370. doi:10.1111/j.1467-2494.2006.00344.x
- Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, Annex III (consolidated version). EUR-Lex
- Dr. Sante. Hyaluron Mezzo Pro Toner in a Mist, 150 ml. Product information.
- Bielenda Professional. SupremeLab Barrier Renew Tonic, 200 ml. Product information.
- MIYA. BEAUTY.lab Glycolic Acid Toner 5%, 150 ml. Product information.
- Tołpa. Dermo Face Sebio+ Tonic 2 Acids 5%, 200 ml. Product information.
Disclaimer. This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a dermatologist or cosmetologist. If your skin is irritated, turns red or a rash appears, stop using the product and consult a specialist.
