Which type of toner should you choose?
| Your concern | What to look for | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Dryness | Hydrating ingredients such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid. | Alcohol rich formulas that leave skin dry. |
| Clogged pores or rough texture | An exfoliating acid such as salicylic, glycolic or lactic acid. | Continuing use when the formula irritates your skin. |
| Sensitive skin | A formula without heavy fragrance. | Heavily fragranced formulas and unnecessary dyes. |
| Acne under treatment | Gentle, alcohol free skincare; toner need not be part of it. | Irritating toners, astringents and exfoliants. |
| Rosacea | Skip toner. | Toners and astringents, including acid toners. |
How do you choose a bottle worth buying?
Choose by ingredients and your goal rather than price or the claims on the front label. An expensive bottle is not automatically more effective, even if its packaging looks ready for a private dressing room. A natural label does not rule out an allergic reaction, either. The practical shortlist is a suitable formula at a price you are comfortable paying, not the most elaborate promise.2
If your existing routine keeps your skin clean, moisturized and protected from the sun, adding toner is not compulsory. Toner is an optional step, not an entrance fee for a skincare routine. In the evening, remove makeup before cleansing rather than expecting toner to do the whole job; toner can pick up residue left after washing.2
How should you use toner?
Introduce one new product at a time. For sensitive skin, try a pea sized amount behind your ear along the jawline, then wait a day or two before applying the product across your face. This gives you a chance to notice a reaction before making the new toner a full face commitment.2
- 1Cleanse your face first.
- 2Gently swipe toner over your face with a cotton pad, or mist it on if it comes as a spray.
- 3Leave toner on rather than rinsing it off, then apply moisturizer.
- 4Use a tolerated toner once or twice daily. For strong acids or other potentially irritating actives, start every other day and increase only as tolerated.
What results should you expect?
Changes from toner generally take six weeks to three months and can be subtle. Exfoliating acids can unclog pores and smooth texture, making pores look smaller; they do not permanently shrink genetically determined pore size.1
Should you buy toner for acne?
If you are already treating acne, prioritize gentle skincare rather than adding another exfoliating step. Irritating toners can dry skin and make acne appear worse. Wash gently up to twice daily and after sweating, and avoid scrubbing. Keep your treatment consistent instead of repeatedly switching products; acne treatment can take several weeks to a few months to show a difference.3
For acne, look for skincare labelled noncomedogenic, meaning it is intended not to clog pores. A pharmacist can advise on acne treatments such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. If self treatment is not helping, or spots are deep, painful or causing scars, see a doctor rather than continuing to shop for toner. Get medical help for hot, swollen skin or acne that is affecting your mental health.5
When is skipping toner the better choice?
If you have rosacea, skip toner and astringents. Choose fragrance free skincare rather than products labelled merely unscented, and avoid glycolic acid, lactic acid, alcohol and menthol. If you use prescribed rosacea medication, apply it before a suitable moisturizer. Stop exfoliating, avoid rubbing or scrubbing, and ask your dermatologist for product suggestions if finding tolerable skincare is difficult.4
Where this answer comes from
- 1What Does Toner Do for Your Face? 5 Benefitshealth.clevelandclinic.org
- 2Facebookhealth.clevelandclinic.org
- 3Acne: Tips for managingaad.org
- 47 rosacea skin care tips dermatologists recommendaad.org
- 5Acnenhs.uk
