Do you need toner in your skincare routine?

What can toner do?

Toners are usually water based liquids or lotions used after cleansing and before moisturizer, but the category includes several different jobs. Some formulas hydrate or soothe; others use acids to exfoliate, control oil, or help remove dirt and makeup left after cleansing. The category now covers hydration, exfoliation and leftover makeup cleanup, which is a wide brief for one word on a label. Newer formulas tend to be more moisturizing and soothing than older formulas made to strip oil. A toner can increase water in the outer layer of skin and improve absorption of products applied afterward. Glycolic, lactic or salicylic acid formulas can unclog pores and smooth skin texture, which can make pores look smaller; pore size is largely genetic, so the appearance change is not the same as shrinking pores.3

How should you use toner?

1. 1Cleanse your face first.
2. 2Mist toner onto your face or gently swipe it over your skin with a cotton pad.
3. 3Leave it on, then apply moisturizer.

Use toner after cleansing in whichever routine you choose. Once or twice a day is common. If the formula has strong acids or other active ingredients that could irritate, start every other day and increase gradually as your skin tolerates it.3

Can you skip toner?

Yes. A gentle cleanser, moisturizer and daily sun protection cover the basic routine. Add toner for a specific effect you want; it is not a toll booth between cleanser and moisturizer.12

Is toner useful for dry skin?

A hydrating toner can be useful if it contains ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which increase hydration. Apply it after cleansing, then use moisturizer, which helps trap water in your skin. Toner can add hydration, but moisturizer still has a separate job.23

Is toner useful for oily skin?

It can be. Salicylic acid toner can help with oil control, and alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy acids can help unclog pores and smooth texture. A small amount of alcohol can suit oily or acne prone skin, but stronger alcohol formulas can strip natural oils and cause dryness or irritation. Choose by the formula and the job you want it to do, not by the word toner alone.13

What if your skin is sensitive or you use prescriptions?

Avoid heavily fragranced toners and formulas with lots of dyes or preservatives, which can irritate skin. Add one new product at a time. If your skin is sensitive, test a small amount behind your ear or along your jaw and wait a day or two before using it across your face. If you have rosacea and use prescription products, be careful when adding toner and check that your skin tolerates it. Stop using a toner that causes burning, itching, redness or swelling. If your skin reacts to over the counter products, a dermatologist can assess it; cosmetic allergy can be diagnosed with patch testing.1345

How long does toner take to work?

A toner effect can take six weeks to three months to appear, and the change can be subtle. A formula intended to help with acne or hyperpigmentation can take about two to three months to show results, so do not expect an immediate change.3