What is a cleansing toner?

Is cleansing toner the same as face toner?

Yes, if the product is a toner intended for use after cleansing. Toners can remove residue, hydrate or deliver other ingredients, so the word "cleansing" is not a promotion to head cleanser.12

Can cleansing toner replace cleanser?

No, not if it is an ordinary toner. Micellar water has greater cleansing ability and can serve as a morning cleanser or remove buildup before bed. It contains purified water, moisturizers and micelles, which are tiny clusters of cleansing molecules. Those clusters attract and lift away dirt, oil and makeup. Toner and micellar water can look similar, but matching outfits do not make them colleagues.2

If you are removing sunscreen or cosmetics with micellar water, follow with a gentle oil or water based cleanser. Very heavy or waterproof makeup can need that additional cleanse. Micellar water cleans without removing much of the skin's natural oil, making it an option for dry or sensitive skin. Its job is cleaning, not treating acne or erasing wrinkles.2

A conventional cleanser uses surfactants, meaning cleansing agents, to remove dirt that sticks to skin and dissolves in oil. One part of a surfactant attaches to oil and dirt; another part allows them to wash away with water. Washing also removes makeup and sunscreen. Plain water alone does not do the same job, and an extra toner step is not a reason to skip washing.3

How do you use a cleansing toner?

1. 1Wash with a gentle cleanser. For a conventional wash, wet your skin, massage the cleanser gently, rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
2. 2Gently swipe or spray toner over your face.
3. 3Apply moisturizer, and finish your morning skin care with sunscreen.

Toner can be used once or twice daily. Start an acid toner every other day and increase only as tolerated.1

If you use a prescription skin treatment, keep its application order rather than automatically inserting toner before it. Skin medication generally goes directly after cleansing, followed by moisturizer or sunscreen. Ask your dermatologist where an additional product fits if you are unsure. Using several treatment products together can irritate skin, especially when more than one targets signs of aging.4

Do you wash off cleansing toner?

Ordinary facial toner stays on. Micellar water also usually needs no rinse. A conventional cleanser should be rinsed thoroughly, so check whether your bottle is a toner or cleanser before choosing the method.123

Which toner ingredients are useful?

Glycerin and hyaluronic acid help hydration. Glycolic, lactic or salicylic acid can help unclog pores and smooth texture, but cannot permanently shrink genetically determined pores. Avoid heavily fragranced formulas if your skin is sensitive. Alcohol based astringents control oil but can be drying.1

For dry skin, choose a mild cleanser and avoid alcohol containing toners. You do not need an expensive or lengthy routine: cleansing, daily sun protection and care for a specific concern can cover the essentials. A toner is an optional addition, not an entrance fee for having a skin care routine.5

Who should skip cleansing toner?

If you have rosacea, skip toners and astringents. Rosacea often makes skin sensitive and easily irritated. Avoid alcohol, fragrance, glycolic acid and lactic acid in your routine, and choose fragrance free rather than unscented products. Wash gently twice daily with a mild cleanser, using your fingertips instead of a washcloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly, because cleanser left on the skin can irritate it. Avoid rubbing, scrubbing and exfoliating. Apply any rosacea medication first, then moisturizer; waiting until skin is dry before moisturizing makes burning or stinging less likely. If finding gentle products is difficult, ask your dermatologist for specific choices.6

What should make you stop?

Stop an added product if it causes stinging, excessive dryness, redness, itching or swelling. Alcohol and exfoliating acids are particularly likely to sting. Too much washing can remove the surface oil layer, increase water loss and leave skin dry or irritated. Be especially cautious about combining an acne treatment cleanser with acne treatments that stay on the skin, because too much treatment can cause excessive dryness and irritation. If you have concerns about a reaction or cannot find a tolerable routine, see a dermatologist.34

How long does toner take to work?

Visible changes generally take six weeks to three months and can be subtle. Toners targeting acne or dark marks can take two to three months. Removing leftover makeup is a separate job from improving skin over time.1