What is Face Toner? A Comprehensive Guide

Face toner is a liquid skincare product applied after cleansing to remove residual impurities, balance skin pH, and prepare the skin for further treatments. 

It helps tighten pores, refresh the skin, and enhance the absorption of serums and moisturizers.

You may wonder, "What does toner do, and is face toner necessary?" The short answer is, yes. 

It is a good idea to add face toner to your skincare routine because it provides an extra layer of cleansing. 

It helps maintain skin health by improving the overall effectiveness of other skincare products, giving you a clearer, smoother, and more radiant complexion.

Keep reading our comprehensive guide to learn more about face toner benefits and how to use them. 

What Is A Toner? 

Face toner typically contains water as a base and may include various active ingredients such as astringents, exfoliants, and humectants.

The primary difference between toners, cleansers, and moisturizers is their role in skin health.

Cleansers focus on the initial removal of impurities, while moisturizers aim to hydrate and protect the skin. 

The function of face toner products lie somewhere in the middle, ensuring any leftover impurities are cleared, and the skin's natural pH is restored.

Common Ingredients in Face Toners

Face toners contain various ingredients that address specific skin concerns. Below are some common ingredients and their benefits.

• Witch Hazel: Witch hazel is known for its astringent properties. It helps tighten pores, reduce inflammation, and control oil production. It is particularly beneficial for acne-prone and oily skin types.
• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover, and improving skin texture and tone. They are effective for addressing dullness, uneven texture, and signs of aging.
• Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): BHAs like salicylic acid penetrate deep into the pores to exfoliate and remove excess oil, making them ideal for treating acne and blackheads. They also have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Hyaluronic Acid: This is a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, keeping it hydrated and plump. It is suitable for all skin types, especially dry and dehydrated skin.
• Glycerin: This is another effective humectant. Glycerin helps draw moisture into the skin, maintaining its hydration levels and improving the skin barrier function.
• Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It calms irritated skin, reduces redness, and provides hydration.
• Chamomile: Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making it beneficial for sensitive and irritated skin. It helps reduce redness and irritation.
• Niacinamide: Niacinamide improves skin elasticity, enhances the skin barrier, evens out skin tone, and diminishes dullness. It also helps regulate oil production and has anti-inflammatory effects.
• Rose Water: Rose water is known for its soothing, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps balance the skin's pH and provides a refreshing feel.
• Green Tea Extract: Green tea extract is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the skin from environmental damage, soothe irritation, and reduce redness. It also has anti-aging properties.
• Vitamin C: As an antioxidant, vitamin C brightens the skin, reduces hyperpigmentation, and protects against free radical damage. It also promotes collagen production and improves skin texture.

Types of Face Toners

There are different types of face toners, each formulated to address specific skin concerns and provide distinct benefits. Below are some common types of face toners.

Hydrating Toners

Hydrating toners, like our Self Smooth 10% Glycolic Pore Minimizing Toner-Serum, are designed to infuse the skin with moisture, making them ideal for dry and dehydrated skin.

They often contain humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which attract and retain moisture in the skin.

They are generally suitable for all skin types. However, hydrating toners might feel too heavy for very oily skin, potentially leading to a greasy feel.

Astringent Toners

Astringent toners often contain witch hazel or alcohol. They help tighten pores and reduce oiliness, making them suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. 

They can also reduce the appearance of pores and provide a matte finish.

Note that astringent toners can be drying and irritating, especially for sensitive or dry skin. Overusing them may lead to excessive dryness and irritation.

Exfoliating Toners

Exfoliating toners contain exfoliating acids such as AHAs or BHAs. They help remove dead skin cells, promote cell turnover, and improve skin texture and tone. 

Exfoliating toners are effective for treating dullness, uneven texture, and acne.

However, they can also cause irritation, redness, and sensitivity — particularly for those with sensitive skin. As such, it is important to use them gradually and follow up with sunscreen during the day.

Soothing Toners

Soothing toners are formulated with calming ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea extract. This helps them reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation. They are ideal for sensitive and irritated skin.

Soothing toners are generally safe for all skin types but may not provide enough astringency or exfoliation for oily or acne-prone skin.

pH-Balancing Toners

A balanced pH helps maintain the skin barrier, preventing dryness and irritation.

As their name implies, pH-balancing toners are designed to restore the skin's natural pH level after cleansing, which can be disrupted by harsh cleansers. 

pH-balancing toners are usually gentle and suitable for all skin types, but some formulations may not provide additional benefits like hydration or exfoliation.

 

Anti-Aging Toners

Anti-aging toners often contain ingredients like antioxidants, peptides, and retinoids. They aim to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and promote a youthful complexion.

However, these toners can sometimes cause irritation or sensitivity, especially if they contain active ingredients like retinoids. 

As such, they should be introduced gradually and used with caution on sensitive skin.

Brightening Toners

Many people may wonder, "Does toner even out skin tone?" Brightening toners do just that. 

Brightening toners, like our Brightwave Face Serum, even out skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation. 

They typically contain ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and licorice extract to help you achieve a radiant, glowing complexion.

Some brightening ingredients may cause irritation or increased skin sensitivity, particularly for those with sensitive skin. As such, it is important to monitor skin reactions and adjust usage accordingly.

Micellar Water Toners

Micellar water toners contain micelles, which are tiny cleansing molecules that remove dirt, oil, and makeup without the need for rinsing. They are gentle and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

However, while effective at cleansing, micellar water toners may not provide additional benefits like exfoliation or hydration. 

They are often used just as a first step in a skincare routine, followed by a more targeted toner.

Toner For Face Benefits 

Using face toner as part of a skincare routine has many benefits, such as the ones listed below.

• Additional Cleansing: Toners help remove any residual impurities that may remain on the skin after cleansing. This ensures a thoroughly clean base for the next skincare steps. This is particularly great for people who use heavy makeup or have oily skin since it ensures no residue is left behind, preventing clogged pores and breakouts.

• Restores pH Balance: Many cleansers can disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance, making it more alkaline. Toners help restore the skin’s pH to its optimal acidic level. A balanced pH level is important for maintaining the skin's barrier function since it prevents dryness, irritation, and susceptibility to infections.

• Tightens Pores: Toners can help tighten and minimize the appearance of pores, giving the skin a smoother and more refined texture. Smaller pores not only improve the skin's appearance but also reduce the likelihood of dirt and oil clogging them, preventing acne and blackheads.

• Hydration and Moisture: Hydrating toners add a layer of moisture to the skin, helping keep it plump and hydrated. Well-hydrated skin looks healthier and more radiant.

• Prepares Skin for Other Products: Toners prepare the skin to better absorb the active ingredients in serums and moisturizers. This means that the products applied after the toner can penetrate more deeply and work more effectively, enhancing their benefits.

• Controls Oil and Reduces Shine: Toners can help oily and acne-prone skin types control excess oil production and reduce shine. Toners commonly contain ingredients like witch hazel and salicylic acid to manage oil production, help prevent acne, and keep the skin matte.

• Soothes and Calms the Skin: Toners with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea extract can calm irritated and inflamed skin. This is especially beneficial for sensitive skin types or those dealing with conditions like rosacea or eczema, as it helps reduce redness and irritation.

• Delivers Antioxidants and Nutrients: Many modern toners are formulated with antioxidants, which protect the skin from environmental damage. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, preventing premature aging.

• Exfoliates the Skin: Exfoliating toners contain AHAs or BHAs, which help remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. This improves skin texture, brightens the complexion, and prevents clogged pores.

• Reduces Acne and Prevents Breakouts: Toners with anti-acne ingredients like salicylic acid can help treat and prevent breakouts. By keeping the pores clean and regulating oil production, these toners reduce the occurrence of acne, making them useful if you have acne-prone skin.

• Refreshes the Skin: Toners can provide a refreshing and revitalizing sensation, which invigorates the skin. This benefit is particularly noticeable with toners that have a cooling effect, providing immediate relief to tired or overheated skin.
• Reduces the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Anti-aging toners with ingredients like peptides and retinoids help diminish fine lines and wrinkles. Consistent use of such toners can lead to smoother, firmer skin, contributing to a more youthful appearance.

How to Choose the Right Face Toner for Your Skin Type

Understanding your skin’s unique needs is important when choosing the right face toner. Below are some general tips that can help.

• Check the Ingredients: Always read the ingredient list to ensure the toner contains beneficial ingredients suited to your skin type and avoid any potential irritants. Kinship’s Self Smooth Toner-Serum contains 10% glycolic acid, strawberry, and oat extract. It was even awarded the Best Face Exfoliator in the Cosmopolitan Clean Beauty Award 2023. 
• Patch Test: Before incorporating a new toner into your routine, perform a patch test to ensure it does not cause any adverse reactions.
• Consider Your Skincare Goals: Choose a toner that aligns with your specific skincare goals, whether it is hydration, exfoliation, oil control, or anti-aging.
• Avoid Alcohol-Based Toners: While some alcohol-based toners can be effective for oily skin, they can also strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Avoid this by going for alcohol-free formulas whenever possible.
• Consult a Dermatologist: If you have specific skin concerns or conditions, consult a dermatologist to get personalized recommendations for the best toner for your skin type.

If you are unsure what your skin needs, below is a quick overview of what to look for based on your skin type.

• Oily and Acne-Prone Skin: Choose an alcohol-free formula to avoid excessive drying. Look for astringent and exfoliating ingredients like witch hazel, salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and glycolic acid. These ingredients help control oil production, unclog pores, and prevent breakouts.
• Dry Skin: Opt for a toner with a thicker, more viscous consistency to deliver maximum hydration. Look for hydrating and moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, chamomile, and rose water. These ingredients provide hydration, soothe the skin, and prevent dryness.
• Combination Skin: Get a toner that addresses both oiliness and dryness without causing irritation. Look for balancing and gentle exfoliating ingredients like niacinamide, AHAs, BHAs, and green tea extract. These ingredients help balance oil production in the T-zone while hydrating drier areas.
• Sensitive Skin: Avoid toners with alcohol, fragrances, or harsh chemicals that can trigger sensitivity. Instead, look for soothing and calming ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, calendula, cucumber extract, and rose water. These ingredients help reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation.
• Mature Skin: Choose a toner that provides both hydration and anti-aging benefits to maintain skin elasticity and firmness. Look for anti-aging and hydrating ingredients like antioxidants (such as vitamins C and E), peptides, hyaluronic acid, and glycolic acid. These ingredients help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promote collagen production, and hydrate the skin.
• Normal Skin: Opt for a toner that provides a refreshing and hydrating boost without altering the skin's natural balance. Look for ingredients that help maintain balance and hydration, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, rose water, and vitamin C. These ingredients help maintain the skin's natural balance, hydration, and overall health.
• Dull and Uneven Skin Tone: Use a toner with gentle exfoliating properties to enhance skin radiance without causing irritation. Look for brightening and exfoliating ingredients like vitamin C, AHAs, niacinamide, and licorice extract. These ingredients help brighten the complexion, even out skin tone, and promote a radiant glow.

How to Use Face Toner

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, then apply face toner. There are two ways you can do this.

• Using a cotton pad: Pour a small amount of toner onto a cotton pad. Then, gently sweep the cotton pad across your face, starting from the center and moving outward. Pay special attention to areas that tend to be oilier, like the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin)

• Using your hands: Pour a small amount of toner into the palm of your hand. Gently pat the toner onto your face with your hands, pressing it into the skin. This method can be more hydrating as it minimizes product absorption by the cotton pad.

After letting the toner soak into your skin, continue to your serum and then your moisturizer.

It is ideal to apply toner twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. This helps prepare your skin for the rest of your skincare routine and ensures it stays balanced and hydrated throughout the day and night.

Remember to use toner consistently as part of your daily skincare routine to see the best results.

IMPORTANT: Be careful not to apply toner too close to the eye area, as this skin is delicate and more prone to irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting the right toner and using it well is important to ensure you reap the benefits. 

If you have more questions about face toners, we have answered a few below.

Are Face Toners Necessary?

No, face toners are not necessary in a skincare routine. Nevertheless, they are still useful since they provide a clean base for the next steps in your routine.

Do I Need to Wash My Face After Toner?

No, you should not wash your face after toner. They are designed to be left on the skin to be absorbed so you can experience their benefits.

Key Takeaways on What is Face Toner?

Face toners offer various benefits — including restoring pH balance, tightening pores, and refreshing the skin.

However, you should choose the right toner according to your skin type and learn how to use it properly to experience its benefits.

While it is not a basic requirement in skincare routines, this is still a must-have product since it enhances the effectiveness of your other skincare products as well.