The beauty and skincare world holds some pretty strong feelings about toner, ranging from one end of the spectrum to another. 

While some wouldn’t be caught dead without completing Step 2 of their skin routine, others believe that any regular face cleanser can replicate its effects. 

Before deciding which side of the debate you’d like to join, it’s essential to have the full scoop on everything. 

Here, we take an elaborate look at the product, what it does for your skin, and whether or not you need it in your kit.

Table of Contents:

• What does toner do for your skin?
• Who should be using a toner?
• How do you choose the right toner?

What does toner do for your skin?

Toner comes in the form of a transparent or barely-tinted liquid with a water-like consistency and is applied on the face, generally by soaking a cotton ball and gently swiping it across the skin. 

Unlike many face washes or cleansers that contain soap and have the ability to strip you of moisture, toners are intended to revive your skin without causing too much dryness or irritating your skin.

Until recently, they were used foremost to soak in excess oil, especially for those dealing with acne. Since those versions were formulated with high concentrations of alcohol, they were rather drying and therefore unsuitable for dry and sensitive skin types. 

However, modern renditions have begun to do away with that approach and instead aim to cleanse and hydrate the skin, making them ideal for anyone who wants some extra nourishment.

Here’s what toner can do for your skin:

Cleanse Thoroughly

The right toner will penetrate your skin to seek out every speck of oil, dirt, and unnatural particles that don’t belong inside. 

This includes acne-causing bacteria and residue makeup, which is why it is an essential pre-bedtime ritual. 

Anything your foam cleanser couldn’t get to, the toner will take care of it.

Balance pH Levels

Our skin has an acidic base with a pH of about 4.7, while soaps are alkaline. This can result in an imbalance of pH levels and lead to irritation, dryness, or excess oil production. Toners can restore the pH balance and prevent these effects.

Toners also work as a primer for your makeup routine, smoothening the skin and making it more resilient to different products. At the same time, they facilitate absorption so that all the products in your skincare routine can seep into the innermost layer and work effectively.

Who should be using a toner?

Specific toners are targeted towards different skin types. If you have dry skin, make sure the toner doesn’t contain any drying ingredients like alcohol. 

Instead, go for hydrating agents and humectants that properly retain water the same way your favorite moisturizer does. Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin are excellent combination for dry skin. 

Those with oily or acne-prone skin should choose lightweight options, so your skin doesn’t feel too heavy or bogged down. AHAs, niacinamide, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid are ideal for controlling oiliness and refining the skin.

Skeptical about your skin’s reaction to chemicals? 

You can always opt for organic toners that contain zero synthetics. 

These products tend to use essential oils with varying beneficial properties that are effective at balancing your skin’s pH level, complexion, and texture. 

Ingredients like witch hazel, aloe vera, green tea, apple cider vinegar, rose water, and so on can keep your skin calm, clean, and refreshed through the day.

How do you choose the right toner?

Choosing the ideal toner for your skin type depends on multiple factors, the most important one being the ingredients. Always make sure that you go through the label carefully before making a purchase. 

It helps to be aware of the different functions, benefits, and potential side effects of common ingredients.

While you’re eliminating options with harmful ingredients, be sure to dismiss anything that carries parabens, sulfates, and silicones, as they can build up and block nutrients from penetrating into the skin.

 The best toners are made from natural components that hydrate, refine, and cleanse your pores, leaving you refreshed from the inside out.

The WOW Coconut Super Rich Facial Toner is infused with active ingredients like coconut water and cucumber fruit water that soothe the skin without causing any irritation. It also features witch hazel extracts, which serve as an astringent to ease irritation and inflammation, shrinking pores and leaving you with smoother, evened-out skin that forms the perfect base for your makeup.

For those with dry skin, the 10-in-1 Apple Cider Vinegar Mist Tonic is exactly what you need for moisturizing and giving your skin a supple lift. Loaded with Himalayan ACV, the toner works for oily and sensitive skin as well by controlling excess oil production and balancing pH levels. Made in India with a vegan formula, it helps you fight acne-causing bacteria and brighten your skin from the inside. It contains Rose Hydrosol, Lavender Essential Oil, and Green Tea Extract, which are super-ingredients for both skin and hair care.

The toner hype is not entirely unfounded, so don’t knock it till you try it yourself! 

To shield your skin and keep potential side effects at bay, you can opt for all-natural toners that leave you looking healthy without drying you out. 

Explore our range of organic, cruelty-free toners and find the one that’s right for you.

Sources:

https://www.neutrogena.com/the-bar/truth-about-face-toners.html

https://www.byrdie.com/what-does-toner-do

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a19952473/how-to-use-facial-toner/

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/what-does-toner-do#when-to-use