Back to Glossary

Toner

“Think of toner as prep for your pores. It brings your skin back to its natural acidic state, sweeping impurities away and helping your skin absorb your skincare products.”

- Licensed esthetician Charlotte Cho

Toners are one of the most popular steps in skincare routines — not so much for what they add to your skin, but for what they can take away. Toners are designed to reduce skin toxins and extra oils, and can restore your skin’s natural pH. Basically, a good toner will get your skin ready for the other important elements of your skincare routine. Applying it is like hitting the reset button. 

What Is a Toner?

A toner is a special type of skincare product designed to tone your skin. 

And what does that mean? you may ask.Just like toned muscles are fitter and tighter, toned skin is firmerToners improve your skin’s baseline tone and set the stage for all sorts of good stuff farther down the line.

How Toners Work

Toners can play a vital role within any good skincare routine. Many dermatologists recommend cleansing, toning, and then moisturizing daily. 

And while toners might work a little more subtly, than other skincare products, they shouldn’t be discounted. They can actually play a crucial to fully cleansing your skin. 

The Many Benefits of Toners

Toners can:

  • Clear away toxins
  • Remove dead skin cells
  • Keep your skin hydrated
  • Remove leftover makeup
  • Remove excess sebum oils
  • Restore your skin to an acidic state
  • Improve the absorption of other products

The Many Types of Toners

Just like serums, oils, or even CBD products, toners come in all different shapes and sizes. Some toners have a more viscous consistency, but in general, the best toners are more liquid-y and water-based. These liquid toners tend to be most convenient because they can be applied via spray bottle, but personal preference also goes a long way. 

Can You Benefit from Toners?

Just like CBD products, not all toners are created equal. Some feature ingredients that are far less than ideal! Try to avoid toners that contain:

  • Alcohol
  • Ethanol
  • Fragrances
  • PPG/PEG (surfactants)
  • Other preservatives

Instead, opt for toners that feature natural astringents like:

  • Beta-glucan
  • Witch hazel

How to Use Toners

Remember the daily skincare schedule we mentioned earlier — cleanse, tone, moisturize? Well, that’s exactly how toners should be included in your daily routine. Here’s a more in-depth breakdown. 

  1. Wash and cleanse your face with warm water
  2.  Exfoliate as needed (usually about 3x per week)
  3. Spray a small amount of toner onto your face

(Alternatively, apply it with a cotton ball/pad)

  1. Gently rub your toner into your skin with short, upward motions
  2. Let your toner fully dry and absorb
  3. Apply any serums
  4. Apply the moisturizer of your choice!