At one point, toner was overwhelmingly associated wiht oily-skinned teens who needed to zap breakouts and shine. Because of that, it became relegated to the beauty back burner for anyone over the age of 30—drying, stingy, smelly are all words used to describe the alcohol-rich astringents that ultimately dried out the skin.
But experts say toners deserve a second look in 2023, that they've come a long, long way in recent years. Today, the product isn't one-size-fits-all. You can find a variety of formulas designed for a variety of skin types for more targeted application—even toners that can assist your cleanser in removing layers of makeup and sunscreen in the sweaty summer months. “Facial toners have made a comeback thanks to the widespread popularity of Korean 10-step skincare regimens,” says Christine Choi Kim, MD, a dermatologist based in Los Angeles.
Meet the experts: Christine Choi Kim, MD is a dermatologist based in Los Angeles. Rebecca Kazin, MD, is a dermatologist in Washington, DC. Estee Williams, MD is a dermatologist in New York City.
And even if you aren't interested in cultivating a ten-step skincare routine, toner still has some major benefits for your complexion no matter your skin type or tone. Curious? Great. Keep reading for exactly how to use facial toner, according to experts.
What exactly is a toner?
Facial toner is basically the in-between skincare step. It's meant to be used after washing your face but before applying your serum or moisturizer. "Historically toners were used as a way to balance the pH of the skin after using an alkaline soap product for cleansing," says Rebecca Kazin, MD, a dermatologist in Washington, DC. Now, as our cleansers tend to be more pH balanced and gentle, toners have evolved to a skincare category all their own.
Dr. Kazin adds: "The thought process has changed from just a typically astringent product. There are now more types of toners that provide different benefits." As for their alcohol content? Today's toners are typically pretty water-based.
What are the benefits of using a toner?
Face toners prep the skin for moisturizers and serum while getting rid of excess oil and stubborn dirt or makeup leftover on your face after you wash it, says Dr. Kim. But they're not a replacement for washing your face. Just think of facial toners as the extra credit rather than the shortcut of your skin-care routine.
The reformulated toners of today are used to target a varying array of skin concerns—from acne to dryness to aging, says Dr. Kim. Like their predecessors, some toners are formulated for oily skin. "A toner with a combination of glycolic and salicylic acids can keep oily skin matte throughout the day," says Estee Williams, MD, a dermatologist in NYC. Other toners are for drier skin types and contain hydrating ingredients. "Some newer formulations are even toner-serum hybrids with more substantial gel or lotion textures,” Dr. Kim explains.
Who should use a toner?
"Really anyone," says Dr. Kazin. "It is just based on the benefits of a particular toner." And since the benefits of facial toners are as vast as the benefits of serums, it's all about finding the right one for your skin type or concerns.
How do you use toner?
Thankfully, using toner is really straightforward. You should use toner after washing your face, and before using serum or moisturizer. Simply soak a cotton pad with the formula of your choice, then swipe it over your entire face, neck, and chest. If you want to go green and skip the cotton pad, you can also put a few drops of toner into the palms of your hands and then press them into your face.
For best results, use a toner morning and night. But if your skin gets dry or irritated easily, try once a day or every other day. Remember: These toners contain potent ingredients. And for more astringent formulas (designed for oily or acne-prone skin), she suggests using it every two days before gradually ramping up.
What should I look for in my facial toner?
Dr. Kim suggests looking for ingredients specific to your concerns. Here are some examples:
- Rosewater for hydration
- Chamomile for soothing
- Tea tree oil to fight oil and bacteria
- Aloe vera to calm inflammation and redness
- Vitamin E for hydration
- Plant stem cells for antioxidants and anti-aging properties
Paula's Choice Resist Advanced Replenishing Toner with Hyaluronic Acid
Celia Shatzman (she/her) is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor who has penned stories on topics ranging from beauty to fashion, travel, celebrities, health, entertainment, finance and more. A graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, she is a beauty and style contributor at Forbes and her work has appeared in New York, Cosmopolitan, WWD, ELLE, Conde Nast Traveler, Afar, Travel + Leisure, Women’s Health, Marie Claire, Byrdie, Refinery29 and NYLON, among others.
Maddie Aberman is the beauty editor at Women's Health and has been covering skincare, makeup, hair, and wellness for more than five years. When she's not thinking about beauty, she's dreaming of getting a puppy (all dog mom advice is welcome).
