What Does Face Toner Do For Your Skin?

If you were to ask five different people, “What is toner used for?” you’d likely get five different answers. Some may classify it as a hydrating step; others as an exfoliating step. Some may even categorize it as a cleansing step. All of these things can be true. There are a slew of different types of facial toners on the market, each with their own set of benefits. As with most things in skincare, picking the right one ultimately hinges on identifying your unique needs. 

Ahead, we’ll explain what toner is for anyone new to this skincare staple and reveal when to use toner in your skincare routine. We’ll also share tips on choosing the right formula for your skin type and concerns, whether that be dryness, excess shine, or uneven skin. Read on for all of the need-to-knows. 

What Is a Facial Toner?

Facial toners are liquid skincare products that are meant to be applied after cleansing but before layering on your serum and moisturizer. Generally speaking, the water-like product is meant to help prep your skin for the rest of your skincare routine. Many provide additional benefits, such as brightening the skin (more on that in a bit).

Note that today’s toners are a far cry from the harsh astringent formulas you may remember from your middle school days. Modern iterations of this skincare staple often contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and help boost your skin’s moisture while gently addressing skin concerns. 

What Does Toner Do for Your Skin?

As mentioned, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question “What does toner do?” A toner’s purpose can vary significantly depending on the formula and the ingredients it contains. 

Hydrating toners, for example, boost moisture to help improve the look and feel of dry skin. Exfoliating toners, meanwhile, help gently dissolve dead surface skin cells to promote a brighter, more refined complexion. There are also formulas that help minimize the appearance of dark spots, tamp down oiliness, and even target the visible signs of aging. Before adding one to your routine, it’s a good idea to assess your skin concerns and determine what you’d most like to address. With your search narrowed down, you’ll be better equipped to find a formula that suits your specific needs. 

When Do You Use Toner?

When layering skincare products, it’s typically best to do so in order of consistency from thinnest to thickest. That means toners—which boast a thin, almost water-like consistency—should be the first thing you apply to your skin after cleansing. After that, you can apply your serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen as usual. 

How To Use Toner

Toner is super easy to incorporate into your existing skincare routine. Keep reading to learn how to apply toner and choose the right formula for your needs.

1. Remove makeup and surface debris

Double cleansing is a two-step K-beauty cleansing technique that involves washing the face twice—first with a cleanser designed to remove makeup and surface oil, and again to deeply clean the skin. It’s often done with a cleansing oil and a water-based cleanser, but you can also use cleansing wipes for the first step. We love the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Wet Cleansing Towelettes, which provide gentle exfoliation and help remove makeup, oil, and other impurities.

2. Wash your face 

After using your cleansing wipes (or oil cleanser), wash your face again, this time with a rinse-off cleanser, to remove any leftover impurities. If you need a recommendation, try the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser, which contains vitamin C and helps brighten and refine the skin. 

3. Choose your formula 

As we’ve explained, different toners have different benefits. To make the most out of your routine, we suggest selecting a formula that aligns with your skin type and concerns. We’re sharing a few of our recommendations below.

Dull or uneven skin 

If glowy skin is your goal, reach for the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 5% Glycolic Acid Peeling Toner. The alcohol-free toner with glycolic acid provides gentle exfoliation and helps smooth skin texture. Over time, it also helps improve the appearance of dark spots to promote a brighter, more radiant complexion.

Dry skin

Those with dry or dehydrated skin can benefit from a toner that offers intense hydration. The L’Oréal Paris HydraFresh Toner is a great pick—it’s loaded with pro-vitamin B5 and helps protect against moisture loss. The non-drying formula also helps sweep away dull, tired skin to reveal a smoother, more supple complexion over time. 

Oilness

While you may be tempted to reach for an alcohol-based toner to remove excess oil, we’d advise against it: using anything too drying could strip your skin (which, in turn, may make it more oily, per the American Academy of Dermatology). Instead, look for a gentle hydrating formula with ingredients such as salicylic acid or niacinamide to help balance your skin.

3. Apply your toner

Once you’ve found your formula, applying toner is a breeze. You can either saturate a cotton pad with your chosen formula and sweep it across your face, or pour a bit of toner into your palms and pat it onto your skin. In either case, allow the toner a few moments to absorb before continuing with the rest of your skincare routine.

4. Follow with serum

After applying your toner, you can go ahead and layer on a facial serum. Again, you’ll want to pick one that aligns with your skin’s unique needs. The L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal 12% [Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid] Dark Spot Serum is one of our top picks for those looking to diminish dark spots and other discolorations. For long-lasting hydration, try the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which delivers intense moisture and helps plump the skin. In the evening, consider using a retinol serum, such as the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives Night Serum, 0.3% Pure Retinol—just keep in mind that if you’re using retinol, you should pair it with a gentle hydrating toner rather than an exfoliating option. 

5. Finish with moisturizer

Last but not least, round out your routine with a moisturizer to help lock in hydration. We love the L’Oréal Paris Collagen Filler Moisture Filler Anti-Aging Moisturizer, as it’s non-greasy, suitable for all skin types, and delivers up to 48 hours of intense moisture for plump, hydrated skin.

Can You Apply Toner with Your Hands?

Yes, you can apply toner with your hands—in fact, it’s one of the best ways to ensure the product absorbs into your skin. To do so, simply pour a quarter-sized amount of your chosen toner into your (clean) hands. Then, press your hands onto your face, lightly patting to help the toner sink in. 

How Often Should You Use Toner?

Toners are usually meant to be used daily, both in the morning and in the evening. However, it’s always a good idea to read the instructions on the package to get a clearer sense of how and when to apply your toner. Some formulas—specifically those with chemical exfoliants like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)—may be best suited for once-daily use. Note that AHAs and other chemical exfoliants may increase your sensitivity to the sun. If you’re using an exfoliating toner, remember to apply plenty of sunscreen afterward to help protect your skin from UV rays. We’re fond of the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion, which blends well on all skin tones without leaving behind a chalky white cast.

What Are the Benefits of Toner?

Most modern toners hydrate the skin to some degree, which is something all skin types can benefit from. The fact that they’re lightweight and fluid is particularly useful in terms of layering—you can layer them with serums and moisturizers without making your skin feel oily or weighed-down. Many toners can also help address skin concerns like dullness, unevenness, or even breakouts.

Ultimately, though, the benefits you’ll reap from adding toner to your routine are largely dependent on the formula you choose. So assess your skin, figure out what it is you want to get from your toner and shop accordingly. 

Next Up: Do You Apply Primer or Moisturizer First?

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris