What Does Toner Do?

What Does Toner Do?

What Do Face Toners Do?

Face toners are water, or oil based skincare products that are used after cleansing the face. Toners are the same as essences.

How toners work and their benefits for skin depends upon what cosmeceutical ingredients they contain and which type of toner they are.

Ten things toners can do for your face:

Help remove make-up, sunscreen, and sebum

Remove any detergents left on skin after cleansing

Add a layer of water to the skin before applying moisturizer

Pull water to the skin’s surface from the environment

Kill bacteria on the skin or change the microbiome

Exfoliate the skin by lowering the skin’s pH

Prepare facial skin for the serum that follows it

Clear pores to prevent comedones

Target skin concerns such as inflammation, pigmentation and aging

Treat acne

Not all toners have all of these benefits.

Keep reading to learn how medical grade toners can help your skin.

However, there are 16 different skin types and many do not need a toner!

So learn about toners before you buy.

Take the Quiz

Types of Toners

There are many different types of toners:

alcohol-based

hydroxyacid exfoliating toners

humectant based

micellar water based

oil-based

water based

Although oils and micellar waters are not technically toners, they are often referred to as such, so they are included on this toner list.

Cleanser vs Toner?

Cleansers have surfactants in them that lift dirt, oil , make-up and sunscreen off of the skin.

Toners can also cleanse the face using alcohol, oils, water and other ingredients.

Toners with detergents in them are also face cleansers.

Micellar water is technically a cleanser because they have detergents in them, but sometimes they re classified as toners.

Oils used as cleansing oils are also sometimes called toners.

Trying to decide if you should use a cleanser or a toner?

It depends upon your skin type. We can tell you what products are best for your skin type if you take the quiz.

Take the Quiz

find toners for your skin type

Alcohol-based toners

Alcohol is an antimicrobial and will kill bacteria on the skin.

Avoid alcohol-based toners when you have dry skin.

Note that fatty alcohols are not the same as alcohol. Dry skin types can use fatty alcohols.

Good medical grade alcohol-based toners:

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Astringent Toner- has salicylic acid to clear pores and reduce inflammation. Will sting irritated skin. Do not use if you have retinoid dermatitis.

SkinCeuticals LHA Toner- This hydroxyacid low pH toner has AHA and BHA. Do not use if your skin is red, stings, or is peeling.

Humectants in Toner

Hydrating Toners

Hydrating products have humectant ingredients that pull water to the skin’s surface and hold it there.

These products work best in a humid environment.

In a dry climate, they should be combined with an occlusive ingredient or followed by a face cream or oil in the skin care routine.

Skin care products with hyaluronic acid can increase absorption of other products in the skin care routine, but HA serums are more effective than HA toners.

These products may feel sticky to oily skin types, so are usually preferred by dry skin types.

Dermatologist-recommended hydrating toners:

These are my 5 favorite toners that my patients like:

EltaMD Skin Recovery Essence Toner- Contains glycerin. May sting a bit so not good for retinoid beginners and rosacea skin types.

EltaMD Skin Recovery Toner- Contains glycerin. This is a better choice for sensitive skin types and when beginning retinol.

Medature Energizing Q Toner- HA hydrates. Aloe and cucumber soothe skin while CO Q 10 gives cells energy. Good for retinoid beginners.

Murad Hydrating Toner-Witch hazel , natural moisturizing factor, glycerin. Not for skin that stings, rosacea, nor retinoid beginners.

PCA Skin Hydrating Toner- Glycerin, panthenol and evening primrose extract. Has a small amount of phenoxyethanol which can cause stinging and is not considered a clean ingredient.

Hydroxyacid Toners

Hydroxyacid toners exfoliate, smooth the skin’s surface, increasing light reflection, and give you glowing skin.

They also lower the skin’s pH, fight acne-causing bacteria, shrink pores, and treat fine lines and wrinkles.

Our dermatologists recommend using these treatments 2-3 times a week.

Never use hydroxyacids if your skin is stinging, inflamed, peeling, or when you are beginning a retinoid.

Use caution if you have sensitive skin such as rosacea.

Try to limit the number of exfoliants in your skin care routine to 3.

These are the 4 best toners for glowing skin:

PCA Skin Nutrient Toner- Uses pumpkin enzymes and lactic acid to exfoliate. May sting because it has cinnamon oil and ginger.

PCA Skin Smoothing Toner- Lactic and and Citric acid. This is more exfoliating than the PCA Nutrient Toner.

Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Triple Acid Peel – This should only be used 2-3 times a week. It is more of a peel than a toner. Do not use on irritated skin.

SkinCeuticals LHA Toner- This exfoliating low pH toner has glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Do not use if your skin is irritated from a retinoid. Best for oily skin types.

Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 50 (10 ampoules)

$195.00

Out of Stock

Biopelle Tensage Radiance Eye Cream

$95.70

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Soothing Cream Moisturizer

$77.56

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Stem Cell Cream

$180.00

Add to Cart

DermAvance Arnika Forte Capsules

$40.00

Add to Cart

Bioderma Sensibio Foaming Gel Cleanser

$7.19

Add to Cart

Biopelle Brightening KNR Serum

$126.00

Add to Cart

Biopelle Retriderm Serum Plus 0.75% Retinol

$89.50

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Advanced Cream Moisturizer

$89.66

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Daily Serum SCA 15

$149.60

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Gentle Gel Cleanser

$33.00

Out of Stock

Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40, (10 ampoules)

$149.60

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 50 (10 ampoules)

$195.00

Out of Stock

Biopelle Tensage Radiance Eye Cream

$95.70

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Soothing Cream Moisturizer

$77.56

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Stem Cell Cream

$180.00

Add to Cart

DermAvance Arnika Forte Capsules

$40.00

Add to Cart

Bioderma Sensibio Foaming Gel Cleanser

$7.19

Add to Cart

Biopelle Brightening KNR Serum

$126.00

Add to Cart

Biopelle Retriderm Serum Plus 0.75% Retinol

$89.50

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Advanced Cream Moisturizer

$89.66

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Daily Serum SCA 15

$149.60

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Gentle Gel Cleanser

$33.00

Out of Stock

Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40, (10 ampoules)

$149.60

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 50 (10 ampoules)

$195.00

Out of Stock

Biopelle Tensage Radiance Eye Cream

$95.70

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Soothing Cream Moisturizer

$77.56

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Stem Cell Cream

$180.00

Add to Cart

DermAvance Arnika Forte Capsules

$40.00

Add to Cart

Bioderma Sensibio Foaming Gel Cleanser

$7.19

Add to Cart

Biopelle Brightening KNR Serum

$126.00

Add to Cart

Biopelle Retriderm Serum Plus 0.75% Retinol

$89.50

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Advanced Cream Moisturizer

$89.66

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Daily Serum SCA 15

$149.60

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Gentle Gel Cleanser

$33.00

Out of Stock

Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40, (10 ampoules)

$149.60

Add to Cart

Soothing Toners

Soothing toners have anti-inflammatory ingredients to decrease skin redness.

The 3 best toners to calm sensitive skin:

Medature Energizing Q Toner- Aloe and cucumber treat skin redness while Co Q 10 is an antioxidant. Hyaluronic acid hydrates. Good for all skin types.

Obagi Nu-Derm Toner- Witch hazel, aloe, panthenol, allantoin, glycerin, borage seed oil, and calendula.

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Essence Mist- Has HA and glycerin but also has phenoxyethanol which is not considered a clean ingredient.

Acne Treatment Toners

Acne treatment toners can work several ways:

Decrease acne causing bacteria with alcohol, antimicrobials such as silver and benzoyl peroxide, or probiotics.

Decrease inflammation with ingredients such as sulfur and salicylic acid.

Clear pores with salicylic acid or retinoids.

Regulate desquamation and keratinization.

These are some of our favorite acne treatment toners:

Our favorite medical grade toner for acne is:

SkinCeuticals LHA Toner- This exfoliating salicylic acid clears pores and is perfect for acne-prone skin. Use with caution when beginning a retinoid. Best for oily skin types.

PCA Skin Smoothing Toner

$48.00

Add to Cart

Derma Made AHA+BHA Peel Pads

$45.00

Add to Cart

Medature Clarifying B Toner

$48.00

Add to Cart

IMAGE Skincare CLEAR CELL Salicylic Clarifying Tonic

$30.00

Add to Cart

Murad Clarifying Toner

$29.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Smoothing Toner

$48.00

Add to Cart

Derma Made AHA+BHA Peel Pads

$45.00

Add to Cart

Medature Clarifying B Toner

$48.00

Add to Cart

IMAGE Skincare CLEAR CELL Salicylic Clarifying Tonic

$30.00

Add to Cart

Murad Clarifying Toner

$29.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Smoothing Toner

$48.00

Add to Cart

Derma Made AHA+BHA Peel Pads

$45.00

Add to Cart

Medature Clarifying B Toner

$48.00

Add to Cart

IMAGE Skincare CLEAR CELL Salicylic Clarifying Tonic

$30.00

Add to Cart

Murad Clarifying Toner

$29.00

Add to Cart

Water-based vs oil-based toners

Most true toners come in a water-based liquid form that may be infused with skin-soothing ingredients like green tea, chamomile and aloe.

There are also gel based toners with hydrophilic ingredients like hyaluronic acid

Some toners are oil based.

What do Hyaluronic acid Toners Do?

Hyaluronic acid toners

What do HA toners do for the skin?

HA toners are water-based.

They have many benefits such as:

Humectant

Increase absorption of other ingredients and products in the routine

Plump fine lines

Temporarily firm skin

Makes skin glow

Makes skin feel dewy and hydrated

Gives you “Jell-o skin.”

Hyaluronic acid toners increase absorption

Why use a toner?

There is really no need to use a toner.

In fact, most of the skin care routines that I design for my patients do not have toners.

However, some people like the refreshing feeling that a toner provides.

I usually use toners for my teenage patients with oily skin or acne, however, I usually choose to apply the toners with individually wraps pads they can carry to school in their back pack.

For most skin types I suggest using a serum instead of a toner to save yourself an extra skin care routine step.

Side Effects, Dangers and Downsides

Toners are safe unless you use the wrong toner for your skin type.

Dry skin type can hurt their barrier, turn on inflammatory pathways, and irritate skin if they use an alcohol-based or hydroxyacid toner.

Allergic skin types will react to toners that have ingredients they are allergic to.

Rosacea skin types may flush from cinnamon, ginger, menthol and essential oils in toners.

Is alcohol in toners bad?

Dry skin types should avoid alcohol in toners because it can dehydrate the skin.

Fatty alcohols in toners are OK to use.

Research Studies

One study (1) compared the clinical benefits of using a comprehensive skin care routine (cleanser, toner, eye cream, serum, day & night cream) versus a simple one (cleanser & day cream) found that an advanced routine outperformed a simple routine. They saw improvements in superficial hydration, deep hydration, skin roughness, mean pore area, melanin heterogeneity, and crow’s feet wrinkle depth. However, these cannot be directly attributed to the use of a toner.

Another study (2) evaluated the anti-sebum efficacy of a guava toner. The study found that the guava toner significantly reduced oiliness of the forehead and nose better than the vehicle toner which did not contain guava.

Toners may not be right for you.

Take the quiz and let us help you build a skin care routine with products that really work.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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