Facial toners can help your skin find balance by clearing away leftover oil (and makeup!) left by cleansing, while increasing effectiveness of your skincare regime overall, according to celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas. But which toner should you choose?
Based on your skin concerns, look for formulas that hydrate and lock in moisture (like this one), exfoliate, or even help address acne.
Clarifying Toner
This daily toner is specially formulated to address oily skin and prevent breakouts by gently eliminating impurities and refreshing your complexion. Packed with 2% Salicylic Acid (a beta hydroxy acid, or BHA) and soothing green tea extract, this clarifying toner penetrates congested pores to clear away build-up of excess oil, dead skin cells and dirt that contribute to breakouts.
This non-comedogenic toner is gentle yet effective – an ideal combination for all skin types. Formulated with Green Banana Bio-Active to support and balance natural skin barrier functions, lemon water for moisture replenishment and essential nutrient supply and arginine for texture smoothing, this daily toner should be part of every routine!
After cleansing, use a cotton pad to apply toner and spread over face and neck focusing on any problem areas. Do this both mornings before applying regular day care products and again in the evening unless using Renewing Night Conditioner in which case this step should be skipped.
Exfoliating Toner
Liquid exfoliating toners/tonics containing ingredients such as glycolic, salicylic and lactic acids have recently made a comeback, acting like second cleanser to remove dead skin cells that accumulate on your complexion, leaving it fresh and smooth. Though some of these acids may sting a bit when applied directly onto skin, their effectiveness lies in aiding absorption of serums and creams afterwards.
If you suffer from oily or acne-prone skin, using an exfoliating toner may be just what’s needed to speed up skin turnover and dissolve dead cells, helping prevent future breakouts while providing radiant glowing results. In addition, they’ll balance your pH levels as well as possibly contain antibacterial ingredients for current breakouts.
One of our favorites is this two-in-one cleanser and toner that brightens, evens out skin tone, and is packed with natural peptides. Vegan, alcohol-free, fragrance-free formula includes salicylic acid for deep pore cleansing as well as the brand’s TFC8 epigenetic technology to strengthen and rejuvenate the skin.
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating toners aren’t essential steps for all skin types, but they do add an extra boost of hydration and remove dirt or makeup left behind after cleansing. They’re especially important for dry and sensitive skin types that may be left feeling flaky after using harsh cleansers and skincare products.
Hydrating toners often contain moisturizing ingredients like rose water and botanical extracts to refresh and revive the complexion, such as rosewater. Some also feature ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory effects like tea tree oil to minimize redness and irritation.
Hydrating toners are best applied after cleansing your skin (before serums or moisturizer) and may be applied throughout the day for extra hydration. However, it’s essential that they don’t contain photosensitizing ingredients which could increase sunlight sensitivity leading to sunburn and skin damage. A well-formulated toner makes an invaluable addition to any skincare regimen and may enhance its effectiveness by amplifying other skincare products used together.
Anti-Aging Toner
No matter if it’s fine lines or enlarged pores, an effective toner can help bring back your complexion. Look for one with ingredients to reduce blemishes and wrinkles, such as witch hazel to remove oil and makeup as well as niacinamide to target redness and irritation.
A toner can also help restore your skin’s natural pH balance after being disturbed by cleansing and makeup products. Look for gentle toners containing soothing ingredients like chamomile or aloe vera for maximum hydration; or consider Fresh’s Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner ($48).
Once relegated to beauty back-burner products for teens with oily-skinned complexions who wanted to minimize breakouts and shine, toner is being revitalized. Gone are alcohol-based formulas which dry out your face – now, gentle water-based toners packed with skin-nourishing ingredients are on offer that address all of your complexion concerns! Keep scrolling to discover our recommended face toners suitable for every skin type and concern!
