Is it just me, or do toners often get a bad reputation in skincare routines? When I talk to people about their beauty habits, many admit they skip toner completely because they don’t really understand its purpose or how it helps the skin. Most people already invest in a good cleanser, a powerful serum and a reliable moisturiser, but toner is usually left out because of the common belief that it can worsen skin concerns. In reality, the situation is quite the opposite.
That said, a toner is not something everyone absolutely needs. If your skin is happy without it, that’s completely fine. However, one reason I personally enjoy using toner is because modern formulas are now far more advanced than they used to be. Today’s toners are designed to target specific skin issues while supporting overall skin balance and health.
With my own combination skin, visible enlarged pores, occasional blackheads, and recurring blemishes, I’ve experimented with many toners over the years. Through that process, I’ve discovered several formulas that noticeably improved my complexion and made my skincare routine far more effective.
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What Exactly Is a Toner and Why Use It?
To understand why toners matter, it helps to know what they actually do. According to consultant dermatologist Dr Magnus Lynch, the primary role of a toner is to help rebalance the skin’s pH level after cleansing. When used correctly, toner prepares the skin so that other skincare products such as serums and moisturisers can absorb more effectively.
Toners can also help remove any leftover makeup, excess oil, or remaining dirt that cleansing might not completely remove. This step ensures the skin is properly prepared before applying treatment products.
Modern toners have evolved beyond simple refreshing liquids. Many formulas now contain active skincare ingredients that target specific concerns. Facialist Rhian Truman explains that many toners now function as gentle exfoliants, often containing AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) that help resurface the skin, brighten the complexion and support healthy skin renewal.
How to Choose the Right Toner for Your Skin
With so many toners available today, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. According to Dr Lynch, toners can be used by all skin types, but selecting the correct formula depends on your specific skin concerns.
For those dealing with oily or acne-prone skin, ingredients like salicylic acid and niacinamide are particularly helpful because they help unclog pores and control excess oil. These ingredients also assist in reducing breakouts and refining skin texture.
If your skin tends to be dry or sensitive, look for hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or soothing plant extracts. These ingredients support the skin barrier, help retain moisture and prevent irritation.
How to Apply Toner Correctly
Applying toner properly can make a big difference in how effective it is within your skincare routine. Typically, toner should be used immediately after cleansing and before applying serums or moisturisers.
The most common method is to apply toner onto a cotton pad and gently sweep it across the face. However, some modern formulas—especially milky or hydrating toners—can also be applied directly with clean hands by gently pressing the product into the skin.
Always check the instructions on the product you’re using, as different formulas may recommend slightly different application techniques.
Best Toners Recommended by Beauty Editors
The following table highlights some of the most popular toners, their key ingredients and which skin types they work best for.
| Toner | Best For | Key Ingredients | Approx Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid | Clogged pores and breakouts | Salicylic acid, witch hazel, green tea | £35 |
| Rhode Glazing Milk | Dry and dehydrated skin | Ceramides, beta-glucan | £32 |
| La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Lotion | Oily skin | Lipo-hydroxy acid | £17 |
| Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner | Sensitive skin | Polyglutamic acid, cica, lipid complex | £12 |
| The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toner | Dull skin and exfoliation | Glycolic acid | £8 |
| Pixi Glow Tonic | Glow and skin renewal | Glycolic acid, aloe | £18 |
Final Thoughts on Using Toners
Toners have evolved significantly in modern skincare. Rather than being a harsh or unnecessary step, they can now provide targeted benefits ranging from hydration and barrier repair to gentle exfoliation and oil control. When chosen carefully based on your skin type, a toner can improve how well your other skincare products work and help your complexion appear smoother, clearer and more balanced.
