Toner is a skincare product used primarily after cleansing the face to provide several benefits:
- Remove Residual Impurities: Toner helps remove any leftover dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities that cleansing may not fully eliminate, giving the skin a deeper clean
- Balance Skin's pH: It restores and maintains the skin’s natural pH balance, which can be disrupted by cleansing, especially if soap or alkaline products are used
- Hydrate and Refresh: Toners provide hydration to the skin, helping it feel fresher, smoother, and more supple without stripping natural moisture
- Tighten and Minimize Pores: Toner can help tighten pores and reduce their appearance, protecting the skin from environmental stressors and improving complexion
- Prepare Skin for Other Products: It primes the skin to better absorb moisturizers, serums, and other treatments applied afterward, enhancing their effectiveness
- Target Specific Skin Concerns: Depending on the formulation, toners can soothe sensitive skin, control oil production, exfoliate dead skin cells, and address issues like acne or dullness
Toners come in various types, including gentle hydrating toners, exfoliating acid toners, and astringents (usually containing alcohol for oily skin), and are typically applied with a cotton pad, spray, or mask after cleansing and before moisturizing
. In summary, toner is used to complete the cleansing process, balance and hydrate the skin, tighten pores, and prepare the skin for subsequent skincare steps, making it a valuable part of many skincare routines