The term toners likely trigger plenty of questions. What on earth are they? Where do they come from? Do they differ from essences? What about exfoliators? Do you (yeah, you!) need one?
We answer all of these burning questions and more in this terrific toner guide.
What Are Facial Toners?
Facial toners are a liquid skincare product that falls firmly into the treatment step of your skincare routine. They’re used after cleansing but before serums/face oils/moisturiser, designed to balance pH, target remaining impurities, and help the rest of your skincare work better.
Initially, toners originated all the way back in the early 20th century, just as skincare was becoming a ‘thing’ and well before we had dreamy, gentle, soap-free cleansers to clean our faces. Toner was invented to help restore the skin's natural acidity after cleansing with a soapy, alkaline-rich, and obscenely harsh face wash that was commonplace in that time.
From there, toners diversified—becoming a convenient pre-moisturiser step to help treat the skin, easily stacked with certain ingredients to give your skin what it so desperately needs. Like soothing and hydrating staples or oil-taming astringents and sometimes (hopefully!) a mix of both.
So how does that differ from an exfoliator?
Quick answer: it doesn’t.
More confusing answer: all liquid exfoliators are a type of toner but not all toners exfoliate.
Both are post-cleanse, pre-serum steps, both treat the skin, and both rely on an ultra-thin liquid format to get the job done. But they aren’t totally interchangeable.
Exfoliators are a type of toners that have been formulated with exfoliating ingredients (ie. BHAs, AHAs, PHAs). Not all toners will include exfoliating ingredients and instead will offer hydration, replenishment etc..
Do You Actually Need a Facial Toner?
Without getting too philosophical about our hierarchy of needs, I’ll put it this way: A toner is a highly beneficial addition to your skincare routine which can help deliver balanced, well-behaved, radiant skin. The best facial toners will be suited to your skin and its very specific needs.
Benefits of Facial Toners For Skincare
Toners tend to fall into two main categories: an astringent toner (this is where we’ll be playing!) or a balancing toner.
The latter is specific to solutions that help balance the pH of the skin. These can usually come in the form of a milk or essence, designed to be gently pat into the skin after cleansing to help restore some hydration and prep the skin for what comes next in the skincare routine.
These toners provide:
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Hydration
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pH balance
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Barrier support
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Calming ingredients (especially after face washing).
On the other hand, exfoliating toners are formulated with chemical actives like alpha hydroxy acid (AHAs), the most common being lactic acid, glycolic acid, and mandelic acid. Beta hydroxy acid (BHA), like salicylic acid. And poly hydroxy acids (PHAs), like gluconolactone.
These break down the ‘glue’ that holds dead skin cells together; forcing old, dull, cloggy skin cells away, and allowing shiny new skin cells to come through. They help boost your skin’s natural, regenerative skin cycle.
Exfoliating toners aren’t necessary for every face. Nor do you have to use them all the time (it can be a one week use for intense pre-event glow, or once a week to really refresh the skin, before giving it a break). But they can be beneficial.
Exfoliating toners help:
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Smooth skin texture
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Increase skin brightness
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Unclog pores
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Boost collagen
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Remember to take out the bins (no)
How to Choose the Best Facial Toners for Your Skin
Here’s your cheat sheet to Go-To’s facial toners:
Gentle Exfoliator includes 5% lactic acid (AHA) and 4% gluconolactone (PHA). It’s ideal for sensitive skin first-time toners' and those prone to irritation. It gently removes build up and impurities for all-round glow; gently assisting the skin's natural regenerative cycle.
Glow Exfoliator includes 5% glycolic acid (AHA) and 3% mandelic acid (AHA). It’s ideal for mature skin and stronger skin needing deep exfoliation. It helps soften fine lines to improve tone and texture; thanks to more potent levels of antioxidants that support skin damage and repair
Clarifying Exfoliator includes 2% salicylic acid (BHA). It’s ideal for acne-prone skin oily, shiny teens, and mature breakouts too. It helps clear congestion and minimise the appearance of pores; it's oil-soluble and antimicrobial, so effective at really cleaning the skin.
Aren't struggling with any of these issues? You probably don’t need to incorporate a toner.
How to Use Facial Toners in Your Routine
You should use a facial toner in your routine after cleansing and before serums/moisturisers etc.. Applying your toner to clean base allows the products to properly penetrate your skin, as there’s no lingering dirt or grime from the day in the way and no thicker serums or face oils blocking.
Remember: Always work thinnest to thickest when it comes to your routine.
Facial Toner FAQs
Are facial toners necessary for skincare?
Facial toners are a very amazing addition to your skincare routine if you’re looking to target certain skin issues.
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For acne-prone, breakout-y skin, a BHA exfoliating toner will help balance oil production, unclog pores, and tackle breakouts.
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For ageing skin, mandelic acid will look after fine lines and wrinkles.
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For dull skin, glycolic acid can help boost glow and radiance by renewing cell turnover.
Who should use facial toners?
Certain ingredients in exfoliating facial toners are not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always speak to your medical professional.
Other than that, all skin types can benefit from a facial toner once or twice a week to help whisk away dead skin cells.
What ingredients should I look for in facial toners?
Look for an exfoliating ingredient tailored to your skin concerns. Plus, calming, gentle ingredients that will help support your skin.
In our BHA exfoliator (ahem Clarifying Exfoliator), we’ve added Tasmanian pepper fruit extract to calm cranky skin and reduce redness while this exfoliating toner carries out its deeply clarifying duties.
Can I use toner every day?
Depends on the toner! How to use facial toners for skincare can vary pretty dramatically.
Those hydrating, luscious milk-style toners (Hailey, we’re looking at you) are designed to be used daily as a hydrating step.
Chemical exfoliators, however, can be too harsh for daily use and work best 2–3 times a week.
Where does toner fit in a skincare routine?
A toner fits in your skincare routine after cleansing but before serums/face oils/moisturisers.
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