Thirty years ago, the phrase, “cleanse, tone and moisturise” was about the extent of most people’s skincare routines. And yet, despite their somewhat old-fashioned connotations, fast-forward to 2024 and toners are still going strong, with the category often noted for delivering innovative formulations and advanced ingredients to a wide variety of skincare conditions. Our top picks: E What is toner? “Toners are a diverse range of products used as an extra step in skincare routines to address specific concerns that may not be treated by a simpler routine,” adds , consultant dermatologist.

While you might simply think of them an extra step for removing lingering make-up, dirt and oil, modern toners do so much more, adding active ingredients to the skin and promoting healthy, radiant complexions. Why do I need to use toner? “Toners were originally developed to remove excess soap residue from the face,” explains Dr Lynch. “This is no longer necessary with modern cleansers, however toners still can play an important role in delivering active ingredients.

” Today, most experts agree that a good toner is a useful step in any skincare routine. Used after and before your or , they can help replenish, refine and enhance the surface of the skin. What issues do toners treat? As with most skincare products, toners are a versatile addition to a skincare routine thanks to the number of issues they can target.

“Toners can be formulated to address a range of different skin c.