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 concerns including oily skin, dry skin, acne, blocked pores and hyperpigmentation,” says Dr Lynch. Finding the right toner for your skincare needs comes down to understanding your own personal requirements. As one of the most targeted products you’ll use, toners can be used to tackle everything from minimising enlarged pores and reducing excess oil to adding extra hydration and calming redness.
Whatever formulation you choose, make sure you avoid toners that contain alcohol, menthol, witch hazel or other potentially aggravating ingredients that are more reminiscent of outdated toner formulas. Who should avoid toners? Although many people will enjoy the added benefits of incorporating a toner into their routine, it’s not advisable to add one into your regime unless you really need to. “Toners were originally used to balance the pH of the skin after cleansing,” says , consultant dermatologist.
“Nowadays, with cleansers being more balanced with our skin’s natural pH, toners may not be essential for everyone. Some toners can be astringent and have the potential to strip the skin of essential oils, and I would advise that anyone with sensitive skin or rosacea avoid them.” How do toner formulations differ? While there are plenty of different types of toners available for your skin, try to avoid those that contain drying or irritating alcohol, or those that are barely more than fragranced waters.
Neither will help address your skin issues. Instead, look for water-based toners with ingredients you recognise from other products in your routine like antioxidants, fatty acids, niacinamide and . “ is particularly effective at moisturising the skin, while alpha- and beta- hydroxy acids can help with acne-prone skin and unclogging blocked pores,” says Dr Lynch.
“Antioxidants such as vitamin C can help with hyperpigmentation and may reduce oxidative damage that can contribute to skin ageing,” he adds. How should I use a toner? How you use your toner depends on the product you choose. While some are better gently sprayed over skin and pressed in, others can be wiped over on a cotton pad or sprinkled into the palms of your hands and applied to skin.
To increase the efficacy of your chosen toner, try to apply it soon after cleansing, while your skin is still damp. This helps the active ingredients to penetrate the skin quickly and more efficiently, giving you the best chance of reaping the benefits. Shop ’s toner edit Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Salicylic acid is the standout star of this leave-on toner that aims to decongest oil-prone skin and keep breakouts at bay.
The powerful BHA works inside the pores to unclog and purify pores and reduce excess oil, leaving skin clear, balanced and hydrated. Despite the potent anti-blemish action, the leave-on exfoliating toner is gentle on skin, helping to maintain a healthy pH balance and keep the skin barrier healthy and resilient. Chanel Le Tonique Anti-Pollution Invigorating Toner Ideal to refresh skin in the morning and cosset skin in the evening, this refreshing toner helps to hydrate, repair and protect skin.
While the healing, regenerative properties of blue micro-algae help to calm inflammation from oxidative stress, marine salicornia extract strengthens skin, improves its resilience and improves moisture levels within the skin. Augustinus Bader The Essence, £73 Give your skin a brightening, hydrating boost with this excellent all-rounder, designed to revitalise all skin types with its clever cocktail of ingredients. At its heart is the brand’s proprietary TFC8 complex which helps kick start the skin’s natural renewal process, but vitamins A, B, C and E are also on hand to brighten and nourish.
In addition, hyaluronic acid hydrates while wasabi ferment and white peony flower protect from external oxidative damage. CeraVe Hydrating Toner Adding a toner into your routine if you have dry skin is a quick way to pack in extra hydration. Loaded with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this lightweight toner infuses skin with moisture while keeping it soft and supple.
Three essential ceramides, naturally found in the skin and at the heart of all CeraVe formulations, ensure the integrity of the skin barrier. While it’s well suited to dry and normal skin, it also works well on combination and oily skin that’s lacking in essential moisture. Fenty Skin Fat Water Toner Serum A unique serum toner hybrid that helps tighten pores, revitalise skin texture and reduce the appearance of dark spots thanks to niacinamide.
Although you’ll find it thicker than most toner formulations, the refreshing consistency absorbs quickly into skin and leaves it feeling fresh, supple and without shine. If you like your skincare fragranced, you’ll love the fresh and fruity sweet cherry and fig scent that lingers on skin after application. Soothing Apricot Toner The spray action of this gentle toner is a welcome treat if you have sensitive or hormonal skin that feels tight, dry, itchy or inflamed.
While apricot extract is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins A, B and C, it also works to reduce irritation and calm skin, while sweet betty flower helps to maintain healthy pH levels without disrupting the delicate balance. Because it’s also alcohol-free, the formula can also be used to soothe, cool and cleanse the eye area without worrying about irritation. Medik8 Pore Minimising Tonic A host of tightening, purifying ingredients like AHAs mandelic and lactic acids make this toner a brilliant option if you struggle with oversized pores and unregulated oil production.
There’s also red clover extract on hand to encourage pores to keep their elasticity and remain taut, while alpha-lipoic acid ensures plenty of antioxidant protection so that skin doesn’t have more environmental damage to contend with..
