Face Toner: What It Is, What It Does & How to Use It
Jun 05
Lux supp

Face Toner: What It Is, What It Does & How to Use It

Jun 05

What Is a Face Toner & Why Should You Use One?

Face toner is one of the most misunderstood products in skincare. Once known for being harsh and drying, today’s toners have evolved into hydrating, soothing, exfoliating, and balancing formulas that prep your skin for serums and moisturisers.

If you’re skipping toner in your routine, you might be missing a key step to healthier, clearer, and more balanced skin.

What Does a Face Toner Do?

  • Balances pH levels after cleansing

  • Removes leftover dirt or makeup your cleanser missed

  • Preps the skin to better absorb serums and moisturisers

  • Hydrates or exfoliates, depending on the formula

  • Soothes and refreshes irritated or sensitive skin

Types of Face Toners

1. Hydrating Toners

Best for: Dry, dehydrated, sensitive skin
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Aloe Vera
Benefit: Delivers instant hydration and plumps the skin

2. Exfoliating Toners

Best for: Oily, acne-prone, textured skin
Key Ingredients: Glycolic Acid (AHA), Salicylic Acid (BHA), Lactic Acid
Benefit: Removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, improves skin texture

3. Calming or Soothing Toners

Best for: Sensitive or irritated skin
Key Ingredients: Chamomile, Cica (Centella Asiatica), Calendula
Benefit: Reduces redness and soothes inflammation

4. Pore-Refining Toners

Best for: Combination to oily skin
Key Ingredients: Witch Hazel, Niacinamide, Green Tea
Benefit: Minimises the appearance of pores and controls excess oil

How to Use a Face Toner

  1. Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser

  2. Apply toner using a cotton pad or pat directly with your hands

  3. Follow up with serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen (AM only)

  4. Use once or twice daily based on your skin’s tolerance

Tips for Choosing the Right Toner for Your Skin

Skin Type Ideal Toner Type
Key Ingredients
Dry / Dehydrated Hydrating
Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin
Oily / Acne-prone Exfoliating or Pore-Refining
Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide
Sensitive Calming / Soothing
Cica, Chamomile, Aloe Vera
Combination Lightweight, Balancing
Witch Hazel, Rose Water
Mature Gentle Exfoliating
Glycolic Acid, Peptides

Final Thoughts

Face toner isn’t just an extra skincare step—it’s a transformative product that can elevate your entire routine. Whether you want to hydrate, exfoliate, soothe, or shrink pores, there’s a toner out there for every skin type and concern.

Investing in the right toner can lead to clearer, smoother, and more radiant skin over time.