Toner in Your Skincare Routine: What It Does and Why You Might Want One
BEAUTYSKINCARE


They hydrate, soothe, exfoliate, and prep your skin for everything that follows.
Toner has always been a bit of a skincare enigma. Is it essential? Skippable? Just a splashy extra that looks good on a shelf? For years, it’s been overlooked, often left out of routines in favor of the more headline-grabbing steps like serums, acids, moisturizers, and SPF. But lately, toner’s been making a quiet comeback, and with good reason.
“Toners can be beneficial,” Diane Howard, an RN and founder of med spa Esthetic Finesse in Arizona, tells Essence & Style. “But whether they’re truly necessary depends on your skin type. Often, what we think is ‘oily’ skin is actually dehydrated. So, focusing on the basics like proper cleansing, hydration, and protection can go a long way. A toner may help, but it’s not a must-have for everyone.” So, it may not be essential, but it can be a game-changer.
The beauty of toner lies in its versatility. Today’s formulas do more than just swipe away leftover makeup or rebalance your pH. They hydrate, soothe, exfoliate, and prep your skin for everything that follows. Think of toner as a gentle nudge toward dewier, more balanced skin. It’s not a requirement, but it might just make your skincare routine feel more complete.
What does a toner actually do?
Toners used to be simple: a liquid you’d swipe on after cleansing to catch whatever your face wash missed. But today's formulas are far more sophisticated, and emerging research is beginning to reflect that shift.
Toners can hydrate, calm, gently exfoliate, and even support your skin’s microbiome. In a 2024 study published in the EAS Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, researchers found that regular use of toners helped maintain a healthier balance of skin microbiota. In other words, the right toner may not only support your skin barrier but also help reduce irritation and inflammation at the microscopic level.
Another study published in Cosmetics examined a toner formulated with houttuynia cordata, a botanical extract known for its antioxidant and soothing properties. Participants saw improvements in hydration, elasticity, and overall skin appearance after several weeks of use.
So, while toner may not be essential, it can still offer noticeable benefits. Depending on the formula, a toner can:
Rehydrate and soothe skin after cleansing
Help restore pH balance
Gently exfoliate with PHAs, BHAs, or fruit acids
Minimize the appearance of pores and smooth texture
Calm redness or sensitivity
Help serums and moisturizers absorb more effectively
Think of it as a smart addition to your routine, subtle in the moment but powerful over time.
Hydrating? Clarifying? Brightening? Here’s how to choose
Like signature scents or favorite sweaters, the right toner is personal. It depends on your skin’s mood, the season, even your stress level. Here’s a quick guide to finding your best match:
Dry, tight, or flaky skin?
Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or panthenol to replenish moisture and restore bounce.
Oily or acne-prone skin?
Try clarifying formulas with salicylic acid, niacinamide, or green tea extract to help unclog pores and balance shine.
Sensitive or reactive skin?
Choose gentle, alcohol-free toners with centella asiatica, chamomile, or calendula to calm and soothe without irritation.
Dullness or uneven texture?
Reach for brightening and smoothing toners with lactic acid, polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), or licorice root extract to even out skin tone and gently exfoliate.
If your skincare routine feels a little “flat,” toner might just be the thing that brings it all together.
Editor’s picks: Consider these top-rated toners
You don’t need a shelf full of options, just one great toner that does exactly what your skin needs. These top-rated favorites are as dependable as they are gentle:
DearKlairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner – Fragrance-free and deeply hydrating. A cult favorite for sensitive skin.
Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner – This K-beauty product is great for oily, dehydrated skin. Light, calming, and packed with antioxidants.
Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner – A gentle classic with aloe vera and rosewater. No sting, no fuss.
COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner – Another K-beauty favorite, this toner offers mild, daily exfoliation for a visibly smoother texture.
Toner is like a good accessory
Your skincare routine doesn’t need to be complex to be effective. But if there’s one extra that quietly elevates everything else, it’s toner. It won’t make or break your skin, but it just might make everything else work a little better.
So no, you don’t need a toner. But once you find the right one? You might wonder how you ever got by without it.
Disclaimer
The advice and product recommendations in this article are for general guidance and inspiration. Since skincare is highly personal, results may vary depending on your individual skin type and concerns. Please remember to patch test new products before use to ensure compatibility with your skin. We also recommend consulting with a dermatologist or skincare expert before trying new products, especially if you have specific skin conditions. This article may also contain affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them at no cost to you. We are also part of the Amazon Associates program.