Toners have long been a staple in skincare routines, often sandwiched between cleansing and moisturizing. But with the rise of modern formulations and simplified routines, many are now asking: Do I actually need a toner? Is it essential, or is it just a leftover trend from the 90s?
The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no. Like many things in skincare, it depends on your skin’s unique needs, your current routine, and the specific toner in question.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of toners — what they are, how they’ve evolved, the different types available today, and whether your skin might benefit from using one.
What Is a Toner?
Toners are water-based liquids designed to be applied to the skin after cleansing and before heavier products like serums or moisturizers. Their purpose? Historically, it was to remove any leftover soap residue and rebalance the skin’s pH after using harsh bar soaps.
But modern skincare has evolved. Today’s cleansers are far gentler and pH-balanced, which means the traditional role of toner is no longer as necessary. That said, toners themselves have evolved, too — and now serve a variety of purposes beyond just balancing pH.
The New Role of Toners
Modern toners are designed to:
- Add hydration
- Deliver gentle exfoliation
- Calm inflammation
- Prime the skin to absorb other products more effectively
- Target specific concerns like acne, dullness, or sensitivity
In many skincare lines today, toners can function more like essences, lotions, or light serums, depending on their formulation.
Common Benefits of Toners
Toners can be helpful additions to your routine — if chosen wisely and used correctly. Here are some of the real benefits they can provide:
1. Restores Skin’s Natural pH
After cleansing, your skin’s pH level may shift slightly. Ideally, skin sits at a pH of around 4.5 to 5.5, which helps maintain a strong moisture barrier and healthy microbiome. Even with gentle cleansers, some people find that using a toner helps quickly return the skin to its preferred state.
2. Delivers Immediate Hydration
Many toners now contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, and panthenol. These ingredients attract water to the skin and help lock in moisture, especially when applied before serums and creams.
3. Helps Serums and Moisturizers Work Better
A hydrated base allows better penetration of serums and creams. Think of a toner as the first layer of moisture that helps other products absorb more efficiently and perform better.
4. Offers Gentle Exfoliation
Exfoliating toners include ingredients like AHAs (glycolic or lactic acid) or BHAs (salicylic acid), which help dissolve dead skin cells and unclog pores over time. These types of toners can visibly improve skin texture, clarity, and radiance — when used appropriately.
5. Soothes Irritation and Redness
Toners formulated with calming botanicals like rose water, green tea, centella asiatica (cica), or chamomile can reduce redness, inflammation, or sensitivity, especially after exposure to sun, wind, or other stressors.
6. Controls Excess Oil
For those with oily or acne-prone skin, some toners contain oil-balancing ingredients like niacinamide, witch hazel, or zinc to help minimize shine and prevent clogged pores.
Types of Toners (And Which One You Need)
Toners are not all the same. Depending on your skin type and goals, you’ll want to choose the right formula. Here’s a breakdown of the most common categories:
a) Hydrating Toners
These are ideal for dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin. They focus on increasing water content and preparing the skin to better receive serums and moisturizers.
Look for ingredients like:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Glycerin
- Aloe vera
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
- Beta-glucan
Great for: Anyone needing a moisture boost, especially during colder months or after sun exposure.
b) Exfoliating Toners
These use chemical exfoliants to remove dead skin cells, prevent clogged pores, and improve texture.
Common exfoliants:
- Glycolic acid (AHA)
- Lactic acid (AHA)
- Salicylic acid (BHA)
- Mandelic acid (gentler AHA for sensitive skin)
Best for: Acne-prone, oily, or textured skin. Should be used 2–3 times per week, not daily, to avoid over-exfoliation.
c) Clarifying Toners
These help reduce oil production and refine the look of pores. They often have ingredients with astringent or antibacterial properties.
Key ingredients:
- Witch hazel
- Niacinamide
- Zinc
- Tea tree extract
Great for: Oily, acne-prone, or combination skin that feels greasy during the day.
d) Soothing Toners
These focus on reducing redness, calming inflammation, and strengthening a compromised barrier.
Look for:
- Centella asiatica (cica)
- Green tea
- Rose water
- Chamomile
- Allantoin
Perfect for: Sensitive, irritated, or rosacea-prone skin.
How to Use a Toner Correctly
Adding toner to your skincare routine is easy, but applying it properly makes a difference.
Step-by-Step Application
- Cleanse your face thoroughly with a gentle face wash.
- Pat your skin dry with a clean towel — do not rub.
- Apply toner in one of two ways:
- Cotton pad method: Ideal for exfoliating or clarifying toners. Sweep across your face to remove residue and impurities.
- Hands method: Best for hydrating or soothing toners. Pour a few drops into your palm, rub hands together, and gently pat onto your face.
- Allow the toner to absorb for a few seconds.
- Follow with your serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (if daytime).
How Often Should You Use Toner?
It depends on the type:
- Hydrating/soothing toners: Can be used morning and night
- Exfoliating toners: Use 2–3 times per week, ideally at night
- Clarifying toners: Start with once daily and adjust as needed
Common Myths About Toners
Despite their growing popularity, toners are still surrounded by confusion. Let’s clear up some common myths:
Myth 1: Toners Are Always Drying
Truth: This was true decades ago when alcohol-heavy toners were common. Today’s toners are often alcohol-free and packed with hydrating ingredients. Always check the label — avoid SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, or ethanol.
Myth 2: Only People With Oily Skin Need Toner
Truth: Toners exist for every skin type — including dry, sensitive, and aging skin. Hydrating and soothing toners benefit almost everyone.
Myth 3: If You Use a Good Cleanser, You Don’t Need a Toner
Truth: Even the best cleanser can leave behind impurities, or slightly disrupt your skin’s pH. Toner helps reset the skin and improve product absorption — especially if you’re using actives like retinol or vitamin C after.
Do You Really Need a Toner?
The short answer? No — but it can help.
Toners are not an essential skincare step like cleansing or sun protection. However, the right toner can significantly enhance your routine by:
- Boosting hydration
- Preparing your skin for serums and treatments
- Addressing specific concerns (acne, dryness, dullness)
- Improving overall texture and glow
You might benefit from a toner if:
- Your skin feels tight or dry after cleansing
- You want to exfoliate gently without scrubs
- Your serum or moisturizer doesn’t seem to absorb well
- You experience redness or irritation
- You want to improve glow and softness with minimal effort
Best Practices When Choosing and Using Toners
To get the most out of a toner, keep these tips in mind:
Choose Based on Your Skin Type
Always match your toner to your skin’s needs. A clarifying toner may work wonders for oily skin but irritate dry or sensitive skin.
Avoid Harsh Ingredients
Especially if you’re sensitive, skip toners with:
- Alcohol
- Artificial fragrance
- Essential oils (like citrus or peppermint)
- Menthol
Introduce Slowly
Start by using a new toner once a day or every other day. Monitor how your skin reacts, especially if the formula contains exfoliants or strong actives.
Don’t Layer Too Many Actives
If your toner has acids (like glycolic or salicylic), avoid using other strong actives (retinol, vitamin C) in the same routine unless recommended by a dermatologist.
Don’t Overdo It
One toner is enough — no need to layer multiple types (hydrating + exfoliating + calming) unless you’re an experienced user and know how your skin responds.
Recommended Toners by Skin Type (Budget-Friendly Examples)
Here are a few well-loved toners based on different skin needs:
For Hydration
- Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
- Klairs Supple Preparation Toner
- Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion
For Gentle Exfoliation
- The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
- Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid
- COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution
- Thayers Witch Hazel (Alcohol-Free)
- The Inkey List Niacinamide Toner
For Soothing and Sensitivity
- Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray
- Etude House Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner
- Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner
Final Thoughts
Toners may not be a required step in every skincare routine, but when used correctly, they offer real benefits — from hydration and soothing to exfoliation and enhanced absorption.
Rather than asking “Do I need a toner?”, the better question is: What is my skin asking for?
If your skin feels balanced and looks great without one, skip it. But if you’re struggling with dullness, dryness, breakouts, or product absorption, the right toner could be the missing piece.
Ultimately, great skin doesn’t come from complicated routines or expensive products — it comes from consistency, balance, and listening to your skin.