What is toner and what does it do for your skin?

Toners are liquid moisturisers that enhance the skin’s surface, giving it what it needs to look fresher, smoother & hydrated. They also help just-cleansed skin regain some of the moisture lost during the face-washing process. Beyond this, they can provide several skin-replenishing benefits and soothe skin concerns. For combination or oily skin, the right toner can reduce enlarged pores & excess oil. For normal, dry or sensitive skin types, the right toner can reduce redness & flaking.

What does a skin toner do?

Facial toners are multi-tasking skincare products. When well-formulated, they primarily:

• Provide essential ingredients
• Hydrate & replenish skin
• Offer additional cleansing
• Soothe irritation & redness
• Assist in oil control

They also remove stubborn traces of make-up and impurities left on the skin after cleansing, prepping it for the next steps in your routine & allowing for optimal absorption of other products.

What toner do I use for my skin type?

You'll see the best results from a toner catered to your skin type:

• Normal to dry skin: look for hydrating toners with moisture-retaining ingredients
• Oily or combination skin: seek out formulas with oil-balancing & pore-refining ingredients
• Sensitive skin: use toners with calming, soothing ingredients to reduce redness & irritation

When to use toner in your skincare routine

Use toner after cleansing. Apply with a soft disposable or reusable cotton round, or simply pat onto your skin using your fingers. After toning, you can follow with a leave-on chemical exfoliant (our exfoliating toners) and then apply any serums, boosters or treatments, layering them from the thinnest to the thickest texture. For daytime use, always finish with a broad-spectrum sun cream, and at night, round off your routine by moisturising.

Benefits of toner for your skin

• Replenishes & nourishes skin after cleansing
• Removes lingering traces of make-up & SPF
• Prepares skin for serums & moisturisers, improving their absorption into skin
• Provides an extra hydration boost
• Can assist with oil control or redness reduction, depending on formulation

What ingredients should you avoid in a toner?

Avoid toners containing:

• Denatured alcohol (SD alcohol): can strip moisture and cause irritation
• Menthol or witch hazel: can be too harsh & drying
• Fragrances & essential oils: may trigger sensitivity or irritation

Which Paula’s Choice toner suits my skin?

Toners for normal & dry skin:

• RESIST Advanced Replenishing Toner: anti-ageing formula for hydration & wrinkle reduction
• SKIN RECOVERY Enriched Calming Toner: designed for dry, sensitive skin

Toners for normal, oily and combination skin:

• RESIST Weightless Advanced Repairing Toner: addresses post-breakout marks & refines pores
• SKIN BALANCING Pore-Reducing Toner: minimises the appearance of enlarged pores

Toners for all skin types:

• EARTH SOURCED Purely Natural Refreshing Toner: antioxidant-rich, hydrating & suitable for all skin types
• CALM Nourishing Milky Toner – Strengthens the skin barrier & soothes redness

Exfoliating toners: what you need to know

Exfoliating toners contain gentle acids that help remove dead skin cells, revealing a brighter & smoother complexion. These are particularly beneficial for those dealing with dullness, uneven texture or clogged pores.

Key exfoliating ingredients to look for:

• AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids): glycolic or lactic acid for brightening & smoothing
• BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid, like salicylic acid): penetrates deep into pores, making it ideal for oily & acne-prone skin

How to use an exfoliating toner:

• Use after cleansing but before applying other treatments
• Start with 2–3 times per week & increase as tolerated
• Always follow with sunscreen in the morning, as exfoliation can increase sun sensitivity

Best ingredients for toners to look for

• Hyaluronic acid: hydrates and plumps skin
• Ceramides: strengthen the skin barrier & retain moisture
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): minimises pores & balances oil production
• Omega fatty acids: help with calming & hydration
• Peptides: support skin renewal & hydration

Do I need a toner or can I skip it?

Toners are not an absolute must-have, but they are a great way to enhance your skincare routine. If you want to improve hydration, refine texture or prep your skin for better product absorption, adding a toner can be highly beneficial. However, if your current skincare routine meets all your needs, you may not require one. The choice ultimately depends on your skin concerns and goals!

References for this information

• Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, May 2015, issue 5, page 28; July 2014, pages 177-184; and November 2012, issue 5, pages 1,013-1,024
• Dermatologic Therapy, May-June 2012, pages 229-233 and Volume 17, Supplemental, 2004, pages 49-56
• Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, May 2012, pages 1,410-1,419
• Experimental Dermatology, October 2009, pages 821-832
• British Journal of Dermatology, September 2008, pages 567-577

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• The best products for combination skin
• Heal your dry skin
• Oily skin: skincare plan
• Replenishing very dry skin