Toner is a skincare product typically used after cleansing and before moisturizing in
a skincare routine. It helps to refresh, hydrate, balance the skin’s pH, and prepare
the skin for subsequent treatments like serums or moisturizers. Toners can be in
liquid, gel, or mist form and are typically applied with a cotton pad or by spraying
directly onto the skin.
How Toner Is Made:
Toners can vary in ingredients depending on their intended purpose, but they
generally contain the following types of ingredients:
1. Water: The primary base of most toners, it hydrates and helps dilute other
active ingredients.
2. Astringents: Ingredients like witch hazel, alcohol, or salicylic acid can be
included to tighten the skin, control excess oil, or act as an antimicrobial
agent.
3. Humectants: Ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or aloe vera help
to attract moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated.
4. Exfoliants: Some toners contain gentle exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids
(AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) that help remove dead skin cells
and promote cell turnover.
5. Soothing Agents: Ingredients such as chamomile, lavender, or rose
water are used to calm and reduce skin irritation.
6. Antioxidants: Vitamins like C or E may be added for their antioxidant
properties, protecting the skin from environmental stressors.
7. Preservatives: These are used to prevent microbial contamination and
extend shelf life. Common preservatives include phenoxyethanol and
ethylhexylglycerin.
Manufacturing Process:
1. Water Base: Water is the main ingredient used to dissolve other ingredients,
so it’s usually added first.
2. Mixing Active Ingredients: The active ingredients, such as exfoliants,
humectants, and astringents, are then carefully added and mixed to ensure
that they dissolve properly and the toner maintains its effectiveness.
3. Adjusting pH: The pH of the toner is often adjusted to match that of the
skin, which is slightly acidic (around 4.5 to 5.5). This helps maintain the skin’s
natural barrier.
4. Stabilization: Preservatives are added to prevent bacterial growth and
extend shelf life. This ensures the toner remains safe and effective during
use.
5. Packaging: After thorough mixing and quality control, the toner is poured
into bottles or spray containers for sale. It may be packaged in small or large
bottles, sometimes with added features like a pump, sprayer, or twist cap.
Types of Toner:
1. Hydrating Toner:
o Focuses on adding moisture to dry or dehydrated skin. It typically
contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera.
2. Exfoliating Toner:
o Contains gentle exfoliants like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs
(beta hydroxy acids) to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and
promote a smoother complexion.
3. Balancing Toner:
o Designed to help balance the skin’s natural pH after cleansing, this
type of toner is often suitable for all skin types and aims to restore the
skin's protective barrier.
4. Astringent Toner:
o Contains higher concentrations of alcohol or witch hazel and is
typically used for oily or acne-prone skin to help reduce excess oil and
tighten pores.
5. Soothing Toner:
o Infused with calming ingredients like chamomile, rose water, or
lavender to reduce irritation, redness, or inflammation, this type of
toner is great for sensitive skin.
6. Anti-Aging Toner:
o Often enriched with antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, or
peptides, these toners are designed to reduce fine lines, improve skin
elasticity, and promote youthful-looking skin.
Benefits of Using Toner:
1. Balances Skin pH:
o Cleansing the skin can sometimes leave the skin feeling slightly
imbalanced. Toners help restore the skin's natural pH balance, which is
slightly acidic. This is important to maintain the skin's natural barrier
function.
2. Refines Pores:
o Many toners contain astringents that tighten the skin and reduce the
appearance of pores, making the skin look smoother and more refined.
3. Hydrates the Skin:
o Toners can be a great way to add an extra layer of hydration to the
skin, especially when using humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic
acid.
4. Removes Residual Impurities:
o After cleansing, some impurities, makeup residue, or excess oils may
remain. Toner helps remove those leftovers, giving the skin a deep
clean.
5. Soothes and Calms:
o Toners with ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or rose water
can help soothe irritated or inflamed skin, reducing redness or
discomfort.
6. Prepares the Skin for Moisturizer:
o By adding hydration and balancing the skin, toners make it easier for
moisturizers, serums, and other products to penetrate and work more
effectively.
How to Use Toner:
1. Cleanse Your Face:
o Start with a clean face by washing it with a gentle cleanser suitable for
your skin type.
2. Apply the Toner:
o Use a cotton pad to apply the toner. Soak the cotton pad and gently
wipe it across your face, starting from the center and moving
outwards. Be sure to avoid the eye area.
o Alternatively, you can pour a small amount of toner into your hands
and press it onto your face, especially if it’s a hydrating or soothing
toner.
3. Let It Absorb:
o Allow the toner to fully absorb into your skin. This typically takes a few
seconds.
4. Follow with Other Skincare:
o After applying toner, follow with serums, treatments, and moisturizers
to lock in hydration and further nourish your skin.
Toner for Different Skin Types:
1. Oily Skin:
o Look for a toner with astringent properties like witch hazel or
salicylic acid. These help control excess oil and reduce the risk of
breakouts.
2. Dry Skin:
o Choose a toner that is hydrating, with ingredients like glycerin, aloe
vera, or hyaluronic acid, which provide moisture without stripping
the skin.
3. Combination Skin:
o For combination skin, use a toner that balances oil production without
over-drying. A balancing toner with ingredients like rose water or
chamomile can work well.
4. Sensitive Skin:
o Opt for a soothing toner that’s alcohol-free and contains calming
ingredients like lavender, rose water, or aloe vera to avoid
irritation.
5. Acne-Prone Skin:
o A toner with salicylic acid or tea tree oil can help prevent and treat
breakouts by unclogging pores and controlling excess oil.
Conclusion:
Toner is a versatile and beneficial addition to a skincare routine, providing
numerous benefits such as balancing pH, refining pores, hydrating, and soothing
the skin. With a variety of toners designed for different skin types and needs, you
can find one that fits your specific concerns, whether it’s oil control, hydration, or
calming irritation. Proper use of toner, along with cleansing and moisturizing, can
help maintain a healthy, glowing complexion.
