What are Skin Toners for?
If you read “skin toner” and immediately get traumatizing flashbacks of Sea Breeze in your teenage years, keep reading… In my trek to find the perfect skincare routine for myself, I’ve rediscovered the importance of the “prep” step (i.e. toners) in my routines. But what are skin toners for, you ask? I’ve got you…
Scroll to the bottom for skin toner recommendations based on skin type and concern. Not sure what you need? Read this quick post on what’s your skin type!
CONTENTS
What are Skin Toners for?
When creating your ideal skincare routine, there are four steps for a complete setup (plus SPF in your morning AM skincare routine) and, yes, skin toners are one of them – and for very good reason.
skincare routine steps:
- Cleanse (cleanser)
- Prep (toner/essence)
- Treat (serum)
- Protect (moisturizer/face oil)
Most people understand the purpose of cleansing and moisturizing. I’ve covered the benefits of facial serum, but what are skin toners for?
Most skin toners serve two purposes. The first purpose of toners is to prep your skin for anything to come – serums and moisturizers. Someone once described using serums and moisturizers without a toner/essence as putting soap on a dry sponge. The product doesn’t distribute evenly and just doesn’t work as well – same with not using a toner. A toner is simply adding a bit of moisture to your clean and dried face so the following products can be distributed evenly and can absorb more readily.
And you know what? It’s true. When I first tried samples of Beautycounter, I loved the way my skin felt, but I didn’t use toners, so I didn’t buy it. I loved the way the products were working, but it didn’t seem as magical as the samples. So I bought the toner step just to see if that was the reason – and it was. Everything was magical again with the addition of the prep step.
The second purpose of a toner/essence varies by toner type. Most products seek to moisturize skin, often with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and to soothe skin with ingredients like aloe. There are skin toners that work to brighten skin as well with various sources of vitamin c (see more skin brightening products on that front).
So what toner is right for you? A few thoughts here, but ultimately it’s up to you, meaning find what you need and like. If you’re looking for a specific need, look to the secondary purpose of any toner (see my recommendations based on your skin type below).
Beyond that I feel that scent and formula are the most important. You should be fine with the smell and like how it applies. I’ve seen skin toners as gels, thin and thicker liquids, and sprays. Of all the toners I’ve tried, I think they ALL work. I’ve never used one that doesn’t do it’s job.
Available in rose and lavender, this hydrating tonic is the lightest weight and easiest to use of all the ones I’ve tried. The scents are mild and lovely.
You can read my complete Kari Gran skincare review.
And use my discount code LUCIKG15 for 15% off a single purchase (even if you’ve purchased from them before)
Rose and Rose Water moisturizes skin. Rose is a source of vitamin C which helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and it can help calm skin and reduce irritation. It’s antibacterial properties can also be good for acne.
A liquid form, the Clarilight toner is perfect for toning, revitalizing, hydrating, & soothing. It has hyaluronic acid & glycerin to reduce the appearance of fine lines. It also gently exfoliates for smoother skin.
You can read my complete Crunchi Skincare Review and read why it’s the cleanest skin care brand!
Use my discount code ADVOCATE10 for 10% off your first purchase.
This is the only gel toner I’ve ever used. Made by a cult favorite of mine, Osmia, this toner is hydrating and so easy to apply. It does come with a hefty price tag, however, so pay attention for their quarterly site wide sales.
Read my complete Osmia skincare review.
Countertime Hydrating Essence
Beautycounter actually has a few essences. I love the Countertime radiance serum at night and their All Bright brightening toner in the morning – clearly I love toners and skincare routines. I do like their Countermatch toner, but I found the pump clogged on me, so that was a deterrent to my repurchasing it.
You can read my love for Beautycounter Products.
You want a hydrating toner that also contains aloe vera to soothe skin. Try the Clarilight toner. Use code ADVOCATE10.
Something lightweight with rose or lavender would be good to help balance oil production and to prevent breakouts with their microbial properties. Try one of the hydrating tonics! Use code LUCIKG15 for 15% off your purchase.
Designed to offer hydration for people with incredibly sensitive skin, the Purely Calm Gel Toner is the best.
You want a hydrating toner that can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines. Try the Clarilight toner. Use code ADVOCATE10.
Clean Beauty Reviews
Since clean beauty is an important part of sustainable living (what we wash down the drain matters as much as what we put on our skin), be sure to check out:
Non Toxic Makeup Brands
Crunchi Review (skincare)
Crunchi Makeup Review
Clean Beauty at Nordstrom
Clean Beauty at Sephora
Clean Beauty at Target
Clean Beauty at Walmart
Clean Beauty at ULTA
Best Beautycounter Products
Common items of interest include shampoo bar reviews and how to you use them? What natural deodorant actually works? Are there refillable deodorant options? What’s the best double edge razor blades (the best safety razors and how to use them properly). And the best makeup brush cleaner (on the cheap and easy)!
There are also great natural skin care products for men, including hair care! And you’ll want to check out these wonderful natural bar soaps as well as body tools for smooth skin all over yourself!
