Before we ask whether toner is essential in a skincare routine, we should first understand the basic purpose of toner.

In the past, toner mainly consisted of water, alcohol, and fragrances. It was believed that these ingredients sterilize and cleanse the skin, as well as minimize its oiliness by tightening the pores. However, nowadays, the primary function of toner is to balance the skin’s pH and prepare it for the subsequent skincare products.

In addition, therapeutic ingredients have been added to toners for specific conditions, giving toners multiple functions, such as:

Exfoliation, if they contain fruit acids like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and others.

  • Minimizing pores and reducing skin oiliness, using ingredients like niacinamide and salicylic acid.
  • Hydrating the skin, with ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and lanolin.
  •  Cleansing the skin and removing makeup.

It’s worth noting that not all toners are makeup removers or cleansers unless specified on the product. If a toner also functions as a cleanser, it needs to be rinsed off with water after application. Since there are many different ingredients that can be found in toners, it may not be suitable for daily use, especially those that contain exfoliants. This point requires careful reading and research to determine the appropriate type of toner for specific skin conditions and the correct way to use it. While most skincare products contain alcohol as one of their ingredients, toners often have alcohol as their main manufacturing component. Therefore, most experts do not recommend incorporating toner as a daily essential product in a skincare routine, but rather using it as a treatment product based on its ingredients.

Here are two common methods of applying toner to the face:

  1. Apply it on a cotton pad and gently swipe it across the face after the cleansing step. Avoid the eye and mouth areas if the toner contains exfoliating ingredients.

  2. Alternatively, apply it directly to the skin after cleansing and lightly pat it in without using a cotton pad.

In conclusion, toner is classified as an additional product rather than an essential one in a skincare routine, unless it contains therapeutic ingredients for brightening, treating acne and blemishes, or regulating sebum production.