The Benefits of Using a Skin Toner: What You Need to Know
ROUTINEOften overlooked, a skin toner is one of the most valuable steps in a complete skincare routine. These fast-absorbing liquids help to remove any last traces of makeup and impurities stuck in your pores after you wash your face. But that's not all they do. Depending on the formula, a face toner can also help to visibly rebalance, soothe, hydrate and brighten the skin's appearance. Read on to discover the benefits of using a toner, and we'll help you find the best Kiehl's formula for your skin type and concerns.
Facial Toners: Key Takeaways
- Think of toner as the ultimate prep step that removes lingering impurities and helps your skin absorb serums and moisturisers more effectively.
- Modern, alcohol-free formulas go beyond cleansing to rebalance your skin's natural pH, deliver instant hydration, and visibly refine pores.
- Always apply your toner immediately after cleansing and before any serums or moisturisers to lock in the most benefits.
- You can sweep the liquid on with a cotton pad or simply press it directly into your skin with clean hands to reduce product waste.
- Tailor your choice to your skin type by looking for soothing ingredients like calendula for oily or sensitive skin, and hydrating squalane for drier complexions.
What Is a Skin Toner and What Does It Do?
A skin toner is a lightweight, fast-absorbing liquid that delivers a quick hit of hydration while helping to remove dead cells and residual impurities from the surface of your skin. It also helps to prep your complexion for the serums and moisturisers to come. Today's toners have come a long way from the harsh, alcohol-heavy astringents of the past — modern formulas are typically gentle and packed with beneficial ingredients that help rebalance your skin's pH and support a healthy skin barrier.
Think of your skin like a sponge (it's a helpful way to visualise it): if it's dry and brittle, it won't be able to absorb much. But if you dampen it first, it will soak up your serums and moisturisers far more effectively.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Skin Toner?
Using a face toner can help cleanse, hydrate, rebalance and refine your skin's appearance. The benefits are wide-ranging, and we'll take a closer look at each one.
How to Choose the Right Toner for Your Skin
It helps to cleanse skin
Even after cleansing, you may still have traces of makeup and impurities on your skin. A toner can help to remove these last remnants, leaving your skin feeling fresh and clean. We recommend our Daily Refining Milk-Peel Toner for this, as it's formulated with Lipo-Hydroxy Acid and Almond Milk to help gently dissolve impurities and refine the skin
Daily Refining Milk-Peel Toner
A gently exfoliating milk-peel toner that refines and smoothes skin.
Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner
A soothing alcohol-free toner infused with Calendula petals.
It helps to visibly minimise pores
Large, open pores may allow more dirt and oil to enter the skin, which can sometimes lead to inflammation and irritation. Toners can help to reduce the appearance of pores, giving your skin a smoother, more refined look. We recommend our bestselling Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner for this very reason.
It helps to rebalance skin
Our skin's natural pH typically sits at around 5.5, but some cleansers can disrupt this delicate balance. A toner helps to restore your skin's optimal pH balance, which is essential for healthy-looking skin. When your pH is properly balanced, your skin is typically better equipped to defend itself against environmental stressors and irritation.
It helps to hydrate and nourish skin
Toners are often formulated with hydrating ingredients that can help to replenish the skin's moisture levels. This is especially important if you spend time in air-conditioned environments or live in a dry climate. We recommend our Ultra Facial Toner for this, as it's enriched with Squalane and Apricot Kernel Oil to provide a gentle, hydrating feel.
Ready to experience these benefits?
What Is a Skin Toner and What Does It Do?
When to Use a Toner in Your Skincare Routine
Apply your toner after cleansing your face and before any serums or moisturisers, making it one of the first steps in your skincare routine. It's a great way to prep your skin for the products that follow, as it helps to ensure your complexion is typically clean and ready to absorb them effectively.
You can use a toner both morning and evening as part of your daily routine. In the morning, it can help to refresh your complexion and prepare it for SPF and makeup. In the evening, it helps ensure your skin is thoroughly clean and ready to absorb your nighttime treatments.
Now that you know when to use a toner, let's explore how to apply it correctly.
How to Apply Toner Correctly
There are two simple ways to apply toner: using a cotton pad or pressing it directly into your skin with clean hands. To use a cotton pad, simply saturate it with the formula and gently sweep it over your face, neck and décolletage. Alternatively, you can pour a few drops into the palm of your hand and press it into your skin. Be sure to avoid the eye area.
Whichever method you choose, gently pat or press the toner into your skin rather than rubbing, as this may help your skin absorb the formula more effectively.
Now that you know how to apply toner, let's help you find the right one for your skin type.
How to Choose the Right Toner for Your Skin Type
Finding the best toner for your skin type starts with understanding your specific concerns. Here are some toners we recommend for every skin type:
| Your Skin Type | Toner Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Oily Skin | If you have oily skin, look for a toner that will help to control excess oil and minimise the appearance of pores. We recommend our Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner, as it's formulated with Great Burdock Root to help soothe skin and manage excess oil. If your skin tends to be oily in the T-zone but drier on the cheeks, this toner can also work well for combination skin. |
| Dry Skin | If you have dry skin, look for a hydrating toner that nourishes and replenishes moisture levels. We recommend our Ultra Facial Toner, as it's enriched with Squalane, Apricot Kernel Oil, Avocado Oil and Vitamin E to provide long-lasting hydration. |
| Sensitive Skin | If you have sensitive skin, choosing a gentle, alcohol-free toner is essential. We recommend our Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner, as it's formulated with calendula extract to help soothe and calm delicate skin. |
| All Skin Types | If you're looking for a toner that is suitable for all skin types, we recommend our Ultra Facial Toner as a great all-rounder. It's gentle, hydrating and helps to rebalance the skin's pH, making it a great choice for most people. |
