All About Toners & Why You Need One

If you have ever heard a K-pop star talk about their self-care routine, you’ve probably heard them mention toner as an essential part of their skincare regimen. But isn’t toner meant for teenage, acne-prone skin? Isn’t it super harsh and drying?

Actually, no! Today’s toners are nothing like the alcohol-based toners you swiped over your face as a teenager. Your favorite K-pop stars are talking about Korean toners for hydrating skin, balancing its pH, and providing numerous other benefits.

Toners of the past were usually astringent and incredibly dehydrating… definitely not what you’re going for if you want that radiant, glowing skin Korean stars are famous for. Today’s toners use gentle astringents and botanicals to address just about any skin concern, from acne and hyperpigmentation to dullness and premature aging.

In a Korean skincare routine, hydration is key. Toner is the first step in hydrating, treating, and nourishing the skin. Here’s everything you need to know about toners, why you need one, and how to choose the best one for your skin.

What is toner?

Basically, a toner is a watery substance that can contain a host of beneficial ingredients, including exfoliating acids, antioxidants, hydrators, and anti-inflammatories. If you want to get more technical, it’s a liquid that penetrates the skin quickly, provides gentle exfoliation, and adds a bit of hydration.

Toner brings the skin back to its normal pH after cleansing and sweeps away remaining impurities and dead skin cells, which allows your other products to absorb more easily. Think of it as a primer for the rest of your skincare products. Using toner before other treatments and moisturizers results in plump, hydrating, glowing skin.

Your skin is a lot like a dry sponge. If you apply a moisturizer to a dry sponge, it will just sit on the surface. But if you hydrate the sponge, the moisturizer sinks in easily.

When should a toner be used?

A toner should be used immediately after you double-cleanse your face in the morning and evening. The cleansing process clears away dead skin cells, makeup, SPF, and dirt, which allows the beneficial ingredients in your toner to penetrate the skin more readily.

Be sure to apply your toner while your skin is still damp for the best results. After toning, go ahead and apply your serums, moisturizers, and SPF as normal.

What’s the best way to apply toner?

Toner can be applied with a cotton pad in gentle, upward outward motions. Or, you can put a little toner in the palms of your hands and then tap it gently into the skin. Toners are also available in a convenient spray form if that’s what you prefer.

If you’re really looking to plump up dehydrated skin, try the 7-skin method. With this method, a hydrating Korean toner is applied in seven layers. It results in super-hydrated, plumped-up skin with a beautiful, youthful glow.

How do I choose the best toner for my skin type?

Much like choosing any other skincare product, your toner should be chosen based on your skin type. Here’s what to look for:

• Aging & Mature Skin: If you have aging or mature skin, look for hydrating toners that contain antioxidants like vitamin C and green tea. Some excellent hydrating ingredients for aging skin include lecithin, rose water, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. Rosewater and orange blossom extract are also fantastic hydrators with anti-inflammatory properties.
• Dry Skin: For dry skin, toners that contain amino acids and fermented yeast are great choices for providing deep hydration and nourishment. The ingredients recommended for mature skin would also be fantastic for dry skin as well. Dry skin types should avoid any toner that contains alcohol.
• Dull, Tired Skin: Dull, tired skin will benefit from botanical exfoliators like fruit extracts. Gentle acids, like lactic acid and glycolic acid, are fantastic for brightening up a dull complexion. Be sure to avoid any toner that contains alcohol at the beginning of the ingredients list.
• Oily and Acne-Prone Skin: If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for a toner that contains salicylic acid or witch hazel. These ingredients will clear away excess oil and acne-causing bacteria without stripping or irritating the skin.
• Sensitive Skin: Sensitive skin types should look for toners with soothing botanicals like aloe and chamomile. Rosewater and orange blossom would also be great choices for adding hydration and calming redness.
• Enlarged Pores: Toners that contain alpha-hydroxy acids are fantastic for clearing dead skin and buildup from the pores. While you can’t truly shrink your pores, keeping them clear and unclogged will make them less noticeable.

Wrapping Things Up

It’s easy to see why Korean beauty experts swear by the skin-balancing and hydrating effects of a good toner. This step is every bit as important to your skincare routine as the right serum or moisturizer. In fact, the right toner can significantly improve the appearance of your skin, leaving it not only fresh and clean, but also hydrated, plump, and glowing.