Sadly, toners have a bit of a bad reputation thanks to older models which contained a high alcohol content and dried skin. However, we think modern toners are a beauty powerhouse. Toners contain rejuvenating ingredients which can exfoliate, minimise pores, calm redness, and boost glow all over.

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Who should use a toner?

Anyone! Look at the label of each individual toner to choose one with ingredients that’ll compliment your skin type.

Benefits of toner

Historically, toners were used to remove excess soap after cleansing. Nowadays, toners can help to:

Cleanse the skin by removing dirt and oil that cleansing missed
Target specific skin concerns, from dullness to ageing
Hydrate

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How to apply toner

Here’s our step-by-step guide to using a toner for the best results:

Apply toner after cleansing and before moisturising, (or serum if you use one as part of a four-step skincare routine).
Soak a cotton pad in toner, and then apply it to your face.
Stroke upward from your nose to forehead, and then run the soaked cotton pad across each brow.
Move the pad outward from the nose, across the cheeks toward the ears.
Run the pad above the mouth and chin.
Finally, take the cotton pad to the base of the neck, and rub upwards to increase blood flow to the face as you tone.

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What to look for in toner?

Your skin type and specific skin concerns determine which toner is best for you. Look out for these ingredients to help with skin concerns:

Tea tree oil. Tea-tree oil is anti-bacterial¹ and can help promote skin clarity.
Aloe vera. Aloe vera can help relieve sensitivity², and it’s soothing, redness-reducing properties are great for skin in general.
Chamomile. Chamomile is a natural anti-oxidant that helps soothe sensitive skin³.
Rosewater. Rosewater is a beneficial ingredient⁴ that can enhance skin tone and suppleness.
Vitamin E. Vitamin E is an excellent healthy-ageing ingredient that also reduces the appearance of dark eyes⁵
AHAs/BHAs. Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acids are powerful – but gentle – exfoliants that deep-cleanse pores without being too harsh on the skin like a traditional scrub.

When to avoid toner

Many people believe that they can’t use a toner after laser facial rejuvenation or hair removal treatments.

Although using toners with potent ingredients, like AHAs or Vitamin C, is ill-advised after treatments which permeate pores. Toners with gentle ingredients are OK, as long as you always patch test before using new skin products to ensure you’re not sensitive to any of the ingredients.

However, those with particularly sensitive skin might find their usual toner drying after dermatological treatments. In which case, try a witch hazel toner. Witch hazel has natural healing benefits⁶ which can help calm skin.

If your skin’s sensitive and you’re concerned about using toner, do a patch test on your wrist 48 hours before you intend to use the product. That should give you an indication whether toner’s right for your skin, without exposing your face to needless discomfort.