What is toner, anyway? A quick guide to what it does, how to use it, and which one is right for you.

(My contribution to the skincare blog: Kiseu.)

When I first got into skincare, I was only in it for a quick skin fix. I didn’t care to know how products worked, what was in them, or why they were even needed. I just wanted acne-free skin, please and thank you!

But, inevitably, the allure of K-Beauty began teaching me that skincare could be so much more than preventing skin issues – it could nourish skin, so issues don’t show up. One of the most mysterious products in the 10-step routine is toner. What does toner do? I had heard about it changing skin’s pH, making pores smaller, and prepping skin for other products, but I definitely didn’t know what to expect from my toner.

Today, we’re breaking down toner for you. You’ll learn what it does, how to incorporate it into your routine, and how to know if your toner is right for you.

What Even Is Toner?

In a nutshell, skin toner is a super-cleanser. Any debris, makeup, or sweat left over from washing your face can be whisked away by a good toner. For a face that is used to heavy makeup or sunscreen use, (which, let’s be honest, you should be wearing sunscreen) this is a godsend.

But a thorough skin-cleaning isn’t the only benefit to using toner. Toner often sweeps away excess oil with other impurities, making your pores appear smaller. Depending on the ingredients, toner can add hydration to your skin, sweep away dead skin cells, and bring your skin back to a healthy pH.

Okay, so the pH thing sounds complicated, but it’s really not. Your skin is naturally acidic – that’s it’s happy place. But many face washes are very alkaline, and use of them throws your skin pH off. That means that your face has to work extra hard to get back to it’s ideal pH. Toners can help bring your skin back to pristine acidity – saving stress for your skin, and making absorption of the rest of your products more effective.

When To Use Toner

Toner should be used right after you cleanse your skin. Whether you just cleanse, or you have a whole exfoliation routine, toner should be added right after – preferably while your skin is still moist. Some people prefer to use a cotton pad to apply their toners, sweeping in an outward motion. Others simply use their hands to pat the product in. Your choice!

Alright, so how do you know if your toner is doing its job? Throughout skincare history, many people have suffered through stinging skin because they thought that’s what toner is supposed to feel like. It’s not!

Those toners most-likely had alcohol in them, but the results are harsh stripping of the skin, not a nourishing skin prep. Your skin should feel hydrated and fresh after using toner. If you have a lot of irritation, you’re probably not using the right toner for you.

Which Type of Toner is Right for You?

There are hundreds of toners on the market, and it can be intimidating trying to figure out if you’re choosing the right one for you. The beauty of this diverse selection is that you can get a toner to meet almost any skin need.

Oily skin? Look for toners that have witch hazel, or other oil-clearing ingredients to help your pores look tight. If you have dry, irritable skin, you can search for toners with hydrating and soothing ingredients, like aloe or chamomile.

Some toners include lactic acid, or other exfoliating ingredients, to help people with dull skin get that K-Pop Idol glow. And for acne-prone people like me, toners with tea tree oil can help fight blemishes without over-drying my skin.

Bottom Line: Toners are a great addition to any skincare routine. They’re adaptable to your skin needs, help make your other products more effective, and can give you a thorough clean. Mystery solved.

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