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What Is a Toner

What Is a Toner and Why Your Skin Actually Needs One

When building a skincare routine, toner is often the most misunderstood step. Is it just fancy water? Do you really need it? And how do you know which toner is right for your skin?

Let’s break it down.

What Is a Toner

What Is Toner?

Toner is a water-based skincare product designed to be used after cleansing and before applying serums or moisturizers. Its primary function is to refresh the skin, rebalance pH levels, remove leftover impurities, and prep the skin for better absorption of follow-up products.

But toners are no longer the harsh, alcohol-heavy formulas from the past. Today’s toners are sophisticated, gentle, and often packed with ingredients to hydrate, exfoliate, calm, or treat specific skin concerns.

innisfree Forest For Men Fresh Skincare SET

innisfree Forest For Men Fresh Skincare SET

USD 33.00

Dr.Jart+ V7 Toning Light 50ml

Dr.Jart+ V7 Toning Light 50ml

USD 28.00

Dr.Jart+ Pore·remedy PHA Renewing Dual Pads 190g 60ea

Dr.Jart+ Pore·remedy PHA Renewing Dual Pads 190g 60ea

USD 24.00

Dr.Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence 150ml

Dr.Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence 150ml

USD 38.00

medicube PDRN Pink Niacinamide Milky Toner 150ml

medicube PDRN Pink Niacinamide Milky Toner 150ml

USD 21.00

belif Problem Solution Vegan Toner 150ml

belif Problem Solution Vegan Toner 150ml

USD 29.00

TONYMOLY Wonder Hyaluronic Acid Chok Chok Toner 500ml

TONYMOLY Wonder Hyaluronic Acid Chok Chok Toner 500ml

USD 16.00

Torriden Dive-In Toner 300ml

Torriden Dive-In Toner 300ml

USD 21.00

Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid Skin Booster 200ml

Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid Skin Booster 200ml

USD 12.00

Anua PDRN 100 Hyaluronic Acid Glow Pad 60P/180ml

Anua PDRN 100 Hyaluronic Acid Glow Pad 60P/180ml

USD 38.00

USD 30.00

iUNIK Tea Tree Relief Toner 200ml

iUNIK Tea Tree Relief Toner 200ml

USD 20.00

LANEIGE Cream Skin Toner & Gel Moisturizer 170ml

LANEIGE Cream Skin Toner & Gel Moisturizer 170ml

USD 30.00

medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Toner Pad 120ml/70pads

medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Toner Pad 120ml/70pads

USD 25.00

innisfree Forest For Men Fresh Skin 180ml

innisfree Forest For Men Fresh Skin 180ml

USD 19.00

belif The White Decoction - Ultimate Brightening Toner 200ml

belif The White Decoction - Ultimate Brightening Toner 200ml

USD 30.00

d'Alba White Truffle Balancing Serum Skin 80ml

d'Alba White Truffle Balancing Serum Skin 80ml

USD 24.00

innisfree Perfect 9 Intensive Skin 200ml

innisfree Perfect 9 Intensive Skin 200ml

USD 21.00

medicube Zero Pore Pad Mild 155g(70 Pads)

medicube Zero Pore Pad Mild 155g(70 Pads)

USD 19.00

MISSHA TIME REVOLUTION THE FIRST ESSENCE ENRICHED 150ml

MISSHA TIME REVOLUTION THE FIRST ESSENCE ENRICHED 150ml

USD 23.00

Torriden Dive-In Multi Pad 80 Pads

Torriden Dive-In Multi Pad 80 Pads

USD 16.00

View all

Types of Toners & Which Skin Types They Suit

Hydrating Toners

Formulated with humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and beta-glucan, hydrating toners are ideal for dry, dehydrated, or mature skin.

They help plump the skin and reduce the feeling of tightness after cleansing.

Best for:

  • Dry skin
  • Dehydrated or flaky skin
  • Skin exposed to dry climates or heaters

Calming Toners

Infused with soothing ingredients such as Centella Asiatica, green tea, or chamomile, calming toners help reduce redness and irritation.

Best for:

  • Sensitive skin
  • Red or inflamed skin
  • Post-acne recovery or barrier repair

Face Mists

Face mists are toners in spray form. They deliver hydration and nutrients throughout the day, perfect for refreshing the skin or setting makeup.

Best for:

  • All skin types (especially dry or combo)
  • On-the-go hydration
  • Quick midday pick-me-ups

Exfoliating Toners

These toners contain chemical exfoliants like AHA (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic), or PHA to gently remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote smoother texture.

Best for:

  • Oily and acne-prone skin
  • Dull or rough skin texture
  • Hyperpigmentation and blackheads

Tip: Use exfoliating toners 2–3 times a week and always follow with SPF in the morning.

Toner Pads

Pre-soaked pads that combine toner with gentle exfoliants or calming agents. They’re convenient and offer light exfoliation with minimal effort.

Best for:

  • Busy routines
  • Targeted toning (like T-zone only)
  • Mild daily exfoliation

How to Choose the Right Toner for Your Skin Type

Skin Type Recommended Toner Type
Dry or Mature Hydrating Toner
Sensitive Calming Toner
Oily or Acne-Prone Exfoliating Toner / Toner Pads
Combination Balancing or Multi-layered Approach (T-zone vs U-zone)
Normal Any toner that supports hydration and maintains skin balance

How to Use Toner in Your Skincare Routine

  1. Cleanse your face thoroughly.
  2. Apply toner to a cotton pad or directly into your palms.
  3. Gently pat into your skin — no need to rub.
  4. Continue with serums, moisturizers, and SPF (if daytime).

Toner can be used morning and night, depending on the type. Exfoliating toners should be used less frequently.

FAQs

What does toner actually do for your skin?

Toner helps rebalance your skin’s pH after cleansing, removes leftover residue, and preps your skin to better absorb serums and moisturizers. Some toners also hydrate, soothe, or gently exfoliate depending on the ingredients.

Is toner really necessary in a skincare routine?

While not strictly essential, using toner can improve your routine by boosting hydration, soothing sensitivity, and helping active ingredients absorb more effectively. It’s especially beneficial in multi-step Korean skincare.

Can toner help with acne?

Yes, toners with ingredients like salicylic acid (BHA), tea tree, or witch hazel may help control excess oil and unclog pores. Look for a toner specifically formulated for acne-prone or oily skin.

Can I use toner every day?

Absolutely. Most toners are designed for daily use, especially hydrating or calming formulas. If you’re using an exfoliating toner with AHAs or BHAs, start with a few times per week to avoid over-exfoliation.

Do I need toner if I already use a serum or essence?

Yes – toner prepares your skin to absorb the serum or essence more effectively. Think of it as the first treatment layer that allows deeper products to perform even better.

For more info please feel free to reach out to us on our Instagram

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