Forget everything you think you know about toner. There's a good reason why dermatologists highly recommend including this product in your skincare routine despite the negative reputation it's garnered through the years. If achieving balanced, clear skin is a challenge, toner may be exactly what you're missing. Soothing sensitive skin, managing oiliness, and boosting the results from serums and treatments are all factors that make toner an important part of your daily routine. In this blog, we'll answer your burning questions like what does toner do and is it really necessary for my skin type? Then, we'll explore the top dermatologist-recommended toners and what to consider when choosing a product for your skincare routine.
What Is Toner and Why Should You Use It?
If you have sensitive skin, eczema, aging skin, or other skin health concerns, you may be asking should I use toner? Many toners contained alcohol as their main active ingredient, which meant that toners were very drying and could be irritating to skin. Popular wisdom seems to indicate that only those with oily and acne-prone skin should be using toner. While many old-fashioned toners were most beneficial for these skin types, it's actually an important skincare step for all skin types, but you have to choose the right toner. Following cleansing, surface-level impurities are removed from skin, but there may be oil, dead skin cells, and residue left behind on skin's surface and in pores. This is where toner comes in. Toners are designed to remove remaining particles from skin's surface as well as deep cleaning into pores. This ensures any additional products you apply to skin (serums and moisturizers) are fully absorbed and work to their optimal effect.
Key Benefits of Using Toner in Your Routine
There are many reasons to use toner daily, but if you're still on the fence, consider some of the following benefits:
- Deep cleansing – your skin may have traces of dirt, oil, cosmetics, and other residue left after cleansing, especially if these impurities are in the pores. Toner offers a deeper and more complete clean.
- pH balancing – facial cleansers can disrupt the pH of skin (which is naturally slightly acidic). This lack of pH balance increases risk for skin irritation and inflammation. Toner restores the skin's pH balance, which strengthens the natural protective barrier of skin.
- Skin preparation – skincare products work best when they can be fully absorbed into pores. Because toner deep cleans into pores, serums, treatments, and moisturizers applied after toner are more easily absorbed than they are with cleansing alone.
- Hydration – while there are still some toners that use alcohol to remove impurities, this is less common. Instead, toners use gentler ingredients and are often combined with hyaluronic acid and other ingredients that soothe and hydrate skin.
- Pore tightening – not all toners shrink pores, but products with ingredients like niacinamide or glycolic acid are pore-refining for a smoother skin appearance.
- Targeted treatment – toners earned a negative reputation because they were designed to target oily skin. Today, toners are formulated to address specific skin health concerns, so it's possible to find a product that meets your unique needs.
Who Should Use Toner—and Who Should Be Cautious?
While toners are recommended for almost all skin types, it's important to understand what skin types will thrive with any toner and which need to be a little more cautious in choosing their toner.
Skin Types that Are Great Candidates for Toner
- Oily skin types – toners with exfoliating or astringent ingredients regulate sebum (oil) production and reduce shine.
- Acne-prone individuals – toners with ingredients like salicylic acid unclog pores and reduce breakouts.
- Combination skin – a balancing toner can address both dryness and oiliness.
- Layering actives – toner creates the ideal canvas for layered ingredients like retinol, AHAs, or antioxidants.
Skin Types that Should Use Toners with Caution
- Dry or sensitive skin types – toners with alcohol, strong astringents, or exfoliants can be too harsh. Look for calming, alcohol-free, and hydrating options, and always patch test new products on a small area before applying to the full face.
- Those with chronic skin conditions – if you have a chronic skin condition like eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis, consult a dermatologist before introducing toner, especially if the skin barrier is compromised.
- Allergy-prone individuals – avoid toners with fragrance and essential oils, which can irritate reactive skin. Like those with generally sensitive skin, it can be beneficial to patch test toner before applying on a regular basis.
Why Dermatologist-Recommended Toners Make a Difference
It's important to understand two things when adding toner to your daily routine. First, not all toners are created equal. Look for a dermatologist-recommended product that is free of alcohol and fragrance and backed by clinical research. Second, how you use toner matters. When explaining how to use toner, dermatologists recommend applying after cleansing to create the perfect pallet for absorbing skincare products and ensuring skin maintains a healthy balance. If you notice toner is leaving skin feeling dry or tight even after you apply your remaining skincare products, consider switching to a different toner or using toner only once a day until skin tolerates the stronger actives.
Top Toners Recommended by Dermatologists
Has all this toner talk left you wondering, what's the best toner for my skin? All the options can be overwhelming, but our knowledgeable dermatologists have you covered. Below, we provide our list of top toners recommended by our dermatology team and available on DermSkincare:
Revision Skincare Soothing Facial Rinse
When it comes to top toner skincare tips, there's one that dermatologists recommend for almost every patient – look for an alcohol-free option. Unless you have very oily skin, alcohol-based toners are not going to benefit skin, and they may even cause harm. The Revision Skincare Soothing Facial Rinse is an alcohol-free, calming toner that works for all skin types even sensitive or post-procedure skin. Best for: Red, irritated, or compromised skin. Key benefits: Hydrates, calms, and removes impurities while supporting the skin's natural barrier. Aloe vera and allantoin soothe and reduce inflammation.
ZO Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads
These exfoliating skincare pads are pre-soaked with active ingredients to make applying toner as simple as swiping the ZO Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pad across the face and allowing the ingredients to work. This is a more traditional toner formulated to combat oiliness. Best for: Oily and acne-prone skin types. Key benefits: Salicylic acid and glycolic acid unclog pores and reduce oil without drying like alcohol-based toners. Ideal for preventing breakouts and smoothing texture. Great for on-the-go or after workouts.
EltaMD Skin Recovery Essence Toner
This exclusive AAComplex formula soothes, hydrates, and maintains PH balance for revitalized skin. It's dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic, and free from dyes. Best for: All skin types, including acne-prone. Key benefits: Revitalizes skin with a blend of amino acids and alcohol-free formula. The malachite extract, a mineral-rich copper complex, detoxifies skin, eliminates impurities, and protects against environmental aggressors.
Conclusion: The Right Toner Can Transform Your Skincare Routine
There are numerous benefits of using toner daily, so if you've been thinking of it as a skippable part of skincare, it's time to change your perspective and add a toner to your daily routine for balanced, beautiful skin. Manage oil production, balance pH, and find that glow your skin has been missing with the right toner.
Explore the Right Toner to Boost Your Skincare Routine
Whether you're looking for the perfect toner for your skincare routine or want to invest in high-quality products to improve your skin health, DermSkincare has you covered. Explore our site filled with dermatologist-curated skincare products that meet a variety of needs and deliver healthier, more beautiful skin. Want more skincare tips and tricks from dermatologists? We hope you'll read our blog regularly.