Toner

A toner is a water-based liquid applied straight after cleansing, as the first leave-on step of a routine. Modern toners are diverse, ranging from simple hydrating formulas to exfoliating or treatment toners, and the category has moved well beyond the harsh, alcohol-heavy astringents once associated with the name.

Hydrating toners are built around humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, and are used to add a light layer of moisture and prepare the skin for the products that follow. Exfoliating toners instead deliver acids such as glycolic or lactic acid to encourage gentle surface turnover, while soothing toners focus on calming ingredients. Because cleansing can temporarily disturb the skin's surface, a well-formulated toner can also help the skin settle back toward its normal, slightly acidic pH.

In a routine, a toner is applied after cleansing and before essence, serum and moisturiser, either patted in with the hands or swept on with a cotton pad. Hydrating toners suit most skin types and can be layered, as in the 7-skin method. Exfoliating or acid toners are treatment steps that should be introduced gradually, not overused, and paired with daily sun protection; using more than one strong acid product at a time can irritate the skin.