To use toner or not to use toner: that is the question for many skincare users. Face toners are often a subject of debate among experts and dermatologists, leaving consumers wondering if they can truly benefit their skin, whether the active ingredients are right for them, or if using one is even necessary.
Once the function, ingredients, and proper use of a face toner are clear, deciding whether to add one to a routine becomes far simpler. Thanks to their active ingredients, face toners can help improve the appearance of pores and contribute to a clearer, smoother-looking complexion. And who doesn’t want that?
What is a Face Toner?
Face toners are skincare products used after cleansing and before applying serums or creams. They come in liquid or pre-soaked pad formats and help remove residual dirt, oil, and makeup that cleansers may have missed, while also helping prepare the skin for the serums and treatments that follow.
Face toners have evolved significantly over the decades and are no longer the harsh, alcohol-based astringents that were popular in the ’80s and ’90s: the kind that left your skin with that telltale “sting” to signal they were “working.” Today’s formulas are typically much gentler and more versatile, designed to support overall skin health rather than strip it.
The Purpose of a Face Toner
With a range of active ingredients, toners can deliver targeted benefits depending on the formula, including gentle exfoliation, hydration, soothing effects, and helping to minimize the appearance of pores, with some formulations offering a combination of these benefits.
As mentioned above, many face toners also help prepare the skin for the products that follow in your routine, such as serums or creams. Here are a few benefits of face toners:
Removes Excess Oil and Dirt
Oil, dirt, and makeup can still linger despite thorough cleansing. Using a toner can help remove any remaining residue, which may reduce the likelihood of clogged pores, especially for those with oily or blemish-prone skin.
Prepares Skin for Subsequent Products
By clearing residual impurities and hydrating the skin, toners help create an optimal base for the products that follow. This can support even application and absorption of serums and other treatments.
Supports Skin’s Natural pH Balance
Modern toner formulations are designed to help support the skin’s natural pH and barrier function, which can reduce the likelihood of dryness or irritation.
Minimizes the Appearance of Pores
Toners with exfoliating ingredients can help minimize the appearance of pores by clearing excess oil and dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. Ingredients like salicylic acid, in particular, can penetrate pores to help dissolve buildup.
Hydrates and Refreshes
Most toners contain humectants such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid, which help attract moisture and support a more hydrated appearance. Soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile can help calm and refresh the skin, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Active Ingredients in Face Toners
Not every toner is built the same, and the active ingredients are what set them apart. Knowing which ones target your specific concerns makes the difference between a routine step that works and one that simply fills space.
Witch Hazel
Known for its astringent properties, witch hazel can temporarily tighten the appearance of pores and help reduce excess oil. It may also offer mild soothing and antimicrobial benefits.
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
A beta hydroxy acid that penetrates into the pore to dissolve excess oil and exfoliate dead skin cells. This helps keep pores clear, which can make them appear less noticeable, particularly for oily or blemish-prone skin.
Glycolic Acid (AHA)
An alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin’s surface by promoting the shedding of dead skin cells. This helps improve overall skin texture and quality and can make pores appear less visible over time.
Rose Canina (Dog Rose) Fruit Extract
Rosa canina fruit extract offers soothing and antioxidant benefits that complement the exfoliating ingredients around it. Rich in naturally occurring polyphenols, it helps calm visible irritation while supporting the skin's surface environment, making it particularly useful in toner formulations designed for skin that needs both refinement and reassurance.
Hyaluronic Acid
A humectant that helps attract and retain moisture in the skin, supporting hydration and a plumper appearance, making pores less noticeable.
How to Use a Face Toner Correctly to Improve the Appearance of Pores
A toner only works as well as the routine around it. To see the difference in pore appearance, texture, and hydration, follow these four steps.
Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin
Start by cleansing your face with a cleanser suited to your skin type to remove dirt, oil, and impurities.
Step 2: Exfoliate
Apply an exfoliator to slough away dead skin cells and dissolve excess surface oil. This step clears the path for the toner that follows, ensuring it makes contact with the skin rather than a layer of buildup sitting on top of it.
Step 3: Apply Toner
Pour a small amount of toner onto a cotton pad or into your hands and gently apply it to your face, avoiding the eye area. Some toners may come in a pre-soaked pad format.
Step 4: Let the Toner Absorb
Allow the toner to fully absorb into your skin before moving to the next step in your skincare routine.
Step 5: Apply Serum and the Rest of Your Products
After toning, apply your serum(s) followed by other products. As a general rule, apply lighter products first and thicker products last, although some formulations may vary, so it’s best to follow product-specific instructions when needed.
Toning as Part of a Complete Prep Routine
Pore appearance, texture, and clarity rarely improve from a single product. They respond to consistent prep. ZO Skin Health's Getting Skin Ready® system is built around this principle, pairing a cleanser, an exfoliator, and a toner to reset the skin before treatment products are applied. The result is a surface that looks more refined, holds hydration better, and responds more predictably to the rest of a routine.
Sensitivity to Strong Ingredients
- If you have sensitive skin, be mindful of potential irritants such as strong fragrances or high concentrations of active ingredients. Patch testing new products can help minimize the risk of irritation.
- Face toners that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. When using these products, apply sunscreen daily and limit prolonged sun exposure.
Supporting Clear, Balanced Skin with Face Toners
Face toners can be a beneficial part of a skincare routine, especially for those looking to improve the appearance of pores and maintain a clear, balanced complexion. By incorporating toners with well-formulated active ingredients, you can support smoother, more even-looking skin while helping maintain a healthy skin barrier.