Read Full Article HereThere are two types of beauty lovers in this world: those who believe a toner is an unnecessary extra step in your skincare routine and those who swear by these water-based liquid formulas. Lately, more of us are joining Team Toner in part because of the surge of “toner pads” hitting the market (more on these below!) but also because today’s versions help skin stay hydrated and radiant; they’re one more step to our glass skin goals.
What is toner?
Toners are step two of a typical skincare routine: they’re liquid formulas that you swipe or pat onto skin with a cotton round or your palms after cleansing and before applying serums, moisturizers, or other active ingredients, says Jennifer Sawaya, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with U.S. Dermatology Partners Scottsdale: “Historically, toners used to be an alcohol or astringent-based formula used to deep clean the skin.” But they were very drying and would strip the skin of its natural oils. Today’s toners, on the other hand, are usually alcohol-free, contain ingredients that keep the skin barrier intact, and come with a range of benefits from clarifying to hydrating.
What are the benefits of toner?
“Toners can refine pores, exfoliate, or hydrate the skin. Different formulas contain ingredients to target specific concerns, such as enlarged pores, acne, or a lack of luminosity,” says Dendy Engleman, MD, a board-certified New York City-based dermatologist and Mohs surgeon.
Toner pads are relatively new to American consumers, but have been the fastest growing skincare product in Korea the last couple of years,” says Yanghee Paik, co-founder and CEO of Rael, a holistic care brand that recently launched its version of the buzzy product. “The appeal of this pre-soaked, ready-to-use, and mess-free alternative lies in its convenience and versatility,” Paik says. “Users can swipe them across their face for a quick refresh or leave them on specific areas as a mini targeted sheet mask.”
What to consider when shopping for a toner
No matter whether the toner is a liquid or a pre-soaked pad, the most important thing to look for is that the formula itself contains ingredients for your skin type and concern. If you have dry or sensitive skin, then you want ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe, and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) such as gluconolactone. “These humectants and mild exfoliants help hydrate and smooth the skin while still being gentle,” says board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD. If you have acne-prone skin, she adds, toners with salicylic acid (BHA) deep clean pores to prevent breakouts.
Do note that some brands are doing their part to reduce the environmental impact that toners tend to cause. Look for biodegradable toner pads and “consider reusable, washable muslin pads—or just your hands—to apply liquid toners,” Engleman says. Ahead, some of the best formulas dermatologists and our team of editors recommend.
How We Chose the Best Toners
Our beauty team is dedicated to finding you the best of the best formulas. We spoke with dermatologists to learn about what to look for in a toner and got their go-to recommendations. We also researched and tested top-rated and brand-new formulas that hit the market to help you find the best products out there.