Everything You Need To Know About Skin Toners
- Tiffany Dunbar
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
When you think of a skincare routine, toners are one of those products that can feel a little mysterious. Are they necessary? What do they actually do? And what even is a toner?
As I start exploring which products I want to create first for my skincare line, toners keep catching my attention. They are often water-based, simple in formulation, and super customizable -- making them a great entry point for new formulators (like me!). So let's break down what toners are, why they matter, and what goes into making one.
What Is A Toner?
Traditionally, toners were designed to remove leftover dirt, makeup, or cleanser residue while restoring the skin's natural pH. Think old-school astringent toners loaded with alcohol that left your face tight and squeaky clean (not in a good way).
But modern toners have evolved. Today's versions are more about hydration, soothing, and prepping the skin for the rest of your routine. Instead of stripping, they focus on replenishing and balancing.
The Benefits of Using A Toner
Depending on the ingredients, toners can:
Rebalance skin's pH after cleansing
Hydrate with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid
Soothe irritation with calming ingredients like aloe or chamomile
Provide gentle exfoliation with acids like glycolic or lactic
Prep the skin to better absorb serums and moisturizers
So while a toner is not always considered a "must-have" step, it can definitely upgrade your routine and target specific skin concerns.
Core Ingredients in Toners
At their heart, toners are water-based formulas. But within that base, you can add layers of benefits:
The Base
Distilled water
Hydrosols (rose water, chamomile water, cucumber water)
Humectants
Glycerin
Hyaluronic Acid
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)
Actives
Niacinamide (brightening, barrier support)
AHA/BHA (exfoliating, clarifying)
Green Tea Extract (antioxidant)
Soothing Agents
Aloe Vera Juice
Allantoin
Calendula Extract
Preservatives
A must in any water-based product to keep it safe and stable
Types of Toners
There isn't just one kind of toner -- they can be formulated to meet different skin needs:
Hydrating Toner -- Packed with humectants, great for dry or dehydrated skin
Exfoliating Toner -- Uses acids (like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic) to gently resurface skin
Balancing Toner -- Restores pH and lightly refreshes oily or combo skin
Soothing Toner -- Calms irritation and reduces redness with gentle botanicals
Initially, I was only planning to provide two toners in my skincare line. However, after further research and from my experience in the aesthetic industry, I have decided to include:
One for normal skin that also provides hydration,
One for oily skin that reduces excess sebum production but also hydrates without the addition of oil-based ingredients, and
One that soothes irritated skin by reducing inflammation and slo provides hydration.
Why I'm Starting with Toners
As a beginner formulator, toners feel approachable because:
They are mostly water-based (less intimidating than emulsions like lotions or creams)
The formulas are short and simple compared to other products
There is so much room to customize based on ingredients, skin types, and needs
That said, even with a simple product, there is still plenty to learn -- especially about choosing the right preservative, balancing pH, and ensuring actives are used at safe concentrations.
Final Thoughts
Toners may seem like a small step in skincare, but they are actually a powerful one. They hydrate, prep, and add targeted benefits that make the rest of your products work better. And for me, they represent the perfect starting point in my journey as a formulator.
So yes -- toners might just be the first official product that I experiment with. After all, starting simple doesn't mean starting small.
Comments