Toners are often overlooked in skincare routines, with some swearing by their benefits while others see them as unnecessary. So, where do they truly fit in? Are they a staple in skincare or just an extra step? The truth is, toners do much more than you might think. From prepping your skin for the rest of your routine to delivering hydration or offering gentle exfoliation for a brighter, more radiant complexion, toners are a powerhouse step in achieving healthy, glowing skin. Let’s take a closer look at why toners deserve a starring role in your skincare lineup.

A toner is designed to refresh and prep the skin after cleansing. Toners come in various formulations and can feature a variety of active ingredients tailored to different skin concerns.

Historically, toners were essential because cleansers were often harsh, leaving behind residue and stripping the skin’s pH. Toners were used to restore balance and remove leftover impurities. However, skincare products have changed a lot in recent years. The cleansers of today are made with far better ingredients, and most don't disrupt our skin's pH levels as they once did. Of course, this has caused toners to evolve as well.

We now have toner formulas for just about every skin concern. Some help nourish and hydrate the skin, while others may target aging or breakout concerns. Toners have essentially become a jack-of-all-trades in skincare, and anyone can benefit from adding one to their routine.

If you're still not sure where you stand on the toner debate, that's okay. Let's take a look at some of the reasons we use them.

Toners aren’t just a “nice-to-have”—they’re a powerhouse step in your skincare routine. Here’s what they bring to the table:

• Boost Absorption : Properly prepped skin better absorbs serums and moisturizers, making your entire routine more effective.

• Extra Cleansing : Toners act as a safety net to catch any leftover makeup, sunscreen, or impurities that your cleanser might miss.

• Deliver Active Ingredients : Many toners are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and exfoliants to target specific skin concerns, making them a vital part of any routine.

Not all toners are created equal. With so many options, it’s important to choose one that aligns with your skin’s needs. To make it easier, we’ve broken them down into three main categories: Nourishing, Hydrating, and Active.

These toners are designed to support a healthy skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and prevent premature aging. Packed with antioxidants and calming ingredients, nourishing toners help repair and strengthen your skin while enhancing the efficacy of the products that follow.

Our Favorites:

• Le Mieux Iso-Rose Hydrating Mist: This moisturizing mist boosts skin's resilience with vital minerals while balancing, soothing, and hydrating.

• Le Mieux Essence Toner: This multitasking formula hydrates, nourishes, and promotes healthy aging with bioactive peptides, botanical extracts, and hyaluronic acid.

• Skin Script Cucumber Hydration Toner: Perfect for all skin types, this gentle toner soothes irritation and balances surface lipids while delivering a burst of hydration.

• Face Reality Calming Facial Toner: Formulated for dry and sensitive skin, this aloe-based toner calms redness and inflammation while keeping skin hydrated.

• Hale & Hush Mist Me Calming Spritz: A refreshing, moisturizing mist that contains anti-inflammatories and rich antioxidants to promote healing and calm the skin.

Active toners take skincare a step further, targeting specific concerns like breakouts, dullness, or uneven skin tone. These toners are typically formulated with exfoliating acids, brightening ingredients, or antibacterial properties.

For those dealing with hyperpigmentation, dark spots, or a lackluster complexion, brightening toners can help reveal a more even skin tone and radiant glow.         

• Rhonda Allison Brightening Pigment Tonic: Packed with bellis perennis and licorice root, this toner fades discoloration and brightens skin.

• Skin Script Glycolic and Retinol Pads: These convenient toner pads exfoliate and brighten with glycolic acid, arbutin, kojic acid, and retinol.

• Le Mieux Brightening Toner: This corrective toner uses mandelic acid, papaya enzymes, licorice root, and vitamin C to effectively exfoliate and brighten the skin while infusing antioxidant protection.

Active toners for acne-prone skin target oil production, bacteria, and inflammation to keep breakouts at bay.

• Rhonda Allison Mandelic Purifying Tonic: Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, this toner features mandelic acid to cleanse pores and calm acne-prone skin.

• Face Reality Sal-C Toner: This exfoliating, anti-inflammatory, and brightening toner is especially beneficial for acne-prone skin to clear pores, balance oil, calm the skin, and even skin tone.

• Rhonda Allison Fruit Acid Tonic: With glycolic and salicylic acids, this potent toner tackles oily skin, congested pores, and breakouts.