Do You Actually Need A Toner?
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18 hours ago
(And if so, which one?)
The classic three-step skincare regime of cleanse, tone and moisturise has been the beauty mantra for many for decades, but how important is that middle step? Does our skin actually need toner? And if so, which are the best ones on the market? After asking the experts, we’ve tried and tested a host of options, to find the best toners for every skin type (as well as perfecting how to use them).
What Does Toner Do?
Traditionally, toner was used as the second cleansing step, to remove all extra traces of dirt and balance the skin’s pH level before you moved onto the moisturising step of your skincare routine. However, modern toners serve a multitude of purposes. Dr Yannis Alexandrides of 111Skin tells us: ‘In the evolution of skincare, the role of a toner or essence has shifted significantly. Where it was once seen as a final step of a cleansing routine to “remove what’s left behind”, today’s formulations serve a far more intelligent purpose.’ Because of this, finding a toner that suits your skin’s needs is the key to getting the most out of this skincare step.
Toners can now contribute to fulfilling skin needs such as rebalancing, exfoliating, hydrating or refining, so consider what would benefit your complexion the most when selecting your toner of choice. 111Skin’s Dr Yannis says: ‘When it comes to toners or essences, look out for ingredients that don’t strip the delicate skin barrier. Instead, prioritise actives that hydrate, calm and prime the complexion.’
So, do we really need one? No, toners are no more essential than any other skincare product, which are all nice-to-haves, rather than necessities. But a great toner can not only act as a double-cleanse to ensure skin is squeaky clean at the end of the day, but help to rebalance and prep your skin for any skincare products you apply after, as well as gently exfoliating your complexion to leave skin feeling, and perhaps looking, brighter and more radiant.
The Best Toners For Every Skin Type
Best for skin prep & sensitive skin: 111SKIN Antioxidant Energising Essence
Best for oily/ blemish-prone skin: Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner
Best for balancing & post-procedure skin: SkinCeuticals Equalising Toner
Best for redness reduction & hydration: La Mer The Essential Tonic
Best for instant radiance: Tatcha The Essence
Best for soothing on-the-go-hydration: Chantecaille Pure Rosewater
Best for gentle daily exfoliation: REN Radiance Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
Best for pore-refining: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner
The Country & Town House Responsible Buyers’ Guide
111SKIN Antioxidant Energising Essence
This is our favourite primer to use as a skin prep, a boosting fluid that supercharges everything you layer on top. It has a featherweight, watery texture and is powered by the brand’s NAC Y2 and a mix of botanicals; it calms, hydrates, and protects. It’s great for summer as it contains aloe vera to cool and condition, while copper chlorophyll targets discolouration for a more even tone, and giant kelp shields against environmental stressors. Dr Yannis says: ‘It’s especially important in city environments or post-procedure routines, where skin can be compromised and in need of additional support. I always advise applying the essence with the hands, pressing gently into the skin, to encourage absorption and elevate your selfcare ritual.’
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner
If you’re looking for a clarifying toner, this is the one for you. A cult-favourite, this is a daily exfoliator for those seeking clearer, brighter skin. The toner contains 2 percent salicylic acid (BHA) to unclog pores and boost cell turnover, helping to prevent congestion. It mimics the skin’s natural renewal process, utilising chemical rather than manual exfoliation, without irritating skin. It’s a good choice for oily or blemish-prone skin.
SkinCeuticals Equalising Toner
Masters of scientific skincare, the SkinCeuticals Equalising Toner is ideal for skin that needs balance. Its alcohol-free formula gently restores the skin’s pH after cleansing, helping to sweep away any remaining residual impurities while soothing and refreshing the skin. Botanical extracts work to calm irritation and support the skin barrier, making it suitable for even sensitive or post-procedure skin. It balances and restores tone without stripping moisture or leaving skin feeling tight.
La Mer The Essential Tonic
If you’re a fan of La Mer’s luxe moisturisers, you’ll also love the brand’s Essential Tonic, which delivers the signature La Mer experience in a liquid form. Infused with the signature Miracle Broth, it hydrates while calming and helping to reduce visible redness. The formula preps your complexion for the rest of your routine, leaving it soft and supple.
Tatcha The Essence
The key ingredient in this cult favourite is Hadasei-3, crafted from fermented Japanese superfoods (rice, algae and green tea). In one simple step, it deeply hydrates, resurfaces and primes the skin for further skincare steps, leaving skin instantly plumper, softer, more luminous and feeling refreshed.
Chantecaille Pure Rosewater Limited Edition
This Chantecaille toner doubles as a summer face mist, perfect for a skin touch-up on the go. Crafted from the rare Rose de Mai, which is hand-harvested and steam-distilled in France, it is a calming tonic that is rich in essential oils, antioxidants, and vitamin C. It soothes, hydrates and leaves skin (and overall mood) calmer. Use to breathe instant life and hydration into tired skin or to set your makeup.
REN Radiance Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
A firm favourite with the beauty crowd, this daily tonic is a shortcut to brighter, more radiant skin. It is powered by gentle AHAs, to sweep away dullness and dead skin cells, leaving your complexion smooth, even, and more radiant. The formula is designed for daily use, so you can enjoy the benefits of chemical exfoliation-light, without irritation. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for lacklustre skin.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner
The Glow Recipe toner is another cult classic. It’s a favourite with those looking for pore-tightening benefits, utilising a blend of 3 percent PHA and 2 percent BHA acids to gently exfoliate and brighten skin. The alcohol-free formula pairs watermelon extract and cactus water for a soothing, plumping effect, plus hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture for a dewy, glowy finish. It has a lightweight, slightly viscous texture that absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft, smooth, and visibly more radiant without any sticky residue, making it one of the nicest on the list for an indulgent end-of-day skin treat.
