It’s very likely that your facial toner is the most confusing skincare product in your entire routine. There’s a lot of noise circulating about their effectiveness, with some claiming they are essential to balance the skin’s pH, while others say it does nothing for you.
The latter isn’t true.
Toners were originally designed to remove dirt and oil and offer a mild cleanse. Unfortunately, the ingredients back then were harsh, and for some individuals, using facial toners caused redness and skin irritations.
These days, you can find milder products with effective, all-natural ingredients, like the Clarifying Rose Water Face Toner by Routine 10. In this article, we share expert insights on facial toners to alleviate all confusion.
Read the Ingredients
Many effective toners are designed to treat acne, thus frequently use alcohol as a main ingredient. Alcohol does a good job of removing oil and dirt from the skin, but it also quickly dries the skin out. Furthermore, while it gets rid of excess oil, it can also get rid of essential substances the skin needs to thrive. So, as a rule of thumb, look at the ingredients and make sure alcohol isn’t at the top of the list.
For example, look at the first three ingredients in the Clarifying Rosewater Face Toner by Routine 10:
- Juice from an aloe plant (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice)
- Water and witch hazel leaf extract
- Damask rose (Rosa Damascena)
These all-natural ingredients are equally as effective at removing excess sebum without drying out the skin or depleting it of essential nutrients.
Focus on Your Skin Type
Not all toners are the same. Based on their ingredients, some can be better suited for oily skin types vs dry skin types. As a result, when looking for a facial toner, consider your skin type.
- Dry skin: Look for hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid.
- Sensitive skin: Soothing ingredients and fragrance-free formulas are best. These include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and rosewater. The Clarifying Rosewater Face Toner is perfectly suited for your skin type.
- Oily skin: Steer clear of toners that contain oil. Instead, seek out toners with AHAs and BHAs.
- Normal skin: Simply avoid toners that contain alcohol and focus on nutrient-rich formulas that are also soothing and hydrating.
Fragrance is Bad
Well, some fragrance is okay, but not in excess. The real problem is when you don’t know what ingredients are used to create the fragrance. Additionally, if you have sensitive skin, fragrant skincare products can be very irritating. If you prefer fragrance, look for natural ingredients, such as rose, shea butter, or lavender.
They’re Great at Targeting Specific Skin Issues
Truthfully, not everyone needs a toner in their skincare routine. However, if you have a specific skin condition, the right facial toner can correct it. The best way to choose a toner for your condition is to look at the ingredients - as they each serve different purposes - and consider your skin type. For example, if you have hyperpigmentation, look for skin brightening ingredients, such as green tea extract or vitamin C. But if you also have dry skin, make sure the toner contains deeply hydrating ingredients.
Final Thoughts on Facial Toners
If you want to simplify your skincare routine, and you don’t have any specific conditions to treat, your toner can be the first to go. However, that’s not to say they aren’t extremely beneficial, particularly if you’re struggling with specific skin issues. Furthermore, face toners can gently clean your skin, remove excess oil, and improve your skin’s overall complexion. If you're keeping toners in your skincare routine, our first recommendation is to ensure that it has all-natural ingredients designed for your skin.
