How To Use A Face Toner & Pick The Right One For Your Skin

At first, the number of steps in a skin care routine can seem overwhelming. Does the toning step go before exfoliation, but after a cleanser? And do I even need a toner? Plus, there are so many different types available that it’s hard to know which one is best for your skin type. If you’ve ever been puzzled by the order of your skin care routine, we’ve broken it down so you never need to wonder again. 

So, when should you use a toner? You can use it twice a day after you cleanse to remove any remaining grime, dirt or makeup. It can be included in your morning and nighttime routine. Once your skin is cleansed, the toner’s active ingredients can be more efficiently absorbed and penetrate more deeply into your skin. An easy way to remember the correct skin care order is to apply the products with the thinnest consistency to the thickest. Your toner has the thinnest texture compared to your moisturizer, which you’d apply last.

To apply, soak a cotton pad with toner, then sweep it over your entire face and neck. You could also put a few drops in your hands instead of a cotton pad and apply it across the desired area with a patting motion. Some toners can be applied by spritzing directly onto your skin for a quick application. It depends on your purchase. 

Not only can you choose between delivery systems, you can select different types of toners and the benefits they provide. Some are designed to balance your skin’s pH levels, while others are formulated to provide skin-nourishing ingredients for specific skin types. If you’re familiar with your skin type or concerns, read on to learn which ingredients you should look for.

How To Choose A Toner For Your Skin Type

Toners not only complete the cleansing process after you wash your face, they also offer so many more perks. Depending on the ingredients, toner can help a variety of problems, like adding hydration or balancing the pH levels of the skin. Below, Eminence Organics Director of Product Development Colette Lieberman narrows down some of the best toner recommendations depending on your skin concerns. 

If you have irregular areas of a different color on your skin, you’re dealing with an uneven skin tone. Our Pineapple Refining Tonique is formulated with polyhydroxy acid (PHA), bromelain and tranexamic acid to visibly renew uneven, textured skin. PHA is a gentler acid than AHA or BHA so can be used for all skin types, even sensitive. This tonique is designed to smooth out skin texture, exfoliate, brighten and hydrate while preparing skin for the next step in your daily ritual.

Acne & Oily Skin 

Oily skin is particularly prone to large pores and breakouts so you should look for a balancing toner that tightens pores and restores moisture. Our Lime Refresh Tonique uses lime juice (a natural astringent), lavender and green tea to improve an oily complexion.

Wrinkles & Fine Lines

Worried about wrinkles and fine lines forming? The Neroli Age Corrective Hydrating Mist contains a Natural Retinol Alternative Complex to give the appearance of a lifted and tightened complexion. This mist is pH balancing and contains hydrating ingredients such as neroli oil, coconut milk and coconut water. Your skin will appear more vibrant, matte and hydrated!

Redness

If you’re dealing with a stubborn flush, the Hawthorn Tonique reduces the appearance of redness due to dryness. The formula consists of hawthorn, marjoram, chamomile and eucalyptus oil, giving your skin a revitalized appearance. 

Pore Size

Large pores are caused by a variety of factors, including dead skin buildup, excess oil production and good old genetics. The Mangosteen Revitalizing Mist uses the benefits of mangosteen, ribose (from corn seeds) and red clover flower extract to reduce the appearance of pores and brighten your skin tone. 

Dryness

Believe it or not, even dry skin can benefit from a toner. The Neroli Age Corrective Hydrating Mist is perfect for dry skin. This mist’s ingredients provide moisture and soften the skin’s appearance. In addition, if you have mature skin, this mist contains PhytoCellTec™ Swiss Green Apple which helps the skin appear firm and minimizes the visible signs of aging. 

Dullness 

Dull skin can be a result of excess skin cells building up on the skin’s surface. The Mangosteen Revitalizing Mist not only helps with large pores, it also promotes a vibrant and revitalized-looking complexion by minimizing the appearance of environmental stress. Our mist is part of our Mangosteen Collection, which harnesses the benefits of this superfruit to revitalize dull skin, refine pores and resurface the skin.

Sensitive Skin

If you regularly experience stinging, burning or tingling after applying new products, you might have sensitive skin. Sensitive skin needs soothing botanicals to relieve redness and discomfort caused by dryness. The Hawthorn Tonique is infused with chamomile, eucalyptus oil and carrot to protect dry, sensitive skin. Incredibly gentle, this toner is made with Biodynamic® ingredients grown from Demeter International Certified Biodynamic® farms. Translation? The Hawthorn Tonique is made from ingredients subject to extremely strict certification standards to produce the purest and most potent skin care products. 

Have you discovered which toner is the right one for your skin type? Let us know on social media or in the comments below! You can find these toners and more at an Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you.

This article was originally written in July 2021.