I’ve been asking the same question over and over since revealing the beauty secrets of K-pop boy band BTS to the world: “What the ■■■■ is toner?” Despite the fact that members V, J-Hope, and Jungkook have all mentioned toner as an important part of their skin-care routines, many people are either unaware of what it is or have misconceptions about its true intent. To put it another way, toner looks and behaves like water. But it’s not water, I promise. There’s a lot more to it than hydrogen and oxygen. Acids, glycerin, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories can also be present depending on the toner. If you want to get technical, a toner is a fast-absorbing solvent that hydrates the skin while also assisting in the removal of ■■■■ skin cells. According to Amy Wechsler, a dermatologist in New York City, the short response is “it goes after washing.” She advises using toner in both the day and nighttime skin care routines. To be more precise, Cho and Chang agree that toner should be used after double cleansing and exfoliating the skin. “A thorough cleanse aids in the ‘clearing away’ of dirt, makeup, and ■■■■ skin cells, allowing the skin to breathe.” Cho prefers to apply toner directly to her skin by sprinkling it onto her hands and rubbing it in. Others, she says, tend to apply toner to a cotton pad and gently wipe it over their lips, working outwards. Try the “7 Skin Method” if you really want to go all out. According to Lee, the ultra-hydrating trend infiltrated Korean skin-care routines last year. “Like a moisturiser, you’d pick a toner based on your specific skin needs, such as oil, wrinkles, dark spots, or even dryness,” Zeichner says. “To eliminate ■■■■ cells that collect around the pores making them appear prominent,” Zeichner suggests using a toner with alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, such as Neutrogena’s Pore Refining Toner or the cult-favorite Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner. Look for a toner that contains “skin-calming botanicals,” according to Zeichner. According to Cho, the Klairs Supple Preparation Toner is the best-selling in Korea. “For sensitive skin types, it offers relaxation and deep hydration,” she says. A toner based on salicylic acid is recommended by Zeichner and Wechsler. Cho suggests picking one of witch hazel. She says, “That will sweep away excess oil without drying out your skin.” Try Blithe’s 5 Energy Roots Vital Treatment Essence or Milk Makeup’s Matcha Toner. “Toners containing natural exfoliants such as papaya extracts and lactic acid are excellent for brightening skin,” Cho says. Also, those with alcohol specified as one of the first five ingredients should be avoided. Soko Glam’s best-selling toner and cleansing spray, Son and Park Beauty Water, is a must-try. “Amino acids and fermented yeast (saccharomyces ferment filtrate) can deeply hydrate and nourish the skin,” Cho explains. The first ingredient can also be used in the Missha Clear Toner, another Soko Glam best seller. According to Zeichner, look for toners that contain antioxidants and hydrating ingredients. Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, rose water, Sodium PCA, and lecithin are among the hydrating ingredients, according to Kauvar. According to Zeichner, Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir is formulated with rose and orange blossom extract to help hydrate and relax inflamed skin. Toners are an essential component of skin care, particularly if you want dewy, luminous skin. However, many people are still unaware of what toners are or what they do. A toner, according to board-certified dermatologist Tiffany Libby, is used to help remove debris that your cleanser might have skipped and to prepare your skin for the next step in your routine. “I’m thinking about them.” A toner is used between washing and moisturising to give skin a healthy glow. We’re also guilty of slapping on the moisturiser right after washing our faces instead of toning. We don’t know the power of a good face toner until it’s too late. Toning is more than just a second cleanse for your skin. It also balances the skin’s pH level and prepares it to absorb other skin care products. This pore-cleansing toner includes rose water and non-distilled witch hazel extracts. It contains tannins, which help to keep your skin safe, avoid inflammation, and soothe it. It does not obstruct your skin’s natural moisture barrier and prevents excessive oil output.
Pros
Ingredients that are organically certified
Free of ■■■■■
Clean of parabens
Clean of phthalates
Clean of gluten
Cons
None
This toning solution claims to give your skin visible clarity. It contains glycolic acid, which gently exfoliates and enhances the texture of your skin. It’s a non-irritating solution that shouldn’t be applied to sensitive skin. Because it contains AHA, you must use sunscreen after using this product.
Pros
formula with a pH equilibrium
Oil-free, alcohol-free
Clean of silicone
Contains no nuts
Veganism is a way of life
Clean of gluten
No animals are harmed in the production of this product.
Cons
None
Rose and witch hazel extracts are used in this toner. These natural astringents enhance the texture of your skin, eliminate any traces of odour, and don’t strip away your skin’s natural oils. It hydrates your skin, brightens it, and reduces the size of your pores.
Pors
Clean of parabens
Cruelty-free with a nice scent
Cons
None
The Teen Vogue Acne Awards 2017 went to Pixi Glow Tonic. It has exfoliating properties for the skin. It effectively eliminates ■■■■ skin cells and impurities from your skin, leaving it feeling new and healthy. It tightens and firms the skin by toning it.
Pros
Clean of ■■■■■
Animals were not used in the research.
Glycolic acid is present (5 percent )
Botanical extracts are included.
Cons
None
Plum Chamomile & White Tea Calming Antioxidant Toner is alcohol-free and gentle. The toner is excellent for daily use. It can be used both before and after exposure to the sun. It calms and soothes the skin. Antioxidants abound in this toner. It is fully vegan. It also doesn’t contain parabens or phthalates.
Pros
Clean of ■■■■■
It is suitable for daily use.
It’s safe to use both before and after sun exposure.
Skin is soothed and calmed.
Veganism is a way of life
Clean of parabens
Clean of phthalates
Cons
None
This toner has a pH-balanced formula that soothes and rejuvenates stressed skin. It contains natural ingredients such as aloe vera, cucumber, and green tea extracts, which help dissolve product residues and excess oil, minimise the appearance of skin pores, and cleanse your skin. It also helps to enhance the skin by reducing blemishes.
Pros
Alcohol-free, contains witch hazel, and is free of parabens.
Clean of silicone
Free of mineral oil
Clean of sulphates
Non-dairy
oil-free
Cons
None
The fact that this toner is alcohol-free is obvious from its name. This means it won’t dry out the skin or make it feel constrictive. It contains mild purifiers that condition your skin and remove all impurities from its surface, making it feel extremely refreshing.
Pros
Non-comedogenic is a term that refers to a product that is
It is easily absorbed
Allergy-friendly
Formula that is gentle.
Free of oil
Cons
None