You've finished removing your makeup and thoroughly cleansing your skin. What's next? This is usually where toner, an often overlooked beauty routine essential, comes in. Discreet yet effective, it gives your skin that little "extra" that makes all the difference. Discover this simple step that can transform your skincare routine.
What is the definition of a toner?
A toner lotion, or toner, is a light-textured liquid skincare product formulated to refresh skin after cleansing while removing any remaining impurities. Toner is enriched with gentle, moisturizing or purifying active ingredients as required. It is the perfect bridge between cleansing and moisturizing.
To explore other everyday skin care essentials, check out our To explore other everyday care essentials, check out our complete skin care guide.
Why use a facial toner?
The toner acts as a skin rebalancer. After cleansing, the skin's pH may be temporarily unbalanced. The lotion will restore this fragile balance, prepare the skin to better receive subsequent treatments (serum, cream...) and prolong their efficacy. Without a toner, your moisturizing or anti-aging skincare products may not deliver their full potential.
What are the benefits of a toner?
There are many benefits to using a toner regularly:
- Remove residual makeup, limescale, and pollution left behind after cleaning;
- Tone and refresh the complexion, for a sensation of clear, invigorated skin;
- Reduce the appearance of pores, especially purifying formulas;
- Prepare the skin to absorb the active ingreLooking for a perfect skin routine from morning to night? Discover ourts contained in the skincare products applfterwards.
Looking for a perfect skin routine from morning to night? Discover our tips for facial care throughout the day.
Why use a facial toner?
Instead of asking what toners do, we should be asking what they don't do! Here are all the benefits of using a toner:
- Completes cleansing and make-up removal
In addition to removing residual impurities from the skin, toners provide your skin with gentle exfoliation, making it even more receptive to skincare products. They also help rebalance the skin's pH, which can be altered by tap water.
Apply it morning and evening, immediately after washing your face.
- Targets specific problems
Dehydration, sensitivity, excess natural oil, blemishes, pigmentation spots... There are toners to suit every need, capable of enhancing the other products in your routine.
Apply it as needed, either all over your face or on specific areas (such as those that tend to become shiny or red).
- Helps set make-up
As it moisturizes and purifies the skin, it provides an excellent base and keeps you looking fresh for several hours.
Apply it at the beginning and end of your make-up routine, and then at will throughout the day.
How do you get a fresh complexion in the morning?
Application is quick and easy and varies according to the container:
- With a bottle, soak a reusable cotton pad in toner or pour a few drops into the palm of your hands;
- Apply to the entire face, without rubbing, gently patting from the centre outwards.
- For sprays, spritz two or three times on the face ane, making sure to cover the entire desired area.
- Leave to dry for a few seconds... and move on to the next step of your routine.
Tip: Keep your toner in the fridge in summer for asantly fresh effect first thing in the morning!
To learn more about best practices, read our article: cleanse your face gently.
When should I apply toner to my face?
The lotion is applied morning and night, just after cleansing your skin, and before serum or cream. This is a separate step that only takes a few seconds but can significantly improve the quality of your skin.
What is the difference between a toner and a micellar water?
These two products are often confused, and for good reason: they have similar textures. However, they serve different purposes:
- Micellar water is a cleanser that removes make-up and ies.
- Toner, on the other hand, does not replace cleansing. It completes the ritual by soothing, rebalancing and toning the skin.
Tip: For a thorough sing, you can use both: micellar water to remove makeup and impurities, then toner to finish and prepare the skin for skincare.
Which toner is right for your skin type?
Most toners are gentle enough to suit all skin types. However, certain properties become more important depending on your skin type or the problems you are trying to address.
For sensitive skin
Choose a soothing formula that tones without drying, and reinforces the protective barrier against aggression. Choose an alcohol-free toner with ingredients such as rose water, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid.
For combination or oily skin
Look for mattifying ingredients that help regulate sebum production. Choose a purifying toner containing witch hazel, salicylic acid, or tea tree oil to tighten pores and reduce excess sebum.
For skin prone to imperfections or pigmentation spots
Use a clarifying lotion for gentle exfoliation.
For dull skin
Choose a formula enriched with antioxidants, niacinamide, or mild acids (AHAs) to boost radiance. Your skin will be regenerated and reoxygenated.