Toning It The Right Way
Thayers Facial Toner, Sea Breeze, Dickinson’s, Biore!!! Drugstore astringent toners that many of us used to use after cleansing to remove remaining soap, makeup or oil residue from the skin are NOT helping your skincare routine. We think they are doing their job because our skin feels tight and squeaky clean! But these skin-stripping, overly drying, products contain large quantities of isopropyl alcohol, witch hazel and benzoate. This style of “toning” the skin is extremely damaging to our skin barrier, which prevents other products from working effectively. The International Dermal Institute, has determined that the common ingredients in astringent toners damage the skin’s natural protective barrier and mess with its delicate pH. This can create a vicious cycle of drying, irritation, redness, excessive oiliness and believe it or not, new breakouts!
Instead, try toners, sometimes called essences or fresheners that contain no alcohol and are packed with skin-loving hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agents. Professional medical-grade toners tighten pores after cleansing, provide protection and balance the barrier’s pH.
But why do I need a toner? The skin balancing benefits of quality toners literally prepare the skin for accepting and absorbing follow up skincare products, making them much more efficient and effective. You should NEVER put a serum on dry skin, particularly those that contain hyaluronic acid (most do!). HA must have moisture to do its job. Many high quality toners are packaged in a spray bottle. This delivery method ensures an even mist is distributed across the skin. Damp skin is the perfect canvas for the next step in your skincare routine. Because the skin is properly prepared, your serums and moisturizers can work their magic. Your products penetrate better and last longer. This not only gives you the results you want, but saves you time and money!
Which toner is right for you?
Mature, Aging Skin - Try our Iso Rose Hydrating Mist. Packed with deeply hydrating and skin loving minerals, Alpine Rose stem cells and soothing antioxidants. $28.
Oily, Acneic Skin - Our Sal-C Toner is multifunctional. Not only does it exfoliate and brighten skin, the soothing antioxidants help balance oil production while healing breakouts. $30.
Reactive, Red Skin - The Aloe & Calendula Calming Mist blends aloe, calendula, elderflower and rose to help calm discomfort associated with Rosacea and sensitized skin. $32.
Normal to Dry Skin - Our Essence Toner is a lightweight toner that is infused with peptides, marine algae and powerful antioxidants to soften, refresh and protect the skin barrier. $28.
Toning is an important step in a home skincare routine. Finding the right one for you can enhance the efficacy of all your other products and ensure you achieve and maintain your skincare goals!
Catherine M. Puckett, LE, MEd March 2026