This Skincare Product Gets a Bad Rap, But It's My Secret Weapon for a Glowing Complexion

Is it just me, or do toners get a really bad rap? Whenever I speak to people about their skincare routines, they always tell me that they don't use a toner as they don't really get what it's for or how it can help. Sure, they have the best cleanser, best serum and best moisturiser in their bathroom cupboard, but there's a common misconception that toners can exacerbate skincare concerns. In actual fact, it's the total opposite.

Don't get me wrong, you'll never hear me saying that you 100% need a toner as part of your skincare routine, and if it doesn't work for your skin type then that's absolutely fine, but the reason that I love this product so much is that there is now a huge range of sophisticated formulas out there designed to help tackle specific skincare concerns and make your complexion a whole lot happier. And trust me, I've tried the lot.

Yep, as someone with combination skin, enlarged pores, blackheads and blemishes, I've put my fair share of toners to the test over the years, and I've found some of the best formulas on the market that have helped transform my complexion. Intrigued to know more? Just keep on scrolling...

@hoskelsa with glowing skin

(Image credit: @hoskelsa)

What Is a Toner?

First things first, what actually is a toner? "Fundamentally, a toner is designed to balance pH levels in the skin, which can prepare the skin for the use of other products like serums and moisturisers," explains consultant dermatologist, Dr Magnus Lynch. "[A toner] can also help to remove any residual makeup or dirt that accumulates during the day. [Plus], some toners contain active ingredients that can help with specific skin concerns such as acne."

"Lots of modern toners are used as a mild exfoliant, rich with AHAs [alpha hydroxy acids, which exfoliate the skin] to regenerate and brighten," adds facialist Rhian Truman.

@symphanisoto taking a selfie with glowing skin

(Image credit: @symphanisoto)

How to Choose a Toner for Your Skin Type

So, with so many toners on the market, how do you go about choosing the best one? "Toners can be used on all skin types," says Dr Magnus Lynch. "However, these may be tailored if you have specific skin concerns." For example, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, Dr Lynch recommends looking out for active ingredients such as salicylic acid or niacinamide. However, those of you with dry or more sensitive skin may benefit from ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.

How to Apply a Toner

Once you've found the right formula for you, it's important to apply your toner in the correct way. "Typically, a toner would be applied after cleansing your face and before the application of other products," says Dr Lynch. Usually you can apply your toner to a cotton pad before sweeping across the skin, but make sure to check the instructions as this can vary from product to product.

Now that you know all that, check out my edit of the best toners below and get ready to take your skincare routine to the next level.

A picture of the Rhode Toner and the Fresh Toner against a white wall

(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

My current favourite toners that I am using on repeat this spring.

The Best Toners, Tried & Confirmed by a Beauty Editor

1. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

2. Rhode Glazing Milk

3. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Lotion

4. Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner

5. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner

6. Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Exfoliating Face Toner

7. Medik8 Press and Clear

8. Paula's Choice Calm Nourishing Milky Toner

9. Ren Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic

10. Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner

11. Pixi Glow Tonic

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Grace Lindsay
Junior Beauty Editor

Grace Lindsay is the junior beauty editor at Who What Wear UK. At the age of 18 she decided to train as a makeup artist before going on to study english and media at Goldsmiths University. It was during that time that she explored her love for journalism by interning at a small beauty start-up based in Shoreditch. Since then, she has worked at a number of publications including Marie Claire and Hello!, where her love for all things beauty continued to grow.

As Who What Wear UK's junior beauty editor, she covers everything from the latest hair trends to the stand-out makeup products of the season.