How to Choose a Skin Toner

Co-authored by Yuka Arora

Last Updated: December 16, 2021 References Approved

A skin toner, also called an astringent, clarifier, or freshener, is a product that is used to clean, refresh, smooth, control oil, and moisturize the face. A skin toner is often used after cleansing the face, but before applying moisturizer or makeup. By identifying which skin type you have, you will be able to chose a toner that works best for you. In general, however, avoid toners that contain alcohol and fragrances which can cause any skin type to become irritated.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Identifying Your Skin Type

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Determine if you have a dry skin type. Dry skin is often characterized as skin that has small pores, feels tight, and has a dull and rough complexion. You will also know if you have dry skin if your skin becomes very dry and even flakey during the winter months. This skin type is also prone to cracking, peeling, irritation, redness/dry patches, and itchiness.^{[1]
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Find out if you have an oily skin type. Oily skin is often characterized as skin that has enlarged pores, looks shiny from excess oil, and, when blotted with a tissue, significant oil residue is visible.^{[2]
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Learn if you have a combination skin type. Combination skin is a little more complicated because, as the name suggests, you tend to have both oily and dry or normal skin. Combination skin is often characterized as skin that has larger pores and more oil in the T-zone area, i.e., your forehead, nose, and chin. However, the other areas of your skin, like your cheeks and the sides of your face, have smaller pores and less oil.^{[3]
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Establish if you have a sensitive skin type. Sensitive skin is often characterized as skin that is easily irritated. Sensitive skin can become irritated from beauty products, being touched, hot water, alcohol consumption, or spicy foods. Because many things can irritate this skin type, redness, itching, and burning are characteristic of this skin type.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Matching a Toner to Your Skin Type

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Select a hydrating toner. If you have a dry skin type, choose toners that are hydrating and moisturizing. Look for products that have peptides, glycolipids, rose hips seed oil or jojoba oil, dimethicone, and glycolic acid. Avoid products that contain alcohol (SD 40, denatured, ethanol, and isopropyl), sodium or ammonium lauryl sulfate, mineral oil, and pertrolatum.^{[4]
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Pick a refreshing toner. If you have an oily skin type, choose toners that are refreshing and gentle for the skin. Do not punish your oily skin by buying toners saturated with alcohol. These toners will dry out your skin causing your skin to produce even more oil. Use products that contain oil-free ingredients, sodium hyaluronate, sodium PCA, and AHA. Avoid products that contain alcohol (SD 40, denatured, ethanol, and isopropyl), sodium or ammonium lauryl sulfate, mineral oil, and pertrolatum.^{[5]
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Opt for two different toners. If you have a combination skin type, you will need to purchase two different kinds of toners: one for the summer months and one for the winter months. For the summer months, use a refreshing toner with oil-free ingredients. For the winter months, use a hydrating toner with ingredients that will moisturize your skin, like rose hips or jojoba oil.
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Choose a gentle toner. If you have a sensitive skin type, pick mild toners that are completely free of alcohol and acids, like salicylic acid or paraben. Use products that contain beta glucans, sea whip, white tea extract, and glycerin, i.e., ingredients that are anti-inflammatory and that have antioxidants. Avoid products that contain synthetic dyes and fragrances, alcohol (SD 40, denatured, ethanol, and isopropyl), and sodium or ammonium lauryl sulfate.^{[6]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Buying Your Toner

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Check the toner's ingredients. When buying your toner, always check the toner's ingredients so that you can find a toner that fits your skin type. Depending on your skin type, check the label for ingredients that you want to avoid.
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Do not buy toners with tough astringents. No matter what kind of skin type you have, you generally want to avoid toners that have tough astringents like alcohol, menthol, and witch hazel. These ingredients will irritate your skin and deplete your skin’s natural oils.^{[7]
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- Also try to avoid toners with fragrance, such as rose water or citrus fruits. Fragrances can cause your skin to become irritated. These toners are usually labeled “fresheners” or “clarifiers” and are simply eau de cologne for your face.^{[8]
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Buy a toner at your local beauty retailer or department store. When investing in a toner, try not to go too cheap. Visit your local beauty supply store or a department store to buy a toner. Avoid buying toners at drugstores. These toners usually contain high amounts of alcohol and/or astringents in them, which will irritate your skin.^{[9]
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Expert Q&A

Question

Is a toner bad for your skin?

Yuka Arora
Makeup Artist
Yuka Arora is a self-taught makeup artist who specializes in abstract eye art. She has been experimenting with makeup art for over 5 years, and has amassed over 5.6K Instagram followers in just 5 months. Her colorful and abstract looks have been noticed by Jeffree Star Cosmetics, Kat Von D Beauty, Sephora Collection, among others.

Yuka Arora

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

Not at all! Washing your face strips your skin of natural oils and good bacteria, which can mess up your skin's pH. Toner helps rebalance pH to get your skin back to normal and also removes dirt and leftover makeup, all of which are great for your skin's health!
Question

Can I use a toner made from green tea extracts for acne?

Community Answer

Yes. Green tea is full of antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory. It will reduce the redness and irritation in your skin without worsening your acne.
Question

What facial toner is best for combination skin?

Community Answer

It is recommend that you buy two different toners depending on the season. During the winter months, choose a toner that is moisturizing, i.e., a toner that is recommended for dry skin types. During the summer months, choose a refreshing toner, i.e., a toner that is recommended for oily skin types.

Warnings

Avoid toners with alcohol or toners labeled “astringent”; these toners can cause any skin type to become very dry and irritated.

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