First of all, what is a toner exactly? A toner is a liquid skincare product that is used after cleansing. It is the second step in achieving and maintaining healthy skin. Even with the gentlest cleasner, your skin will temporarily be without part of its natural barrier so this is where a toner comes in. Toners will immediately replenish nutrients to the skin and provide a healthy base layer for the rest of your skincare products.

Toners have many benefits:

1.They remove impurities that your cleanser may have left behind as well as any chlorine or minerals found in tap water.

2. They balance the pH of the skin.

3. They contain active nutrients to enhance the rest of your skincare regime.

4. They maximize the efficacy of the products applied immediately following the toner.

Let’s talk about that last one because its a great skin hack. Damp skin is more permeable so toners can actually act as a carrier for your other products. While your toner is still damp on your skin, apply your serums and they will actually go farther and better into the skin. You will likely end up using less serum more effectively. Who doesn’t love that?

Two of my favorite toners are Perfecting Toner and Brightening Toner. I call Perfecting Toner “liquid moisturizer.” It is a serum-infused toner with bioactive peptides, 10 botanical extracts, hyaluronic acid, and minerals that deeply hydrates, soothes, brightens, and minimizes lines & wrinkles. It is a must for dehydration, roughness, and laging skin. If you have very oily skin, Perfecting Toner with your serum could be an alternative to a moisturizer.

Brightening Toner illuminates and restores the skin. This one gets applied with a cotton round or a 2X2 gauze pad. It will visibly illuminate dullness, minimize dark spots, and balance uneven skin tone. It contains Mandelic Acid, one of my favorite ingredients, which exfoliates without irritation and brightens beautifully. It also has 3 awesome antioxidants- Vitamin C, Glutathione, and Super Oxide Dismutase, so your skin is protected from oxidative stress and sun damage.

Your skin will love this balancing step and you will see the difference right away. Once you get into the routine of applying a toner you’ll never go back.