Do You Really Need a Toner? Here’s the Truth About This Often-Misunderstood Step

If you’ve ever looked at your skincare shelf and wondered, “Do I actually need a toner?” — you’re not alone. For years, toners have lived in a gray area: some swear by them, others skip them entirely. And if you’re trying to build a routine that works, not just takes up space, it’s a fair question.

The truth is, whether or not you need a toner depends on your skin’s needs and the type of toner you’re using. Not all toners are created equal, and they’ve come a long way from the astringent, alcohol-heavy versions that used to dominate the market.

In this guide, we’ll break down what a toner really does, who benefits from it most, and how to choose one that actually helps—not hurts—your skin.

What Is a Toner, Really?

A toner is a water-based liquid that’s typically applied after cleansing and before serums or moisturizers. In the past, toners were used to “tone” the skin by removing leftover dirt or soap and restoring pH after using bar cleansers, which were often too alkaline [1].

Modern toners, however, have evolved. They’re now formulated to do everything from gently exfoliating to hydrating, soothing, or prepping the skin for other steps in your routine. Depending on the formula, toners can include:

Hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol
Exfoliating acids like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid
Soothing botanicals like chamomile, rose water, or green tea
Balancing agents like niacinamide or witch hazel

Do You Really Need a Toner?

Here’s the honest answer: a toner isn’t essential for everyone, but it can make a noticeable difference depending on your skin’s needs.

In fact, you only really need a toner if your skin’s pH balance is off or your cleanser has a high pH. Many traditional or foaming cleansers can disrupt the skin’s acid mantle by raising its natural pH, which typically sits between 4.5 and 5.5 [2]. This imbalance can leave skin feeling tight, dry, or vulnerable to irritation. A properly formulated toner helps restore the skin’s slightly acidic environment, allowing it to function more efficiently and absorb subsequent products better [3].

Who Benefits Most from a Toner?

Let’s break it down by skin types and goals:

1. Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

Toners with salicylic acid or witch hazel can help remove excess oil, clear pores, and reduce breakouts. They also assist in preventing the buildup that leads to blackheads or congestion [4].

Avoid alcohol-heavy toners that over-strip and cause rebound oiliness. Instead, look for soothing formulas with anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide or green tea.

2. Dry or Tight Skin After Cleansing

If your skin feels tight or uncomfortable right after washing, your cleanser might be too alkaline. A hydrating toner with hyaluronic acid, rose water, or aloe vera can restore moisture and help rebalance your skin’s natural acidity [5].

3. You Use Strong Actives Like Retinol or Acids

Toners can act as a buffer or prep step when using potent actives like retinol, vitamin C, or AHAs/BHAs. A gentle, pH-balanced toner soothes the skin and reduces the chance of irritation, especially if your skin tends to be reactive.

4. You Want a Hydration Boost

Hydrating toners function almost like a primer for your moisturizer or serum. Toners with polyglutamic acid, panthenol, or honey extracts can help plump up dehydrated skin and improve product absorption.

5. Sensitive or Redness-Prone Skin

For those with easily irritated skin, a calming toner with centella asiatica, colloidal oatmeal, or chamomile can provide relief and support the skin barrier [6].

When You Might Not Need a Toner

If your skin feels healthy, well-balanced, and your cleanser is pH-appropriate, you may not need a toner at all. In that case, a minimalist approach might serve you better. But if your skin is dry, reactive, or feeling “off,” reintroducing a toner may be the missing piece.

How to Use Toner Correctly

Apply toner immediately after cleansing, while your skin is still slightly damp. You can:

Dispense a few drops onto a cotton pad and sweep across the face (best for exfoliating toners)
Pat directly into your skin using clean hands (ideal for hydrating or calming formulas)

Use once or twice a day, depending on your skin’s sensitivity and the product’s strength.

Final Thoughts: A Toner Isn’t Always Necessary—But It Can Be a Game-Changer

A toner isn’t a mandatory step for everyone. But when your skin is out of balance—especially after cleansing—a toner can restore harmony, support hydration, and prep your skin for everything that follows.

The key is to choose the right type of toner for your needs and avoid outdated formulas that do more harm than good. Your skin doesn’t need more products—it needs better ones. And in the right situation, a toner is worth its place on your shelf.

References

Draelos, Z.D. (2012). Cosmetic Dermatology: Products and Procedures. Wiley-Blackwell.
Lambers, H. et al. (2006). Natural skin surface pH is on average below 5, which is beneficial for its resident flora. International Journal of Cosmetic Science.
Loden, M. (2003). The clinical benefit of moisturizers. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.
Tang, S.C., & Yang, J.H. (2018). Dual effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the skin. Molecules.
Rawlings, A.V., & Harding, C.R. (2004). Moisturization and skin barrier function. Dermatologic Therapy.
Han, S.H., et al. (2012). Effect of Centella asiatica cream on sensitive skin and barrier function. Journal of Dermatological Treatment.