Toners: Innovative Formulations and their Benefits.

If you're searching for the following, this article is for you: Best toners, toners for oily skin, toners for sensitive skin, natural toners, vegan toners, and non-alcohol toners.

Are your skincare shelfies becoming less aesthetic? Too many products on your shelf? We always say, to keep it simple. It's time to reassess your skincare routine, choose what you need, and only keep that. Cosmetic confusion is real.

Today, we're zooming in on toners.

Is there a toner that suits all? A toner for oily skin, a toner for sensitive skin, and or a non-alcohol-based toner? The answer is yes. Chances are if you're looking for a toner, and you do a quick search to look at toner reviews, you'll find your ideal product.

That said, we then have to ask ourselves, Do we really need a toner?

That is something that we cannot decide for you. We can, however, give you the lowdown on toners to help you make better decisions when creating your routine.

Let's start by looking at what a toner does, and how to use it.

Toners work to remove any final traces of impurities that may be stuck deeper in your pores; moreover, when used regularly, they can ensure pores remain tight. When toners first came out, they were marketed as a second cleansing agent, helping to remove debris, pollution, makeup, and the like from the skin. It was also known to remove excess oil and or sebum that one's skin produced and prepare the skin for nourishment.

Today, due to advancements, skin toners still perform as they had been marketed but are also formulated to treat and nourish. Some toners rehydrate the skin, while others relieve irritation and more.

Ingredients to look out for in toners, and why.

• Hyaluronic Acid: Known for its excellent hydrating properties, hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture and plump the skin.
• Niacinamide: his versatile ingredient can help with oil control, minimizing pores, and improving the overall texture and tone of the skin.
• Vitamin C: An antioxidant that can brighten the skin, even out pigmentation, and protect against environmental damage.
• Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid: These alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are used for gentle exfoliation and increasing skin cell turnover.
• Salicylic Acid: A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that can penetrate pores, making it effective for acne-prone skin.

The rise in natural toner formulations, backed by science

Toners then, were heavily saturated with unnecessary ingredients, today, you will find an array of options that are both natural and vegan. Why is it so important for a brand to create natural, organic, and vegan skincare? Well, today, this is preferred across the industry. Moreover, its potency is on par with non-vegan, and non-natural products, so why not?

Rice toners for instance are all the rave right now. Full of antioxidant-rich components such as ferulic acid, gamma-oryzanol, and phytic acid, rice toners work to brighten the skin, eliminate dead skin cells, and prevent signs of premature ageing.

Another study spoke about the efficacy of guava extracts in a toner. Individuals with oily skin types used it, and the results indicated oil control on the forehead and the nose. It was also proved suitable for a daily application.

We also learnt that using a Date Palm Water Toner works to brighten dull skin. It helps with redness and irritation, prevents ageing signs like lines and wrinkles, and improves the skin's appearance.

The above are only a few of the millions of formulations there are out there, there are rose water toners, elderberry toners and more!

Overall benefits of using Face Toners

• Balancing pH: Skin has a natural pH balance that cleansing can disrupt. Toners help to restore this balance, which is important for maintaining healthy skin function. Toners can do more than one thing. Using toner as a face mist can refresh the skin and keep it moisturized.
• Hydration: Many toners contain humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and plant extracts that help attract and retain moisture, keeping the skin hydrated and plump.
• Prepping the Skin: Toners prepare the skin for the application of subsequent skincare products by providing incoming products with a damp surface, which enhances absorption.
• Cleansing Residue: Toners eliminate excessive sebum and remove any residual traces of makeup and dirt on the skin even after cleansing.
• Soothing and Calming: Choosing toners basis your skin type is important. Some toners include ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, and calendula, which have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. These can help reduce redness and irritation.
• Exfoliation: Certain toners contain mild exfoliating agents like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to gently remove dead skin cells and promote skin renewal.
• Oil Control: Toners with ingredients like salicylic acid or witch hazel can help control excess oil production, minimize the appearance of pores, and reduce the likelihood of breakouts.
• Enhancing Radiance: Regular use of toners can contribute to a more radiant and glowing complexion by promoting a smooth texture and even skin tone.

Sources:

1. Rodan, K., Fields, K., & Falla, T. J. (2017). Efficacy of a twice-daily, 3-step, over-the-counter skincare regimen for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 10, 3–9. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S125438
2. Anti‐sebum efficacy of Guava Toner: A split‐face, randomized, single ... Anti‐sebum efficacy of guava toner: A split‐face, randomized, single‐blind placebo‐controlled study. (2019, April 1). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332297301_Anti-sebum_efficacy_of_guava_toner_A_split-face_randomized_single-blind_placebo-controlled_study
3. Marto J, Neves , Gonçalves LM, Pinto P, Almeida C, Simões S. Rice Water: A Traditional Ingredient with Anti-Aging Efficacy. Cosmetics. 2018; 5(2):26.
   https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics5020026
4. Chatur, V. M., Walode, S. G., Aware, S. A., Gandhi, M. U., & Thorat, V. S. (2021, July 20). Formulation and physical characterization of herbal face Gel Toner. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews.
   https://wjarr.com/sites/default/files/WJARR-2021-0333.pdf
5. Windayani, N. R., & Pritasari, O. K. (n.d.). Analysis of date water toner to brighten dry facial skin
   - Atlantis Press. International Joint Conference on Arts and Humanities 2021.
   https://www.atlantis-press.com/article/125967474.pdf
6. Chun Hyunsoo1, Song Wonseob2, Shim Joungmyo3, Kim Aekyung4, Kim Giyeon5. (2020). Effects of Topical No Toner and Essence on Skin Changes in the Subjects with Acne Vulgaris. Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development, 11(3), 1900–1905.
   https://doi.org/10.37506/ijphrd.v11i3.2203
7. schneik4. (2023, February 7). Face toners: The skin care product gets a reboot. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-does-toner-do/