Do I Need a Toner? What Do They Do and How Do They Work?

Do I Need a Toner? What Do They Do and How Do They Work?

Toners have always been a point of contention in the skincare industry. Professionals and consumers alike swear by their ability to balance out the skin's pH, while others dismiss them as another unnecessary step in your skincare routine.

Are they a must-have or just an extra step and needless expense? Let’s dive into the world of toners and discover their purpose, their effectiveness, and how well suited they are for different skin types.

So, What is a Toner, and What Do They Do?

Traditionally, toners have been used to restore the skin's pH balance after cleansing; however, with the invention of pH-balanced cleansers, toners have found a different niche in the skincare realm. Depending on their ingredients, they can help remove leftover grime, gently exfoliate, repair the skin barrier, or soothe inflammation.

But there’s a catch: toners aren't always a one-size-fits-all solution. Their usefulness hinges on your skin's needs, which is why dermatologists recommend choosing toners tailored to your skin type and concerns as an individual. Our two bestselling toners, Botanical Tonique and Botanical Tonique Mist, aim to do just that.

Pharmagel: Setting the Tone

Pharmagel’s two different toner formulas, Botanical Tonique and Botanical Tonique Mist, are expertly crafted to cater to a wide range of skin types and concerns. Our toners contain multifunctional ingredients for optimal performance. Original formula Botancial Tonique contains botanical extracts like raspberry and strawberry fruit to hydrate and improve skin tone, while Allantoin and Panthenol (Vitamin B5) soothe and protect the skin barrier for better product absorption.

Fragrance-free Botanical Tonique Mist takes hydration and soothing to the next level with a lightweight, continuous mist. Packed with botanical extracts like Chamomile, Aloe Vera, and Cucumber, it deeply hydrates while calming signs of irritation. Vitamins B and E strengthen the skin's defenses against signs of environmental stress, while Dandelion extract helps to improve skin radiance.

Our toners can be seamlessly incorporated into any skincare routine. Botanical Tonique can be applied with a cotton pad after cleansing, while Botanical Tonique Mist can be spritzed directly onto the face or used to set makeup and refresh skin throughout the day.

What Ingredients to Look for In Toners

Finding the right toner is like finding your skincare soulmate. It is good to be mindful of the various ingredients and how they address different skin types and concerns. Here are some beneficial ingredients to keep an eye out for:

  • Green Tea Extract: Not just a soothing beverage, this extract is rich in antioxidants like polyphenols and catechins. Green tea can help soothe and protect the skin from environmental stressors, making it suitable for those with blemish-prone or irritated skin.
  • Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): AHAs like lactic acid, glycolic acid, and mandelic acid provide gentle chemical exfoliation, helping to slough off dead skin cells and improve skin texture and radiance. They can also help to unclog pores and fade hyperpigmentation.
  • Botanical Extracts: Raspberry, Strawberry, Aloe, Cucumber, and Dandelion provide hydrating, soothing, and brightening benefits in both Botanical Tonique and Botanical Tonique Mist.
  • Rose Water: Known for its soothing and hydrating properties, rose water is an excellent ingredient for toners, especially for those with sensitive or dry skin types. It can help to calm the appearance of redness and provides a boost of moisture leaving your skin feeling as soft as a rose petal.
  • Chamomile: Chamomile is a gentle, soothing botanical ingredient that can help calm and reduce the appearance of redness and irritation. It is ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types and has natural antibacterial properties that can help improve the appearance of blemish-prone skin.
  • Witch Hazel: Derived from the bark and leaves of the witch hazel plant, this natural astringent can help purify pores, control excess oil production, and provide a mattifying effect, making it a great option for especially oily or combination skin.
  • Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): Salicylic acid, the most popular BHA in skincare, is particularly great for oily or acne-prone skin. It can penetrate deep into pores to dissolve oil and debris.
  • Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is a skincare favorite, renowned for its hydrating, soothing, and healing properties. It can help to replenish moisture in the skin, calm signs of irritation, and promote a healthy skin barrier, making it a versatile ingredient for all skin types.

The Role of Toners and Skin Types

1. Dry to Normal Skin

Toners used to be known for their astringent properties, making them less than ideal for anyone with dry skin. Now we know that the right toner can help hydrate and replenish. The key is to look for toners rich in substances called humectants, like Hyaluronic acid, Glycerin, and Aloe Vera, which can draw moisture into the skin and improve its overall hydration levels.

2. Sensitive Skin

Those with sensitive skin should be wary when using toners. We have discovered that many formulas contain potentially irritating ingredients like alcohol, synthetic fragrances, and harsh acids. Instead, opt for gentle, soothing toners like our nourishing Botanical Tonique Mist, formulated without alcohol or fragrance to avoid irritation. Its calming botanical extracts, like Chamomile and Aloe, provide soothing relief.

3. Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

Toners have proved to be an exciting find for those with oily or acne-prone skin for their perks like managing excess sebum production and preventing clogged pores. Keep an eye out for toners containing ingredients like Salicylic Acid, a Beta-Hydroxy Acid that can penetrate deep into pores to dissolve oil and debris. Toners with Niacinamide can also help balance out sebum production, while Witch Hazel and Green Tea extract calm signs of irritation and can help reduce shine.

4. Mature Skin

As your skin ages, toners become a more serious consideration. Ingredients like Vitamin C can help combat the signs of environmental stress that can accelerate skin aging. Choosing toners with gentle exfoliating acids like Lactic or Mandelic Acid can help improve skin texture and promote cell turnover.

5. Combination Skin

Toners perform an impressive balancing act when it comes to combination skin, neutralizing both oily and dry areas. This refers to toners that contain a blend of oil-controlling and hydrating ingredients, such as Niacinamide, Witch Hazel, and Hyaluronic Acid. These can help regulate sebum production in oily zones while providing much-needed moisture to dry patches.

How to Make Toners Work for You

If you are someone who takes pride in their multi-step skincare regimen, toner may just be the right addition for you! Modern toners boast the ability to transform dull, congested skin into a radiant complexion in mere seconds.

And unlike other products or tools, this one is easy to incorporate. Follow the steps below to elevate your regimen with the bonus of a well-timed toner:

  • Rinse your face gently with lukewarm water.
  • Pour a few drops of toner onto a cotton pad or directly onto your palms.
  • Gently sweep or press the toner onto your face and neck, avoiding your eyes. If toner comes in a spray bottle, gently spray 5-10 inches from face, being sure to close your eyes and mouth.
  • Allow toner to absorb for up to one minute.
  • Follow with appropriate serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen (during daylight hours) of your choice. It may take a few weeks of regular use to see its full benefits so be patient, and feel free to adjust your routine to discover how you can make your toner work best for you.● Follow with appropriate serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen (during daylight hours) of your choice. It may take a few weeks of regular use to see its full benefits so be patient, and feel free to adjust your routine to discover how you can make your toner work best for you.

The Takeaway

In the grand scheme of skincare, toners are like the cherry on top. They aren’t essential but they do offer realistic improvements to your daily skincare regimen. Our skincare range offers two gentle yet effective toners, formulated with botanical extracts, vitamins, and soothing ingredients that provide hydration and improved radiance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I use a toner?

For most people, using a toner once or twice daily works well. As per the recommendation of most dermatologists, applying it after cleansing, both in the morning and evening has the best results. A gentle spray of Botanical Tonique Mist for a pick-me-up during your day can also be a treat.

How do I know if a toner is working for my skin?

Pay attention to how your skin looks and feels after using a toner. If your skin appears more balanced and hydrated the toner is likely working well for your needs. On the other hand, if you experience dryness, irritation, or breakouts, it may be time to switch formulas or discontinue use.

Do I need to rinse off a toner after applying it?

No, toners are designed to be left on the skin and absorbed. Unless the product label specifies otherwise, there is no need to wash it off.