Facial toner – effects, application & modern tonics

What is facial toner?

Facial toner is a liquid skincare product applied after cleansing. Originally, its primary purpose was to remove soap residue and restore the skin's pH balance. Today, modern toners are versatile skincare products that provide moisture, support the skin barrier, and optimally prepare the skin for subsequent skincare. ¹

Traditional vs. modern facial toners

In the past, facial toners often contained high levels of alcohol to degrease the skin and tighten pores. However, this often led to irritation and dryness. Modern formulations are generally alcohol-free and instead contain moisturizing, soothing, and antioxidant ingredients ² .

Effects of facial toner

• Hydration: Toners with glycerin or hyaluronic acid provide instant moisture.
• Soothing: Ingredients such as aloe vera or panthenol reduce redness and irritation.
• pH regulation: Facial toner supports the skin’s acid mantle after cleansing ³ .
• Absorption capacity: Optimally prepares the skin for serums or creams.
• Special effect: Niacinamide, antioxidants, or peptides can address additional skin needs.

What types of facial toner are there?

• Moisturizing toners: With hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera – ideal for dry and sensitive skin.
• Exfoliating toners: Contain mild AHAs (e.g. lactic acid, glycolic acid) or BHAs (salicylic acid) to refine the skin texture.
• Soothing toners: With chamomile extract, panthenol or green tea for irritated skin.
• Combination products: Tonics that contain active ingredients such as niacinamide or vitamin C have both moisturizing and antioxidant effects.

When and how do you apply facial toner?

Facial toner is applied directly after cleansing. Apply a few drops to a cotton pad or the palms of your hands and gently pat into the skin. This leaves the skin slightly moisturized, soothed, and more receptive to subsequent skincare products. ⁴

Tip: If you have dry or sensitive skin, applying it with your hands is gentler than using cotton pads.

Facial toner according to skin type

• Dry skin: Hydrating toner with hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
• Oily or blemished skin: Mattifying toners with niacinamide or low-dose salicylic acid.
• Sensitive skin: Soothing ingredients such as panthenol, aloe vera or chamomile.
• Mature skin: Antioxidants (vitamin C, E, green tea extract) to prevent oxidative stress.

Facial toner and skin barrier

An important function of modern toners is to support the skin barrier. The acid mantle stabilizes more quickly when pH-neutral or slightly acidic toners are used. This prevents transepidermal water loss and improves the skin's resistance to environmental stressors ⁵ .

Conclusion

Facial toner is far more than an optional intermediate step. It's an important link between cleansing and skincare, providing moisture, supporting the skin barrier, and enhancing the effectiveness of subsequent products. With modern, gentle formulations like those developed by NATURFACTOR , facial toner becomes an essential part of any luxurious skincare routine.

Sources

1. Wikipedia (DE) – Facial toner. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gesichtswasser
2. DocCheck Flexikon – Facial Toner. https://flexikon.doccheck.com/de/Gesichtswasser
3. Wikipedia (DE) – Acid mantle. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A4ureschutzmantel
4. Kiel Dermatology Center – Patient Information: Skin Care & Tonics. https://hautarztzentrum-kiel.de/hautpflege-tipps/
5. Springer Medicine – Skin Care and Skin Barrier (Review). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00105-020-04725-2