Do You Really Need a Toner? Here’s When It Helps—and When to Skip It

Toners used to be the skincare step that burned—and that was considered a good thing. Think back to the blue astringents and alcohol-laced liquids that left your face feeling tight (and not in a good way).

Thankfully, skincare has come a long way. Toners are no longer just about stripping oil—they’re about supporting skin, enhancing hydration, and helping your other products work better. But do you really need one?

Let’s break it down.

What Does Toner Actually Do?

Modern toners are multitaskers. Depending on the formula, they can:

Balance your skin’s pH after cleansing
Add a light layer of hydration before serums
Calm redness or irritation
Remove leftover residue your cleanser might have missed
Help prep your skin to better absorb the next steps in your routine

So yes, they can be helpful—but they’re not a one-size-fits-all essential.

When Toner Can Really Help

You’ll probably benefit from using a toner if:

You have sensitive or reactive skin

A soothing, alcohol-free toner like the Gentle Balancing Toner can help reduce redness and calm irritation.

Your skin feels tight after cleansing

That’s a sign your cleanser might be too harsh—or your skin needs a little pH reset. A toner can help restore balance before you add in actives.

You use actives like retinol or vitamin C

Buffering your skin with a toner before layering strong ingredients can help reduce the risk of irritation.

You want a mid-day refresh

Toners aren’t just for your main routine. Pour a little into a mist bottle and give your face a hydrating spritz post-sun or post-sweat.

When You Can Probably Skip It

You’re already using a hydrating serum right after cleansing

If your serum does a great job of rehydrating your skin, a toner might not add much—especially if your routine is already working.

You’re keeping your routine very minimal

For skin that’s sensitive, reactive, or currently repairing its barrier, sometimes less is more. You can skip toner while your skin resets.

You’re using a cleanser that’s already pH-balanced

If your cleanser is gentle and doesn’t leave your skin feeling stripped, the need for a toner might not be as strong.

Toners aren’t mandatory—but the right one can make a noticeable difference in how your skin feels and performs. It comes down to your skin’s needs, your goals, and how much you want to do in your routine.

If you’re curious, try it. If your routine already feels good without one, that’s fine too. Skincare should feel good—not forced.

Want to try one that’s gentle, alcohol-free, and made for daily use?