Is Toner Necessary? The Real Answer for Your Skin
Toner isn't necessary for most people. Learn when it actually helps your skin-and when it's just extra steps adding irritation and cost to your routine.
When it comes to skincare, toner, a liquid product applied after cleansing to balance skin pH and remove residue. Also known as facial toner, it’s been a staple in routines for decades—but is it still necessary today? The answer isn’t simple. Toner isn’t magic. It won’t shrink pores or cure acne. But for some skin types, it can help prep the skin for better absorption of serums and moisturizers. For others? It’s just an extra step that dries out skin or adds cost with no real payoff.
Modern cleansers are gentler than they used to be, and many don’t strip skin the way old soaps did. That means the old reason for toner—restoring pH after harsh washing—isn’t always relevant anymore. If you’re using a pH-balanced cleanser, your skin likely doesn’t need help getting back to normal. And if you’re using a toner with alcohol, you might be doing more harm than good. hydrating toners, formulas with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or rosewater that add moisture instead of stripping it are a different story. These can be useful, especially if your skin feels tight after washing. But even then, a good moisturizer often does the same job.
Then there’s the astringent toners, those with witch hazel or alcohol meant to remove oil and tighten pores. They’re popular in oily skin routines, but they can trigger rebound oiliness. Your skin doesn’t need to be squeaky clean—it needs to be balanced. Over-drying it just makes your sebaceous glands go into overdrive. And if you’re already using exfoliants like salicylic acid or glycolic acid? You probably don’t need another product that strips your skin barrier.
So who still uses toner? People who like the ritual. People who swear by the feeling of fresh skin after application. People with very oily or acne-prone skin who find certain formulas help control shine. But if your skin feels good after cleansing and your moisturizer works, you’re probably fine without it. The 5-step skincare routine many swear by includes toner—but that doesn’t mean every step is mandatory for everyone. Your skin isn’t a one-size-fits-all template.
What you really need is to understand your skin—not follow trends. If you’re confused about whether toner helps you, try skipping it for two weeks. See how your skin reacts. Does it feel drier? Oilier? No change? That’s your answer. You don’t need to spend money on a bottle of liquid that promises more than it delivers. The best skincare is the kind that works without forcing you to buy into every trend. And if you’re already using a solid cleanser, serum, and sunscreen? You’re already ahead of most people.
Below, you’ll find real insights from people who’ve tested toner, ditched it, and figured out what actually works for their skin. Some found relief. Others realized they were wasting time and money. No fluff. No hype. Just what your skin needs to thrive.
Toner isn't necessary for most people. Learn when it actually helps your skin-and when it's just extra steps adding irritation and cost to your routine.
