To tone, or not to tone? That is the question.
Hamlet was onto something. 😜
Toner is arguably one of the least understood (and underrated!) products in skincare. In fact, toner is a secret skincare weapon for healthy, balanced, and radiant skin.
MYTH: Toner isn’t necessary for healthy skin.
Many people think they’re just fine without a toner, but adding a toner is a great way to elevate your skincare routine.
Beyond balancing pH, toners have many benefits, like soothing irritation, replenishing and protecting skin, and improving skin tone. Toners help remove the last traces of impurities while depositing pH-balancing botanicals to nourish your skin. They also balance your skin’s microbiome, essential for overall skin health.
PHYTO-BIOTIC BALANCING TONER ESSENCE goes beyond traditional toning with natural, skin-loving ingredients like:
- Radish Root Ferment: Rich in probiotic and skin-balancing lactic acid, it helps brighten dull skin and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
- Japanese Green Tea: Known to unclog pores and prevent breakouts by balancing sebum and calming irritated skin.
- Cucumber Extract: Boosts skin’s natural regenerating abilities to minimize blemishes and dark spots, promoting a clear, bright complexion.
- Allantoin: A powerful, soothing agent perfect for compromised or sensitive skin.
- Saccharomyces/Sea Silt Ferment: Packed with minerals, it strengthens the skin barrier and supports a healthy microbiome.
- Acetic Acid (from Apple Cider Vinegar): A gentle exfoliant with antimicrobial properties, it helps cleanse and clarify the skin.
MYTH: Toners are only for people with oily skin.
In fact, there are many types of toners for every skin type—whether you have dry, aging, sensitive, or acne-prone skin. Specific skincare toners address unique concerns, helping prevent premature aging and smoothing the skin to appear firmer and more youthful.
MYTH: Toners are all drying astringents.
When many think of toner, they remember alcohol-based, outdated formulas that caused dryness, irritation, or even stinging—giving toners an unfair reputation.
“Alcohol actually dries your skin out, which makes issues like acne even worse,” says Coco Pai, a licensed esthetician with over 25 years of experience and the owner of CoCo Spa in San Francisco, CA.
For the best results, look for toners with gentle ingredients like Aloe Vera and avoid alcohol, benzoyl peroxide, fragrances, phthalates, and parabens. Our PHYTO-BIOTIC BALANCING TONER ESSENCE is all natural and 100% alcohol free!
MYTH: If you use a cleanser, toners aren’t necessary.
Toners remove residual impurities and traces of dirt, grime, and makeup after cleansing. Toners also prepare your skin for maximum absorption of treatments (like serums and moisturizers) that follow, giving you the clean, refreshed canvas needed for an effective skincare routine.
MYTH: There’s only one correct way to apply toner.
Traditionally, toner goes on after cleansing and before moisturizing. Some prefer to apply it with a cotton pad, while others pat it on like a serum. Both methods work beautifully!
PRO TIP: Apply your mist or toner when skin is still a little damp so it absorbs better.
With our PHYTO-BIOTIC BALANCING TONER ESSENCE, your face is primed and prepped to absorb serums and moisturizers for radiant, healthy skin!
