Is Toner Really Necessary? What the Science Shows
Is Toner Really Necessary? What the Science Shows
Toners have long been considered a staple in skincare routines. Originally developed to balance the skin’s pH after harsh cleansing, they have evolved into a diverse product category claiming benefits like hydration, exfoliation and color correction. As skincare formulations improve and become more targeted, many are now questioning the necessity of toners.
This article examines the current science behind toners, exploring when they may be useful and when a simplified routine, built around effective actives, can offer more meaningful results.
The Origins of Toner
Toners were originally introduced to rebalance the skin after cleansing. In the mid-to-late 20th century, many facial cleansers were soap-based and highly alkaline, often disrupting the skin’s acid mantle. Toners, typically alcohol-based, were used to restore pH, tighten pores and remove any residual impurities. However, their astringent nature also led to increased sensitivity, especially in dry or compromised skin types.
As modern cleansers evolved to become pH-balanced and gentler, the traditional need for toner declined. Today, many toners have shifted from pH correction to multifunctional roles such as light exfoliation or hydration, but not all may be necessary in a streamlined routine.
What the Research Shows
Some studies and clinical reviews suggest that certain toners can improve hydration and surface texture, especially those formulated with soothing plant extracts or humectants. A recent Cosmetics study found that a toner containing Houttuynia cordata extract significantly reduced sebum and improved hydration with regular use.
However, many dermatologists caution that toner is not essential in most modern routines. According to the Cleveland Clinic, its original purpose, which is removing leftover cleanser and balancing pH, has become largely unnecessary with today's well-formulated cleansers. For those already using targeted serums and moisturisers, toners may add little extra value.
In some cases, especially with alcohol-based formulas, toners can irritate or dry the skin, particularly when used on sensitive or post-procedure skin.
When Toner Might Make Sense
There are specific contexts in which toner can add value:
- Oily or acne-prone skin may benefit from toners with astringent or mattifying ingredients
- After cleansing, a gentle toner can prep the skin to absorb serums or treatments
- When used to rebalance skin following exposure to environmental stressors or minor procedures
These benefits, however, are contingent on the toner’s formulation. Products with hydrating agents like glycerin, niacinamide or green tea extract are more likely to support the skin barrier rather than disrupt it.
When You Can Skip It
A balanced skincare routine often makes toner unnecessary. If you are already using a gentle cleanser and a serum or moisturiser with proven actives, toner may not add measurable benefit. This is important for those with sensitive, reactive or healing skin, where fewer steps tend to reduce irritation.
Toner can also be skipped when products like a recovery-focused moisturiser or serum, like Zensa’s healing cream provide hydration and barrier support more effectively. For example, instead of layering a toner followed by multiple treatments, applying a single multifunctional product may achieve better results with less risk of over-sensitizing the skin.
Streamlining for Sensitive or Post-Procedure Skin
After skin treatments like waxing, microneedling or tattooing, simplicity becomes essential. The skin is more vulnerable, and the risk of irritation increases with each added step. A minimal routine, consisting of a pH-balanced cleanser and a healing-focused product, can reduce disruption and promote more predictable recovery.
Zensa Healing Cream offers a clear example as its formulation also includes seven natural ingredients, designed for use on broken or highly sensitive skin. In situations where the skin barrier is compromised, applying a product like this instead of layering toner and moisturiser may help stabilise the skin more effectively.
Practical Advice Before You Buy
When considering toner:
- Look for clear benefits not already covered in your existing products
- Choose formulations that avoid alcohol, fragrance and high-risk sensitising agents
- Ensure that the toner supports your skin’s current condition, especially if it’s post-treatment
If your skincare already includes hydrating serums, barrier-repair creams or active treatments, adding a toner might lead to redundancy or imbalance. The key is evaluating the role each product plays in your routine.
Final Thoughts
Toners are no longer a universal necessity. While they can serve a purpose for some skin types or routines, many people benefit more from a focused approach using high-performance products tailored to skin condition. Particularly after procedures or when the barrier is vulnerable, recovery-focused products like Zensa Healing Cream provide targeted support without requiring additional steps.
Toner is best viewed as optional, valuable in some cases, but by no means essential.
Key Takeaways
- Toners were originally developed to rebalance skin post-cleansing, but have evolved in purpose
- Some studies show toners can improve hydration or reduce oil, but the benefits vary widely
- For post-procedure skin, fewer steps and targeted products are often more effective
- Zensa Healing Cream offers an example of a streamlined, barrier-supportive alternative to toner
Choosing products based on function and skin condition is more effective than following routine trends
