Any comprehensible skincare routine typically includes a toner. Yes, we must “tone” our face.
For the longest, I didn’t use a toner. I would just wash my face, apply a moisturizer, aaannndddd DONE. It seemed like an unnecessary step that wasn’t doing anything for my acne, so it was.
It wasn’t until I did a bit of research on what a toner was actually supposed to do that I began to take it more seriously.
Why you SHOULD be using a toner:
Toners often are seen as an arbitrary step; something that you may use one day, but then not use again for weeks and it wouldn’t have any bearings on your skincare goals. After years hours of research, I found that my inconsistency with the use of a toner was probably contributing to my inconsistency in clear skin.
I found that toner can actually help with removing excess makeup, dirt, and oil after you have cleansed your skin, and helps to shrink pores (source). It can also help to balance the pH of your skin (source) which is extremely important for your skin’s health. A lot of facial washes these days pH balanced, but there are still a few that are more alkaline. Our skin’s pH is typically around 5.5 (source), so a more basic (pH above 7) face wash can cause skin care issues if not corrected. Most toners have a pH between 5 and 7 (source), so using it after cleansing can help with the re-balancing and save you from many different skin related woes.
Consistent use of a toner can also help with moisturizing your skin. Lots of toners use moisturizing ingredients, but not all, so be weary. A toner that I used to use in high school had ALCOHOL as the main ingredient… cringe! This is paramount if you are oily and acne-prone like myself. The use of humectants in toners actually work to add a layer of moisture to the skin (source). Moisturized skin is something that us oily slicked, acne-riddle folks don’t think is something that can actually help our acne, but we are dead wrong!
so without further ado
My Top 4 Affordable All-Natural Toners
This post contains affiliate links of which i receive a small commission from any sales. I only link products that I have used and completely endorse
1. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a facial toner that I have been using for years, and I love it. Witch hazel has oil-absorbing properties, and helps to remove excess oil from pores, helping to shrink them (source). I like to use it by dowsing a cotton round with the witch hazel, and swiping it across my T-zone. I like to use witch hazel more often during the warmer months when I am especially oily.
While I love using witch hazel, some feel that it has a downside. I found that it does a great job of keeping my oily skin at bay. However, as I’ve gotten older (an my skin has become more combination), witch hazel didn’t really work as well as it used to. I did some research and found that it could actually be because of the very antioxidant that initially made me love it: tannins.
Tannins have a constricting and drying effect (source), which is awesome for my more oily areas on my face. However it is not so great for those drier areas. Because of this, I would avoid witch hazel if you have drier skin, or at least avoid the driers areas on your face (like I do). Witch hazel is one of my go-to toners, and instrumental in clearing my pores and taming my oily T-zone.
Apple Cider Vinegar is a kitchen staples that many know and love to use in their skin and hair care treatments. ACV is rich in malic acid, which helps to exfoliate dead skin cells and clear clogged pores (source). It is also full of acetic acid, which is known for it anti-fungal and antibacterials properties (source) which is great for anyone but especially if you are acne-prone.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is a controversial facial toner that I have used with great success. It’s use is often debated because of how acidic it is.
I totally agree with this sentiment.
That’s why whenever I use it, I always make sure to dilute the ACV with filtered or bottled water. I began using a 1:4 dilution and gradually moved up to a 1:3 then a 1:1 dilution. The “danger” in using ACV comes from using it without diluting it which can actually burn the skin.
The use of diluted ACV can work to help balance the skin’s pH. Also, because of it’s acidic nature, ACV can help to exfoliate the skin and help remove dead skin cells and brighten the skin (source).
Aloe Vera is another amazing, all-natural toner. Aloe vera is full of antioxidants and enzymes that have many different benefits for the skin (source). These properties help to nourish and exfoliate the skin while also reducing inflammation (source), which is great when you have a breakout. Also, the polysaccharides in aloe vera are hydrating and helps to keep the skin moisturized and reinforce the skin’s barrier (source).
My favorite aloe vera juice brand is the Lily of the Desert brand gel (the whole leaf and inner fillet specifically, but I also like to use the juice). I like to use the aloe vera gel on a cotton round, and then swipe the gel all over my face, then allow it to dry. Then, once I got an aloe vera plant, I then began cutting a leaf off and exposing the inner gel. I would then rub the gel on my freshly cleansed skin, and allowing it to dry before continuing on with the rest of my routine. I would then save whatever gel that was left over in the leaf by wrapping it in saran wrap, and keeping it in the refrigerator.
The last, but certainly not least, of my top all-natural facial toner that has worked wonders and miracles for my skin is rose water. Rose water is a very gentle toner that works to soothe irritation, and impart antioxidants (source). It is also very moisturizing and conditioning (this was especially the outcome when I began my winterized skin care method), and helps with reducing inflammation (source).
The downside of using rose water for a skin toner is when it’s time to find pure rose water. A lot of companies sell “rose water”, but when you look at the ingredients list you’ll see that there are a ton of other ingredients, preservatives, and ROSE FRAGRANCE. :/ Not a drop of actual rose water in sight! So, when purchasing rose water, be sure that it is 100% rose water.
My favorite was to use rose water as a facial toner is to spritz it on my face after cleansing, and allowing it to dry before moisturizing. Another way that I like to use rose water is my winterized version when my skin is seriously dry and scaly.
Conclusion
While the use of a toner can seem like an extra, unnecessary step, it’s not. As long as your toner has antioxidants, exfoliants, and/or humectants, it is bound to be beneficial to any skin care routine. Steer clear of drying ingredients , and “fakes”, and allow your skin to thank you with clarity.
Do you user a facial toner? What toners do you use?
Kayleigh Shuler
Thank you! I found this very helpful and informative 🙂