The Regimen

Why You Definitely Shouldn't Skip The Toner

Why You Definitely Shouldn't Skip The Toner

For such an unassuming resident of your bathroom counter, toner is kind of controversial.

“A lot of people have misconceptions about what a toner should be,” says esthetician and celebrity makeup artist Gigi Jara. “They just think of it as their final rinse after their cleanser.”

A toner will clear away traces of dirt and soap residue, but its benefits go so much more than that.

In addition to getting skin ultra clean, a toner brings your skin back in balance by regulating pH, helping to strengthen the skin barrier and, often hydrating, as well.

Toners remove excess oil and dead skin cells to unclog pores and minimize their appearance, so skin looks clear, smooth, and refined.

Many toners have antioxidant ingredients that help protect skin from age-accelerating free radicals encountered daily.

But, one of the biggest benefits of the toner may the least known.

“It preps the skin. It's the preparation before you put the other products on,” Jara notes.

The secret bonus of a toner is prepping your skin for better absorption of follow-on products. So when you apply a pricey serum after using a toner, it will be better able to reach the cellular level where it can get to work to produce positive changes in your skin. Skip the toner and you undercut the effectiveness of your serums and creams.

Bottom line: Is not just a way to remove every trace of dirt, oil and soap residue, nor is it just a super pH balancer and pore refiner. It’s the ultimate optimizer. Plus, it’s the tits in terms of refreshment. Our favorite summertime toner tip: keep it in the fridge for a chill swipe.

Vivant recommends:

Skin Nourishing Toner

Ideal For Sensitive Or Rosacea-Affected Skin

Our latest entry to our top tier toners is an ultra-nourishing, ultra-refining, ultra soothing swipe of antioxidant bliss loaded with cell-renewing ingredients including mandelic acid to target acne, aging and discoloration; botanical elements to clear and calm; and rosehip oil to moisturize and protect against environmental stressors and signs of aging.

Normalizing Tonic

Ideal For All Skin Types

The perfect blend of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties to improve any skin type or tone. Glycolic and lactic acids encourage exfoliation and cell renewal. Witch hazel protects, refines, and rejuvenates.

Daily Repair Pads

Ideal For All Skin Types

Quick, clarifying repair and rejuvenation in simple, single use pads. The nourishing and refining blend of anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory formula includes mandelic acid, niacinamide, zinc peptides, lactic acid, and salicylic acid to encourage cell renewal, fight signs of aging, promote healing and brighten skin. Toss them in your gym bag or your travel carry-on for all-in-one skin prep and repair.

Shop All Vivant Toners

Related Articles

What’s the Best Toner for Your Skin?

The Indispensability of a Toner

Subscribe to get our latest newsletter on email