To Tone or Not to Tone: That Is the Question

Ah, the eternal skincare debate: are facial toners really worth it? Are they good for your skin? Just clever marketing? Or a totally unnecessary extra step?

For years, toner has been one of the most polarizing products in the skincare world. And yet — I love them. Always have. Ever since the early ‘90s when my mom used Elizabeth Arden’s Millennium toner, I’ve been hooked on the scents, the ritual, the results.

But before we dive in: I’m not a dermatologist or medical professional — just a skincare enthusiast and a mom sharing what works for me. Everyone’s skin is different, so always patch test first, and when in doubt, check with your dermatologist.

A Quick History Lesson

Toners used to be alcohol-heavy astringents designed to strip away oil and remove what soap left behind. Effective? Sometimes. Gentle? Not so much.

Thankfully, skincare has evolved. Today’s toners are lighter, more hydrating, and often packed with ingredients that soothe and prep your skin rather than strip it. The goal now: refresh, balance, and enhance — not burn or dry out your face.

Benefits (and Drawbacks) of Toners

Why you might love them:

• Remove residual dirt, makeup, or SPF

• Help balance skin’s pH

• Offer gentle exfoliation

• Boost hydration

• Minimize the look of pores

Why you might skip them:

• Potential irritation

• Can dry out sensitive skin

• May feel unnecessary in an already full routine

• Pricey (especially for fancy formulas)

What Is a Toner, Anyway?

Think of toner as a water-based solution — sometimes light and watery, sometimes thicker and milky — used after cleansing but before serums and moisturizers. It’s basically the primer for your skincare routine, prepping your skin to soak up whatever comes next.

My Take on Application

Here’s where I have strong feelings. I am so over the trend of skin-fluencers pouring toner directly onto their faces. What the helly is that about?

Maybe I’m old school, but I swear by gauze pads (not cotton balls, too much lint risk). The pads hold the toner without wasting it, let you “paint” it onto your skin with intention, and give you control. Milky toners can be patted in with clean hands, but please — stop pouring your toner straight onto your cheeks like you’re doing a Gatorade dump.

Choosing a Toner

There’s no one-size-fits-all here. The “best” toner depends on your skin type, your goals, and sometimes your budget. Always check the ingredient list: alcohol-heavy formulas might be great for acne-prone skin, but not so much for sensitive or dry types.

My Tried-and-True Toners

✨ Morning Favorites

Paula’s Choice Advanced Replenishing Toner - Lightweight, milky, hydrating, packed with nutrients and hyaluronic acid. My go-to AM toner.

AlumierMD Bright & Clear Solution-

Smooths, brightens, and gives that glassy-skin look thanks to lactic acid, salicylic acid, and vitamin C. Pricey, but so worth it.

🌙 Evening Favorites

PCA Skin Smoothing Toner -

My first step in the PM routine.

Sweeps away leftover dirt, oil, and makeup without leaving my skin tight or dry.

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant - The MVP. Boosts cell turnover, minimizes pores, helps with hormonal blemishes, and preps my skin perfectly for serums and retinol. Obsessed is an understatement.

💡 Honorable Mention

Ilia Base Face Milk–

A toner-meets-moisturizer hybrid. Perfect for mornings when I’m working out and want clean, hydrated skin without doing my full routine pre-sweat.

The Bottom Line

Do you need a toner? Not always. But do I think they make skincare more enjoyable and effective? Absolutely. For me, toners are less about “should I” and more about “why wouldn’t I?”

At the end of the day, skincare is personal. If toner adds joy, balance, and a little ritual to your routine — that’s reason enough to keep one (or three) on your shelf.

👉 Curious which toners and other products I swear by? You can peek at my carefully curated Toner Favorites for the full lineup.

⚠️ Disclaimer

I’m not a dermatologist or medical professional — just a skincare enthusiast.

All product recommendations are based on personal research and experience. Every skin type is different, so always patch test first, and when in doubt, check in with a dermatologist.

*Note: The products mentioned in this blog are not sponsored and Sooo Human does not receive any financial incentive or payment for mentioning these products or brand names.