In the past, skincare toners used to have a bad reputation from the alcohol content found in them. These toners are known as astringent toners used to remove excess oil and debris from the skin. However, this concept was challenged by the korean skincare industry. They were designed in a way that when toner is used on the face, it helps to restore the pH of the skin, hydrate the skin and soothe the skin. They were no longer just to remove leftover debris from your cleansing step.  We are seeing more watery-type toners to viscous textured toners and even creamy textured toners in the new generation of skincare toners. The demand for simplified skincare has pushed many of these facial toners to function as toner and essence, an all-in-one skincare solution to minimize your skincare routine and reap all the skin toner benefits.

Depending on your skin's needs, this second step in your skincare ritual may also include the use of chemical exfoliant toners that contain AHA, BHA or PHA to help remove dead skin cells to bring back the radiance into your skin complexion. The use of chemical exfoliants should be limited to one or twice a week to start, especially in those with sensitive skin as too much exposure to chemical exfoliating agents can trigger skin irritation.