Almost all of us know full well the essential trio of skincare products – cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. While both cleansers and moisturizers have a distinct, important function on their own, the same can’t really be said for toners and thus, the debate to include in the routine is understandable.
After all, toners are usually formulated to be alcohol-based and not all skin types can use the toners as they can be too drying for the skin. Here’s why.
Long ago when the cleansing routine was at the early stage and the cleansers used are homemade-based soaps – this can be drying to the skin and leaving a sticky residue that wiping a regular cloth isn’t going to cut it.
Hence, alcohol-based toners are used they’re indeed effective in removing the scum and sticky residue left on the skin and giving that fresh, tingling feeling that I’m sure you know well.
That said, the growing awareness and research do show that these alcohols can be a tad too dry for the skin, and this won’t work well for dry and sensitive skin types in the long run.
Don’t get me wrong, using such ingredients in a toner can work well for the skin, albeit certain skin types; oily skin types will benefit well from alcohol-based toners as it removes excess sebum (although we don’t for sure to what degree) that can be helpful for their skin.
Plus, the alcohols can be helpful for better absorption of certain ingredients such as vitamin C and retinol as the alcohol will break down the skin barrier a bit, breaking down the ingredients for quicker absorption, as well dissolving certain ingredients that are not water-soluble.
The verdict?
Using alcohol-based toners should be according to your own skin’s needs. As different skin types come with varying skin issues and needs, you might need to use your own discretion if such toners work well with the rest of your products in the routine, as well as for your skin.
If you find this type of toner works well, it’s always a good idea to follow up with hydrating products such as essences, serums, or (at least) moisturizer to buffer up and repair any minor damages caused by the chemical component.
For some, the alcohols used in the formula can be a pleasant change to draw out excess oil and greasiness from the skin when their cleanser isn’t doing enough job for a deep cleanse, or perhaps to clear and purify the pores as part of preventative measures for acne-prone skin.
While for others, they will avoid it like a plague as the alcohols are too irritating for their skin, even for normal skin types.
The ones that need to cut out such toners altogether, fret not as the next best alternative is available for you.
Fatty alcohol-based toners (with prefixes such as cetyl or stearyl) work just as the traditional formulation, only it’s much more gentle and creamier that can act as a moisturizer to the skin that I’m sure you can appreciate.
