Toners can be a valuable addition to any skincare routine, especially for young adults navigating varying skin issues. They not only balance your skin’s pH but also remove leftover makeup, reduce pores, and prepare your skin to absorb other products like serums and moisturizers more effectively. With a variety of toners addressing everything from acne to dry skin, it’s easier than ever to find one that fits your specific needs.
In the digital age, beauty influencers have become a reliable source of skincare advice. With access to the newest products and beauty technologies, they offer valuable insights into what truly works. For this article, we had the pleasure of speaking with seven of our favorite content creators, asking them to share their top toner recommendations.
If you’re looking to refine your skincare routine, the recommendations below come straight from experts in the field. Continue reading to discover which toners these influencers are loving at the moment.
Ale Rios
For those who are unfamiliar, can you tell us more about yourself?
My name is Alejandra, but call me Ale. I’m a graphic designer, skincare, and beauty content creator, and I am currently the product photographer for Youthforia. I’m very passionate about the beauty world, and I spend most of my days playing with makeup and creating content and reviews!
What’s your skin type, and how do you take care of it?
I have combination skin, and at the moment, I like to keep it simple, I find that my skin is at its best when I keep my skincare routine minimal with just cleanser, toner, moisturizer, sometimes eye cream, and serums! Can’t forget lip care, too!
What’s your favorite toner and why?
I’m loving Deep Sweep Toner Pore Cleaning 2% BHA Toner by Farmacy Beauty. I love a chemical exfoliator because I honestly find faster and better results than a physical exfoliator. This toner, in particular, is very gentle on my skin despite it having 2% BHA. A plus of this is that it helps a ton with the shiny, almost sweaty look on your face!
Can you share a little about how you discovered the importance of toner in your routine?
I discovered the importance back in 2020 when my real skincare journey started. Back when I started doing content and slowly entering the skincare world, I realized that toner can be an important part of our skincare routine. It adds the exfoliation our skin needs so other skincare products can penetrate the best way they can and see better and faster results.
- Gently exfoliates
- Deep cleans pores
- Controls oil without over-stripping skin
Mia Mui
What’s the story behind you getting started in content creation?
I was on my Differin journey and had just started incorporating different products to support the journey. My acne wasn’t the typical cystic pimples or whiteheads; they were closed comedones, and I didn’t really see too much content surrounding that since they don’t look big and red but rather skin-colored bumps.
I wanted to show others that it’s alright to have skin texture and explore different ways to help tackle these closed comedones. As I was testing out different products, I shared their pros and cons and hopefully helped people out there!
Give us the scoop on toners! What’s your absolute favorite, and how has it changed your skin?
I absolutely love the [I’m From] Mugwort Toner, as well as the LANEIGE Cream Skin Toner. My skin is sensitive and mugwort is one of the very few ingredients to have an immediate effect on my skin. I remember using it religiously during the pandemic when masks were required. It soothed the irritation and redness on the areas where the mask was constantly rubbing on.
In terms of ingredients, do you have any non-negotiables?
Mugwort, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid!
If you had to simplify your skincare routine to just three steps, what would they be?
Non-drying gel cleanser, hydrating serum, a moisturizing sunscreen!
![[I'm From] Mugwort Essence](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/417P39KIw4L._SL500_.jpg)
- Absorbs easily
- Contains anti-inflammatory properties
- Works for dry and sensitive skin
Toyin Afolabi
What’s the story behind you getting started in content creation?
There isn’t much to it really. My friends noticed how passionate and excited I am about sharing my knowledge about skincare and influenced me to take that same energy and share it with a wider range of people whilst potentially being able to monetize my content.
Give us the scoop on toners! What’s your absolute favorite, and how has it changed your skin?
I really do not have favorites, but the Pyunkang Yul Essence toner and I go together real bad! It is a simple yet effective formulation. It’s packed with only seven ingredients, which all help improve the skin’s elasticity, reduce inflammation, and help collagen production.
In terms of ingredients, do you have any non-negotiables?
Vitamin A, peptides, and glycerin might be my non-negotiables. They do a great job of improving my skin’s texture and supporting my skin’s barrier.
If you had to simplify your skincare routine to just three steps, what would they be?
Hydrating cleanser, retinol or tretinoin, and a great moisturizer. Of course, this is a nighttime routine; we all know how important SPF is.
- Smooth finish
- Works on dry and combination skin types
- Absorbing
Let’s start with a brief intro for those just getting to know you. Who are you?
Hi! I’m Elise, a 34-year-old content creator based in London. I document my journey with eczema and scalp psoriasis, sharing my favorite products that help me along the way.
Tell us about your skin journey and how you cater to its needs.
I have suffered with eczema my entire life, so from an early age, I have taken extra good care of my skin. Eczema is a dry skin condition that requires me to ensure that it doesn’t get too dry as it can easily flake and crack and turn into itchy rashes. To avoid trans-epidermal water loss, I apply a number of skincare products to sandwich in the moisture from mists, toners, serums, creams, ointments, and oils.
What toner has made a significant difference for you and why?
I enjoy using the Aveeno Calm + Restore Soothing Oat Toning Lotion because it’s very gentle, perfect for my sensitive skin. This particular toner contains a combination of soothing ingredients that help to restore my natural moisture barrier, something which is essential when dealing with skin conditions that compromise your skin barrier.
Apart from toning, what’s a step in your skincare you’d never skip?
Moisturizing is very important to me. Not only does it give my skin a healthy glow, but more importantly, it helps my skin to feel comfortable as without it my skin often feels tight and will become flaky. Moisturizer helps me to be confident in my skin.
- Gently removes residue
- Skin pH-balanced
- Can be used twice daily
For the newcomers, can you tell us a bit more about who you are?
Well, my name is Ally, and I have acne! I started sharing my skin journey on Instagram in 2020 when I started graduate school. My stress was through the roof — probably a combination of the pandemic, starting my PhD, and an incompatible relationship I was in at the time. Since then, I’ve learned more about my skin and how to balance my health in a way that works for me!
Tell us about your skin journey and how you cater to its needs.
I’ve had hormonal acne for the last eight years. I let my acne control my self-confidence and value for too long, and I felt defeated after trying multiple rounds of antibiotics, different topicals, and crash diets. Now, I realize that my acne is very much connected to my hormones, including high stress, sugar spikes, and my usual menstrual cycle.
I try to maintain a balanced life of everyday exercise, mindfulness, reliable skincare, and nutritious foods. I very rarely eat highly processed sugars because they offer nothing to my body except a temporary dopamine surge. Managing my stress and diet is a large component of my skincare journey.
Which toner do you swear by and what sets it apart from others on the market?
There are two toners that are my besties on the skincare shelf. One is Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner. Niacinamide is nearly in every product these days — a bit of a running joke in the skincare community — but I love that! It was something I used early in my journey that I saw a dramatic difference with so I recommend everyone to try it if they haven’t.
The other is Hero Cosmetics Pore Release, which is formulated with salicylic acid, PHA, AHA, and lotus water. Ever since it launched, I have not stopped using it. I have large pores — genetics-based, and they can look bigger with excess oil buildup — so this toner helps clear any excess oil. I rarely get bacterial acne anymore.
When and why did toner become a non-negotiable in your skincare routine?
Honestly, I used to never use toner. I thought it was overrated, and I think that is because I struggled to find one that worked well for me. Toners are meant to sink into your skin, so finding one that is compatible with the rest of your routine is important, too. My toners are non-negotiable in my routine because they are delivering results.
I often prefer the thinner formula, compared to serums of the same ingredients, because it absorbs quickly, and my skin feels great afterward. My routine does change in different seasons depending on my skin’s needs.
- Works to reduce uneven skin tone
- Soothing
- Price-friendly
Khrystyna Zavatska
What inspired you to dive into the world of beauty and skincare content creation?
I always liked it. I like to follow beauty bloggers and influencers, discover new products in skincare, and beautiful cosmetics. I like to surround myself with this, so I also decided to make videos and share good products.
Spill the tea on toners! What’s your all-time fave, and what makes it so special?
My favorite toner is a Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner features a viscous texture but quickly absorbs when applied to the skin. This toner promotes skin balance and replenishes with deep hydration.
Are there any ingredients that you’re particularly keen on when choosing a toner?
Nothing special. I’m interested in trying different products, but the main thing is to good moisturizing.
What’s a surprising skincare habit that you believe has made a significant difference for you?
I have combination and acne-prone skin. And I noticed that in order to significantly reduce the acne on my face, stop touching your face with your hands because our hands always touch everything, do not forget to wash them more often.
- Smooth finish
- Works on dry and combination skin types
- Absorbing
Tara Gable
For those just getting to know you, what should they know?
I’m a licensed esthetician and totally obsessed with all things skincare! I love helping my friends and family with their skincare goals and meeting new people online who share the same passions.
Let’s talk toners! What’s your holy grail and why?
I love the Provence Beauty Sugar Plum Exfoliating Facial Toner. It is a very gentle exfoliation, and my skin loves it during the summer months when I’m prone to more skin congestion.
Ingredient-wise, what do you typically look for?
For daily toners, I love gentle and hydrating formulas. I look for Centella or fermented ingredients that help soothe redness before the rest of my routine.
What’s your advice for someone just starting their skincare journey?
Understand that consistency is key to any skincare goal!
- Gently clarifies
- Visibly reduces the size of pores
- Contains witch hazel and glycolic acid
