Toners Explained: The Pros, Cons, and Whether They're Right for You
Quick answer: Toner is a liquid you apply after cleansing to remove any last traces of dirt and makeup, add hydration and prep your skin for serum and moisturiser. It's optional: if your cleanser is gentle and you follow with a hydrating serum, you can skip it. If you skip toner, try Thin Lizzy Hyaluronic Acid Serum for hydration after cleansing.
We've all heard of toners, but are they an essential part of your skincare routine or just an extra step? Here's what toner actually does, the pros and cons, the different types and how to tell if you need one.
What Does Toner Do for Your Face?
Toner is a water-based liquid you apply after cleansing, usually with a cotton pad or your hands. Older toners were often alcohol-based and drying. Modern toners are much gentler, and depending on the formula they can:
- Remove leftover residue: pick up traces of makeup, oil or cleanser you missed.
- Hydrate: hydrating toners contain ingredients such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid.
- Gently exfoliate: exfoliating toners contain AHAs or BHAs to help clear dead skin cells.
- Prep your skin: slightly damp skin helps serums spread more easily.
The Pros and Cons of Toner
Pros
- An extra cleanse if you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen.
- A quick hit of hydration before serum and moisturiser.
- Exfoliating toners can help with congested or oily skin.
Cons
- Alcohol-based or strongly exfoliating toners can irritate dry or sensitive skin.
- It's an extra step and an extra product that not everyone needs.
- Using the wrong type for your skin can do more harm than good.
Types of Toner
- Hydrating toners: alcohol-free, with ingredients like glycerin, aloe or hyaluronic acid. Good for most skin types, especially normal to dry.
- Exfoliating toners: contain AHAs (such as glycolic acid) or BHAs (such as salicylic acid). Best for oily, combination or congested skin. Use sparingly.
- Astringent toners: often alcohol-based, designed to remove oil. Usually too harsh for dry or sensitive skin.
Do You Need a Toner?
Ask yourself:
- Does my skin feel tight after cleansing? Your cleanser may be too harsh. Switching to a gentle cleanser often helps more than adding a toner.
- Is my skin oily or prone to congestion? A gentle exfoliating toner a few times a week may help.
- Is my skin dry or sensitive? Skip alcohol-based toners. A hydrating serum often does the job better.
Where Toner Fits in Your Routine (and What to Use If You Skip It)
A simple routine is: cleanse, tone (optional), serum, moisturise, plus sunscreen in the morning. If you skip toner, a gentle cleanser and a hydrating serum cover most of what a toner does.
1. Probiotic Amino Purifying Cleanser
Best for: a gentle cleanse that doesn't leave skin feeling tight.
A gentle foaming cleanser with amino acids, probiotics, black rose and cucumber extracts. It lifts away dirt, pollution and makeup without traditional harsh alcohols, so skin feels clean but not tight or dry.
- Gentle foam
- Formulated without harsh alcohols
- Preps skin for the next steps
2. Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Best for: adding hydration after cleansing, with or without a toner.
A hydrating serum with 1.5% hyaluronic acid (as sodium hyaluronate). It plumps skin with moisture, so it looks smoother and fresher, and it visibly improves the look of skin texture.
- 1.5% hyaluronic acid
- Apply to lightly damp skin
- More than 800 customer reviews
What Customers Say About Hyaluronic Acid Serum
"Lovely feeling on your face. My skin feels nice and soft. Would definitely recommend it."
Julie S., verified customer
"Nice feeling. Definitely apply to lightly damp skin."
Shelley R., verified customer
Read all Hyaluronic Acid Serum reviews →
Common Toner Myths
- "Toner is only for oily skin." Not true. Hydrating toners suit dry skin too.
- "Toner can replace moisturiser." No. Toner preps the skin; it doesn't replace moisturiser.
- "Everyone needs a toner." No. It's optional. Plenty of great routines skip it.
Choosing a serum? Read our guide on how to choose the perfect serum for your skin type.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does toner do for your face?
It removes leftover residue after cleansing, can add hydration or gentle exfoliation, and preps your skin for serum and moisturiser.
Is toner necessary?
No. It's optional. If your skin feels comfortable after cleansing and you use a hydrating serum, you can skip it.
Should I use toner before or after serum?
Before. The usual order is cleanse, tone, serum, moisturise.
Is toner good for dry or sensitive skin?
Only if it's gentle and alcohol-free. Hydrating toners or a hydrating serum are better choices than astringent toners.
Can I buy Thin Lizzy skincare in stores?
Yes. Thin Lizzy is available at Priceline, TerryWhite Chemmart and Wizard Pharmacy stores across Australia. The range can vary by store, so the easiest way to get the full range, bundles and online deals is to shop online. See our FAQ page for stockist details.
Looking for a deal? Many of our best sellers are available in bundle offers from time to time. See our current Bundle Offers →
Final Thoughts
Toner can be a nice extra, but it isn't essential. Focus on a gentle cleanser, a hydrating serum and a good moisturiser, and add a toner only if your skin benefits from it.
