Written by OSEA Staff | Published December 10, 2024
If you’re only familiar with older formulas, you might not know the many benefits of modern facial toners. Unlike the astringents of the old days, today’s toners are gentle, soothing and give your skin a boost of hydration. The right toner can make the perfect addition to your daily skincare routine. In the guide below, we’ll explore what exactly toner does for your skincare routine and share best practices to get the glowy, refreshed look you’ve always wanted.
What Does Toner Do for Your Face?
In the past, toners were referred to as astringents. These products were often heavily formulated with alcohol to reduce oiliness and prevent acne. However, they had a tendency to dry out and irritate sensitive skin. Modern toners have luckily shifted away from these harsh formulas.
Your modern toner is a water-based skincare product meant to gently exfoliate and nourish. It supports and amplifies the work of your cleanser and moisturizer by removing dead skin cells and impurities, hydrating dry skin and giving you an instant refresh. It also serves as a primer, preparing cleansed skin for moisturizer and makeup. When you include toner in your skincare routine, you can achieve that coveted glow that lasts all day (and all night) long.
A high-quality formula like our Sea Minerals Mist helps prime, set and refresh skin for a dewy, glowy finish. Our toner is supercharged with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, sodium hyaluronate and a mineralizing seaweed trio. The cooling formula hydrates skin and feels simply refreshing. Anyone can enjoy the benefits of our Sea Minerals Mist, whether you have oily, dry or sensitive skin — it’s formulated to suit any skin type.
Tips on How to Apply Toner
1. Apply in Order
To maximize its effectiveness, it’s important to know how to apply toner properly. Always use toners after your cleanser and before your serum and moisturizer — this will give you the biggest moisture boost. You can also add some to your moisturizer for an extra dewy, glazed-donut look.
2. Add It to Your Daily Routine
Toner can be added to your regular morning and night skincare routine. Make sure your skin is damp first to ensure better absorption. To apply, spritz into your hands or directly onto your face, avoiding your eyes. Pat the product gently into your skin using your fingertips. Make sure your hands are clean — you don’t want to introduce oil or other impurities right after cleansing.
3. Know Your Toner
Not all toners are made the same. Toners formulated for oily skin, for example, usually contain glycolic acid to help balance your skin’s oils, clear away dead skin cells and keep acne at bay. For dehydrated skin, toners often make use of glycerin. This ingredient gently moisturizes, smooths and hydrates.
Not entirely sure what your skin needs? No worries — our Sea Minerals Mist covers all skin types. Undaria seaweed, glycerin and sodium hyaluronate reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier to deliver plumping hydration that lasts throughout the day. This lightweight, oil-free formula nourishes your skin without leaving an oily or greasy feeling.
4. Use a Toner for Sensitive Skin
If skincare products often leave your skin red, itchy or patchy, it’s important to avoid ingredients that can cause irritation. Alcohol and fragrances aren’t typically recommended for sensitive skin, so look for a fragrance-free and alcohol-free toner for sensitive skin like our Sea Minerals Mist. Our gentle but ultra-hydrating formula gives sensitive skin the nourishment it needs to stay smooth and healthy while reducing the risk of reactions.