Toners are an essential part of any skincare routine, but trying to find the right one for your skin type can be challenging. With so many options, understanding which ingredients and formulations will work best for your skin’s needs is key to choosing an effective product. Here are a few guidelines to help you make an educated choice.
Know your skin type (take our skin type quiz):
Before you choose a toner, it’ll help if you know your skin type. In basic terms, the most common skin types are:
Dry skin: Often feels tight and may appear flaky or dull.
Oily skin: Prone to excess sebum production, leading to shine and potential acne breakouts.
Combination skin: A mix of both dry and oily areas, typically with an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and drier cheeks.
Sensitive skin: Easily irritated by certain ingredients or environmental factors, leading to redness or discomfort.
Know which ingredients to look for:
Glycerin: Great for hydrating dry skin and plumping fine lines.
Salicylic & Glycolic Acids: Ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, as they help to unclog pores and reduce breakouts. Willow Bark is a natural, gentler source of salicylic acid that we have included in the effective, yet gentle Yarrow & Willow Bark BHA Toner.
Witch Hazel: A natural astringent that can help to remove dirt, oil and impurities while improving the appearance of clogged pores. Our witch hazel is sustainably wild harvested and steam distilled right here in Oregon.
Aloe Vera: Soothes and calms sensitive skin while providing hydration. is rich in vitamins and minerals and calms, cools and soothes the skin. Ours is organically grown and carefully harvested in the USA. You’ll find it in our Lavender & Aloe Facial Toner.
Licorice Root: A skin-soothing antioxidant-rich extract that can help improve the appearance of dry, dull skin and calm irritated skin.
Best toners by skin type:
Dry Skin: Look for toners that focus on hydrating and nourishing the skin. Opt for alcohol-free formulas to avoid further drying out your skin. A hydrating toner infused with ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera and glycerin can help replenish moisture levels and leave your skin feeling refreshed.
Oily Skin: Toners for oily skin should aim to control excess oil production without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Seek out formulas with ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, willow bark and witch hazel. A exfoliating toner can help to regulate oil production and minimize the appearance of pores, leaving your skin feeling thoroughly cleansed and refreshed.
Combination Skin: Look for a toner that can address both oily and dry areas of the face without exacerbating either condition. Balancing formulas with gentle exfoliants can help maintain harmony in your skin. A gentle exfoliating toner with a combination of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and soothing ingredients like aloe vera can effectively balance oil production while hydrating dry patches.
Sensitive Skin: For sensitive skin, it's essential to choose a toner that is free from harsh ingredients and fragrances. Opt for alcohol-free and fragrance-free formulas that focus on soothing and calming the skin. A gentle, alcohol-free toner infused with ingredients like chamomile extract and calendula can help soothe irritation and redness, leaving your skin feeling calm and comfortable. Our gentlest toner at aos is the Bulgarian Rose Hydrosol. It has only one ingredient, 100% pure steam distilled Bulgarian rose hydrosol.
How to introduce a new toner into your routine:
Whenever you introduce a new product into your skincare routine, it is best to patch test the new product before applying them to your entire face, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Remember to follow up with a serum and/or moisturizer to lock in hydration and keep your skin balanced.
By understanding your skin's needs and selecting a toner with suitable ingredients, you can effectively balance, hydrate and nourish your skin. Experiment with different formulas to find the perfect toner for your skincare routine and enjoy the benefits of healthy skin.
Shop aos Toners:
Yarrow & Willow Bark BHA Toner
Lavender & Aloe Facial Toner Mini
Yarrow & Willow Bark BHA Toner Mini
Bulgarian Rose Hydrosol Mini
