What are toners?
In the past, toners contained high concentrations of alcohol because the main purpose was to remove oil from the skin and make it less oily. So, the old toners were stinging and drying the skin, disrupting the skin's oil and moisture balance. But hey, a lot has changed in recent years.
Toners are now water-based (not alcohol!) cosmetics that help clarify the skin and add moisture to the skin after cleansing. Different categories of toners contain different acids, glycerin, antioxidants, and/or anti-inflammatories. Being water-based, toners quickly penetrate the skin and provide hydration from the inside out. Not only that, using a cotton pad or cotton ball to apply toners helps soften the skin's texture by removing dead skin cells from the skin's surface. You've cleansed your skin, filled your pores with moisture, removed dead skin cells - now your skin is ready for other skincare products, like serums or moisturizers.
When should I use it?
This is an easy question to answer. The answer is: Right after cleansing! After washing your face with a cleanser, wiping your skin with a cotton pad soaked in toner helps remove any residual impurities left behind, evens out your skin tone. Also, the ingredients in toners will penetrate deeper into your skin best when your skin is damp, preparing your skin for the next products you apply.
How should I apply toners?
There are many ways to apply toners. You can put a little on your hands and pat it directly onto your skin. You can also put a little on cotton pads and use them to wipe your face, working outwards. Using cotton pads would be best for gentle exfoliation and to even out your skin tone. If you want to take it a step further, you can try the “7 Skin Method,” a popular Korean skincare routine where you apply small amounts of toner in seven layers. This method is perfect for extra hydration during dry seasons.
What type of toner should I use?
There are many types of toners, each with different benefits. There are two types of toners from COSRX - liquid type and toner pads. Liquid type toners are great for multiple uses because you can apply them as a liquid and soak cotton pads with it. Toner pads are simple and easy to use because they are pre-soaked with essence and you can use them to gently apply toner and exfoliate at the same time.
*Take a look at the chart and see which product might be best for you!
