The truth about toners
For something that's looooong been a part of our lexicon, 'toner' continues to baffle. What exactly is it? What's micellar water for and what on earth's an 'essence'? If you're at a loss as to which to use when, read our guide to deciphering which liquid's which...
First up: toner. Originally used by facialists to sweep away remaining cleanser, grime and 'bad' bacteria to leave skin clean and prepped for treatments, toner doesn't tone or 'tighten' pores (nothing 'tightens' pores) - it's simply meant to gently melt the residue that hinders penetration of your serum, cream and so on.
However, this 'traditional' definition is now a bit dated, as 'toner' has become the umbrella term for several different liquids which do different things - yet often occupy the same 'slot' in your skin care ritual. A lot of things are labelled 'toner', 'tonic' and so forth - so how do you know which is actually make up remover and which is designed to replenish lost moisture and bolster skin's barrier function? It's a (toner) jungle out there - which is why we've decided to help set the record straight...
Micellar Water - for melting your make up
Micellar water is preeeeeetty clever stuff. Thanks to surfactants - dual-ended molecules which are part hydrophilic (water-loving) and partly attracted to oil - the oil-water hybrid boasts 'balls' (or micelles) of dirt-dissolving oil, suspended in a water to eliminate both oil and water-based make up without leaving skin feeling greasy. A favourite of French femmes (you'll find this in most salles des bains), micellar water is often much softer than tap (hallelujah!) - removing mascara and post-commute grime... but its talents end there.
Try: Caudalie's {Micellar Cleansing Water} and skyn ICELAND's {Micellar Cleansing Water with Arctic Algae}
Rosewater - for sensitive or stressed-out skin
A post-cleansing step to replenish dry, stressed-out or easily-upset complexions, rosewater instantly calms and relieves inflammation. Inherently soothing and often in mist form to minimise ruffling delicate feathers, rose has a legion of healing and balancing benefits, making it perfect for sensitive, petal-esque skin types.
Try: fresh {Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner}, Pixi {Rose Tonic} and Oskia {Floral Water Toner}
Witch Hazel - for oily, congested or problem-prone skin
A natural astringent, witch hazel comes from a weird looking plant and is great if you're prone to clogged pores. Rich in tannins (like red wine and tea) which behave like a sponge, this 'mops up' the oil to leave skin looking matte but, avoid overuse as this can cause an overproduction of oil as your skin tries to compensate. Not for reactive or drier skin types, use sparingly when you need to 'reset' your complexion.
Try: Aesop's {In Two Minds Facial Toner} or January Labs {Restorative Tonic Mist}
Acid Toner - for everyone
Titled 'toner' but not to be used à la rosewater, acid 'toners' melt the cells that compromise your glow - liberating healthy skin that's trapped beneath a veil of grime and dulling surface scurf (yuk). Laced with AHAs and/or BHAs, these potions have resurfacing, brightening, pore-purging and collagen-stimulating properties, helping to keep your complexion clear, smooth and refined. Read all about them right {here}.
Try: Alpha-H {Liquid Gold}, Pixi {Glow Tonic} and Sarah Chapman {Liquid Facial Resurfacer}
Essence - for a moisture boost
It's probably you've heard of 'essence' even if you're yet to use one. As Derek Zoolander once said; 'Water is the ESSENCE of wetness' and well, he was right... sort of.
Hailing from the Far East, essences are a pivotal part of many Asian skin care rituals. Sitting halfway between toner and serum, these slippy elixirs are brimming with hydrating, soothing and anti-inflammatory extracts to help maintain moisture levels and support your skin's barrier function - keeping 'good stuff' in and 'bad stuff' (pollutants etc.). out.
Try: Omorovicza's {Omoressence}, Saturday Skin {Daily Dew Hydrating Essence Mist} and fresh {Black Tea Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence}.
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Cult Beauty’s Content Editor and a Cult Beauty OG, Verity loves nothing more than the marriage of language and lip balm. A quintessential Libran, she’s a self-professed magpie for luxury ‘must-haves' and always pursuing the new and the niche — from the boujee-est skin care to cutting-edge tech. Balancing an urge to stop the clock with her desire to embrace the ageing process (and set a positive example for her daughter), Verity's a retinol obsessive and will gladly share her thoughts about the time-defying gadgets, masks and treatments worth the splurge...
