Toners: an ultimate guide

Have you ever wondered what a toner is and what it does in your skin routine? Well the wait is over; we will help answer that question.

Toners are water-based formulations charged with acids, antioxidants, and other wonderful ingredients.

They are fast-penetrating potions that delivers a quick hit of hydration and help remove some dead cells off the surface of the skin. The result: plump, smooth and glowing skin.

Simply put, think of your toner as “water” and your skin as a sponge. Ever tried putting dishwashing liquid on a dried sponge? What happens, the dishwashing liquid (in this case, your serums and other products) does not get absorbed and you cannot clean with it. Now if you wet the sponge (your skin), with water (toner), suddenly, the sponge becomes more absorbent and the other products does their job and does it much better more effectively.

Your skin is like a dried-up sponge. Use a toner to make your product work better. Of course, toners also help your skin by removing dead skin cells and impurities as well as prep your skin for makeup application.

Toners - Pixi Rose, Glow Tonic, Retinol

When should you use a toner?

The short answer is "straight after cleansing”, morning and night. You typically will use different toners for day use vs night use as some of them contains acids or retinols which are not suitable for use during the day.

For the best result, you should use a toner no later than a minute after cleansing. Most molecules penetrate the skin better when it is wet, so applying active ingredients immediately after cleansing delivers better results.

After applying your toner, you can proceed with applying your treatment-focused products like serums, moisturisers, SPF, and eye cream.

How should you use a toner?

It depends, most can be used by dispensing onto a cotton pad and gently swipe it around your face. Occasionally there will be some which are better to tap in with your fingers.

In the section below, we break down which toner to use to suit your needs

Day Toner

Pixi Rose Tonic

This can also be used at night.

Skin types: All (great for sensitive skin)

Best for:

Hydration
Removing impurities from your skin
Soothing your skin and minimising redness

Night Toner

Pixi Glow Tonic

Best for night time use due to the glycolic acid. Wear an SPF during the day if you are using this.

Skin types: All

Best for:

Glycolic acid exfoliates the skin and encourages cell turnover, giving you a healthy and radiant look
Helps to fade the look of hyperpigmentation and age spots
Tightens and firms the look of fine lines
eliminating blackheads and clogged products
Minimise pores (due to the exfoliation process)

Toners - Pixi Glow Tonic