Is skin toner beneficial?

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Last updated: January 28, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Skin toner is not beneficial for skin health.

Rationale

The provided evidence does not support the use of skin toner for skin health, as it primarily focuses on other dermatological treatments and conditions, such as photodynamic therapy for acne 1, guidelines for actinic keratosis 1, and artificial intelligence in dermatology 1.

  • None of the studies directly investigate the effects of skin toner on skin physiology or dermatological conditions.
  • The studies discuss various treatments, including photodynamic therapy and topical retinoids, but do not mention skin toner as a beneficial or recommended treatment.
  • Given the lack of evidence supporting the use of skin toner, it is unlikely to provide significant benefits for skin health, and its use should be approached with caution in real-life clinical practice.

From the Research

Benefits of Skin Toner

  • Skin toner can be beneficial for skin hydration, as shown in a study published in the Journal of cosmetic science 2, which found that the application of toner, either alone or in combination with cream, led to a significant increase in skin hydration.
  • The use of a skin care routine that includes toner can also improve superficial hydration, deep hydration, skin roughness, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, as demonstrated in a study published in the Journal of cosmetic dermatology 3.
  • Toner can also be used to reduce oiliness, as shown in a study published in the Journal of cosmetic dermatology 4, which found that a guava toner significantly reduced oiliness on the forehead and nose.

Types of Skin Toner

  • Different types of toner can have varying effects on the skin, such as guava toner, which has been shown to have anti-sebum efficacy 4.
  • Toners can also be formulated with different ingredients, such as vitamins and plant extracts, which can have additional benefits for the skin, such as improving skin tone and texture 5.

Usage of Skin Toner

  • The application of toner can be an effective way to achieve favorable moisturization, especially when used in combination with cream 2.
  • The order of application of toner and cream can have little effect on skin hydration, but repeated application of toner can be efficacious for skin hydration 2.
  • The use of a skin care routine that includes toner can be beneficial for improving skin health and aesthetics, and can be tailored to individual skin types and concerns 3, 6.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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