how much is a toner at a salon

The 15 Best Toners for Face, according to experts

There is no disputing that face toners have come a long way since the startlingly irritating astringents we used to keep pimples at bay as teenagers. Today’s products assist in rebalancing your skin’s pH levels after cleansing, keeping it in balance. Facial toners, which contain the same active ingredients as serums, also have a glow-giving effect. Because this is such a vital stage, we compiled a list of the 15 best toners for face so you do not become overwhelmed by the thousands of alternatives available.

Best Toner for Exfoliation – Glamglow SuperToner Exfoliating Acid Solution

GlamGlow’s toner solution contains exfoliating and blemish-fighting ingredients such as glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids to remove dead skin cells, as well as astringent witch hazel to keep your skin smooth and breakout-free. It’s really beneficial for acne because it cleans out pores, reduces blemishes, and clarifies the skin. It’s also entertaining to use because it’s an emulsion that you shake to activate, and it looks glittery and gorgeous. However, the toner’s strong amounts of acids and astringents may be too drying for dry or sensitive skin.

Best Drugstore Toner – Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner With Aloe Vera

This accessible toner is designed with witch hazel, a natural astringent, making it suitable for all skin types, particularly those prone to oiliness or acne. It’s also infused with moisturizing aloe vera and rose water, which can help reduce inflammation. However, it took quite some time for a few improvements to appear on your face, therefore it’s excellent for people who are patient with their skincare.

Best Toner for Redness – Innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Toner

Green tea, known for its anti-inflammatory characteristics, can help reduce skin irritation, redness, and swelling, making it an excellent choice for people trying to soothe angry red skin. Green Tea Facial Toner by Innisfree incorporates the balancing benefits of green tea leaves in a liquid product that feels “extremely light and gentle” on the skin. With so much to adore, there is one drawback: the toner pours slowly from the bottle. That would normally be a good thing, But you have to use “quite a bit of muscle” to get the toner out of the bottle (thank you, small dispenser head), it’s less than ideal.

Best Toner for Sensitive Skin – Renee Rouleau Elderberry Soothing Toner

If you dislike the feeling of tight, dry skin after cleansing, you’ll appreciate Renee Rouleau’s toner. The antioxidant-rich elderberry toner, designed to be used after cleansing, helps balance and relax super-sensitive skin. This toner has only a few components yet provides significant anti-aging properties. This toner would be ideal if it was a little more moisturizing.

Best Toner for Oily Skin – Farmacy Deep Sweep 2% BHA Pore Cleaning Toner

For people with oily skin, the appropriate toner can help manage excess shine, and this one meets the bill. To unclog pores and refresh oily skin, it includes oil-dissolving salicylic acid, exfoliating papaya enzyme, and purifying moringa seed extract. Furthermore, chlorella, a natural antioxidant-rich ingredient, helps nourish and soothe the skin, preventing irritation and overdrying. To avoid overdoing it, avoid using the toner on days when you’ll be using retinoids or other active chemicals.

Best Toner for Combination Skin – Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner

The Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner will leave your skin feeling moisturized, smooth, and revitalized. While some toners contain chemicals that exfoliate and accelerate cell turnover, this one actually moisturizes the face. Formulated with, you guessed it, rosewater and hyaluronic acid (two compounds known to enhance hydration and nourish skin), people with most skin types (especially combination skin) will reap the benefits tenfold. It is, however, pretty pricey, but trust us when we say that it will go a long way.

Best Toner for Moisturization – Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer

Laneige’s creamy formula is ideal for skin that requires more moisture. As the name implies, the product has a creamy, moisturizer-like consistency that hydrates the skin upon touch. “Smooth,” “airy,” and “super gentle” are three terms our tester used to characterize the toner, noting that the moisturizing properties of the product were immediately felt by her skin. Because this toner is thicker than others, it may be too heavy for oily skin.

Best Toner for Refreshing – Belif Aqua Bomb Hydrating Toner

This product is packed with all kinds of good-for-you ingredients, including soothing honeysuckle, baobab (which helps lock in moisture), and sodium hyaluronate (which helps keep skin hydrated). Because the recipe contains alcohol, a common cosmetic component that is known to be drying, you should test a small amount on the inside of your wrist to verify no reaction.

Best Toner for Vegan – Absolute Joi Balancing PH Skin Toner with Aloe

Those looking for cruelty-free businesses and products may appreciate the Absolute Joi Balancing PH Skin Toner with Aloe. As the name implies, it is mostly composed of aloe vera leaf juice and so has a jelly-like consistency. It goes on a touch thick, but it feels light and hydrating on the skin. Because it’s thicker, there may be some residue left on the skin’s surface, but given how moisturizing and soothing it is, we’re willing to ignore that.

Best Toner for Acne – MARIO BADESCU SKINCARE Glycolic Acid Toner

This glycolic acid-based toner from Mario Badescu works wonders for achieving glowing, youthful-looking skin. The toner’s natural components make it ideal for acne-prone skin. The key to its effectiveness is its capacity to stimulate skin cell turnover, resulting in a revitalized complexion. This gentle resurfacing toner does more than just cleanse, brighten, and balance your skin. So, with the best drugstore toner for oily skin, you may reveal softer, smoother, and more radiant skin that is free of dullness.

Best Toner for Versatility – dermalogica Multi-Active Toner

Dermalogica’s revolutionary multi-active toner will refresh and revive your skin. This oily skin toner is carefully formulated to condition the skin and prepare it for optimal moisture absorption. It’s more than simply a toner; it’s a protective barrier against environmental stress, promising improved skin health with each spritz. It can be your go-to option for immediate hydration whether at home, in the salon, or on the go. You may notice visibly smoother skin after using this toner for a few weeks. This is an expensive toner, but it is still a good one.

Best Toner for Cleansing – Perricone MD No: Rinse Intensive Pore Minimizing Toner

Perricone MD introduces the No-Rinse Intensive Pore Minimizing Toner, a game-changing product. This potent face toner is formulated for oily skin and contains DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) and salicylic acid. It works as one of the best toners for oily skin by gently exfoliating and purifying the skin, removing undesirable residue and build-up. It is more than just a toner; it actively reduces the appearance of enlarged pores, making your skin noticeably smoother and cleaner. This toner works extremely effectively as a cleansing toner, thus it may not be suitable for those with dry skin.

Best Toner for pH-Balance – The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution contains glycolic acid, which gently exfoliates and enhances the texture of your skin. The non-irritating oil control solution includes clinically proven components such as Tasmanian pepperberry, ginseng root, and aloe vera extracts, which help increase skin luminosity and deliver skin-soothing effects. This refreshing recipe has a pH of roughly 3.6. The use of this exfoliating toner on a regular basis improves the overall appearance of the skin.

Best Toner for Dry Skin – Dickinson Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner

This toner can help if you have excessively dry skin that needs to be hydrated. Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and witch hazel extract are all included in the Dickinson Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner. It cleans and refreshes your skin without removing its moisture. This face toner also refines your pores and gently removes pollutants from your skin. It can, however, be a little harsh for people with sensitive skin.

Best DIY Toner – Apple Cider Vinegar Toner

Many people claim that apple cider vinegar can help balance the pH of your skin, making you less oily or less dry depending on your skin type. In other words, it could be a great alternative for individuals dealing with persistent breakouts. Mix two teaspoons of ACV with around 1/4 cup (or more, depending on how sensitive your skin is) of the Thayers (the toner we mentioned earlier) and store the DIY toner in the fridge, preferably in a dark glass container.

You may mistake a face toner for an old-fashioned skincare procedure in between cleaning and moisturizing. Remember the cleanse, tone, and moisturize instructions our mothers (and Clinique ads from the 1990s) gave us? However, there is a definite advantage to toning, particularly if you have dry skin or need a boost of radiance. You will be able to attain that glowy look in no time with our suggestions.

WHAT DOES AXIT GLYCOLIC DO FOR YOUR SKIN? 

Glycolic acid is a type of acid found in sugar cane that dissolves in water. It’s commonly used in skin care products to make the skin look better. AHAs, which are natural acids from plants, are the ingredients in glycolic acid. These tiny molecules are easily absorbed by your skin, making them great for reducing wrinkles, enhancing skin texture, and other anti-aging purposes. This article will explain what glycolic acid is and how it benefits your skin. It also provides advice on selecting the right product for you and using it safely.

HOW GLYCOLIC ACID WORKS

Glycolic acid has really tiny molecules compared to other AHAs. This helps it soak into the skin and remove dead skin cells better than other AHAs.

It works by making your skin renew itself faster. In simple terms, it breaks the bonds between skin cells, allowing your skin to get rid of dead cells more quickly.

Glycolic acid also encourages your skin to produce more collagen. Collagen is like the protein that keeps your skin tight, bouncy, and firm. It’s also what gives strength to your bones and connective tissues.

As you get older, your skin makes less collagen, and too much sun can break it down. Using glycolic acid every day can help stop collagen from breaking down and keep your skin looking fresh.

BENEFITS OF ACID GLYCOLIC FOR YOUR SKIN

EXFOLIATION

As a water-soluble alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), glycolic acid has small molecules that penetrate the skin effectively. Once applied, it works by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This process of exfoliation is crucial for promoting cell turnover, allowing newer and healthier skin cells to emerge.

ANTI-AGING

Glycolic acid effectively dissolves the bonds that tether dead skin cells to the surface, facilitating their removal and unveiling a fresher, more youthful layer of skin beneath. By encouraging the shedding of older skin cells, glycolic acid stimulates the generation of new, healthier cells, visibly reducing the signs of aging.

COLLAGEN PRODUCTION

Glycolic acid plays a pivotal role in supporting skin health by actively stimulating collagen production, a crucial protein responsible for maintaining skin firmness, elasticity, and overall structural integrity. Glycolic acid promotes collagen synthesis by triggering a biological response in the skin cells. This stimulation prompts fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen, to increase their activity.

IMPROVES SKIN SURFACE

Glycolic Acid also clears away oil and dirt deep in your pores, making sure they don’t get all clogged up. This stops acne from showing up on your skin. Plus, when your pores are clean, your skin looks better too. It becomes smooth and bright, and you won’t have that yucky feeling from too much oil anymore.

ACNE TREATMENT

Glycolic acid is awesome for skincare, especially if you have acne. It works extra well when your skin is acting up, helping to tackle acne issues and irritations. If you deal with stubborn cystic acne, glycolic acid is super helpful. It clears out deep blockages of dead skin cells and oil, which is great. When you use it along with other skincare stuff, glycolic acid is one of the best picks to stop the pain from acne.

SUN DAMAGE REPAIR

Glycolic Acid has been proven by doctors to help fix skin damage from the sun. It can go deep into your skin to get rid of dead skin, which helps a lot. It makes dark spots from the sun go away, and your skin gets shiny and smooth. Any marks or redness start to get better too.

RISKS OF GLYCOLIC ACID

UV DAMAGE

While glycolic acid can have positive effects on the skin, it comes with certain risks, particularly related to increased sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) rays. The exfoliating nature of glycolic acid can make the skin more susceptible to sun damage. Without adequate sun protection, such as sunscreen, prolonged sun exposure may lead to sunburn and other harmful effects on the skin. 

IRRITATION

Certain individuals may encounter reactions to products containing glycolic acid, leading to symptoms such as redness, inflammation, itching, swelling, or a burning sensation. It’s important to note that experiencing burning does not indicate the product is effective. If any of these reactions occur, it is advisable to wash the product off and stop using it.

Symptoms like redness, swelling, and itching may occur if glycolic acid is too strong, used too often, or applied near the eyes. In case of eye contact, rinse thoroughly with clean running water without delay.

HYPERPIGMENTATION

In some cases, individuals may experience an increase in skin pigmentation, leading to darker spots or patches. This risk is higher when using strong concentrations of glycolic acid or when it is not used as directed. To mitigate the possibility of hyperpigmentation, it’s crucial to start with lower concentrations and gradually increase use, following recommended guidelines. If any unusual pigmentation occurs, it’s advisable to discontinue use and consult with a dermatologist to assess the best course of action for your skin.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ACID GLYCOLIC

Glycolic acid is often found in skincare products, like face cleansers, toners, and creams. Many beauty brands include glycolic acid because it’s really good for your skin. You can look for it on the labels when you’re buying skincare stuff – it might be listed as an ingredient. You’ll find these products in places that sell skincare items, like drugstores, beauty stores, or even some supermarkets. So, next time you’re shopping for skincare, keep an eye out for glycolic acid to give your skin a boost.

HOW DO I START USING GLYCOLIC ACID?

Choosing the right glycolic acid product for your skincare routine is important for achieving the best results. Firstly, consider the product’s concentration – glycolic acid comes in different strengths, and it’s a good idea to start with a lower concentration if you’re new to using it. This helps your skin get used to it without irritation. Additionally, you should check the product’s formulation. Some glycolic acid products come in cleansers, toners, or serums, so choose one that fits well into your existing routine. If you’re unsure about glycolic acid, a cleanser is a gentler way to test the waters. Choose one with some hydration built-in, so your skin gets the benefits without the potential sting.

Pay attention to your skin type; if you have sensitive skin, choose a gentler formulation. Remember to read reviews or consult with a skincare professional to get insights into how a particular glycolic acid product has worked for others. 

HOW TO USE GLYCOLIC ACID SAFELY

Overall, glycolic acid is generally safe and effective for your skin. However, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind to ensure the safety and well-being of your skin before incorporating glycolic acid into your skincare routine.

Foremost, it’s essential to apply sunscreen whenever you’re using glycolic acid treatments. Similar to other AHAs, glycolic acid can heighten your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Ensuring sun protection is crucial to preserve the positive effects of glycolic acid and to prevent the risk of sunburn.

Let your skin get used to glycolic acid. If you’re using a product you can buy without a prescription, start by using it only three times a week for about a week. If your skin doesn’t get red or irritated, you can try using it four times a week for a week or two.

Gradually increase usage until you can use it every day. If your skin gets irritated at any point, take a break before trying again.

When getting peels done at a clinic or salon, they’ll probably start you with a lower amount of glycolic acid. If your skin handles it okay, they might increase the strength for your next sessions.After your initial treatments, your skin might feel a bit rough. Don’t worry, this is normal and shows that the glycolic acid is doing its job. As long as your skin isn’t irritated, continue using your glycolic acid product. Over time, you should notice your skin becoming smoother and healthier.

IS GLYCOLIC ACID GOOD FOR ALL SKIN TYPES? 

Dermatologists affirm that glycolic acid is generally safe for all skin types, but its optimal benefits are observed in individuals with oily and acne-prone skin. If you have dry or sensitive skin, incorporating glycolic acid into your skincare routine should be approached cautiously, particularly if you have conditions like rosacea or eczema, advises Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, a board-certified dermatologist based in Pittsburgh. However, it’s not ruled out entirely. Dr. Hope Mitchell, Ohio-based board-certified dermatologist, M.D notes that fortunately, there are products available that combine glycolic acid with hydrating ingredients such as urea, glycerin, and triglycerides, addressing concerns related to dryness or sensitivity.

FAQ

1. Is it OK to use glycolic acid everyday?

Yes. Daily use of glycolic acid, particularly in 1-2% concentrations, is generally suitable. However, for higher concentrations (10% and above), it’s recommended to limit usage to once or twice a week to avoid potential skin irritation. 

2. Which is better, retinol or glycolic acid?

Depends on your purpose. For smoother texture, reduced oiliness, and unclogged pores, opt for glycolic acid. To address fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage, choose retinol.

3. What cannot be mixed with glycolic acid?

Vitamin C. Combining AHAs/BHAs like salicylic or glycolic acid with vitamin C can disturb the skin’s pH, leading to peeling, discomfort, redness, and irritation.

4. Can I use retinol if I use glycolic acid?

Yes, you can use retinol alongside glycolic acid, but it’s essential to introduce them gradually to prevent potential irritation, starting with lower concentrations and monitoring your skin’s response. 

5. Can I use niacinamide and glycolic acid together?

Yes, niacinamide and glycolic acid can generally be used together in a skincare routine, as they complement each other. However, it’s advisable to introduce them gradually and monitor your skin.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), offers a range of benefits for the skin, including exfoliation, improved texture, and addressing concerns like hyperpigmentation and fine lines. When incorporating glycolic acid into your skincare routine, start with lower concentrations, gradually increasing as your skin builds tolerance, and always follow product instructions. You also consult with a dermatologist who can provide personalized guidance for optimal results.