A normal pH level is essential for protecting the skin from bacteria and pollutants. Some cleansing agents can cause this level to become imbalanced, leading to sensitivity and dryness. A toner will help restore the pH balance. Understanding the types of toners One person wrote: "Great product. I have used more expensive ones and the ingredients are the same as this but at a fraction of the price. I have bought a few once on sale as well." Another person agreed: "Luxury product at value price. Lovely toner just as good as expensive well know brands. Great value for money. Love this!". Someone else added: "Lovely value toner. Compares with PIXI", with another agreeing: "Lovely Value Toner, Compares favourably to expensive brand." It comes in three strengths — 0.25 percent, 0.5 percent, and 1 percent — so you can gradually move up if needed. Toners can be beneficial when incorporated within your skin care routine and used correctly. However, applying them too often, or using toners with ingredients that are not suitable for your skin type can have detrimental effects. Incorrect use In the past, toners were harsh astringents. Now, they are ways to cleanse the skin," explains board-certified dermatologist Ife Rodney, MD, FAAD, of Eternal Dermatology and Aesthetics. "These are water-based formulas that contain any combination of acids, antioxidants, and other effective, natural ingredients. Toners benefit the skin as a way to deliver low concentrations of these ingredients to the skin while balancing the pH. They also help in hydrating the skin and removing dead skin cells left behind after washing and cleansing your face. Some people use a toner as part of their makeup routine, cleaning the face before any further products are applied."

Additionally, toner can help balance the pH of your skin, which can reduce the likelihood of irritation or other negative side effects from using retinol. And because toner is generally more gentle than other skincare products, it can be a great way to complement the powerful effects of retinol. If you continue to experience skin irritation, you may want to talk with a dermatologist. Or better yet, talk with a dermatologist before you start using a retinol product to see if it’s a good idea for your skin. The right toner can go a long way to control excess shine for those with oily skin types, and this one fits the bill. It combines oil-dissolving salicylic acid, exfoliating papaya enzyme, and purifying moringa seed extract to unclog pores and refresh greasy skin. In addition, chlorella, a natural ingredient rich in antioxidants, helps nourish and soothe the skin to prevent irritation and overdrying. Our tester was impressed by how lightweight the formula felt on her skin, noting that she almost forgot she had it on. She was also pleased that the product didn’t cause a tingling sensation. Just keep in mind that since the toner contains active exfoliants, you may want to skip it on days when you’ll be applying retinoids and other active ingredients to avoid overdoing it (i.e., redness, burning, and dehydrating the skin). If you experience any of the above side effects, consider a low-percentage product or consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional to be on the safe side. It’s also useful to remember that some peeling and dryness is to be expected when using retinol products, as they exacerbate cell turnover. 15 Toners that contain AHAs or BHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids) are a different story, as they act as an exfoliating step in your routine. These may help if you struggle with breakouts, clogged pores or slow skin cell turnover, depending on the particular acid. However, it's important that you follow the guidance on using acid-containing products and introduce them to your skin slowly.Now that we’ve reviewed the basics, let’s talk about using Toner with retinol. The good news is that the two products can work together to provide some amazing benefits for your skin. For example, using toner before applying retinol can help remove any leftover traces of makeup or dirt on your skin, allowing the retinol to penetrate more deeply. Finally, our 'skin care junkie' wrote: "A s good as market leader. Love this products , having spent a fortune on a well known tonic I thought I'd give these a try on recommendation from my daughter. They are brilliant, just as good as my previous item but at a fraction of the price! A definite staple for me and I am very much a premium skin care junkie. I love this."

If you’re new to retinol, it’s important to start slowly and build up your tolerance. This means using it only a few times a week at first and gradually increasing the frequency as your skin adjusts. Additionally, be sure to wear sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it’s important to take extra care to avoid damage. Toner works best when it’s not too harsh on your skin. Using a toner that contains alcohol or other harsh ingredients can cause irritation and dryness. Look for toners that are free of irritants and preferably contain hydrating agents that soothe and refresh your skin. https://www.uwhealth.org/madison-plastic-surgery/q-is-there-a-difference-between-tretinoin-retin-a-and-retinol/36588If you have acne-prone skin, you may find that some products trigger flare ups and irritation. There are a number of toners that are specially formulated to treat the symptoms of acne. Do When applying, first cleanse, tone, and exfoliate your face. (Only do all three of these steps if they’re included in your current skin care routine.) Astringents are the strongest type of toner within the group, as they contain a high percentage of alcohol. Antiseptic ingredients are also often found within astringents that are designed to treat acne. This Toner contains a lower concentration of Retinol to allow you to use it alongside our more powerful products.

It’s also important not to mix certain ingredients like exfoliating treatments and vitamin C together, otherwise they can counteract one and other. Dr Sturnham recommends layering serums that have these key ingredients to promote healthy skin throughout the day: Tonics contain slightly higher concentrations of active ingredients and may have a low percentage of alcohol content. Popular ingredients in skin tonics are natural extracts of orange and chamomile.Use hydrating toners that contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and urea. Hyaluronic acid acts as a moisture magnet, leaving skin feeling hydrated and plumped. The Skincare Edit. (2021). The Beginner’s Guide to Retinol. https://theskincareedit.com/beginners-guide-to-retinol

Caitlyn Martyn is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She has been a writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty. She has tried several toners, including some on this list from brands like Tower28, Farmacy, Holifrog, Neutrogena, and more. Not all skin types need a toner,' adds Kate Bancroft, founder of Face the Future. 'Sometimes a hydrating spray is a better option.'It’s also worth bearing in mind that retinol can take a while to work. It might take as long as three months before you start seeing results and, for some products, this could be even longer. Patience is vital with this skincare product, although you should always stop use if you notice any irritation or discomfort. 10 Potential retinol side effects When it comes to retinol, it’s important to start slowly and build up your tolerance. This means using it only a few times a week at first and gradually increasing the frequency as your skin adjusts. Toner, on the other hand, should be used twice a day to remove any leftover traces of makeup or dirt on your skin. Retinol can be a powerful addition to your Skincare routine, but it’s important to use it carefully to avoid irritation or other negative side effects. When used correctly, you can enjoy all the benefits of this amazing ingredient. What is Toner? American Academy of Dermatology. (2021). Retinoids. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/triple-threat-retinol/vitamin-c-and-aha If you are prone to skin sensitivity and experience irritation and dryness after the use of skin care products, it can be difficult to determine which ingredients are best to use. Do