Toners are not typically the first product you think of when choosing skincare that is hydrating, replenishing, and gives you glowing skin – but just because previous variations of toner included harsh, drying ingredients and a load of alcohol does not mean that all of them do. Now – there’s even toners that work as a multi-benefit hybrid – like a serum toner which merges hydration, balancing, and toning all together in one.
What Exactly is a Toner Serum?
A toner serum, also known as an essence or treatment essence, is a hybrid skincare product that combines the properties of a toner and a serum. It is designed to hydrate, balance, and refresh skin. Toner serums are often used after cleansing and toning, but before applying traditional serums or moisturizers.
Hydrating Glow Toner
Our Hydrating Glow Toner with PHA and Jojoba is a fusion of a gentle serum and balancing toner all in one that works to help enhance skins natural luminosity and visibly brighten skin tone. The innovative milky-texture refreshes and cools skin as it revitalizes and rejuvenates for hydrated and luminous looking skin.
Powered by beneficial ingredients including a concentration of a PHA (poly Hydroxy Acid) called Glucolactone, nourishing Jojoba Oil and a Peptide called Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-10 – with multiple active ingredients the formula brings together serum benefits into a simple and easy to use toner. The combination of ingredients works to gently exfoliate and refine skin, visibly smooth texture and brighten the skin tone – just like your favorite serum would. Meanwhile the toner portion helps balance skin and removes extra impurities and dirt that may be left on the skin after cleansing.
Why Should I Use a Serum Toner?
You usually use a toner, and a face serum – so why should you use a two-in-one product? Obviously using one will help save you time – but on top of that, there are some additional benefits to using a serum toner vs a regular facial toner.
- Lightweight Texture: Toner serums typically have a lightweight, watery consistency, which allows them to be easily absorbed by the skin.
- High Concentration of Active Ingredients: These products contain a higher concentration of active ingredients compared to regular toners, which often focus more on balancing the skin's pH and removing residual impurities.
- Hydration and Nourishment: Toner serums are formulated to provide deep hydration and nourishment to the skin, promoting a healthy and radiant complexion.
- Preparing the Skin for Better Absorption: Toner serums are meant to be applied before other serums or moisturizers to enhance the absorption of subsequent products.
How Do I Use a Toner Serum?
A toner serum could sound intimidating but it is a simple product to use. Just as you would use a regular toner, after cleansing your skin, apply the product to a cotton pad and gently sweep it across your face whilst avoiding the eye area.
For an extra level of hydration and moisturization – dispense a small amount of the serum toner into the palms of your hands and gently press over the skin – almost using it as a facial “essence”. Pat the toner directly onto your face and neck to help lock in moisture.
After using a toner serum you can move onto applying your moisturizer as usual – or if you’re looking for an added amount of glow and hydration – follow up with a hydrating facial serum like our Hyaluronic Dew Drops.
What Ingredients Should I Look for in a Hydrating Toner?
Hydrating Molecules
Hydrating molecules like hyaluronic acid are a fantastic product to look for in a hydrating toner as they allow a product to balance skin without being too heavy. A great ingredient variation in hydrating toners is Sodium Hyaluronate. This is a form of hyaluronic acid known for its exceptional ability to deeply hydrate the skin and provide a plumping effect. It helps the skin retain moisture, resulting in a more supple and youthful appearance.
Lightweight Oils
Oils are known as a fantastic way to hydrate and moisturize skin – and in a balancing toner try to look for a lightweight, dry, or non-heavy oil. Consider oils like: Rosehip Oil, Argan Oil and Jojoba Oil. Jojoba Seed Oil has a similar structure to the skin's natural oils, which makes it an excellent moisturizer that does not feel heavy or greasy. Additionally, its rich antioxidant, vitamin, and mineral content soothe and nourish the skin.
Vitamins
Vitamin extracts in skincare can provide numerous benefits to the skin including fighting free radicals and helping the skin when it is exposed to environmental aggressors. Look for ingredients like Vitamin C and Vitamin E as options in a hydrating toner to care for skin.
Should I Use an Alcohol-Free Toner?
Historically, many toners contained alcohol as a primary ingredient which can be incredibly drying and irritating, particularly for those with sensitive skin. Facial toners which use alcohol as the primary ingredient to balance skin are not always the best option especially for those with a dry skin type. Alcohol-free toners are gentler on the skin, preserving its natural moisture balance and ensuring that the skin's barrier remains intact.
