What is the main purpose of using a toner in skincare?

The main purpose of using a toner in skincare is to balance the pH of the skin and prepare it for moisturizing. After cleansing, the skin's natural pH can become disrupted, leading to dryness or irritation. Toners help to restore the skin’s acid mantle, making it more suitable for the application of serums, moisturizers, or other treatments that follow.

Additionally, toners can assist in removing any residual impurities left after cleansing, ensuring the skin is clean and primed to absorb further products effectively. This role of toning is essential in maintaining skin health and achieving optimal hydration and care, setting the stage for the subsequent steps in a skincare regimen.

While toners may have hydrating or soothing characteristics, their primary function centers on balancing pH levels and enhancing the efficacy of products used afterward, not necessarily nourishing the skin directly or removing makeup.