What is the primary role of a facial toner?

The primary role of a facial toner is to balance skin pH and remove residual oils. After cleansing, the skin's pH can be disrupted, which can lead to irritation or make it more prone to issues such as dryness or excess oil production. Toners help restore the skin's natural acidity and bring it back to its optimal pH level.

In addition to balancing pH, toners often assist in removing any leftover impurities, cleanser residue, or oil that may remain after washing the face. This step is important for ensuring that the skin is fully clean and can better absorb subsequent skincare products, such as serums and moisturizers.

While toners may provide some hydration, they are not primarily designed as a moisturizing agent, nor do they deeply cleanse the skin or exfoliate dead skin cells, which are roles more suited to moisturizers and exfoliants, respectively.