The Best Hydrating Toners For Dry And Dehydrated Skin

Have you ever tried a hydrating toner? Many people believe that toners are an unnecessary step in a skincare routine, but the truth is, if you’re using one that’s suited to your skin type it could make all the difference. Beauty Daily spoke to skincare expert, facialist and co-founder of Katherine Daniels Cosmetics, Kirsti Shuba, to get the lowdown on why we should be incorporating a hydrating toner into our skincare regime… 

Best hydrating toners for dry skin  

Hydrating Toning Lotion, £24

Packed full of aloe vera and saffron flower extracts, this is the ultimate comforting toner for skin that needs a deep hit of moisture.  

Katherine Daniels Essential Toning Lotion, £27

Packed with seaweed extract, this gentle but effective toner hydrates the skin without any aggression. It also contains other skin-loving ingredients such as glycerine, witch hazel and calming flower extracts like cornflower, lotus and rose to calm and nourish the skin.  

Read Next: What Does Toner Do?

What does a hydrating toner do?  

 According to Shuba, a hydrating toner can act as a cleansing ‘safety net’, ensuring your skin is completely clean before applying other skincare products. But that’s not all. “An alcohol-free toner enriched with hydrating and soothing ingredients will neutralise your skin back to the correct pH, making it more resilient, less sensitive and better prepped for all the powerful ingredients in your remaining skincare products,” she says. 

Read Next: Everything You Need To Know About Your SKin’s pH Levels 

Are hydrating toners necessary?  

“For years, toners have gotten a bad rap for being harsh, drying, alcohol-laden and stripping,” Shuba explains. “But we’re seeing a shift in people’s attitude to toners, as well as a new generation of toners on the market.” She advises that cleansing your skin is a crucial step in your skincare routine, as it’s pointless moisturising the skin over dirt and pollution that may have built up throughout the day. “A double cleanse, followed by a hydrating toner is what we do in professional treatments, because it’s the best way to get the deepest cleanse, in the gentlest way. But you have to make sure you are using the right toner,” she adds. 

Can I use a hydrating toner after an exfoliating toner?  

An exfoliating toner contains AHA and/or BHA exfoliants – so use your hydrating toner first, otherwise you’ll sweep away those active ingredients upon application. Shuba, however, doesn’t advise combining the two; “Use your hydrating toner to finish your cleanse and prep your skin for your remaining skincare, and a separate exfoliator to slough away dead skin cells,” she advises. 

How to apply a hydrating toner  

It couldn’t be simpler. Apply your toner to a cotton wool pad and gently wipe it over your cleansed skin. Ideally, you’ll want to follow with a serum and moisturiser, as these products will not only seal in the hydration from your toner, but also provide extra skin benefits. 

Can I use a hydrating toner every day?  

In short, yes. “I always advise using a hydrating, alcohol-free toner to finish every cleanse,” Shuba says. “The great thing about toners is that you can physically see on the cotton wool pads whether there is any residue left on the skin, so you know whether it’s clean before you continue with your remaining skincare routine.” After applying a hydrating toner, your skin should feel completely clean, refreshed, soothed, hydrated and comfortable. 

What are the disadvantages of toner? 

There aren’t many. However, Shuba explains that any toner that contains harsh, stripping ingredients – such as alcohol – can cause extreme dryness and exacerbate various skin conditions. Basically, if you’re using the wrong toner, you could be causing more harm than good. “Liquid exfoliating toners have become hugely popular, but they contain active ingredients, so they aren’t suitable for daily use to finish your cleanse,” she says. Plus, they may not be suitable if you suffer from skin sensitivity or other skin issues.  

Does a hydrating toner suit all skin types?  

According to Shuba, everyone can benefit from a hydrating toner – as it generally suits all skin types from oily to dry. “Water is the living life force of every cell, so whether you have acne-prone, blemished, sensitive or dry skin, a hydrating toner will improve hydration levels and your overall skin function,” she says. Plus, it really is the ultimate way to ensure your skin is clean, without stripping away essential oils. “Lack of proper skin cleansing is the main reason why your regime fails to meet your expectations, so if you’ve been wary of toners, now is the time to rethink them,” Shuba adds. 

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