Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

Is Toner still a thing?

40 replies

Bbq1 · 30/04/2023 10:02

I have been looking after my skin since I was about 14/15 and I'm now almost 50. Back in the day I used always to use toner between cleanser and moisturiser. For many years now I've just splashed water on my face after cleansing. I remember my skin would feel a bit tight after toner but once moisturised would just feel really clean. Does anyone still use toner and do you think it's better than water?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
Spirallingquick · 30/04/2023 10:03

Yes and yes. Paula’s Choice.

NowZeusHasLainWithLeda · 30/04/2023 10:06

There are two types of toner, the old toner from the cleanse/tone/moisturize routines and acid toners. The latter (Pixi glycolic, Paula's Choice salicylic and a myriad of others (all identical but cheaper than those two) have replaced those dreadful gritty scrubs that just ruined your face.
The older type toners with no actives are pretty much considered unnecessary. I hadn't used one for years then found a tester of an L'Occitane one in a cupboard, a hydrating toner. Loved it so much I've bought a full bottle.

elrider · 30/04/2023 14:13

The only one I use on occasion is Liz Earle and mainly because I adore the smell of it and feel like it instantly relaxes me. Reminds me of my pre-kids days when I had the time and money for a full 3 step Liz Earle routine plus occasional face masks etc. Now I barely have time to wash my face. 😂

Plump82 · 30/04/2023 14:15

I use Pixi Glow Toner and I love it. My face feels smooth and bright after.

TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 30/04/2023 14:17

I use The Ordinary salycilic (how TF do you spell it - autocorrect has nothing) acid and niacinamide before moisturiser.

At night I use Adapeline cream before moisturiser.

I’m 41 and still get acne. Any advice appreciated.

Haveallthesongsbeenwritten · 30/04/2023 14:17

Yes, I use Caudalie or this is my fave at the moment : https://uk.loccitane.com/immortelle-precious-essential-water,83,1,29786,1750026.htm

ProstituteHair · 30/04/2023 14:19

Yes! But as other have said, it's all about the acids now.

I use Dennis Gross everyday alpha beta peel. Amazing stuff. Leaves your skin so bright, but not tight as old-school toners did.

Shopper727 · 30/04/2023 14:21

ive got a nice Estée Lauder one I use not entirely sure what it does but it smells lovely and my skin feels fresh and clean I got it free mind you, not sure id pay for another one. I also have the benefit foaming toner.

CindersAgain · 30/04/2023 14:22

Yes, acid toner for exfoliating.

NowZeusHasLainWithLeda · 30/04/2023 14:24

Haveallthesongsbeenwritten · 30/04/2023 14:17

Yes, I use Caudalie or this is my fave at the moment : https://uk.loccitane.com/immortelle-precious-essential-water,83,1,29786,1750026.htm

That's the one I bought the full bottle of. It's gorgeous isn't it. I keep stroking my face 🤣

NowZeusHasLainWithLeda · 30/04/2023 14:25

TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 30/04/2023 14:17

I use The Ordinary salycilic (how TF do you spell it - autocorrect has nothing) acid and niacinamide before moisturiser.

At night I use Adapeline cream before moisturiser.

I’m 41 and still get acne. Any advice appreciated.

Have you tried benzoyl peroxide? If the salicylic+ niacinamide plus Adapalene isn't working ?

Haveallthesongsbeenwritten · 30/04/2023 14:25

NowZeusHasLainWithLeda · 30/04/2023 14:24

That's the one I bought the full bottle of. It's gorgeous isn't it. I keep stroking my face 🤣

Show quote history

Same here, every day! 😂

Madamecastafiore · 30/04/2023 16:10

It most definitely is! Got a free estee lauder one the other day with a gift set and it's a bloody revelation. It's pink and comes in a huge bottle for about £30. Can't believe how plumped and glowing my skin feels afterwards.

AbreathofFrenchair · 30/04/2023 16:38

I use Facetheory toner. It's the T2 one.

Thought it was pointless till I stopped using it after I finished the bottle and my skin began to look dull and and a bit yuck.

Crabwoman · 30/04/2023 16:52

Yes, but acid toners.

Not sure what was in the older toners, they felt astringent?

doadeer · 30/04/2023 18:34

Not only acid toners.

Lots of the korean beauty ones are super hydrating.

NowZeusHasLainWithLeda · 30/04/2023 18:49

Crabwoman · 30/04/2023 16:52

Yes, but acid toners.

Not sure what was in the older toners, they felt astringent?

The ones that felt like that (Clearasil, Clinique etc) were actually salicylic toners before it became a Thing. They were essentially acid toners. Likewise Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair was hyaluronic acid before that became a big buzzword.

endofthecorridoor · 30/04/2023 19:19

I just tried Estée Lauder one I suspect it’s hylauronic acid it’s brilliant

nofusspot · 30/04/2023 20:22

I use toner if I've worn heavy makeup

BeretRaspberry · 30/04/2023 20:47

TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 30/04/2023 14:17

I use The Ordinary salycilic (how TF do you spell it - autocorrect has nothing) acid and niacinamide before moisturiser.

At night I use Adapeline cream before moisturiser.

I’m 41 and still get acne. Any advice appreciated.

I used to use Adapalene (Differin) from the doc, but have found Tretinoin from Dermatica much better for my acne.

BeretRaspberry · 30/04/2023 20:48

I use this one. More for hydration because of using Tret.

Is Toner still a thing?
Original poster
Bbq1 · 30/04/2023 20:56

Thanks so much everyone. I have to try so many of these now. Toner shopping spree coming up!

OP posts:
michaelmacrae · 30/04/2023 21:17

I've recently bought the Fresh rose hydrating toner, it's really nice, smells and looks lovely, with rose petals in the bottle. I've not used toner much before as I have extremely dry skin but it contains hyaluronic acid, which is why I bought it. So far, so pleasant. Planning to try Pixi glow tonic next.

Wavescrashingonthebeach · 30/04/2023 21:17

Love pure rose water. Cheap in ethnic shops.

TracyBeakerSoYeah · 01/05/2023 04:20

I've used Liz Earle Skin Tonic (never tried the discontinued revamped formula as had stocked up with the original formula which they've now bought back) for over 20yrs it's my favourite toner use it every morning.

Though some evenings I alternate it with one of the following at the moment Elemis Superfood Fruit Vinegar/Elemis Rehydrating Ginseng Toner or Pixi Clarity Tonic.
Also have had Alpha H Liquid Gold Rose & the Paula's Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant in the past.

Will always rebuy Liz Earle & the others apart from Pixi Clarity which is pants.