How Often Should You Use Toner? Expert Advice

Toner can be a beneficial addition to your skincare routine. But how often should you use toner? For most people, using toner once or twice a day is enough, says Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist at DermOnDemand.

Below, we’ll cover how to choose the best toner frequency for your skin type, along with helpful tips for using toner effectively alongside your other skincare products.

What is toner? 

Toner is a liquid skincare product typically applied after cleansing and before applying moisturizer to the face. It helps remove leftover residue, such as oil, makeup, or cleanser, and prepares your skin for other products. You usually spray it directly onto clean, dry skin, then gently pat it in with clean hands or a cotton pad.

What does toner do for skin?

Toner can help restore your skin’s natural pH balance, remove any lingering impurities, and deliver active ingredients that improve dryness, uneven skin tone, and other concerns. While toner isn’t an essential step for everyone, it can be a helpful addition, depending on your skin type and goals.

How often should you use toner?

Dr. Kopelman says most people can use facial toner once or twice a day — in the morning to refresh and prep the skin and in the evening to rebalance after cleansing. However, the best toner frequency depends on your skin type, the ingredients in your toner, and other products in your routine.

Dry or sensitive skin

If your skin is on the dry or sensitive side, Dr. Kopelman suggests using toner once a day or every other day. Overuse can cause irritation and make your skin more sensitive over time.

Use a gentle, hydrating formula with ingredients like glycerin, aloe, or hyaluronic acid. Oakwell Cosmetics Cucumber & Aloe Toner Mist is a great option for those with dry, sensitive, or normal skin.

Oily or acne-prone skin

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, Dr. Kopelman recommends using a balancing toner twice daily. If this seems to dry your skin out too much, reduce it to once daily.

Look for a toner with ingredients like witch hazel or niacinamide, which help regulate oil and reduce the appearance of pores.

Normal skin

If you have a normal skin type that's not too oily or too dry, you have the most flexibility when it comes to how often you should use toner. Applying a balancing or hydrating toner once or twice daily usually works well.

Stick with a gentle formula made with natural ingredients to maintain your skin's natural balance, and adjust your routine if you start using other active ingredients, such as retinoids or exfoliants. For example, if you start using retinol at night, you may want to use toner only in the morning to minimize irritation.

Exfoliating toners

An exfoliating toner has ingredients that remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve tone and texture. This can be especially helpful for acne-prone or dull skin.

If you’re using a toner with active exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), it’s best to start slowly. Dr. Kopelman recommends using them just a few times per week at first to see how your skin reacts. If well tolerated, you can gradually increase to no more than once daily.

Best Time to Use Toner

Ideally, you’ll use toner in the morning, evening, or both. Dr. Kopelman says the timing depends on your skin type, goals, and what kind of toner you're using.

• Morning usage - Applying toner in the morning helps remove overnight oil and residue and prep for sunscreen and makeup. 
• Evening usage - Toners with active ingredients like niacinamide or acids work best overnight when your skin is in repair mode. These are usually exfoliating, brightening, or other treatment toners.
• Morning and/or evening usage - Hydrating or balancing toners can be used morning, night, or both.

How Often Should You Use Toner? FAQs

Get the most out of your toner routine with answers to common questions below.

Is using toner twice a day too much?

If you have normal to oily skin and are using a gentle formula, you can use toner twice a day. However, if you have sensitive or reactive skin, once a day or every other day is usually best. 

Is toner better in the morning or at night?

Applying toner in the morning is great for refreshing and prepping the skin. Evening is ideal if you’re using active ingredients since they work best while your skin repairs itself overnight.

How do I determine the best frequency for toner?

To determine the best frequency for using toner, start by considering your skin type and the toner’s ingredients. A good rule of thumb is to begin with once per day or every other day, then gradually increase if your skin responds well. It’s also best to patch test first to make sure your skin doesn’t react negatively.

How often should you use toner? Conclusion

You can usually use toner once or twice daily, but the best routine is tailored to your skin’s unique needs. Use toner after cleansing, choose the right formula for your skin type, and adjust as needed.

If you’re looking for a great toner, we recommend Oakwell Cosmetics Cucumber & Aloe Toner Mist for dry, sensitive, or normal skin types. It’s a gentle product made with natural ingredients, such as hops, cucumber, and aloe.