Purifying Toners: The Pore Refining Lie and What They Actually Do

If you have oily or combination skin, you've probably spent too much money on products that say they'll shrink your pores. Here's a secret: your pore size mainly comes from your genes. so, if your parents have big pores, you probably will too. And while you can't change how big your pores are, you can keep them clean and make them look much better.

But wait! A good purifying toner can actually do something even better. It won't change your skin’s genetics, but it will make your skin look great.

Let's see what a purifying toner really does for your skin.

What Is a Purifying Toner? And What Do Purifying Toners Do?

Stop thinking about toners as pore-shrinking or pore refining potions. Instead, see a purifying toner as a way to keep your skin balanced every day. It's a water-based product that brings balance and clarity to your skin, not a total dramatic transformation for all skin types.

So, what exactly does a purifying toner do?

1. It finishes the cleansing job: Your facial cleanser washes away make-up and sunscreen. Then, a purifying toner gets to wipe away what's left behind, clearing the debris on your skin's surface, traces of make-up, excess sebum, and environmental stressors traces that your cleanser didn't quite get.
2. It balances your skin: Most cleansers are slightly alkaline and change your skin's pH balance. A purifying toner puts your skin back to where it needs to be, by rebalancing it to the required PH level after cleansing. This helps in keeping bacteria and irritation away.
3. It soothes your skin and gets it ready for other products: Unlike the old toners with harsh ingredients and high alcohol presence, good hydrating purifying toners have ingredients that hydrate and soothe. They feel good and ready your skin for absorbing facial serums and lightweight moisturizers.

The real benefit for pores is that toners help them look smaller through cleaning. Because a toner helps unclog the pores and keep them super clean.

What is the difference between a clarifying and a purifying toner?

You've probably seen both clarifying and purifying toners, being used a lot.  But can you use a clarifying toner and a purifying toner the same way? Not really. Knowing the difference helps you pick the best facial toner for your skin type.

• Clarifying Toners: Toners are often grouped by what they do. Clarifying toners usually have exfoliating acids like salicylic acid which will make it a BHA exfoliating toner or glycolic acid which is an AHA toner Ingredient. Skincare experts and cosmetic chemists say these ingredients should be used less often, so you don't damage your skin. So, use clarifying toners once a week for a more intense treatment to really clean out your pores, remove dead skin, and fight congestion. The American Academy of Dermatology Association also says that hydroxy acids are great for acne and oily skin. They help to unclog pores and reduce swelling. Products with these ingredients can exfoliate and clear pores as part of a treatment plan.
• Purifying Toners: On the other hand, are gentle, hydrating. These are therefore made for everyday use. They're milder and focus on balancing and soothing your skin. They remove surface impurities without drying you out and help keep your skin clear.

So, think of it this way: clarifying toners are for a deep cleanse for your skin once a week, while purifying toners are for like tidying up every day to keep your skin flawless and clean.

Who Should and Shouldn't Use a Purifying Toner?

So, is a purifying toner right for you?

• It's great if you have oily skin, combination skin, or acne-prone skin. It's vital if you live in a city where there are environmental stressors as it is a non-negotiable to help to get rid of daily dirt.
• Even if you have normal skin, dry skin or sensitive skin, you can still get something out of a purifying toner. But make sure to find an alcohol-free toner that has soothing plants ingredients. It should be able to balance and hydrate your skin giving you a vitalized complexion, and not strip your skin.
• Who should not use a toner or proceed with caution? If you have very sensitized skin or problems like rosacea or eczema, check the active ingredients list and then do a patch test for the toner first. Talking to a healthcare professional or dermatologist before using a toner might be a good idea.

How to Use a Purifying Toner Correctly in Your Routine

To get the most out of your toner, here's how to the use it right.

1. First, cleanse your face with a gentle facial wash, then dry your skin making sure you have a clean dry face for the toner step.
2. Next, apply the facial toner of choice. Here are two ways to do it: Cotton Pad: Soak a cotton pad with your toner and gently swipe it over your face, neck, and upper chest. This is great if you want to make sure your skin is extra clean. Patting: Put a few drops of toner into your hands and gently pat it onto your skin. This method is more hydrating and wastes less product.
3. Finally, lock it all in. Your skin is ready for the next steps. Follow with your treatment serums, a lightweight moisturizer, and sunscreen, especially in the morning routine. This is to help seal in the toner's benefits and keep your skin healthy.

How often should one use a purifying toner? Most people can use toner in the morning and at night. Using a toner is simple but doing it right maximizes the benefits.

Choosing the Right Purifying Toner for Your Skin

With so many options, how do you choose? It’s all about matching the formula to your primary skin concern. Here’s what to look for:

• For Oily, Combination, or Acne-Prone Skin: If you're trying to reduce shine and keep pores clean, find a toner that can gently tighten your skin. A good choice is a balancing purifying toner that cleanses. Myrtle Leaf and Bay Juice are common ingredients in herbal skincare that are known to purify and tone skin. They help pores look smaller and control oil without the drying feeling you get from alcohol. For example, Plantus Cosmetic Smoothskin Purifying Toner uses Myrtle Leaf and Bay Juice to naturally purify skin and give it a matte finish, making it a great option if you have oily skin. It's great purifying toner for oily skin. Smoothskin Purifying Toner is ideal for skin that's usually shiny or has clogged pores.
• For Normal, Sensitive, or Dry Skin: If you want the cleansing benefits of a toner but your skin type lean towards sensitive skin or dry skin, you'll want one that gently cleans and soothes with moisture. Search for ingredients that cleanse and feel nice on your skin. Oregano Juice provides strong natural antioxidant protection, while Aloe Vera Juice and Organic Rose Water keep your skin feeling refreshed, calm, and hydrated, not tight or dry. Plantus Cosmetic Moistskin Purifying Toner is a good choice. It's designed to be gentle, giving your skin a second cleanse and balancing pH while moisturizing, cleaning, and soothing. This is perfect if you want a purifying facial toner that's gentle on your face.

Your Quick Takeaway: The Truth About Purifying Toners

The myths suggest that toners can shrink pores. Nope! Your pore size is genetic, so anyone who says differently isn't being honest. A good purifying toner can make pores look smaller. It does this by keeping them super clean, free of debris and balanced.

A purifying toner’s job is to get rid of any leftover dirt, oil, sunscreen or makeup after cleansing. It helps get your skin's pH level back to where it should be. And adds a bit of moisture and helps your skin soak up serums and moisturizers better which in turn strengthens the skin's natural barrier. So, don't worry so much about shrinking pores. Instead, focus on keeping them clean and balanced. Because clean, balanced pores look better and gives you that radiant skin.

Want to learn more? Discover how to choose the right facial toner for your face in our article.

FAQs: Your Toner Questions, Answered

What are the three main types of toners?

1. Hydrating Toners: These add moisture to the skin, often using ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid or Glycerin. Hydrating toner harnesses the power of Hyaluronic acid and Glycerin for plumping up your skin.
2. Exfoliating Toners (AHA/BHA): These use hydroxy acids to deep cleanse pores and get rid of dead skin. Only use these once a week.
3. Purifying or Astringent Toners: These balance, soothe, and remove any leftover dirt. If you have oily skin, you can use these every day.

Do I need both a cleanser and a toner?

Yes, you do. These two work as a team, not substitutes. The cleanser washes away most of the dirt and oil, and then the toner sweeps in to finish the job, balance your skin, and get it ready for the next step of serums and moisturizers.

Can I leave toner on my face overnight?

Yep! Toners are made to stay on your skin, so you don't have to wash them off.

Does toner remove dark spots?

Not really. Most toners are made to clean your skin. If you want to treat dark spots, try an exfoliating toner, like one with AHA. Or, get a brightening toner that contains ingredients like Vitamin C or Tranexamic Acid.

What are the disadvantages of toner?

The only disadvantage is using the wrong kind of toner. If you have dry skin, a strong toner with alcohol can irritate it and damage the skin's protective barrier. Make sure to pick a toner that's right for your skin type.

Which toner is best for acne?

If your skin breaks out easily, go for a purifying toner that cleanses and calms redness. Plantus Cosmetic Smoothskin Purifying Toner, for example, includes myrtle leaf and bay juice. It's made to cleanse and balance your face, but without drying it out too much. This makes it one of the best purifying toners for acne-prone skin concerns.