Facial Toners

Toner is applied after cleansing and before serums or moisturiser. It acts as a preparatory step to condition the skin and enhance the absorption of follow-on treatments. Simply:

• Swipe a few drops on a cotton pad, your fingers
• Gently pat in with fingertips to aid absorption
• Use once or twice daily, depending on skin needs

No, toners aren’t essential and are usually an optional step in skincare, but they can significantly enhance your routine. Think of them as a performance booster: they prep the skin to better absorb serums and moisturisers, while also offering targeted benefits. 

For example, Medik8’s Press & Clear helps to visibly clarify and calm blemish-prone skin, while Press & Glow  gently resurfaces to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion, all without compromising the skin barrier. Adding the right toner can take your results to the next level.

Yes, toners can be an effective and gentle way to exfoliate the skin. Exfoliating toners are typically water-based formulas infused with mild acids (like AHAs or BHAs) that help to dissolve dead skin cells on the surface. This encourages smoother texture, brighter tone, and improved absorption of follow-on products. 

Medik8 offers two expert-formulated exfoliating toners designed for twice-daily use, even on sensitive skin. Press & Glow uses gentle polyhydroxy acid (PHA) for daily, non-irritating resurfacing, while Press & Clear features encapsulated salicylic acid (BHA) to target blemishes while maintaining barrier comfort. Both enhance the clarity and radiance of your skin over time.

Yes, toners can absolutely contain active ingredients, and many are formulated to deliver targeted benefits as part of your daily routine. Active toners go beyond basic hydration by incorporating ingredients that treat specific skin concerns.

Key actives to look for include:

• Exfoliating acids like AHAs (e.g. glycolic, lactic) or BHAs (e.g. salicylic acid) to gently resurface and clarify
• PHAs (polyhydroxy acids), which offer mild exfoliation with added hydration, ideal for sensitive skin
• Niacinamide helps balance oil, improve skin tone, and strengthen the barrier
• Antioxidants, like green tea, defend against free radicals and environmental stress
• Soothing agents such as aloe vera, panthenol, or allantoin to calm and support the skin

Ingredients to avoid, especially for sensitive or reactive skin, include:

• Drying alcohols, which can compromise the skin barrier
• Fragrance or essential oils, which may trigger irritation

For sensitive skin, choose an alcohol-free, fragrance-free toner with soothing, barrier-supportive ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin or chamomile. These help calm irritation and maintain hydration without overstimulating the skin. Daily Refresh Balancing Toner is a gentle, pH-balanced option from Medik8 that supports the skin barrier while leaving it feeling calm, conditioned and rebalanced..

Yes, toners can be especially helpful for oily or blemish-prone skin. They help sweep away excess oil, refine the look of pores, and support a clearer complexion. Look for formulas with gentle exfoliants like salicylic acid or niacinamide. Press & Clear, Medik8’s BHA toner, is designed to deliver gentle results on enlarged pores without disrupting the skin barrier, ideal for daily use.

Dry skin benefits from hydrating toners that include ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and panthenol. These draw moisture into the skin and help soften and soothe after cleansing. Daily Refresh Balancing Toner is a great choice for dry skin, offering gentle hydration and balance without leaving skin feeling stripped or tight.