Still Figuring Out Skincare? Ditch The Toner

There's no better example of capitalism led consumerism than my skincare cabinet. For someone who writes about grooming, it’s almost an occupational hazard. Or at least that’s what I’ve convinced myself every time before buying yet another product I absolutely must have.

But something’s shifted. I haven’t become Marie Kondo just yet, but every few weeks I get the urge to declutter, carefully cutting out products I don’t need or use.

The most common casualty? Toners.

My relationship with toners has always been tempestuous. I’ll go months without using one, then suddenly buy one and apply it religiously for weeks before abandoning it altogether. I’ve often suspected toners are more marketing gimmick than skincare essential, though I know enough to admit they do work for some people, in some cases.

If you’re using a cleanser that’s too strong and leaves your skin feeling dry, a toner can help restore some moisture before you apply your serum. But then, you could always just use a milder cleanser. If you’re dealing with acne, there are a lot of toners with exfoliating acids like AHAs and BHAs that can help, but so can serums and targeted treatments. Toners are also said to help your skin better absorb serums and moisturisers, but I’m still on the fence about this one. If your serum needs another product to make it work, is it really the right serum for you?

If you have oily skin, sure, a toner with salicylic acid or niacinamide can help control excess oil production. But if you have dry skin and can do without one, why add another step? Especially if you’re still finding your footing with skincare, an already crowded routine can start to feel unnecessarily intimidating.

So, do you really need a toner? Think of it as optional and intentional, not essential. If you’re going to use one, make sure you’re using it correctly. If not, you’re hardly missing out.

To read more stories from Esquire India's May-June 2026 issue, pick up a copy of the magazine from your nearest newspaper stand or bookstore. Or click here to subscribe to the magazine.