THE EVERYTHING GUIDE TO TONERS
Toner is an essential part of a good skincare regimen—and no matter your skin type, this "in between" skincare step is one you don't want to skip. If your skincare goals include hydration, smoothness, and no-filter-needed radiance, add a hydrating witch hazel facial toner to your life ASAP. Don't know where to begin? Look no further than Thayers, the first name in toners for 175 years. (Safe to say we know everything about the subject.) Here's all you need to know about our witch hazel toners, the best-quality toner ingredients, and the formula that's right for you.
WHAT IS A FACIAL TONER?
Simply put, toner is a water-based skincare essential that cleanses and refreshes the skin. Toners are fast absorbing, they provide hydration (among other skin benefits) and they prep your skin for the next steps in your skincare regimen—which makes your other skincare products work even better. Think of toner as the all-important middle step between cleansing and application of serums or moisturizers. To use facial toner, soak a cotton pad with toner and swipe it over your face, neck and chest. But don't just take it from us—take it from the experts.
“Toner can be used after cleansing to help to bring the skin back to a naturally acidic state… by often helping to restore the skin’s natural pH, it can help to support the skin barrier. Toner is quickly absorbed and penetrates the skin — and depending on the specific ingredients may also have additional antioxidant, hydrating, or anti-inflammatory benefits.”
— Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, Board Certified Dermatologist
"Toners of the past have scared people due to their astringent nature, but modern formulations focus on balancing the skin’s pH to ensure the skin barrier is 100%."
— Ian Michael Crumm, Licensed Esthetician
WHAT IS WITCH HAZEL?
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a flowering plant native to North America. Its slender, yellow flowers are eye-catching, but what's inside the plant is even more impressive. Witch hazel extract, derived from the leaves, twigs, and bark of the plant, has been used for generations as a topical natural remedy. Its natural astringent properties leave skin feeling balanced, soothed, and renewed. Witch hazel is gentle, yet potent—which explains why it's a star ingredient in skincare.
“It is important to note that not all witch hazel is created equal, and it is best to opt for witch hazel that is alcohol-free as the process of extraction helps to preserve the tannins and reduce any potential for irritation or dryness. Tannins improve the appearance of the skin through antioxidant effects, protecting the skin from free radical damage. Witch hazel has anti-inflammatory benefits making it helpful for acne, sunburn, bug bites, post-shaving irritation, and more.”
— Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, Board Certified Dermatologist
"Witch hazel contains tannins that have been shown to fight bacteria and help reduce swelling in the skin."
— Ian Michael Crumm, Licensed Esthetician
OUR BEST FACIAL TONERS
ROSE PETAL FACIAL TONER
Alcohol-free facial toner soothes and hydrates. Rose water brings about a natural glow.
UNSCENTED FACIAL TONER
Alcohol-free facial toner soothes and hydrates. Unscented and optimal for sensitive skin.
DON’T JUST TAKE IT FROM US
Meet Thayers’ Devotees: real people who have trusted Thayers for years to keep their skin hydrated, moisturized, and glowing.
Though they may have different skin types, they all have seen their skin transform with Thayers Facial Toners.
MEET THAYERS DEVOTEES
Meet Seerat, Thayers Devotee.
Meet Lily, Thayers Devotee.
Thayers Devotee, Meet Sophie.
Meet Nina, Thayers Devotee.
FROM FARM TO BOTTLE
Not all witch hazel is created equal. From farm to bottle, the witch hazel in Thayers Facial Toners is what truly allows us to produce a pure and effective skincare product. Our certified organic witch hazel is sourced locally from a family farm in Easton, Connecticut and harvested by hand the old-fashioned way. Each fall, local family and farm workers trim and collect the leaves, stem and bark of the Witch Hazel plant. Follow the farm-to-bottle journey below. Infographic (no optimization): Witch Hazel from Thayers farm → Witch Hazel Harvest → Transport to Local lab for water-based extraction → Add plant-powered extracts (rose water, etc) → Bottle & into consumers hands
INGREDIENT DEEP DIVE: PLANT-POWERED EXTRACTS
Rose Water
(Rosa Centifolia Flower Water) is a skincare hero and a classic apothecary staple. It improves the overall appearance of skin, revealing a more even and glowing complexion.
Best For: A defining natural glow
Shop Rose Petal Facial Toner
Cucumber Extract
(Cucumis Sativus) is incredibly hydrating and soothing to the skin. It's comprised of mostly water in addition to skin-loving ingredients like vitamin C, caffeic acid and amino acids.
Best For: A nourishing pick-me-up
Shop Cucumber Facial Toner
Lavender Water
(Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Water) offers a gorgeous scent and a moment of aromatic bliss. Better yet, it also keeps skin looking and feeling refreshed as it calms and protects distressed skin.
Best For: A spa-inspired skin reset
Shop Lavender Facial Toner
Coconut Water
(Cocos Nucifera Fruit Water) is an oasis for the skin. It provides a moisture infusion for dry or dehydrated skin, while helping to fortify cells due to the presence of proteins called cytokines.
Best For: A concentrated moisture boost
Shop Coconut Water Facial Toner
A TONER FOR EVERY SKIN TYPE
We know all skin types aren’t the same, so while our traditional witch hazel toners are best suited for normal to combination skin,
we’ve also got a toner for every skin type and need.
MILKY HYDRATING FACE TONER WITH SNOW MUSHROOM AND HYALURONIC ACID
Milky, hydrating toner provides 48H skin hydration
UNSCENTED FACIAL TONER
Alcohol-free facial toner soothes and hydrates. Unscented and optimal for sensitive skin.
ORIGINAL ASTRINGENT
Gentle astringent helps soothe skin and control oil production
BLEMISH CLEARING 2% SALICYLIC ACID ACNE TREATMENT TONER
Alcohol-free formula clears blemishes and prevent new ones from forming. For acne-prone skin.
HOW TO USE
Ready to introduce Thayers Witch Hazel toner into your skincare routine? Here's how.
After cleansing and before moisturizing, use a cotton pad to apply the toner on your face, neck, and chest. This quick and simple process will cleanse, balance, soften, and moisturize skin for 8 hours.
Use the toner anytime throughout the day to leave skin feeling refreshed, renewed, and healthier.
BOTANICAL BLENDS THAT DO IT ALL
Witch hazel has been a cult-favorite skincare staple for generations, but its incredible natural properties have other benefits outside of face care.
If you’re into DIY treatments, check out these creative recipes featuring Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial Toner.
DIY Mood Boosting Shower Steamer: Thayers Natural Complex
DIY Lavender Pillow Mist: Thayers Natural Complex
DIY Makeup Brush Cleaner: Thayers Natural Complex
DIY Cucumber Sheet Mask: Thayers Natural Complex