How to Use Toner Pads Correctly, According to Dermatologists

Learning how to use toner pads the right way can be a game changer for your skin care routine: They’re convenient, effective, and genuinely satisfying to swipe over your skin. But before you go nuts with the first toner pads you find on Amazon, it’s worth doing your homework.

A toner pad isn’t just intended to catch the residue and makeup your cleanser leaves behind. Depending on the formula, they can also hydrate, exfoliate, boost brightness, minimize the appearance of pores…the list goes on. “For many people, a toner pad can be a valuable addition that enhances overall skin clarity, smoothness, and glow,” says Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, founder of Skincare Junkie. But without the right considerations, irritation might interrupt your glow.

Ahead, we asked dermatologists to share everything you need to know to get the most out of your toner pads, including…

What do toner pads do for your skin?

Toners (lightweight, fast-absorbing skin care solutions typically used between cleansing and moisturizing) “can help rebalance the skin’s pH, sweep away residual impurities, provide gentle exfoliation, and replenish hydration,” Dr. Murphy-Rose says. “A toner pad is a presoaked pad that delivers these benefits in a convenient, controlled application.”

In the skin care world, toners and toner pads have come a long way recently. “While older toners were often drying and astringent, today’s formulations are more sophisticated and pH-balanced, often formulated with hydrators, exfoliators, antioxidants, and/or barrier-supportive ingredients,” Dr. Murphy-Rose says. Single-use toner pads can add an extra element of exfoliation, and lots of current formulas include active ingredients that target dullness, breakouts, and hyperpigmentation.

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  Original photo from Sarah Y. Wu testing Biodance Cera-Nol Gel Toner Pads

• Original video from Sarah Y. Wu testing Biodance Cera-Nol Gel Toner Pads

Biodance Cera-Nol Gel Toner Pads

I’m From Rice Toner Pad

How to choose a toner pad for your skin type

Since there are so many different toner pads on the market, it’s important to choose yours carefully based on your skin type and skin care goals.

Dry or sensitive skin

“Look for humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe along with gentle exfoliants such as PHAs (such as, gluconolactone),” Dr. Murphy-Rose says. “These ingredients hydrate, soften, and smooth while being far less irritating than traditional acids.” Most hydrating toner pads can be used daily—but tailor your frequency to your skin’s tolerance, Divya Shokeen, MD, FAAD says.

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  Original image from Sara Y. Wu testing Biodance Sea Kelp Gel Toner Pads

Biodance

Biodance Sea Kelp Gel Toner Pads

Acne-prone or oily skin

If you’re hoping to reduce oiliness, treat acne, or improve dull or uneven texture, Dr. Shokeen recommends a gently exfoliating toner pad that includes salicylic acid. These should be used less frequently; she recommends two to three times per week. “Salicylic acid (BHA) is key for decongesting pores and preventing breakouts” Dr. Murphy-Rose explains. “Choose fragrance-free, alcohol-free, pH-balanced formulas to minimize irritation and keep the barrier intact.”

Mediheal Madecassoside Toner Pads

Innisfree Daily Gentle Retinol Salicylic Toner Pads

If you regularly deal with eczema, rosacea, very dry skin, or barrier damage, Dr. Shokeen advises using toner pads with extra caution—or skipping them altogether. The added friction from the pads can irritate these conditions, but don’t worry: “Most benefits can be achieved more effectively with serums or liquid toner,” she says.

How to use a toner pad in your skin care routine, step-by-step

Step 1: Cleanser

A toner pad might seem similar in concept to a makeup wipe, but you’ll want wash your face as usual before using this product. “Apply toner pads immediately after cleansing and before your serums and moisturizer,” Dr. Murphy-Rose says. “This helps remove any lingering impurities.”

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

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  Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser

Step 2: Toner pad

Both experts say to use gentle, sweeping motions, and to avoid scrubbing when using a toner pad. “I recommend starting with the oiliest areas—like the T-zone, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin—and then gliding outward across the cheeks, jawline, and chin using light, even pressure,” Dr. Murphy-Rose says.