In the world of skincare products, some things make more sense than others. Take face cleansers, for example – it’s pretty clear what they do. The same goes for moisturizers. Their jobs are, literally, right there in their names!

But what about facial toners? What exactly do they do? And more to the point, do you really need one for your skin to be healthy and vibrant-looking?

Toners and Commercial Skincare Products

Toners were originally created way back when (like in the 60s or so) as a “quick fix” to restore and rebalance pH levels. (1) This rebalancing was needed (and still is) for skin that is subjected to the harsh ingredients inevitably found in commercial face cleansers.

Here is how it works. Basically, you use the cleanser to scrub away the “dirt” and grime. Then you use a toner to clean up the mess left behind by the cleanser.

It seems like there’s got to be a better solution, right? There absolutely is!

We will circle back to the subject of toners in just a minute. When it comes to cleansers, however, the answer is to opt for 100% natural products and avoid harsh commercial ingredients from reaching your face in the first place.

One of the most hazardous chemicals found in commercial face cleansers is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (and its cousin, sodium laureth sulfate). SLS is used as a foaming agent in commercial cleansers. A comprehensive meta-analysis of over 7,000 other studies, conducted by researchers in Greece and the Philippines, found that damage to the immune system, organs, and respiratory system all occurred in organisms exposed to SLS. The majority of the studies also found changes happening at the cellular level as a result of SLS exposure. (2)

Phthalates are another class of chemicals typically found in commercial cleansers. They are used primarily as solvents and stabilizers. Phthalates have a direct link to reproductive cancers because they are xenoestrogens, i.e. mimic aggressive forms of estrogen naturally produced in the body. (3)

Why Quality and Pure Ingredients Matter

When it comes to the basic elements of good skin health —cleansing and moisturizing —make sure to stick with the purest ingredients possible. In today’s world, this means going 100% Toxicfree(R) with all ingredients.

This is where CHARLÍS luxury skincare formulas can come to the rescue – the CHARLÍS Daily Facial Cleanser is crafted from a unique combination of wild-crafted ingredients, including aloe vera, organic citrus paradisi peel oil, and Canadian willowherb, to both soothe and deeply cleanse the face and skin. Likewise, the CHARLÍS Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer contains 100% organic, wildcrafted, and sustainably sourced safflower oleosomes, theobroma grandiflorum seed butter, and argan, along with citrus to both invigorate and hydrate the skin. At CHARLÍS, we take it a step further to ensure that every bottle is lab-tested to be 100% ToxinFree (R) before it reaches the shelf or is shipped to you.

Do I Still Need a Toner If I Am Using CHARLÍS Cleanser and Moisturizer?

If you are including both the CHARLÍS Daily Facial Cleanser and the CHARLÍS Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer in your skincare routine, then you are way ahead of the curve when it comes to overall skin health! However, depending on your lifestyle, stress level, line of work, location, and other factors, it's likely that you are still being exposed to more harmful toxins than your skin can handle. This is especially relevant to how exposure may be affecting your skin's healthy pH balance. pH is a crucial factor to consider in terms of health, which I will discuss in the next section.

For the above reasons and others, I recommend finding a high-quality, naturally derived toner and using it daily. Toner use is a great idea if you want vibrant, healthy-looking skin, especially as you age. Once you find the right toner formula for you and pair it with other luxury skincare products that are toxin-free and made from natural ingredients, you will begin to experience the added benefits of deeper exfoliation, improved skin repair, reduced inflammation, and deeper cleansing.

pH Balance: Why It’s Vital for Skin Health

Additionally, a high-quality toner can also help maintain the ideal pH level for your skin type. A balanced skin pH is one of the most significant yet least understood factors in achieving vibrant, youthful-looking skin. The acronym “pH” stands for “potential hydrogen” and is used to indicate the acidity/alkalinity level of a substance. All substances can be measured for their pH levels, whether it is plain water or complex tissue like your skin.

pH is measured on a scale of 0-14, with 0 being super acidic (think “battery acid”) and 14 being the most alkaline. Baking soda is an example of a high alkaline substance, which is the main reason it can help calm an “acid stomach.” Contrary to popular belief, however, not all high alkaline substances are good for the human body. Ammonia is also highly alkaline and can cause burns if it comes into contact with your skin.

Maintaining the ideal pH balance for the healthy expression of a particular substance is key. (4) Healthy skin tends to be slightly acidic by nature. When it is healthy, the pH level hovers around 5.5. Several factors can impact the pH balance of the skin. Besides the quality and chemical level of the cosmetics, cleansers, antibacterials, and soaps you use, which we already covered, other factors include your skin’s overall moisture and sebum levels, how much you sweat, the type of detergents you use for clothes washing, and if you have any pre-existing skin conditions. (5)

When the skin becomes too alkaline or too acidic, this can lead to overly dry, sensitive, flaky, or itchy skin. It can also lead to acne, inflammation, and the skin's inability to absorb and utilize essential nutrients, such as magnesium. The most common skin-related conditions, such as eczema, are characterized by pH imbalance, according to a 2015 review published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine by researchers at Loma Linda University in California. (6)

CHARLÍS Anti-Aging Toner is Your Defense Against Toxins, Both Inside and Out

What makes the CHARLÍS Anti-Aging Toner such a great addition to your skincare routine? Let’s take a look at a few key ingredients to get the bigger picture:

• Citrus bergamia (i.e. Bergamot). Who doesn’t love the refreshing, uplifting scent of bergamot? And as it turns out, this spicy member of the citrus family is not just for Earl Grey tea! It can also be a serious soother for the nervous system as well as help to balance out hormonal factors (and pH levels) in the skin that can potentially lead to a breakout. (7)
• Aloe Barbadensis (i.e. Aloe Vera). Aloe leaf (and the gelatinous “juice” within the leaf) has been known for centuries as a “sealer and healer” for the skin and the gut lining. It has the amazing ability to soothe and balance, both in terms of inflammatory levels and pH. It can also help your skin retain moisture more effectively, which is especially important for those with aging skin and individuals who have skin conditions such as dermatitis or eczema.
• Buddleja Davidii Extract (i.e. Butterfly Bush). The “Butterfly Bush” is a prolific flowering plant that also offers remarkable anti-aging benefits. This is exactly why wildcrafted, sustainably produced extract can be found in the CHARLÍS Nourishing Anti-Aging Toner.

Studies indicate that Butterfly Bush extract can be especially beneficial for the types of skin and skin conditions that most directly relate to pH, namely acne and Cutibacterium acnes-induced inflammation. In a 2020 study of 16 different herbal extracts published in the International Journal of Inflammation, Buddleja Davidii rose to the top. The international researchers also noted that Buddleja Davidii may be more effective than typical anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals given for acne. (8)

When you add CHARLÍS Anti-Aging Toner to your luxury skincare routine (that also includes both the CHARLÍS Daily Facial Cleanser and the CHARLÍS Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer), you are taking your skincare to the next level.

The results – vibrant, healthy-looking skin and a youthful glow – you'll love seeing the transformation!

References:

(1) Toner (skin care)
(2) Sodium lauryl sulfate and its potential impacts on organisms and the environment: A thematic analysis
(3) Structural essentials of xenoestrogen dialkyl phthalates to bind to the estrogen receptors
(4) What is So Important About Skin pH
(5) Role of pH in skin cleansing
(6) The Importance of Acidification in Atopic Eczema: An Underexplored Avenue for Treatment
(7) Efficacy of bergamot: From anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative mechanisms to clinical applications as preventive agent for cardiovascular morbidity, skin diseases, and mood alterations
(8) Inhibition of Proinflammatory Cytokines in Cutibacterium acnes-Induced Inflammation in HaCaT Cells by Using Buddleja davidii Aqueous Extract