Have you ever stood in front of your bathroom mirror, bottle of toner in one hand and moisturiser in the other, wondering which should come first? If so, you’re not alone. I remember asking myself the very same question when I first began building a proper skincare routine. I thought applying moisturiser first made sense—after all, hydration should come before anything else, right? But after digging deeper, testing routines on my own skin, and even speaking to dermatologists, I discovered there’s more science (and skin health) behind the sequence than most people realise.

In this article, we’ll break down the real answer to whether toner should go before or after moisturiser, why the order matters, and how you can make it work for your unique skin type. By the end, you’ll not only know the correct step—but also why it’s the correct step.

Why the Order of Skincare Products Matters

The order of skincare isn’t just about habit—it’s about how effectively your products can penetrate the skin. According to Dr Anjali Mahto, a consultant dermatologist in London, “Skincare products are formulated with specific molecular weights, and lighter formulas need to go first to prepare the skin and allow heavier products to seal everything in.”

Think of your skin routine like dressing for the weather: you wouldn’t put on your coat and then try to slip a thin t-shirt underneath. Similarly, skincare works best when applied from the lightest to heaviest consistency.

Toner Before or After Moisturiser? The Definitive Answer

Toner always goes before moisturiser.

Here’s why:

• Consistency: Toners are water-based and lightweight, designed to prepare your skin and remove any lingering impurities after cleansing.
• Absorption: Applying toner first allows your skin to better absorb the ingredients of serums and moisturisers that follow.
• Barrier Effect: Moisturisers are thicker and act as a seal. If you apply them first, you’ll block toner (and any treatment products) from doing their job.

I tested this myself by applying toner after moisturiser for a week. The result? My toner felt like it just sat on top of my skin, almost sticky, without any noticeable benefit. But when I used it before moisturiser, my skin looked fresher and felt more hydrated throughout the day.

What Exactly Does Toner Do?

Toners used to have a bad reputation in the 90s and early 2000s, often being alcohol-heavy and leaving skin stripped and dry. Modern formulations, however, are very different.

Today’s toners are more like skin treatments. They can:

• Restore the skin’s natural pH after cleansing.
• Remove residual dirt or cleanser.
• Provide hydration (with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin).
• Deliver active ingredients such as exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA) or soothing botanicals.

Example: I once switched to a rosewater-based toner during winter, and it kept my skin hydrated enough to stop the usual flaky patches on my cheeks. That was when I realised toners aren’t optional—they’re a game-changer when chosen wisely.

How Moisturisers Complement Toners

Once toner preps your skin, moisturiser steps in as the seal. Think of toner as the primer and moisturiser as the protective topcoat.

Moisturisers generally have three types of ingredients:

• Humectants (e.g., hyaluronic acid, glycerin) → Attract water to your skin.
• Emollients (e.g., ceramides, fatty acids) → Smooth skin and repair the barrier.
• Occlusives (e.g., shea butter, petrolatum) → Lock moisture in and prevent water loss.

When applied after toner, your moisturiser holds onto all that hydration and treatment, ensuring your skin stays balanced and plump.

Expert Insights: What Dermatologists Say

I asked Dr Emma Wedgeworth, a consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, about toner and moisturiser order. She explained:

“Toners are designed to go on bare skin, immediately after cleansing. They prime the skin for other products, and applying them after a moisturiser simply doesn’t make sense as the barrier prevents penetration.”

A 2022 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology also found that applying hydrating toners before moisturisers significantly improved skin hydration levels compared to using moisturisers alone. (Source)

Common Mistakes People Make

Even when people know toner goes first, there are a few missteps that can reduce effectiveness:

1. Using cotton pads too aggressively: This can cause irritation. Instead, pour a few drops into your palms and pat directly onto your skin.
2. Layering incorrectly: If you use active toners (like those with glycolic acid), don’t immediately follow with retinol creams. Alternate nights to avoid over-exfoliation.
3. Skipping moisturiser altogether: Some people with oily skin think they don’t need moisturiser. In reality, this can cause the skin to overcompensate with more oil.

How to Layer Toner and Moisturiser Correctly

Here’s a practical, step-by-step routine:

1. Cleanser → Removes dirt, makeup, and oil.
2. Toner → Hydrates and preps skin.
3. Serum (optional) → Targeted treatments like vitamin C or niacinamide.
4. Moisturiser → Locks in hydration and treatment.
5. Sunscreen (daytime) → Always the final step in your morning routine.

💡 Tip: Allow about 30–60 seconds between toner and moisturiser to let the toner fully absorb.

FAQs

Q: Can I skip toner altogether?
Yes, but you’ll miss out on benefits like better absorption and targeted treatment. Think of toner as a “booster step.”

Q: What if my toner has actives like AHA or BHA?
Still apply before moisturiser, but be careful layering with other strong actives.

Q: Should oily skin types use toner before moisturiser?
Absolutely. In fact, a lightweight toner can prevent oily skin from feeling congested by reducing excess sebum.

Q: Can I use toner at night only?
Yes—especially exfoliating toners. Hydrating toners, however, can be used twice daily.

Q: What’s the best way to apply toner?
Patting with your hands ensures less wastage and better absorption.

Read Also: How Can I Have an Overnight Glow-Up for School?

Final Thoughts: Toner Before Moisturiser—Always

The bottom line? Toner should always be applied before moisturiser. It primes your skin, enhances absorption, and ensures your moisturiser can lock in maximum hydration. Done right, this simple adjustment can transform the way your skin looks and feels.

From my personal experience, using toner first has given me brighter mornings and calmer nights for my skin. If you’ve ever felt your moisturiser wasn’t “working enough,” chances are you’ve been missing the toner step—or applying it in the wrong order.

Your Turn: Do you use toner in your routine? Have you ever noticed a difference when switching the order? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear your story!