Sensitive skin is known to be highly reactive to various irritants and allergens, so choosing non-toxic, natural and clean skincare is crucial. Even though there are tons of toners on the market that claim to be safe for sensitive skin, the truth is many of them still include harsh ingredients. Some of the safest toners for sensitive skin include pure rose water, thermal spring water, and organic and natural facial toners or face mists that are free of skin irritants. In this article we’ll disclose which ingredients to avoid if you have sensitive skin, which ingredients are skin-friendly, and list few great toner options if you are looking for organic or natural toner for sensitive skin.

Is Your Skin Sensitive?

Sensitive skin is usually a self-reported skin condition based on the symptoms of disturbed skin barrier. For example, some of the symptoms include skin irritation, redness, tingling, burning, tightness, as well as other inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, acne, etc. Moreover, environmental aggressors like pollution, wind, sun, cold, and lifestyle factors like alcohol consumption, diet, stress and use of harsh cosmetics can contribute to skin sensitivity and worsen the symptoms.

Overall, multiple research studies have concluded that sensitive skin has weaker epidermal barrier, which makes it highly reactive. However, the good news is that skin sensitivity can be addressed and reduced with the help of topical agents. That is to say, facial toner with non-toxic clean formula can reduce irritation and sooth agitated sensitive skin.

Importance Of Natural Toner

Even though there is still some debate going on whether the use of toner is a necessity, sensitive and oily skin types can definitely benefit from it.

So what is toner? Toner (can also be labeled as tonique, tonic, toning lotion, rose water) is a water-based liquid with active ingredients that tightens pores, tones, balances skin pH level, locks in moisture, and hydrates skin. It is usually made by infusing botanical extracts, minerals, essential oils, or by distilling plants, flowers, and fruits.

Not only toner helps remove debris like makeup leftovers and excess oils that remain after cleanser, but also it reduces dehydration caused by washing your face, and helps your skin absorb better serum and moisturizer.

⊗  Those with sensitive skin should look for non-toxic natural toners that are free of the following irritants and allergens:

• Alcohol
• Menthol
• Fragrance
• Sulfates
• Parabens
• Alpha- and beta hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, malic, salicylic)
• Dyes
• Lanolin
• Benzoyl peroxide

In addition, some natural ingredients like willow bark, lavender, and essential oils might also cause irritation in those with sensitive skin. That’s why dermatologists highly recommend doing a patch test on the neck, behind an ear or inner arm if you have sensitive skin.

√  So, when choosing a natural toner for sensitive skin, look for skin-friendly active ingredients like antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, hyaluronic acid, colloidal oatmeal, bisabolol, jojoba oil, ceramides, fatty acids and soothing herbal and botanical extracts like aloe vera, calendula, chamomile, cucumber, rose, green and white tea extracts.

Best Natural Toners For Sensitive Skin

Since sensitive skin is known to be highly reactive to various irritants and allergens, it is crucial to avoid skincare products that contain harsh and potentially toxic ingredients. That being said, the following organic and natural toners for sensitive skin are free of fragrance, alcohol, menthol, sulfates, parabens, alpha- and beta hydroxy acids, dyes, lanolin, and other known irritants.

All in all, a well-formulated natural toner for sensitive skin will address skin redness, calm irritation, restore pH balance, reduce dehydration caused by washing, add moisture to the skin, and freshen up the skin.