Toners are one of those skincare steps that some people love and some people go without. They go a long way in balancing your skin's pH levels, rehydrating your face, unclogging pores, and improving your skin's texture. But toner isn't just a step in your morning and night routine, it's one of the most versatile products you own, with uses that go far beyond the bathroom sink.

In this blog, we're covering the best and most multipurpose ways to use toner, from a post-gym refresh to fading underarm hyperpigmentation.

How to Use Toner in Your Skincare Routine

First, let's cover the basics: how to use a toner if you're just introducing it into your routine.

Make toner the second step in your skincare routine, right after cleansing. Apply it to freshly cleaned skin using a cotton pad, and don't forget your neck! We recommend applying in an upward motion to avoid extra tugging and pulling on your skin.

3 Multipurpose Uses for Toner

1. Post-Gym Refresh

If you have plans after your gym session, keeping a travel-size toner in your gym bag is a great hack to refresh your skin until you're able to wash your face. Here's why it works:

• Rebalances pH: Toner helps rebalance your skin's pH levels, which are often slightly shifted after sweating.
• Removes residue: Toner picks up the top layer of dirt and sweat sitting on your skin after a workout.
• Lightweight formula: Toner won't clog your pores post-workout. Instead, it helps you feel refreshed and can even cool down your skin.

2. Bacne (Back Acne)

Lots of toners, like our Brightening Toner, contain active ingredients that target the bacteria and oils that cause acne, including the acne on your back.

Applying toner to bacne right after you shower, while your pores are still open, helps those active ingredients absorb even better.

3. Underarm Hyperpigmentation

Those same active ingredients shine again when it comes to targeting hyperpigmentation. Applying toner to your underarms can help brighten the area if you're struggling with discoloration.

Extra bonus: it can help neutralize odor, too.

FAQ: Multipurpose Uses for Toner

Is it safe to use toner on my underarms?

Yes, in most cases. Toner can help brighten underarm hyperpigmentation and neutralize odor. As with any new product, patch test first, especially if you've just shaved.

Can toner replace washing my face after a workout?

Toner is a great temporary refresh when you can't get to a sink, but it's not a full replacement for cleansing. Use it to remove sweat and residue on the go, then cleanse properly when you're able to.

Do all toners work for these multipurpose uses? Not exactly.

Gentle, alcohol-free toners are best for sensitive areas like underarms or freshly shaved skin, while toners with active ingredients (like salicylic acid or witch hazel) work best for acne-focused uses like bacne. Always check the formula before using toner somewhere new.

The Recap

Toner has quietly earned its spot as one of the most versatile products in your skincare routine. Whether you're using it to refresh your skin after a workout, fade underarm hyperpigmentation, or calm bacne, a good toner can do a lot more than sit on your bathroom shelf.

The key is choosing the right formula for the job and giving your skin a little grace while you find what works best. Once you start looking for ways to use it, you'll probably consider toner to be one of the hardest-working products in your routine. 

Try our Bolden Brightening Toner with Glycolic Acid.