Japanese toners are different

You may have been told by social media influencers and other sources that toners are not necessary in a skincare regime. Many people in Europe and the western world share this view. In Western skincare, the focus of toners is usually on removing the last residues after cleansing. Toners (often referred to as tonics or facial toners) are therefore often perceived as unnecessary and negligible.

In Japan, however, toners have a completely different purpose. The Japanese skincare routine is based on specially coordinated products. The toner plays the central role here, as it forms a bridge between cleansing and the subsequent care of your skin.

Your skin is often unbalanced after cleansing. This is because soaps and other cleansing products tend to work in the alkaline range. However, the skin naturally has a lipid and acid mantle that helps protect it from germs. This means that your skin needs an acidic protective layer to stay firm and healthy. This protective layer is temporarily removed by the mostly alkaline cleansers. Your skin then has to painstakingly restore its protection itself.

This is exactly where toners come to the rescue in Japanese skincare. They contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and tend to work in the naturally acidic range. As a result, they naturally help your skin to restore its protective layer, while Japanese toners also help to improve your skin's ability to retain moisture and nutrients. This prepares it optimally for the next steps in your skincare routine. By using a Japanese toner, you are therefore enhancing the effect of the subsequent skincare regime. You help your skin to retain moisture better. In this way, it remains healthy and supple.

In Europe, the toner is often used exclusively to remove the last traces of make-up or cleansing residue. It is therefore a dispensable step in many Western routines. In Japan, however, the toner is seen as an essential step for balancing and preparing the skin. While European toners often have a primarily clarifying and cleansing effect, Japanese toners are primarily formulated to help your skin regain its natural balance.

Another difference can be seen in the active ingredients they contain: European toners more often rely on cleansing substances, while Japanese toners are traditionally enriched with gentle, moisturising and natural ingredients such as rice water or fermented extracts. As a result, a Japanese toner not only improves the skin's appearance, but also creates the basis for the subsequent skincare steps. Once you have integrated Japanese toners into your routine, you will quickly notice how the skin texture is noticeably improved and sustainably moisturised.

A Japanese facial toner is an aqueous liquid that is used after cleansing the face. It restores the balance of your skin and optimally prepares it for the subsequent skincare steps.

In Europe, toner is often used to remove any remaining residue after cleansing. This is why some people find it unimportant and too aggressive for the skin. In Japan, it has a different use: it bridges the gap between cleansing and care by helping to balance the skin's pH and moisturise it. Western toners can sometimes be drying because they often contain dehydrating alcohols. Japanese toners, on the other hand, are effective but gentle and help the skin to recover. Those who incorporate them into their routine usually quickly notice that their skin feels softer and healthier.

After cleansing, your skin is often in a state of imbalance because it tends to be in the alkaline range. A Japanese toner helps it to regain its natural pH value. Japanese toners are particularly gentle and moisturising. This allows your skin to recover more quickly and be better prepared for following skincare products.

The terms toner and tonic are often used interchangeably. In Europe, the terms toner and tonic are generally perceived as a product that is used exclusively to remove the last residues after cleansing. This is why some toners/ tonics usually contain alcohol, which can dry out your skin. Some are also oil/water mixtures that are specifically designed to help remove make-up. Japanese toners, on the other hand, aim for a completely different purpose and give the skin what it needs: Balance and moisture. If you have sensitive skin, a Japanese toner is often the ideal choice because it helps to protect your skin naturally. This leaves your skin softer and healthier.

A Japanese toner is not an ‘extra’, but a central part of the Japanese skincare routine. It helps your skin to regain its balance and protects it from drying out. This has particular benefits for your skin, especially when it comes to effective anti-aging care. With a natural Japanese toner from the MAYUNO webshop, you will quickly feel the difference and see how healthy and radiant your skin becomes.