What Does a Toner Actually Do? An Honest Answer
A liquid used after cleansing. Old toners were alcohol and stripped skin; modern ones are mostly hydrating waters, sometimes with a mild acid.
On the label
Check for alcohol denat high on the list if your skin runs dry, and for acids if you already exfoliate elsewhere.
What it does not mean
It does not close pores, and skin does not need its pH restored by a toner after a modern cleanser.