Dermatologist Alexander Bykanov explained why he is biased towards tonics and considers most of them nothing more than a trick of marketers.
Thanks to advertising, we know that toner is a miracle product that helps to restore the ph level of the skin, disturbed by an alkaline cleanser. But then why did the very first tonics contain alcohol in their composition and, on the contrary, dried the skin?
“No tonic affects the pH leveling of the skin. The entire environment of the skin is restored by itself! And the most interesting thing is that modern cleansers are very soft, gentle, without soap or alcohol. They do not violate the acidity of the skin, and if they do, then just a little bit, ”the expert comments.
Many manufacturers are really cunning. And tonics in their multi-stage skin care lines seem to duplicate the “wash”. But not always.
Today, some tonic products are assigned completely different additional care functions. For example, they can moisturize the skin thanks to the ceramides they contain. Such tonics are more like water-based serums.
But matting tonics are best avoided. Most likely, the percentage of alcohol content in them goes off scale, and such a remedy will only dry the skin. As a result of such exposure, you will get the opposite effect – the skin will become even more oily.
The doctor notes that normal healthy skin needs only a good cleanser and moisturizing cream. Everything else is a waste of money. 
Alexander Bykanov Beauty Dermatologist, cosmetologist