Q: What is the purpose of toner? Our skin is happiest at a pH of 5.5. Toner balances the pH of your skin. If you are acne prone the skin is too acidic. So finding a slightly alkaline toner can help balance the acidic nature. If the skin is dry, it is too alkaline, so finding a toner that has a lower pH can bring it to a happy balance of 5.5. Toning 1 minute after cleansing allows all the beneficial molecules to absorb into the skin as it is still wet.