toner
/tɔ.nɛʁ/
The English word 'toner' is translated into French as toner.
In the context of skincare, toner refers to a cosmetic lotion designed to cleanse the skin and shrink pores.
Meaning: cosmetic lotion designed to cleanse the skin and shrink pores (noun)
Which one should you use?
While toner is used in modern French cosmetic contexts, you may also see the term lotion tonique used to refer to the same product.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun toner is masculine, so you would say le toner when referring to the toner.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɔ.nɛʁ/
Did you know?
- While toner refers to skin care, the exact same word toner is used in French to describe the powder inside a printer cartridge.
- French skincare often distinguishes between a tonique and an essence, a distinction that does not always exist in English skincare terminology.
- In some high-end French pharmacies, you will find eaux thermales used as a natural alternative to a toner to soothe the skin.
Examples in context
- Je vais acheter un tonifiant pour ma peau sensible.I am going to buy a toner for my sensitive skin.
- Je vais acheter une lotion tonique pour ma routine de soins du visage.I am going to buy a toning lotion for my skincare routine.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are shopping for skincare products.
- EmmaJe cherche un bon toner pour mon visage.I am looking for a good toner for my face.
- NathanRegarde, celui-ci a d'excellentes critiques.Look, this one has excellent reviews.
- EmmaEst-ce que ce toner contient de l'alcool ?Does this toner contain alcohol?
- NathanNon, il est sans alcool et très doux.No, it is alcohol-free and very gentle.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry toner, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
