Toners and astringents are liquid skincare products that have slightly different actions on the skin.
Toners keep the skin plump, hydrated, and balanced, while astringents help control oil production and minimize the appearance of enlarged pores.
While both products aim to cleanse and refresh the skin, their formulations, benefits, and suitability for different skin types differ significantly.
Therefore, in this article, I will delve into the differences between a toner and astringent, outlining how they work, their ingredients, the skin types and concerns they best address, and the pros and cons of incorporating them into your skincare regimen.
How Do Toners Work?
Toners are versatile skincare products designed to remove makeup residue and impurities after cleansing and balance the skin’s pH after exposure to harsh tap water and drying surfactants in cleansers.
Toners are applied after washing your face and before the rest of the products in your skincare routine.
They are lightweight and can prep the skin to help it better absorb the active ingredients in your follow-up products, such as essences, serums, and moisturizers.
Their formulations have evolved from simple astringents to complex blends that address various skin needs and offer multiple benefits for the skin, including hydration, exfoliation, and soothing the complexion.
Ingredients in Toners
There are several types of toners that cater to specific skin concerns:
Hydrating Toners: These contain humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid which attract moisture to the skin, making them ideal for dry and dehydrated skin types.
Exfoliating Toners: These contain exfoliating ingredients such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid, which remove dead skin cells, clear pores, and renew the skin surface.
Brightening Toners: These contain melanin-inhibiting components such as niacinamide and vitamin C, which help fade dark spots, even out skin tone, and improve radiance.
Soothing Toners: These contain calming ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile, and allantoin, which soothe irritation and, reduce redness and are suitable for sensitive skin.
Who Are Toners Best For?
Toners can be great for addressing most skin concerns and are suitable for all skin types, depending on the ingredients they contain:
Dry and Sensitive Skin: Should opt for alcohol-free toners with hydrating and soothing ingredients.
Oily and Acne-Prone Skin: Can benefit from toners with exfoliating acids that help control excess oil and prevent breakouts.
Combination Skin: May require a balanced toner that hydrates dry areas while controlling oiliness in the T-zone.
Mature Skin: Can benefit from exfoliating toners containing gentler acids such as lactic acid to hydrate the complexion and improve radiance.
Sun-Damaged Skin: Can benefit from brightening toners containing niacinamide and vitamin C to even out the complexion and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
The Pros of Using a Toner:
- Enhances skin hydration and retains moisture.
- Can provide additional cleansing and remove residual impurities.
- Balances the skin’s pH level.
- Prepares the skin for better absorption of moisturizers and serums.
- Can help soothe active acne and prevent new breakouts.
The Cons of Using a Toner:
- Overusing toners with high concentrations of alcohol or exfoliating acids can irritate or dry out the skin.
- Some toners may contain fragrances or essential oils that can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive skin types.
How Do Astringents Work?
Astringents are potent skincare products containing high alcohol concentrations to remove excess oil and shine.
They are particularly beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin types, as, by dissolving excess oil, they can help refine enlarged pores, reduce sebum production, and provide a deep cleanse.
Astringents are known for their immediate tightening effect on the skin, which can be both a sensory signal of cleanliness and a practical benefit for those struggling with oily skin.
Ingredients in Astringents
The key components of astringents include:
Alcohol: Provides the drying and tightening effects that reduce oiliness and shrink pores.
Witch Hazel: Helps constrict blood vessels and reduces inflammation.
Menthol: Offers a cooling sensation and can temporarily calm irritated skin.
Camphor: A natural astringent with antibacterial properties that can help control acne.
Who Are Astringents Best For?
Astringents are best suited for:
Oily skin: The drying properties of astringents can help reduce shine and control oil production, making them ideal for oily skin types and makeup wearers who want to maintain a matte complexion throughout the day.
Acne-prone skin: The deep cleansing effect helps prevent acne by keeping the pores clear of excess oil and debris.
The Pros of Using an Astringent:
- Effective in reducing oiliness and shine.
- Can help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
- Can be useful in reducing the severity of acne breakouts and preventing new pimples.
The Cons of Using an Astringent:
- Can be overly drying, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin, leading to irritation or increased oil production as a rebound effect.
- High alcohol content may strip the skin of its natural oils, disrupting the skin barrier function.
- May cause stinging or irritation, particularly in sensitive skin types or areas with open acne.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Main Difference Between a Toner and an Astringent?
Toners are designed to hydrate, soothe, and balance the skin’s pH level, making them suitable for all skin types, while astringents contain higher concentrations of alcohol and are aimed at removing excess oil, tightening pores, and are typically used for oily and acne-prone skin.
Can I Use Both a Toner and an Astringent in My Skincare Routine?
While it’s generally not necessary to use both since they serve similar purposes of cleansing and refining skin after washing, some people may choose to use an astringent on oilier areas (like the T-zone) and toner on drier areas.
How Do I Choose The Right Toner or Astringent For My Skin Type?
For dry or sensitive skin, look for a toner with hydrating and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or rose water, and avoid high alcohol content.
For oily or acne-prone skin, an astringent with salicylic acid or witch hazel can help control oil production and prevent breakouts.
Combination skin types may benefit from a mild toner that balances moisture without stripping the skin.
How Often Should I Use a Toner or Astringent?
Generally, toners can be used twice daily after cleansing, in the morning and evening, while astringents might be best used only once a day or every other day, especially if you have sensitive skin or are new to using the product.
My name is Simone and I am a certified skin specialist. I created this website to teach my readers how to take great care of their skin and I also like to occasionally share my honest opinions on skincare products I’ve tried. You can learn more about me here.
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