Astringents vs. Toners: Which should you use for your skin and why?

In the skin battle between toners and astringents, find out which is better for your skin type based on a variety of factors. Use toners and astringents to help your skin stay clear.

The beauty industry is rapidly expanding, making it difficult to keep up with new skincare products. While the benefits of basic products like moisturizers and sunscreens are well-known, products like toners and astringents are often considered interchangeable. While both target the skin’s surface, their purposes and effects are different. Knowing the difference between the two can help your skincare routine. When it comes to toners vs. astringents, it’s important to understand their pros and cons to help you choose the right products for your skin type.

What is a toner?

A toner is a liquid product used after cleansing your skin. This is usually an extra step that removes makeup, oil, and dirt while balancing your skin’s pH. Toner is important for increasing the absorption of active ingredients and preparing your skin for other skincare products. It’s great for all skin types and can be used every day to keep your skin looking beautiful. Regular use of toner can also help moisturize skin, making it softer and smoother, according to research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science.

What are the benefits of toner?

Using toner will have the following effects:

1. Deep cleansing

A study published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences found that cleansers remove makeup and dirt, while toners penetrate deep to cleanse the skin of dirt, oil, and impurities. This keeps the skin clean and prevents pores from clogging. So if you are looking for a deep cleansing, using a toner can be a good skincare product.

2. Maintain pH balance

If you regularly wear makeup and only wash your face with soap or hand wash, you may be damaging your skin’s pH balance, but don’t worry! A study published in the Journal of Cosmetics found that toner can help restore your skin’s pH after cleansing, but some of your harsh cleansers or face wash choices can voluntarily affect this value.

3. Hydration

If your skin is dry in hot or humid weather, using a toner will increase moisture. Many toners today contain humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which attract moisture to the skin and keep it moist. According to research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science, regular use of toner can also help moisturize and hydrate the skin, making it softer and smoother.

4. Reduces pores

If large pores are causing more skin issues, try adding a toner to your skincare routine. Dermatologist Dr. Chinjitha T Davis says toner can help tighten and reduce pores, leaving your skin smoother and clearer.

5. Soothing and calming effect

Ingredients like chamomile and aloe vera have a calming effect on the skin, reducing redness and irritation. After a busy and tiring day, you can use a toner to reduce the appearance of redness and irritation and give your skin the much-needed relief. However, more research is needed to prove this claim.

What are the effects of toner?

Although toners are often good for the skin, it is important to use them correctly and choose products that are suitable for your skin type. Using the wrong or incorrect toner can cause the following adverse effects:

1. Irritation

Some chemicals in toners cause skin sensitivity. They deplete the skin’s natural oils, causing redness, dryness and inflammation. Toner can irritate the skin. Even small patterns can cause discomfort.

2. Dryness

Using too much toner can dehydrate your skin, causing dryness and tightness. Also, using a toner that is too astringent for your skin type can remove essential oils and cause dehydration.

What is astringent?

Astringents are more effective than toners and are often used to remove excess oil from the skin. They often contain alcohol or witch hazel and are targeted at oily or acne-prone skin. Astringents are not recommended for daily skin care.

What are the benefits of astringents?

Here are some of the benefits of astringents found in research published in the World Journal of Biopharmaceuticals and Health Sciences.

1. Tighten pores

One of the main benefits of astringents is that they improve the appearance and beauty of skin by closing pores. Astringents tighten skin tissue, reducing the size of pores and making them less visible. This effect creates a smoother, more even complexion, leaving skin looking refined and radiant.

2. Oil control

Astringents play an important role in controlling sebum production and are therefore very important for people with oily or combination skin. By controlling oil production, astringents help prevent the buildup of oil that clogs pores and causes acne.

3. Skin toning

Astringents are powerful skin tonics that help restore the skin’s natural pH balance and remove impurities after cleansing. This toning effect not only rejuvenates the skin, but also allows the skin to adapt to the next product as much as possible and prepares it for subsequent treatments. The skin is therefore refreshed and rejuvenated.

What are the side effects of astringents?

According to experts, here are some of the side effects of astringents.

1. Dryness

Due to their high alcohol content, astringents can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing dryness and flaking.

2. Irritation

Strong astringents can irritate the skin, causing redness and discomfort.

3. Too much oil production

Paradoxically, removing excess oil from the skin causes the sebaceous glands to produce more oil through a compensatory process.

Toners vs. Astringents: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between toners and astringents is their ingredients and intended use. Toners are gentler and suitable for all skin types because they focus on moisture and pH balance. In comparison, astringents are stronger, usually alcohol-based, and designed to control oil and reduce pores, so they’re only suitable for oily or acne-prone skin.

Toner vs. Astringent: Which is better?

Choose a toner and astringent based on your skin type and concerns. For most people, especially those with dry or sensitive skin, alcohol-free toners are a better choice because of their moisturizing and soothing properties. People with oily or acne-prone skin may benefit more from oil-controlling astringents but should be used with caution to avoid irritation and dryness.