How Astringent Lotions Are Different From Face Toners

Astringents and toners are popular products for facial care. Many people are used to considering them equal and don’t see any difference between them. However, in fact, they are not the same.

5-Minute Crafts is explaining how toners are different from astringents.

Face toner is a mild product meant for restoring the pH balance of the skin. Usually, it acts as an intermediate step between the process of washing and moisturizing the skin. It is used as an additional exfoliating, moisturizing, and toning agent.

Mainly, toners are meant for removing any residuals of dirt that have not been removed in the process of washing, calming down the skin and bringing it back to a balanced condition.

The astringent lotion is a product that is meant to remove residuals of makeup or cleansing products after washing. Just like a toner, it acts as an intermediate step between the process of washing and moisturizing the skin, but oftentimes, it has a higher concentration of drying ingredients, such as alcohol, salicylic acid, and more, in its composition.

Thanks to their composition, astringents are effective in removing excess sebum, which can be especially important for oily and acne-prone skin.

The main differences between astringents and toners:

• Normally, toners are water-based. Astringents can be alcohol-based and have a more saturated composition.
• Toners have a milder effect on the skin than astringent lotions.
• Toners often have floral infusions and herbal extracts in their composition, while astringents have drying ingredients, such as witch hazel and salicylic acid.
• Thanks to their moisturizing effects, toners will better suit dry and sensitive skin. Astringents are good for normal or oily skin, as well as skin prone to developing acne.