How a Face Toner Is Different From a Tonic
Among the big variety of skincare products, there are the ones that are hard to distinguish at first glance. They even have similar names — for example, a toner and a tonic. Not knowing their purposes, one might even think that these are roughly the same thing.
We at 5-Minute Crafts figured out the difference between toners and tonics.
Both toners and tonics are lightweight liquid products and are recommended for use after cleansing the skin but before applying serums and creams. Let’s see what the main difference between these 2 products are below.
Toner
Products known as skin toners are designed to provide deeper cleansing and remove any cleanser residue from the skin. Toners also act as an astringent, a soothing product for oily or inflamed skin. Toners often contain extra nutrients to help prepare the skin for the hydration phase. This is why witch hazel and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are common ingredients in toners as they help remove any oily residue and unclog pores to thoroughly prep skin for the next steps.
Tonic
Unlike toners, tonics serve as an additional “hydrating” step aimed at skin conditioning and adding a moisture boost to everyday skincare. As a rule, tonics contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and rose water. In some regions, tonics are referred to as “essences.”
What to choose
Choosing skincare products should, first of all, be based on your own needs. For example, if your skin is prone to oiliness, then toners that were created especially for oily skin are a good choice. Those with dry skin can shift their attention to tonics. But in general, both products can be included in your daily skincare routine.