The beauty sector is rapidly expanding, making it difficult to keep up with the latest skincare products. While the benefits of essentials like moisturisers and sunscreens are well-known, products like toners and astringents are often  considered interchangeable. While they both target the skin’s surface, their goals and effects differ. Understanding the distinction between these two can be helpful for your skincare routine. When it comes to toner vs astringent, it is important to know their pros and cons in order to help you choose the right product for your skin type.

What is a toner?

A toner is a water-based product used after cleaning the skin. It is usually an additional cleaning step that removes make-up, oil, and dirt while balancing the pH of your skin. A toner is essential for improving the absorption of active substances and prepping your skin for other skin care products. It is excellent for all skin types and can be applied all day to keep your skin looking fresh. According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science, toners can also help moisturise the skin when used regularly, making it softer and smoother.

What are the benefits of skin toner?

Using a skin toner may contribute the following:

1. Deep cleaning

While your cleanser removes make-up and dirt on the surface, toners delve deeper to extract residual impurities, oil, and dead skin cells, as found in a study published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science. This ensures a thorough cleaning and prevents clogged pores. So, if you are looking for deep cleansing, using a toner can be a helpful skincare product.

2. Maintains pH balance

If you often use make-up and just clean your face with cleanser or face wash it can lead to disruption of your skin’s pH balance but fret not! Toners may help to restore the skin’s natural pH level after cleansing, as found in a study published in the Cosmetics Journal, which can be disrupted by some strong cleansers or facewash of your choice.

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3. Hydration

In the hot or humid weather, if your skin gets dehydrated, using a toner may give a hydration boost. Many modern toners contain humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which draw moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated. According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science, toners can also help moisturise and hydrate the skin when used regularly, making it softer and smoother.

4. Minimises pores

If open pores lead to more skin problems for you, try incorporating toner into your skincare routine. Toners may help to tighten and reduce the appearance of the pores, giving your skin a smoother and more refined appearance, says dermatologist Dr. Chinjitha T Davis.

5. Soothing and calming effect

“Ingredients like chamomile and aloe vera provide a calming effect on the skin, reducing redness and irritation. So, after a hectic and tiring day, you can apply toner to reduce the appearance of redness and irritation and leave your skin a much-needed soothing effect,” suggests the expert. However, more research is needed to prove the claim.

What are the side effects of toner?

While toners are generally beneficial for the skin, it is critical to use them properly and select a product that is appropriate for your skin type. Improper use or the wrong toner can result in the following negative effects:

1. Irritation

Some chemicals in toners are common causes of skin sensitivity. They can deplete the skin’s natural oils, resulting in redness, dryness, and inflammation. Toners can irritate sensitive skin. Even mild formulations might cause discomfort.

2. Dryness

Applying toner too regularly may disrupt the skin’s natural moisture balance, causing dryness and tightening. Additionally, using a toner that is too astringent for your skin type will remove vital oils, resulting in dehydration.

Also read: Do you really need to use a toner for your skin?

What is astringent?

Astringents are more potent than toners and are primarily used to remove excess oil from the skin. They often contain alcohol or witch hazel and are targeted towards oily or acne-prone skin,. Astringents are not recommended for everyday skincare.

What are the benefits of astringent?

Here are some of the benefits of astringent, as found in a study published in the World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

1. Pore tightening

One of the most important benefits of astringents is their potential to tighten pores, which improves skin texture and look. Astringents reduce the diameter of pores by tightening the skin tissues, making them less apparent. This effect creates a smoother, more even skin tone, giving the skin a refined and shiny look.

2. Oil control

Astringents have an important role in controlling sebum production, making them essential for those with oily or combination skin. By controlling oil production, astringents help to prevent the buildup of oil that can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts.

3. Skin toning

Astringents are robust skin tonics that help restore the skin’s natural pH balance and remove contaminants after cleansing. This toning action not only revitalises the skin but also prepares it for additional skincare treatments by ensuring maximum adaptability to the following products. As a result, the skin is refreshed and rejuvenated.

What are the side effects of astringent?

Here are some side effects of astringent, as pointed out by the expert.

1. Dryness

Due to their high alcohol content, astringents can strip the skin of natural oils, leading to dryness and flakiness.

2. Irritation

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

3. Overproduction of oil

Paradoxically, overly stripping the skin of oils can trigger the sebaceous glands to produce even more oil as a compensatory mechanism.

Toner vs astringent: What is the difference?

The primary difference between a toner and astringent for skin lies in their composition and intended use. Toners are milder and suitable for all skin types, as they focus on hydration and pH balance. In contrast, astringents are stronger, mostly alcohol-based, and aim to control oil and minimising pores, making them useful for only oily or acne-prone skin.

Toner vs astringent: Which is better?

Choosing between toner and astringent depends on your skin type and concerns. For most people, especially those with normal to dry or sensitive skin, a non-alcohol-based toner is the better choice due to its hydrating and soothing properties. Those with oily or acne-prone skin might benefit more from an astringent’s oil-controlling capabilities but should use it judiciously to avoid irritation and dryness.